Mississippi Salute Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Richard Wilson - Navy World War II Veteran Nov 11, 2024

Richard Wilson is a native of Collierville, Tennessee, but now resides in our Mississippi Veterans Home in Oxford.

Wilson served in the Navy during World War II and fought at Iwo Jima, witnessing one of the most iconic images in history.

In this episode, Wilson discusses his journey as a small-town kid who leaves his home for the first time to join the military and the many places he's seen because of that singular moment.

Michael Watson - Mississippi Secretary of State Oct 21, 2024

Michael Watson is in his second term as Mississippi’s 36th Secretary of State.

Before taking office as Secretary of State, Watson served three terms in the State Senate, representing District 51 in Jackson County.

A graduate of Pascagoula High School and the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a law degree, Watson began his work in public service as an intern for then-U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott in the summer of 1999. That experience strengthened his desire to become a public servant and improve the quality of life for all Mississippians.

Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Stephen McCraney - Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Dec 05, 2023

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Stephen C. McCraney was appointed as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency by Governor Tate Reeves on January 28, 2021. Before assuming the role of Executive Director, Mr. McCraney served as the agency’s Deputy Director and Chief of Staff since February 2016. During his tenure, he has led 18 federally declared disasters, eight emergency measures declarations, and numerous state emergencies—those disasters ranging from Hurricane Ida, the Jackson Water Crisis, and the March 24th tornadoes.

Mr. McCraney has extensive experience responding to natural and man-made disasters in Mississippi. While serving 28 years as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard, McCraney responded to Hurricane Katrina, the Smithville Tornado, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and the Mississippi River Flooding of 2011.

Mr. McCraney is a former Commander of the 47th Civil Support Team (WMD), Community Corrections Associate Director-Probation and Parole (MDOC), and a certified police officer who has worked in higher education, city, and state-level law enforcement positions. He brings to his position as an executive director over 38 years of experience in the Criminal Justice System, Mississippi Army and Air National Guard, first responder and disaster response. He received his Bachelor’s and Master of Social Science in Administration of Justice from Mississippi College.

Jack Winstead - Friends of Mississippi Veterans, Board Chairman Oct 24, 2023

On this episode of the Mississippi Salute Podcast, we feature one of our non-profit partners, Friends of Mississippi Veterans (FOMV).Jack Winstead, its Board Chairman, discusses the organization's formation, how they were instrumental in creating our two state veterans memorial cemeteries, and the fundraising they generate yearly to benefit those cemeteries and our Veterans Homes.

Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemeteries featuring William Rhine - Cemetery Director Aug 28, 2023

On this episode of the Mississippi Salute Podcast, we focus on our Veterans Memorial Cemeteries.William Rhine, Cemetery Director at our Kilmichael location (and U.S. Navy Veteran), discusses the various burial options, eligibility requirements and no-cost benefits for any Veteran who chooses our Cemetery system as their final resting place.Find out why our Memorial Cemeteries ranked amongst the nation's best when serving America's resting heroes and their families!

Mississippi Veterans Homes featuring Gerald Johnson - MSVA Director of Nursing Home Operations Jul 24, 2023

On this episode of the Mississippi Salute Podcast, we focus on one of our pillars within the services we offer to America's heroes - the Mississippi Veterans Homes System.Our Veterans Homes serve approximately 600 residents in four facilities across the Magnolia state. Our skilled nursing teams and administrative staff provide compassionate and specialized care for each resident at the facility.In this episode, Gerald Johnson - Director of Veterans Homes Operations, gives you an overview of the services we provide in our Veterans Homes, eligibility requirements, and a glimpse of the day-to-day culture of the facilities.

Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) James "Max" Fenn - Mississippi VA Board Chairman Jul 10, 2023

Mississippi Salute Podcast - Season Two Premiere AlertOur first episode of the season features James "Max" Fenn, Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board Chairman.

Fenn is a United States Army and Marine Corps veteran and has experienced combat in several military and political conflicts. After his military service, Fenn has since served our state in various government and intelligence roles.

