January 14, 2026 Dear Friend, |
I am proud to announce the date for Academy Day 2026. This year's event will be held on April 18, 2026, at the Northwest Mississippi Community College Ranger Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
It is a privilege to nominate exceptional young men and women to our nation's prestigious Service Academies. These young Mississippians have dedicated countless hours to hard work, volunteer service, leadership development, outstanding academics and more.
Academy Day offers parents, students, and educators in Mississippi's First Congressional District an opportunity to learn more about these institutions and meet face-to-face with academy representatives. This event is open to all who are interested.
Representatives in attendance will include:
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Naval Academy
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point
- Marion Military Institute
- University of Mississippi ROTC
- Mississippi State University ROTC
For more information, please contact our Military Liaison, Melinda Whited, at (662) 687-1525 or [email protected]. Click HERE to learn more about the Service Academy nomination process through my office. |
We are proud to recognize two hardworking Mississippi farmers, Steve Swedenburg and his son, Wesley.
Steve Swedenburg has spent his entire life on the farm. Raised on his parents' dairy farm, he began row cropping nearly 50 years ago and has devoted decades to working the land. His son, Wesley, grew up in Columbus and spent much of his childhood on the farm. In college, farming was not initially part of Wesley's career plans, but he continued to lend a hand anytime he could.
After graduating from Mississippi State University in 2017 with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Wesley decided to pursue farming full time. "I really love it," Wesley said. "Every day is something different." He began overseeing daily operations on his father's farm, and last year took a step forward by acquiring his own land and expanding their operation.
Today, the Swedenburgs farm about 2,500 acres across Lowndes and Noxubee Counties – with the county line running right through Wesley's front yard. Together, they grow corn, cotton, soybeans, and occasionally wheat.
Like many farmers across Mississippi and the country, the Swedenburgs have faced a challenging few years. "It was very dry last year," Wesley said. "This year, we dealt with a wet spring and dry conditions toward the end of growing season." In addition to unpredictable weather, low commodity prices over the past two to three years and rising input costs have strained operations. Workforce shortages also remain a concern. While the Swedenburgs are fortunate to have four full-time employees who have been with them for more than 30 years, they typically rely on two or three seasonal workers. "It's just hard to find young people who want to get into farming," Wesley said.
Despite these challenges, Wesley remains hopeful about the future and the direction of agricultural policy. "I think President Trump's policies are pointing us in the right direction and will help in the long term," he said.
Last March, the Swedenburgs applied for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), a key initiative I led in the Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation (FARM) Act. This program provided direct assistance to help farmers offset rising input costs and declining commodity prices for the 2024 crop year. Wesley received 85 percent of his payment in March, with the remaining 15 percent paid out in October.
Mississippi farmers like Steve and Wesley are the backbone of our state and our nation. I will continue fighting for policies that ensure our farmers have the tools and resources they need to succeed. |
We are proud to welcome Major Marc Mundy as our 2026 Congressional Defense Fellow. A Marine Corps officer, Major Mundy brings extensive experience in crisis response, leadership development, and training, with multiple command and operations roles in the fleet, to include multiple deployments across the Pacific, Middle East, and the Southwestern Border.
He holds a B.A. in English and a M.A. in International Relations and is a graduate of several professional military education programs. Originally from the New York Adirondacks, Major Mundy and his wife, Kristen, have twin boys. We are excited to have him join Team Kelly and look forward to the experience he brings to our defense policy team. |
We are proud to recognize the long and distinguished career of Mississippi Army National Guard Veteran Brigadier General (Ret.) Harold Lomenick. His exemplary service earned him numerous accolades and the respect of all those who served with him.
Harold considers himself a lucky man to have grown up in the Tennessee River Valley hills, spending many summers swimming in the Tennessee River and later boating on the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway.
Like so many other Mississippians, patriotism is a family trait. As the son of a World War II veteran, Harold continued the family legacy of military service. In 1967, he joined the Mississippi Army National Guard while attending what is now Northeast Mississippi Community College. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a Master of Science degree in Physical Education, Harold taught school while proudly moving up the ranks as a citizen soldier.
In 1990, Harold was promoted to deputy brigade commander with over 3,500 members of the 155th Armored Brigade. After 30 years of service which included mobilization for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Governor Kirk Fordice promoted Harold to Brigadier General in 1996.
Looking back, Harold is thankful for being able to serve in dual roles – in both the Guard and as a trusted State Farm Insurance agent in Iuka. There, he has lived a peaceful life with his wife, Judy, and daughters Brandi and Molly. Harold still reports to the office after 45 years in business. When he isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his six grandchildren. The family is looking forward to the birth of their third great-grandchild.
We remain thankful for Harold's great patriotism and love for God, country, and family. |
Team Kelly is proud to introduce one of our interns Travis Taylor. Originally from Grenada, Travis is a graduate of Mississippi College, where he earned a degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology. He is an avid outdoorsman and devoted Ole Miss fan.
Travis has enjoyed working alongside our D.C. staff, building relationships on Capitol Hill, and taking on the ever-changing challenges that come with working in our nation's capital. We are glad to have Travis on our team this semester.
My office offers internships for college students each semester and during the summer. This is an amazing opportunity for students. Interns will work with staff members to learn the legislative process, assist with daily tasks, attend training, perform administrative duties, and aid in constituent services in an educational capacity.
If you would like to apply for an internship through my office, please complete our online application. For more information, please visit trentkelly.house.gov or contact our Intern Coordinator at [email protected]. |
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle |
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Thanks for reading,
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Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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