Hollis Candidate Dr. Jim Kelly Joins Select Group Inducted into Order of Military Medical Merit
PRESS RELEASE
HOLLIS, NH — October 4, 2026 — Dr. James H. Kelly, Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Army, a Republican candidate for the New Hampshire House of Representatives, was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3) on August 9 at the New Hampshire State Reservation. The honor recognizes Kelly's distinguished service and contributions to military medicine during his 15 years with the New Hampshire National Guard.
Kelly is seeking to represent Hollis in the New Hampshire House, bringing to his candidacy 42 years of experience as a family medicine physician, military leadership as a retired Army Colonel and former Joint Surgeon for the New Hampshire National Guard, and decades of work caring for patients in underserved communities.
Induction into the Order of Military Medical Merit recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and made significant contributions to the U.S. Army Medical Department. Fewer than 10 percent of military physicians receive this distinction.
Kelly joined the New Hampshire National Guard as a physician at age 58 and deployed to the Middle East three times. His military service included providing medical leadership and support for U.S. service members in Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Kuwait, as well as direct patient care
His contributions have influenced military medicine from the unit medic level to programs being considered for broader adoption. Kelly developed a sick call course for Army medics and spearheaded New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation program providing medical and behavioral health intervention for service members affected by sexual trauma and other forms of violence. The program is under review by the Army and National Guard Bureau for potential integration nationally.
Kelly's work on behalf of service members previously earned him the Legion of Merit, one of the military's distinguished service awards. The award recognized his leadership and development of innovative programs focused on soldier welfare, including a comprehensive violence intervention program that created what his Legion of Merit citation described as a "new standard of care."
Kelly's commitment to service extends beyond the military. During his four-decade medical career, he has cared for migrant farm workers, served Native American communities through the Indian Health Service, and practiced in underserved areas of northern New Hampshire. He currently serves as Medical Director of Integrated Health Alliance and continues to provide pro bono house calls to Hollis patients who cannot leave their homes.
He also serves as President of Valor 1, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance for medical and psychological care for first responders and military members.
Kelly says his experience in medicine and the military is central to his decision to seek public office, particularly as New Hampshire confronts challenges involving health care affordability and access, mental health services, veterans' needs, and the delivery of effective government services.
"Many of us have felt voiceless in Concord and Washington," Kelly said. "I will seek out the innovative and experienced individuals in our community, listen to their ideas, and provide a platform to present those ideas in Concord."
Kelly is running as part of the Common Sense for NH Republican team for Hollis, alongside State Representative Liz Barbour and State Representative Jack Flanagan.
For more information about Dr. Jim Kelly, his candidacy, and the Common Sense for NH team, visit CommonSenseforNH.com.
