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Nestled within the historic walls of the Natchez Convention Center, the Veterans Sound Off Podcast captures the essence of service and sacrifice at the American Legion Department of Mississippi's annual convention. Host Jerry Allhands, himself a veteran of both the Air Force and Army, brings listeners into intimate conversations with those who've worn the uniform and continue to serve their communities.

The episode features a powerful interview with Van Alford, a Marine Corps veteran and survivor of the 1983 Beirut bombing. "Every day I think about it," Alford shares, his words carrying the weight of that tragic moment in military history. As a fourth-generation combat veteran whose son also served as a combat medic in Afghanistan and Iraq, Alford embodies the legacy of service that runs through so many military families. Despite his experiences leaving him 90% disabled, his continued commitment to the American Legion as an incoming State Historian demonstrates how veterans channel their experiences into continued service.

The spotlight also falls on Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, a remarkable volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to "healing the hidden wounds of war." Army combat veteran Kevin Wittenberg and his wife Cindy explain how their organization provides free outdoor retreats and programs to all who've served, regardless of era or branch. Their inclusive approach – offering activities from blacksmithing to horseback riding, fishing to hunting – creates healing spaces where veterans reconnect with themselves and others through nature's therapeutic embrace.

Throughout the conversations, a powerful theme emerges: the profound sense of belonging that organizations like the American Legion provide. "I don't have family that lives in Anchorage, but the Legion is my family," one veteran shares. These communities become lifelines, especially when confronting challenges like veteran suicide – the "new war raging...in the hearts and minds of those who served."

Join us for this moving exploration of how veterans create meaning, find purpose, and build communities that understand their unique experiences. Subscribe to Veterans Sound Off Podcast to hear more stories of service, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds formed in and after uniform.

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Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658.

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From the historic streets of Natchez, Mississippi comes a riveting exploration of veteran leadership, service beyond the uniform, and the powerful community that forms when military bonds extend into civilian life. Jerry Allhands, USAF and Army veteran, brings listeners into the heart of the American Legion Department of Mississippi's annual convention.

Meet Mark Harrington, the incoming Department Commander whose journey began 16 years ago after returning from Iraq. What started with his son's baseball team evolved into a lifelong commitment to veterans' causes. Harrington shares his ambitious plans for membership growth and statewide outreach with remarkable clarity and purpose that resonates whether you're a Legion member or simply someone who supports those who served.

The podcast delivers a fascinating conversation with Deborah Fielder, Department Adjutant and 41-year Air Force veteran who joined at just 17 years old. Her remarkable transition from military service to Legion leadership reveals the profound need many veterans feel to stay connected to service after hanging up the uniform. "You miss the people and you miss the job," she explains with disarming honesty, "so you find something else that's going to keep you close to the military, to the veteran, and that's the American Legion."

Throughout these conversations emerges a theme of resourcefulness and dedication to supporting fellow veterans. The convention's Veterans Expo represents a growing effort to connect veterans with vital services and resources. As Fielder poignantly notes, "The one great disappointment is for a veteran to call you and ask for help and you don't know where to go."

Whether you're a veteran seeking community, a military family member looking for resources, or simply someone who appreciates stories of service and dedication, this episode offers valuable insights into how veterans continue their mission long after leaving active duty. The camaraderie, sense of purpose, and commitment to fellow service members shines through every conversation.

Have you ever wondered how veterans organizations work behind the scenes? Listen now to discover the remarkable stories of those who continue to serve.

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Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658.

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National Vice Commander Joe Lysaght joins us from the American Legion Department of Mississippi's 106th annual convention in Natchez to share powerful insights from his decades of service to veterans. As an Air Force veteran who served in Southeast Asia, Lysaght brings a unique perspective on how the Legion bridges military and civilian life for veterans seeking community.

The conversation takes us deep into the crucial mental health initiatives supported by the American Legion. Lysaght speaks with raw honesty about his experiences losing veterans to suicide during his eight years as a County Veterans Service Officer, including one heartbreaking moment when a veteran took his life while on the phone with him. These experiences fuel his passionate advocacy for the "988 Be The One" program and Buddy Check initiative. His personal commitment to making at least one daily check-in call to fellow veterans demonstrates how simple human connection can save lives.

Beyond crisis intervention, we explore the multifaceted community-building activities that make the Legion a second family for many veterans. From Easter egg hunts and weekly seafood dinners serving hundreds to holiday celebrations with Santa for kids, Lysaght paints a picture of an organization deeply embedded in communities while steadfastly focused on its core mission of veteran support. His stories about achieving an 88% first-submission approval rate for VA claims highlight how the Legion's expertise translates into tangible benefits for veterans navigating complex systems.

What emerges most clearly is Lysaght's genuine passion for connecting with people. As he prepares to complete his one-year tour as National Vice Commander, his reflections on finding common ground with veterans across all branches and eras reveal the true heart of the American Legion – a place where service continues long after uniforms come off. Whether you're a veteran seeking community or someone looking to support those who served, this conversation offers an inspiring look at an organization that has been supporting veterans and their families for over a century.

Ready to learn more about the American Legion or connect with veterans in your community? Visit legion.org/join or call 601-352-4986 to find out how you can get involved.

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Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658.

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Navy Chief Debbie Miller never does anything by halves. Whether it's convincing her husband to join the Navy with her at age 34, playing cards with enemy faction bodyguards in war-torn Bosnia, or creating innovative virtual "mess meetings" for her American Legion post, her story exemplifies the resourcefulness and dedication of America's veterans.

In this captivating conversation with host Jerry Allhands at the American Legion Department of Mississippi Convention, Miller shares remarkable stories from her 24-year naval career that took her from Sarajevo to Kosovo, Germany, Hawaii, and ultimately England. Her vivid recounting of serving as the lone American attached to a British intelligence unit during the Bosnian conflict reveals how creative problem-solving and human connection can transcend language barriers and political divisions, even in combat zones.

Miller's post-military journey proves equally inspiring. After retiring as an E7 Chief in 2010, she earned her history degree from Southern Mississippi and dove headfirst into American Legion service. Now the incoming District 7 Commander, she bridges generational gaps by embracing technology to reach younger veterans through virtual meetings with former shipmates scattered worldwide.

Her perspective on military service reflects both profound patriotism and practical wisdom: "If you did your job, the sky's the limit." For women considering military careers, her experiences offer powerful encouragement about the opportunities available to those willing to serve with dedication and creativity.

Ready to hear more stories of veteran resilience and service? Subscribe to the Veterans Sound Off Podcast and join our community of listeners passionate about honoring those who've served our nation.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658.

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Coming up in the next few weeks is a visit with American Legion baseball, Boys State, Magnolia Girls State, the Department of Mississippi's American Legion Convention in Natchez Mississippi and a whole lot more.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658.

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Jerry Allhands sits down with Trish Ward, the 2024-2025 American Legion Auxiliary National President, for a compelling conversation that reveals the heart of the American Legion family's mission to support veterans across America.

At the Oxford VA Home in Mississippi, President Ward shares her remarkable journey from California transplant to national leadership. After relocating to Kansas in 1999, a simple invitation from her realtor—an Auxiliary member—changed the trajectory of her life. Eligible through her father's WWII Army service, Ward's 25-year journey through local and national leadership positions demonstrates how the Legion family thrives through personal connections and mentorship.

Ward expertly clarifies eligibility requirements for the American Legion family's different branches, including recent changes allowing spouses of female veterans to join the Auxiliary. She addresses a common concern with refreshing honesty: even those "too busy" to attend meetings can make a profound difference through membership dues that fund critical programs supporting veterans, military families, and children.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Ward discusses the "Be the One" initiative targeting veteran suicide prevention. She shares the story of a Mississippi family who, after losing their veteran son, created "Ronnie's Retreat" to help others struggling with mental health challenges. This work connects directly to the Legion's founding purpose—providing the camaraderie veterans often miss after service.

From junior Auxiliary members creating door decorations for VA home residents to the legislative advocacy that shapes veteran policy, Ward illuminates how the Legion family combines personal connection with national impact. Whether you're Legion-eligible or simply care about veterans' wellbeing, this episode offers a moving look at an organization still "leading the way" after more than a century of service.

Subscribe to Veterans Sound Off to hear more stories of those supporting America's heroes, and call 662-902-6658 to learn how you can help keep these important conversations going.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658.

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Leather jackets, rumbling engines, and hearts dedicated to service—the Perry A. Johns American Legion Post 6 Legion Riders embody the continuing mission of veterans helping veterans long after their military service ends. From the moment Tina Hurst and her husband encountered a group of Legion Riders escorting a fallen veteran in 2006, they were drawn into a brotherhood that would become the first official Legion Riders chapter in Mississippi.

The Legion Riders aren't just motorcycle enthusiasts who happen to be veterans—they're a structured organization with clear requirements and a focused mission. Members must belong to the American Legion family and own and operate their own motorcycles with proper insurance and registration. Their organized rides, led by designated road captains, follow strict safety protocols that have resulted in an impressive safety record despite challenging conditions. As one member noted, "It's not the motorcycle that's dangerous, it's the automobiles you have to look out for."

What truly distinguishes the Post 6 Riders is their commitment to supporting fellow veterans. Their current focus centers on Ronnie's Retreat, a facility being developed for homeless veterans in nearby Tishomingo County. On April 19th, they'll hold a fundraising ride to raise $2,000 for a matching grant to bring power to the retreat—a critical step in making the facility operational for veterans in need. These efforts mirror their participation in national initiatives like the Legacy Run, which supports the Veterans and Children's Foundation.

Beyond their charitable work, these Riders form the backbone of their local Legion post. "The riders at Post 6 are the leadership in this post," Tina explains. "They hold leadership positions in every branch of this family and they are the core support for everything that happens here." This integration ensures their motorcycle rides translate directly into meaningful service for veterans.

Want to support or join this remarkable group? The Post 6 Legion Riders meet on the second Thursday of each month at 511 South Tate Street in Corinth, Mississippi. Even if you don't ride, you can participate in their events or support their causes. After all, as these veterans have shown, service doesn't end when the uniform comes off—sometimes it just finds a new road.

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Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658.

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When veteran Terry Adams stepped out of a meeting to use the bathroom, he returned to discover he'd been elected president of a brand-new veterans organization. That unexpected moment launched the Mid-South Veterans League Inc. (MVLI), now working to revolutionize support for approximately 100,000 veterans across Tennessee's Shelby County and surrounding areas.

The Veterans Sound Off podcast brings us an intimate conversation with Terry Adams (Marine Corps veteran and MVLI President) and Bob Bunton (Navy veteran and MVLI Secretary) about their ambitious vision. What begins with good-natured inter-service ribbing quickly reveals the profound bonds connecting veterans across all branches.

"We've seen things others will never see. We've done things others will never do," Adams explains, highlighting why veterans need dedicated spaces where they can freely express themselves without civilian judgment. This understanding drives MVLI's centerpiece project: a $7.2 million, 13,000-square-foot community center in Lakeland, Tennessee.

Unlike traditional veterans organizations that sometimes compete for dwindling membership, MVLI serves as a unifying force for 32 different veterans groups. From providing military funeral honors to helping veterans in crisis, they fill critical gaps in the support system. Their Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event drew over 4,000 visitors despite summer heat, showcasing their ability to mobilize community support.

What truly distinguishes the MVLI is their practical, hands-on approach. When a veteran couldn't afford groceries, they met him at the store. When they discovered his car was nearly empty, they filled his tank. "If we don't take care of each other, who will?" Adams asks simply. It's this spirit of mutual support—spanning from Vietnam veterans to today's newest service members—that makes their work so powerful.

Discover how you can support MVLI's mission through their upcoming fundraisers or by visiting their monthly meetings. Veterans have already paid their dues through service—now it's our turn to ensure they have the community spaces and support networks they've earned.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658.