August 8, 2025 • 28 mins
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.
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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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jerry Allhands (00:00):
This is the Veterans Sound Off Podcast.
Hard work, work, let's get itgoing.
Let's go, hard work, work.
I'm your host, jerry Allhands,a veteran of the US Air Force
and US Army.
I'm a past Department ofMississippi Commander of the
American Legion and apaid-up-for-life member of the
VFW.
Each week, I invite you to joinme as we visit with members of
(00:21):
our veteran families and othergroups and organizations that
support military veterans.
This week, I attended theAmerican Legion Department of
Mississippi's annual convention,held in historic Natchez
Mississippi.
It was in the NatchezConvention Center, where the
coffee was always hot and thepeople were great.
Hey, speaking of coffee, thisseries is made possible by the
(00:42):
generous gifts and sponsorshipsof people just like you.
If you'd like to sponsor an adin this series, please call
662-902-6658.
Or you can become a sponsorsimply by clicking on the
Sponsor the Show button and youcan make a donation on our page
where it says Sponsor the Show.
Hey, we really appreciate yourhelp in making this program
(01:05):
possible.
We're at the Department ofMississippi American Legion
Convention in NatchezMississippi where, in just a few
moments, we will have a newcommander for the state of
Mississippi for the AmericanLegion.
I'm sitting across from MarkHarrington, who is from
Hattiesburg, mississippi.
Mark, I don't want to stealyour thunder.
Tell us a little bit about yourmilitary background and how you
(01:28):
got into the American Legion.
Department Commander Mark H (01:30):
Hey , jerry, thank you for inviting
me.
Yeah, I started about I guess16 years ago.
I got back from Iraq and my sonwas in baseball and starting
young eighth and ninth grade.
So that's kind of attracted meinto the Legion was the baseball
program.
And then when we started ourown team in Hattiesburg in 2006,
2007, it just took off and wehad a, you know, a Legion team
(01:56):
since.
So that's how I got startedwith the Legion.
And then when I joined the post, they was offering a
sponsorship and I startedsponsoring our two teams.
So they asked me to join theboard.
All right, my first year out,sergeant Arn just worked my way
up through the chairs to vicecommander and then been the post
commander the last 15 years, 16years at post, 24.
(02:17):
And so now I've been.
I held the southern areacommander for the last two years
and now I'm looking forward tohaving a great year as a
commander of the Department ofMississippi.
Jerry Allhands (02:29):
And I know that you've done all of the training.
That is not required to becomeDepartment Commander, but you've
attended the basic trainingcourse for the American Legion.
Department Commander Mark He (02:39):
In 22.
Jerry Allhands (02:40):
22, and then on to the National American Legion
College.
Department Commander Mark (02:43):
Yeah , I did and American Legion
College in 22, and then that wasreally a good experience.
Anybody has the opportunity todo that.
They need to try to do thatbecause a lot of knowledge there
and of course, when you're acommander you have a lot of
scenarios you know doingresolutions and scenarios of how
to run a post and stuff likethat.
(03:04):
It really kind of gets you themindset how to do that, how you
do your job.
Jerry Allhands (03:11):
What are your plans for the next year?
Department Commander Mark He (03:12):
My plans is membership.
Everybody talks aboutmembership and we're really good
, even in the Sons program.
I'm the NEC for those, thealternate NEC with the Sons, and
we were over 100%, and sothat's really good.
Now, legion side, we're reallystrong in the numbers, but I
think we could be better atrecruiting.
Get our committees, get all ofour committees, you know people
(03:38):
get out and help the Legion grow, and basically that's what
we're looking forward to thisnext coming year.
Jerry Allhands (03:45):
Okay, any goals that you've set for yourself for
this year outside of membership.
Department Commander Mark He (03:52):
Oh , goals, I'm going to be
traveling.
I know, jerry, you're a pastcommander and I'm going to try
to outdo you.
It's hard to travel to everpost, but you know we have,
since I've been in the southernarea, covered the largest with
2,000 members then 7th and 8th.
Now I'm going to have to, youknow, maybe go to Horn Lake and
(04:14):
those places in Corinth.
Jerry Allhands (04:15):
Oh yeah, we're going to bring you up north, and
Clark, that's right.
Department Commander Mark He (04:17):
So I'm going to travel in a little
bit and my goal is try to seeas many people as I can and
visit a lot of posts.
