Kelly’s childhood in Dickinson, North Dakota, inspired in him a passion for the outdoors. In the summers, he could be found on Lake Sakakawea and during the fall he was bow hunting in the badlands.
After graduating from Dickinson High School in 1995, Kelly attended the University of North Dakota but continued to grow his roots in Dickinson, returning home in the summers to coach the Dickinson Roughriders American Legion baseball team. Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree from UND in 2001 and a law degree from UND law school in 2003.
The men and women of the U.S. armed forces stand in harm's way throughout the world to protect our country. Our veterans have put everything on the line, including their lives, to serve our country. When they leave the service, they deserve the best from us in return.
Often, veterans face challenges in persuading businesses and colleges to recognize the skills they've learned in the military. They have spent countless hours learning skills in a classroom and in the field that translate to occupations the private sector, such as an auto mechanic or an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Congressman Armstrong supports efforts to help veterans more easily receive licenses and certifications after their service that matches skills they learn while in service.
Our veterans also deserve timely access to veterans benefits that they have earned, especially healthcare. More work needs to be done to increase access and quality to Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities.