Dear Friend,
I was thankful to receive an invitation to appear on SuperTalk Mississippi's The Paul Gallo Show. We discussed issues that are facing America and what would be top priorities should Republicans take back control of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. American families are suffering with record inflation - the highest in 40 years. Families are paying $3,500 more this year to buy the same items as last year. Gas prices are out of control. If Republicans take back the gavel, immediate priorities would need to include energy independence, addressing the crisis at the border, and controlling the supply chain. To watch an excerpt of the interview, please click on the link. |
Photo courtesy: Lowndes Funeral Home and Crematory
Bradford Freeman passed away on July 3, 2022. The Caledonia resident was 97. Mr. Freeman was an original member of the Easy Company, U.S. Army's 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division Streaming Eagles. You may recall the HBO miniseries which portrayed their service called "Band of Brothers." These brave warriors participated in some of the fiercest battles in Europe during World War II.
Mr. Freeman enlisted in the Army in December 1942, achieving his goal to become an airborne paratrooper. On June 5, 1944, he and his comrades jumped behind enemy lines, fighting in numerous battles, including the D-Day Normandy invasion. On January 14, 1945, Mr. Freeman was struck by shrapnel. He recovered and returned to his unit, participating in the occupations of Berchtesgaden and Austria. After the war, he married Willie Louise Gurley and served as a mail carrier for 32 years. Mr. Freeman was a great American Hero who will always be remembered for his devotion to protecting our freedoms. Rest in peace, Sir. |
I would also like to highlight the service of World War II Veteran James Porter. In 1944, Mr. Porter was an 18-year-old graduate of Egypt High School and one of ten children living on a farm in rural Chickasaw County. In just a matter of months, Mr. Porter entered the U.S. Navy during World War II. On Friday, October 13, 1944, he went aboard the USS Panamint Amphibious Force Flagship 13 - hence the nickname "Lucky Ship or Lucky 13." The Panamint was a communications ship that boasted sophisticated radar equipment which made the vessel a key target for the enemy. Mr. Porter remembers well all the close calls they had with torpedoes and kamikazes. "One time, the skipper alerted us that two torpedoes were headed toward the broadside of the ship, but he was able to turn in time for the crew to watch the torpedoes go down each side," Porter said. "Looking back, I feel lucky that I made it. I know a lot of men who didn't."
During the war, Mr. Porter's ship sailed the South Pacific all the way to Japan. After two years of service, he was asked to volunteer for an experiment with advanced equipment and bombs, but he was ready to go home. After the war, Mr. Porter married Jean Vaughn and they had two children, Barry Porter and Donna Porter Cliett. The Porters were married for 69 years before he lost Jean three years ago. On November 15, Mr. Porter will turn 97. Let us all remember and celebrate our World War II Veterans. They are members of the Greatest Generation. |
Today, it was an honor to host the promotion ceremony for Major Lauren Emmi and to celebrate the occasion with her family, friends, and colleagues. Major Emmi, a native of Buffalo, New York, has achieved exemplary success in the U.S. Army, serving in numerous leadership roles. Currently, Major Emmi serves as a Congressional Defense Fellow in our Washington, D.C., office, devoting her time to helping solve problems for military families and working to develop legislation that benefits the Armed Services, particularly the National Guard, Intelligence, and Special Operations communities. She commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army through Georgetown University's ROTC program in 2012 after graduating from George Washington University with a dual Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies. Major Emmi has served extensively in joint intelligence and special operations assignments. |
I am pleased to introduce Daneel Konnar, a participant in our internship program. Daneel is a junior at the University of Mississippi where he is pursuing a degree in Public Policy & Leadership. Daneel is a resident of Meridian, Mississippi. We are proud to have Daneel in our DC office to welcome visitors and to work with members of Team Kelly. To learn more about our internship program, please click on the link. |
It was an honor to meet Lindsay Grantham, Mississippi's First Congressional District Art Contest winner! Lindsay and her family traveled to Washington, D.C., for the ceremony recognizing all winners from across the United States. While they were here, the family toured our great Nation's historic capital. We are always glad to highlight our talented young people who participate in the annual art contest. For more information, please click on the link. |
Mississippi Council for Exceptional Children President-Elect Julie Etheridge
Joshua Blackmon
Amory High School
City of Columbus representatives Councilman Stephen Jones, Councilman Pierre Beard, Mayor Keith Gaskin, Councilman Joseph Mickens, Sr., and Councilman Rusty Green
Charlette Bain Foster, Executive Director, Jacinto Foundation
John Mark Looney, American Soybean Association and Gip Carter, Mississippi Soybean Association
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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