Jerry Allhands (04:28):
And if they need anything, they can give me a
call and I'll be glad to helpthem.
Well, you know, the one thingthat I've learned over the many
years being in the Legion and inthe military is the importance
of my spouse.
Department Commander Mark (04:37):
Who's your spouse?
My wife's, faith Harrington.
We've been married almost 40years.
If I had to say that, but yeah,we've been married almost 40
years.
I've had to say that, but yeah,we've been married a long time
and she's an auxiliary in a unitof 24.
She's really just our support.
I mean, she does everything forour unit, for our posts, for
our veterans.
When we put out over 2,000flags, she's out there putting
(05:01):
flags out.
You know going to the VA home,helping them.
You know visiting at the VAhome and so, yeah, that's a big
part is you know how that is Ourspouse is helping us get
through, maybe get through thisyear and looking forward to a
great year.
Jerry Allhands (05:17):
Anything you would like to say to her before
we wrap up?
Department Commander Mark (05:20):
Yeah , faith is my best thing that
ever happened.
We have two kids my daughterand her son and John Mark Jr,
and he's around 30, and he's gottwo kids and they've got a
total of six grandchildren.
Curtis Oliver (05:35):
But yeah.
Department Commander Mark Her (05:36):
I appreciate what she does and I
thank you.
Jerry Allhands (05:41):
You mentioned your son by name.
What's your daughter's name?
Department Commander Mark He (05:43):
My daughter's Gabrielle, we call
her gabby.
She's uh married and got uhfour kids and um two boys and
two girls and and so they likecoming to the farm, you know,
and uh hang out and with thegoats and the chickens and all
that good stuff.
Jerry Allhands (05:58):
So good, good, good, grandpa time.
I like it mark, thank you somuch, we look forward to it and
you're going to visit with usmany times over the next year,
and congratulations, yes, sir.
And the best wishes for a verysuccessful year.
Department Commander (06:09):
Appreciate you, jerry, anytime.
Thank you.
Jerry Allhands (06:11):
Thank you, Mike.
Be The One (06:13):
Be, willing to show up for your veteran, your
friend, your loved one.
Be willing to trust your gut,follow your heart, take a risk.
Be the one willing to ask, toguess wrong, to even offend
another, to keep them safe, toremind them that they are
valuable.
Wreaths Across America (06:39):
If you know a veteran, be the one to
reach out and make them a partof your life.
You can join in the mission toremember our fallen heroes,
honor those who currently serveand their families, and teach
younger generations about thevalue of freedom.
A $17 donation to WreathsAcross America sponsors a fresh
balsam remembrance wreath.
These wreaths have become asymbol of America's respect for
those who have served and nolonger walk with us.
(07:01):
Sponsor a wreath today.
Visit wreathsacrossamericaorgor call 877-385-9504.
Jerry Allhands (07:12):
And now back to our visit with the Department of
Mississippi's American LegionConvention in Natchez
Mississippi.
Still at the American LegionConvention in Natchez
Mississippi, and I have the veryspecial, distinct honor to
speak with our departmentadjutant, deborah Fielder, who
has been patted and talked aboutand praised so much today by
(07:32):
the vendors here in the building.
Are you for real?
I am for real.
I am for real.
How did you hear about us?
Well, this lady down at thisblue ribbon or this yellow
ribbon or this other, yes, ma'am, you you are.
Everybody in here knows you.
They may not get your nameright, but they know you and
what you're doing.
Okay, we're at the americanlegion department of mississippi
(07:54):
convention in natchez,mississippi.
Uh, today I am meeting with arepresentative from the
mississippi va, mr curtis.
Oliver.
Sir, welcome and appreciate youbeing here today thank you j.
Jerry, how did you find outabout the event here today?
Curtis Oliver (08:08):
Man, you guys got one of the most tenacious
recruiters outreach members onhand Debbie Deborah Fielder.
Deborah Fielder, yes, we met afew years ago and we were
talking about this, and so fromthat point to this point, she's
(08:29):
been inviting us out to come.
Kevin & Cindy Wittenberg (08:31):
I'm Kevin Wittenberg.
I'm a veteran volunteer withSoldiers Freedom Outdoors.
American Legion (08:36):
Yes, I'm Cindy Wittenberg.