Major General (Ret.) Jeff Hammond - U.S. Army and Director of Military Affairs at the Univ. of Southern Mississippi Apr 19, 2023

Major General (Retired) Jeff Hammond received his commission as a United States Army Officer upon graduation from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1978, where he served as team captain of the football team and starred as a quarterback.His military leadership roles include serving as commanding general of the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division and commander of U.S. Forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom.Gen. Hammond currently serves as his alma mater's Director of Military Affairs. His passion is serving active-duty military service members, Veterans and their families who seek a quality education.Gen. Hammond earned a BS and M.Ed from USM and a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies via the US Navy War College (while serving on Active Duty).

Tony Provenza - World War Two and United States Marine Veteran Apr 05, 2023

World War Two Marine Veteran Tony Provenza shares his journey from Greenville, Mississippi, to his World War Two Service in South China and Japan.

Sheri Biggs - Lt. Colonel of the Mississippi Air National Guard Mar 17, 2023

In honor of Women's History Month, we feature Sheri Biggs, a Lt. Colonel of the Mississippi Air National Guard, on our Mississippi Salute Podcast.Biggs has served in the National Guard since 2012 and is a former Administrator at our Mississippi Veterans Home in Kosciusko.She sat down with Ray Coleman on the Mississippi Salute Podcast and shared how working in our Veterans Home System inspired her to join the armed forces.

Deborah W. Coleman - MSVA Board Member and Retired Colonel of the Mississippi National Guard Mar 01, 2023

In honor of Women's History Month, we're proud to feature one of our Veterans Affairs Board Members, Colonel (Ret.) Deborah Coleman.

Coleman served in the Mississippi National Guard for 27 years and currently serves in the Mississippi Legislative Budget Office.

She sat down with Ray Coleman on the Mississippi Salute Podcast and shared her journey in the armed forces and why she continues serving the Veterans of the magnolia state.

Augustus L. Collins - Former Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard Feb 15, 2023

Major General (Ret.) Augustus Leon Collins is the first African-American to serve as the Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard (from 2012 to 2016). In this episode, he discusses his journey of more than 35 years of military service, his upbringing in northeast Mississippi and how a "chance" opportunity led him to join the United States Army.

MDOT Commissioner Willie Simmons - Vietnam War and U.S. Army Veteran Feb 06, 2023

Willie Simmons currently serves as the Central District Commissioner for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. The elected official has served in state government for close to 30 years, 26 of those as a senator in the Mississippi Legislature.

Simmons, a Vietnam War Veteran, shares stories of his early life on his family's farm, his military service in the United States Army, and how it led him to choose a life of service in state government.

Chris Ellis - Mississippi VA Executive Legislative Liaison (U.S. Army Veteran) Jan 17, 2023

Chris Ellis serves as our Executive Legislative Liaison. He is a retired Staff Sergeant with the Mississippi Army National Guard, having served 16 years with the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He was medically retired in 2017 due to injuries sustained in the line of duty.

In this epidsode, Ellis provides an overview of the VA claims process and what you can do secure the best possible outcome for Veterans benefits.

George E. Irvin, Sr. - Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board Member (U.S. Army Veteran) Dec 27, 2022

George Irvin, Sr. is one of seven members of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board. He is a retired Brigadier General of the United States Army, having served 37 years.

In this episode, Irvin, Sr. discusses his military service, his family's service history, and how his military skills and knowledge have transferred over into his civilian life.

David Smith - World War Two Veteran (U.S. Army Veteran) Dec 13, 2022

David Smith is a World War II Veteran and a resident at our Mississippi Veterans Home at Kosciusko.

The 97-year-old shares why he wanted to join the United States Armed Forces and recalls some of his most vivid war experiences.

Mark A. Smith - Executive Director of Mississippi Veterans Affairs (U.S. Army Veteran) Nov 18, 2022

Mark Smith serves as the Executive Director of Mississippi Veterans Affairs. He is a retired United States Army Colonel. In this first-ever episode of Mississippi Salute, Smith discusses his military history and passion for serving America's heroes.

For more information on Mississippi Veterans Affairs and its services, visit www.msva.ms.gov.

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