November 17, 2022 Dear Friend,
My colleagues and I in the U.S. House of Representatives have returned to Washington, D.C., to prepare for the 118th Congress. We are more determined than ever to bring relief to the American people. |
In November, America recognizes Veterans and military families for their service and the many sacrifices they make in the name of Freedom. Throughout the month, these families are celebrated for making military service possible. November 2-6 is National Veterans Small Business Week. This is an opportunity to recognize Veteran entrepreneurs who invest in their communities by offering goods, services, and jobs to their fellow citizens. In this newsletter, we are proud to introduce Veterans who have bravely served America in the U.S. Armed Forces. Scores of these men and women were honored on Veterans Day.
(From top left: Ingomar, Corinth, and Caledonia) |
Ret. U.S. Army Major Keith Hawkins enjoyed a long and successful career serving our great Nation. When asked about the length of his military career, Keith quickly responds, "21 years, 10 months, and 5 days!" The Hernando native joined the ROTC while he was a student at the University of Mississippi. Upon graduation in 1983, Keith became a 2nd Lieutenant (2LT). During his service, Keith was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division - with almost 40 jumps under his belt. Keith's service also included a deployment to Iraq as part of Operation Desert Storm, where he served as a company commander. "Military service taught me leadership and discipline," Keith said.
In 2003, Keith opened Primerica, a financial services company in Hernando. He is the Regional Vice President. Keith has also served as the President of the Hernando Chamber of Commerce and the Hernando Rotary. We are grateful for Keith's service to America and to his fellow citizens. "My mother taught school in Hernando for more than 30 years," Keith said. "She always found ways to give back to the community. Offering financial services is a good way to give back because that is also a form of education." |
Shannon Tarver Arick joined the U.S. Army in September 1990. During her military career, Shannon was stationed in numerous places, including Korea, Maryland, Kentucky, and Germany. She was deployed to Kuwait (2002) for Operation Enduring Freedom and to Iraq (2005-2007) for Operation Iraqi Freedom. She remained in the service until September 2008, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). "I don't think I would give it up for anything," Shannon said. "If not for my being in the Army, I would not have a degree in Mathematics, nor would I have been transferred into a quality engineer career."
After her service ended, Shannon put her excellent skills to use at Navistar Defense in West Point and later, Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi in West Point. In August 2020, Shannon decided to fulfill a dream to become a small business owner. She opened Bits & Pieces, an antiques and consignment store in downtown West Point. We are thankful for Shannon's service to our country and for her hard work and determination to operate a small business. |
Thirmon Bingham is a native of Kilmichael, Mississippi, located in Montgomery County. He was raised on a farm outside of Winona. On July 13, 1957, Thirmon entered the U.S. Army. His service would take him a long way from home. Germany was his favorite destination. Thirmon said he enjoyed Germany because the people were very nice and the scenery was beautiful. His duties included tracking inventory. "I was one of the ordnance guys who kept up with all the equipment," Thirmon said. "I enjoyed the military. It was an experience I would not have gotten anywhere else." After he completed his service in 1958, Thirmon returned to Mississippi.
Throughout much of his life, Thirmon has worked in the furniture industry. He is 88 years old and still "turns the key" to his furniture business called the Furniture Barn in Booneville, six days a week. Thirmon is married to Evelyn Lindley Bingham. He is the proud father of Tammy Bingham Young (Tupelo) and Marlin Bingham (Guntown). When he isn't selling a sofa, appliance, or television, Thirmon enjoys being with his five grandchildren. We are thankful for Thirmon's service and for operating a successful local business. |
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway representatives, Mitch Mays, Mike Armour, Craig Clymer, Dan Pallme, Mike Williams, and James Lewis
Kevin Weil, President, Planet Federal
Electric Cooperatives of MS representatives Kern Hoff and Paul Purnell
Torchlight CEO Jim Bourie
West Point Mayor Rob Bobo, Code Enforcer Eddie Longstreet, Selectman Keith McBrayer, and Selectman William Binder
Lt.Gen Karsten Heckl and Sergeant Major Jacob M. Reiff
Senator Mark Daly, Chair of the Senate of Ireland
Exchange Club of Houston with Judge Kelly Luther, Rayburn Parks, John Atkinson, and Todd Bennett
Meeting with our constituents at the Exchange Club of Columbus
Dixie Butler in Columbus
Jimmy Woodruff, President, Exchange Club of Columbus
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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