Our organization is SoldiersFreedom Outdoors and I've been
volunteering with them for aboutsix years.
Jerry Allhands (08:43):
How did you become aware of our convention
here today?
Kevin & Cindy Wittenberg (08:46):
So we actually were talking at a
Yellow Ribbon event, if Iremember correctly, and one of
the ladies that spoke out, MissDebbie, I think it was- Deborah
Shilder.
Deborah correct Anyway so wewere at one of those and we were
asked to come out and speak,and so that's we're like gladly,
because we're trying to get ourinformation out there.
Ramona Williams (09:08):
I am Ramona Williams.
I'm an employee of MississippiDepartment of Human Services,
Aging and Adult Service Division.
I am the legal assistancedeveloper licensed attorney, and
our quest is to make certainthat all Mississippians age 60
years of age and older receiveany legal assistance that they
(09:28):
may need as residents of thestate of Mississippi.
How did you become?
Jerry Allhands (09:32):
aware of our convention here in Natchez.
Ramona Williams (09:35):
The adjutant, Ms Deborah Fields, invited us
down.
I saw that as an opportunity toprovide information about the
many services that we provide inour aging and adult service
division.
Jerry Allhands (09:48):
Deborah Fielder is our department adjutant.
She has been with us for fiveyears now.
Since 2019 as the adjutant, butI have been a member since 2002
.
Okay, I know that you are aveteran.
Can you tell us which branch ofthe service?
Department Adjutant Deborah (10:06):
Yes , I can.
I am a 41-year veteran of theUnited States Air Force via the
full-time Air National Guard 41years 41 years.
Jerry Allhands (10:17):
Now look, you know that we're not on camera,
so how do you expect me to tellpeople how gorgeous and
young-looking you are and tellme that you've been in the
military for 41?
Department Adjutant Debor (10:26):
years .
Okay, I'll give you that dollarlater, but I um joined when I
was 17 while I was still in highschool and I joined the air
national guard.
I stated and went to basictraining, went to uh, all of
this with the training, with thetech school, and came back and
was in college and everythingand needed to further my
(10:47):
education.
But college was expensive.
So I got a job full-time at theAir Guard and once I did that I
earned my degree.
But it was through the UnitedStates Air Force College.
So I got a degree that way andstill had a full-time job.
The excuse me, United StatesAir Force College.
Jerry Allhands (11:05):
Okay.
Department Adjutant Deborah (11:05):
So I got a degree that way and
still had a full-time job, andso I retired.
I loved the full-time job.
Jerry Allhands (11:13):
What was your first job in the Air Force?
Department Adjutant Deborah (11:15):
The very first job in the Air Force
and we can go back.
The Air Force has changed theway they code things.
The very first job was a 293,which was administration, and
since then they've changed itnumerous times, but it was
administration.
Jerry Allhands (11:31):
I don't even keep up with the numbers anymore
.
I was a security police8-1-1-5-0 or 3-0 way back.
You know, it's like every fewmonths, they were changing
something like our uniforms, youknow, yeah, yeah.
Department Adjutant Deborah (11:41):
But look, I can still with the,
with the numbers.
It's.
It's amazing what you canremember because you know the
air force regulations changethroughout the years, but 35-10
will always be dress andappearance is it?
Jerry Allhands (11:55):
still no it's my heart is yeah, mine too you
know, in my eyes, the haircut,the beard, and you know, air
force security police, we werealways.
You had to, you had to set thestandards.
Department Adjutant Deborah (12:04):
And boy, I tell you, yeah, that's
true, Of course I was40-something years ago.
Yeah, yeah, but you know,they've changed dressing,
appearance and Some of thethings, and we have to always be
subject to change, but some ofthe things that they've changed,
I'm thinking that doesn'tremind me of the Air Force.
That doesn't look like AirForce.
Jerry Allhands (12:23):
No, no, not even I miss the black leather boots.
With the polish, you know, getall your stress out polishing
that boot.
I need a camera right herewhere people see me rubbing the
boot in my hand you know it'slike oh man.
Department Adjutant Deborah (12:39):
How long have you been in the
American Legion?
Since 2002.
Jerry Allhands (12:40):
Since 2002,.
Okay, and where did you firstjoin the Legion?
Department Adjutant Deborah F (12:46):
I want to tell you the truth,
okay, okay.
Jerry Allhands (12:48):
I'll tell you the truth.
Department Adjutant Deborah (12:49):
The truth is, I do not know and I
have paid membershipcontinuously I'm thinking that I
had gone to.
I went to Shepherd Air ForceBase back in 2002, and I was
working not working but fortraining and I think, somehow or
another I joined at that timeand the person that I thought
(13:10):
asked me to join years later asa matter of fact, it's about
five years ago, because I'mthinking all the way from 2002,
and I'll go ahead and tell youthat I thought Angie had
actually signed me up, but then,when I was looking at the
records, I was in the AmericanLegion four years before Angie.
And so I'm thinking I don'teven remember who asked me to
join the American Legion, but Ifaithfully paid my dues every
(13:32):
year since 2002.
But today I have no idea whosigned me up since 2002, but
today I have no idea who signedme up.
But looking at my records, thepaperwork that they used to show
that I was a veteran is when Iwent to a blue flag exercise,
and that was back in 2002.
And so in between the blue flagexercise or maybe
what's-his-all, falls somewherein there somebody asked me to
(13:56):
join and I joined.
Jerry Allhands (13:57):
So this is Angie .
This is Angie Bowman.
Angie Bowman, right, our fourDuncan now.
Department Adjutant Deborah (14:03):
But yeah, I said I told her
sometime last year is when Idiscovered it.
I said, angie, I thought allthese years that you signed me
up for the American Legion, butI've been in four years longer
than you have, so you didn'tsign me up.
So it's a mystery.
Somebody signed me up and ifyou're listening and you sign me
up, call me, let me know.
Jerry Allhands (14:22):
Take credit, take credit where it's due, for
sure.
Hey, you know it's been apleasure working with you over
the last.
What five, ten years that youand I have had an experience
together?
It has been ten years, but okay, we'll take it Five, ten years.
You know, whatever Sure feelslike it some days, I tell you.
Department Adjutant Deborah F (14:40):
I know you're like a hammer.
It has been ten years.
Jerry Allhands (14:45):
But you know, honestly, though, I was so
relieved when you became ourdepartment adjutant.
For those who don't know what adepartment adjutant does in the
American Legion, share with usa little bit about what your
responsibilities are, what yourduties are as the department
adjutant.
Department Adjutant Debora (15:00):
Okay , as the department adjutant,
I'm basically a Jane of alltrades and everything, because
it involves the administrative,the financial customer service
above and beyond.
Sometimes you have to be I'mtrying to think of the word just
(15:21):
compassionate, because you'reanswering the phone and in my
position we only have onefull-time person, which is me.
I do have help occasionallywith other individuals, which is
Angie, and then my daughter,Jessica, and then everybody else
throughout the American Legion,but I'm the only four-time
person.
So when that phone rings, theAmerican Legion is getting a
(15:42):
call and they're calling andthey may not.
The questions that they'reasking, the help that they want,
it's maybe not something thatthe American Legion can even
fill, but you don't ever want toleave a veteran with the
service or answer saying that Idon't know, that's not my job,
that doesn't have anything to dowith American Legion.
(16:03):
So we're trying to answer allthe questions of trying to find
the resources that are availableto help those individuals that
call and everything.
And so that's just the way, howcompassionate I feel about this
job and everything.
And I truly love this job.
You know, like I could beretired and at home doing
everything else, but it's likebeing in the military.
(16:27):
Once you get out and I toldthis to various individuals kind
of a little bit of downgrade,because you stay in for so long
and somebody has told you whento get up, when to be at work,
when, when you're supposed totake this shot, when you're
supposed to take this physical.
Somebody has always told youwhat to do and everything, and
(16:50):
then when you retire, it's likeI'm lost.
I don't know but you, you, youmiss, you miss the people and
you miss the job and everything.
But you're retired, you can'tgo back to that job and
everything.
So you find something elsethat's going to keep you close
to the military, to the veteran,and that's the American Legion.
American Legion (17:11):
You know, when you get out and you're a
civilian now and you're kind oflike not really knowing where to
go, the Legion was like mypeople.
I used to work for thecommander that's here, the
secretary that's here.
I used to work for them.
So when I got out it just kindof felt like home again.
The tight-knit community thatthey actually have is what
surprised me.
It's nice to be a part of that.
Usually when you think of club,you just think of I'm just
(17:33):
going to go here for cheap orsomething.
But they said they actuallycare about who you are, what you
do and what your everyday is.
Jerry Allhands (17:39):
For more information on joining the
American Legion, go to legionorgforward slash, join or call
601-352-4986.
Again, that's 601-352-4986.
There's a lot of structure inthe military life that we don't
(18:02):
have in civilian world.
Department Adjutant Debo (18:03):
That's true.
Jerry Allhands (18:04):
A lot of expectations.
I like that.
For the department adjutant'sposition, is there any kind of
formalized training that you getfrom the national organization?
Department Adjutant Debor (18:14):
There is formalized training, but
with everything there'sformalized training.
But the American Legion is madeup of 55 different departments.
You have the formalizedtraining.
They give you the basics on howto do this and how to do that.
But you're going to have to goin there and you're going to
have to, just like witheverything else, use job
experience and come up with waysof doing things on your own
(18:42):
experience and come up with waysof doing things on your own.
Make the final answer to be thecorrect procedure or whatever,
or the final answer to be, youknow, getting the person in or
getting that particularsituation solved.
But there is no book that saysyou're going to have to do this
and you're going to have to dothat because everybody does it
differently.
When I took over this job restis so Mr Johnny Bracey had been
(19:03):
in it for 21 years and I keptsaying I'm not going to stay in
for 21 years.
I may do five, and since thenfive has gone past, but it's
because I love being in theposition.
So I'm staying in the positionand I'm going to stay as long as
possible.
But you know, once a year we goto Indianapolis and we get some
, some training and it's likebackup procedures and we're
(19:28):
having zoom meetings where we'retalking with other adjutants
trying to find out ways thatthere maybe another department
is doing something that you needhelp with and you find that
their procedure.
Or you got booklets andeverything, and I take, for
example, in reference to theCPRs and everything.
Jerry Allhands (19:46):
No, no, no, we're doing initials here.
Let's back up.
Indianapolis is where ournational headquarters are.
Yes, cprs are Consolidated PostReports.
Department Adjutant Deborah (19:53):
Yes , I'm sorry, yes, that is.
So.
It's not culinary resuscitation, it is Consolidated Post
Reports, and so I was lookingfor a way to get our posts
motivated as to, you know,completing their CPR,
(20:13):
consolidated Post reports andeverything.
And I found a great example inanother department, department
of oregon, the ways that theywere doing things, and so I
pulled from a little bit of thatand then find another
department, come up with someways to make something.
Part of them but and thenbasically our own.
So, being being an adjutant, toanswer your question, yes,
(20:35):
there is a little bit of formaltraining, but it's always with
every job that you get.
You get in there and you learnand you grow from experience,
and you learn by coming up wayson your own or taking ideas from
someone else.
Jerry Allhands (20:49):
And you do that very well too.
Department Adjutant Debor (20:51):
Thank you, thank you very much.
Jerry Allhands (20:52):
Thank you.
We're talking, you know.
We're at our convention here inNatchez, Mississippi, and it's
so far today ending up the firstofficial day of the full day of
training or convention.
It's been an enjoyableexperience.
What has Natchez meant to youas the department agent, as far
as being able to put thisconvention on?
Department Adjutant Deborah (21:15):
The city of Natchez, the Natchez
Grand Hotel and then the NatchezConvention Center.
I'll go back to 2019.
My very first time ever comingto Natchez was at well, actually
was midwinter, so that wouldhave been in.
No, let's go back, it was July2019, very first time coming
(21:38):
here to Natchez and the hotelwe're set up in the hotel.
This is my very firstconvention and I'm trying to get
everything set up andeverything.
Then I look over.
The Natchez Hotel is great andthey gave us great meeting rooms
and everything.
But you want to grow and youwant to be bigger and everything
.
But you want to grow and youwant to be bigger and everything
(22:00):
.
And so being over there in thehotel when we wanted vendors and
when we had our members, it'slike small and compact and I
kept looking over here at theconvention center and thinking
that convention center is justsitting over there and there is
no parking over there and weshould be over there and
everything.
Not understanding the process,but later on, understanding the
(22:20):
process and God be with us Somebenefits came out of COVID.
Covid came and we were able tobecause of the law that went
into effect or the bill thathelped restaurants and other
stores and the convention center.
If they were losing customersand everything, they could rent
(22:41):
the building out and that fundwould reimburse them.
So that year we didn't have ourwinter in February because of
the weather, we changed it toMarch, and so March of 2020, we
came over to the convention and,lo and behold, everybody fell
in love with this conventioncenter, which is undergoing a
(23:02):
remodel after 25 years, andwe're over here this weekend at
the convention center, throughthe ability to rent it at a
great price from Mr, a greatprize from Mr Aaron excuse me
(23:22):
Walter Tipton, and then hisstaff members.
They have gone above and beyondhelping us to set up, asking us
if we need anything within ourconference, making everything
better for our conference.
Last year, because of theconvention center being able to
have it, we had our very firstVeterans Expo.
Because of the conventioncenter being able to have it, we
had our very first veteransexpo.
When you go to the national,you see all the different
(23:43):
departments coming together andthen you see this huge room of
vendors and everything.
So we're not on the scale ofnational and everything.
Yeah, but yes, yeah, but we'regrowing, but because of the
convention center allowing us tobe over here and everything
we're able to.
(24:03):
Last year, we held our veryfirst Veterans Expo.
It was a huge success.
And then this year we're backwith our Veterans Expo being a
huge success, and so we've beenable to give our members the
ability to come meet, have greatmeeting times, have a great
(24:24):
general session and then be ableto be able to come out in
between breaks and go in andtalk to these vendors that are
giving us the resources that weourselves may need or we know
somebody that needs something orour family needs.
The one great disappointment isfor a veteran to call you and
(24:45):
ask you for help and you don'tknow where to go to, and that's
what being at an expo does.
It gives you those resourcesthat you may not be able to help
your members because they don'tneed to help, but a random call
where a veteran is needing helpand everything you can say.
Well, I met this organizationat our Veterans Expo and this
(25:07):
organization can help you.
Now here's the information forit.
Jerry Allhands (25:11):
And you will hear from many of these vendors
in today's podcast.
They've been very gracious togive me interviews and they'll
be heard throughout this podcastand in future podcasts as well.
Again, people here in Natchezhave been so great to us.
We really appreciate them andthank them so much, and I asked
(25:31):
you for 10 minutes.
You've given me 16.
Oh look at this, I do want tosit down with you at a future
date and talk more about theAmerican Legion and what you
know the department does andwhat you do as well.
If somebody wanted to join theAmerican Legion in their, in the
state area, how would theyreach you to to join the Legion?
Department Adjutant Debora (25:51):
Okay , you can reach me.
Our state office is located at120 North State Street in
Jackson Mississippi.
Our state office is located at120 North State Street in
Jackson Mississippi.
My telephone contact number,commercial, is 601-352-4986.
Jerry Allhands (26:04):
Okay, now wait, wait, wait, because I'm old and
I'm slow.
Department Adjutant Debora (26:09):
Give me that phone number again
601-352-4986, commercial ormobile mobile 601-497-5079.
You can reach me at any number.
If I fail to answer, leave avoice message and say tell me
(26:30):
who your name is and go aheadand tell me what you're seeking
the information, or if you'rehaving a problem, go ahead and
leave that on the voicemail.
Therefore, when I call you back, hopefully I've researched it
and I can have an answer for you.
Jerry Allhands (26:44):
Great and that building address again is.
Department Adjutant Debora (26:47):
It's 120 North State Street, jackson
, mississippi.
That's the old War Memorialbuilding.
We're right next to the oldCapitol on North Street.
The building is very historical.
If you drive by it you don'tsee the address or anything.
You're going to see soldiersout front and you're going to
(27:07):
see these beautiful columns.
That building is an absolutelygorgeous historical building but
it is locked because ofsecurity purposes and everything
.
But when you walk up to it, ifyou haven't called prior,
there's a list of numbers ofdifferent organizations just
located on the door.
You just call one of thosenumbers and hopefully that
person is in or somebody elsewill answer and they'll let you
(27:30):
in the building.
In that building we have theAmerican Legion, the Veterans of
Foreign War.
We have the DAV, which is theDisabled American Veterans.
We have the NAGIS, which is theNational Guard Association.
We have Veterans Affairs Office.
They're all located within thatbuilding.
So a veteran that's needinghelp, you can go one location
(27:53):
and you can find it in thatbuilding.
Jerry Allhands (27:54):
One-stop shopping.
I love it yes.
Deborah, thank you so much foryour time today.
I appreciate you so much.
Department Adjutant Debo (27:59):
You're so welcome.
Jerry Allhands (28:02):
Be sure to join me next week for more from the
American Legion Department ofMississippi Convention right
here in Natchez, mississippi.
And don't forget to hit thefollow button to subscribe to
this podcast and drop us a textmessage.
And, if possible, pleaseconsider supporting this show.
All the buttons are right hereon our page, so don't forget to
(28:23):
subscribe, sponsor and leave atext message.
Hey, we'll see you next time.
On the Veterans Sound OffPodcast, a production of All
Hands Media LLC, with offices inRinalar Mississippi.
All rights reserved.
This is the Veterans Sound Off Podcast.
Hard work, work, let's get itgoing.
Let's go, hard work, work.
I'm your host, jerry Allhands,a veteran of the US Air Force
and US Army.
I'm a past Department ofMississippi Commander of the
American Legion and apaid-up-for-life member of the
VFW.
Each week, I invite you to joinme as we visit with members of
(00:21):
our veteran families and othergroups and organizations that
support military veterans.
This week, I attended theAmerican Legion Department of
Mississippi's annual convention,held in historic Natchez
Mississippi.
It was in the NatchezConvention Center, where the
coffee was always hot and thepeople were great.
Hey, speaking of coffee, thisseries is made possible by the
(00:42):
generous gifts and sponsorshipsof people just like you.
If you'd like to sponsor an adin this series, please call
662-902-6658.
Or you can become a sponsorsimply by clicking on the
Sponsor the Show button and youcan make a donation on our page
where it says Sponsor the Show.
Hey, we really appreciate yourhelp in making this program
(01:05):
possible.
We're at the Department ofMississippi American Legion
Convention in NatchezMississippi where, in just a few
moments, we will have a newcommander for the state of
Mississippi for the AmericanLegion.
I'm sitting across from MarkHarrington, who is from
Hattiesburg, mississippi.
Mark, I don't want to stealyour thunder.
Tell us a little bit about yourmilitary background and how you
(01:28):
got into the American Legion.
Department Commander Mark H (01:30):
Hey , jerry, thank you for inviting
me.
Yeah, I started about I guess16 years ago.
I got back from Iraq and my sonwas in baseball and starting
young eighth and ninth grade.
So that's kind of attracted meinto the Legion was the baseball
program.
And then when we started ourown team in Hattiesburg in 2006,
2007, it just took off and wehad a, you know, a Legion team
(01:56):
since.
So that's how I got startedwith the Legion.
And then when I joined the post, they was offering a
sponsorship and I startedsponsoring our two teams.
So they asked me to join theboard.
All right, my first year out,sergeant Arn just worked my way
up through the chairs to vicecommander and then been the post
commander the last 15 years, 16years at post, 24.
(02:17):
And so now I've been.
I held the southern areacommander for the last two years
and now I'm looking forward tohaving a great year as a
commander of the Department ofMississippi.
Jerry Allhands (02:29):
And I know that you've done all of the training.
That is not required to becomeDepartment Commander, but you've
attended the basic trainingcourse for the American Legion.
Department Commander Mark He (02:39):
In 22.
Jerry Allhands (02:40):
22, and then on to the National American Legion
College.
Department Commander Mark (02:43):
Yeah , I did and American Legion
College in 22, and then that wasreally a good experience.
Anybody has the opportunity todo that.
They need to try to do thatbecause a lot of knowledge there
and of course, when you're acommander you have a lot of
scenarios you know doingresolutions and scenarios of how
to run a post and stuff likethat.
(03:04):
It really kind of gets you themindset how to do that, how you
do your job.
Jerry Allhands (03:11):
What are your plans for the next year?
Department Commander Mark He (03:12):
My plans is membership.
Everybody talks aboutmembership and we're really good
, even in the Sons program.
I'm the NEC for those, thealternate NEC with the Sons, and
we were over 100%, and sothat's really good.
Now, legion side, we're reallystrong in the numbers, but I
think we could be better atrecruiting.
Get our committees, get all ofour committees, you know people
(03:38):
get out and help the Legion grow, and basically that's what
we're looking forward to thisnext coming year.
Jerry Allhands (03:45):
Okay, any goals that you've set for yourself for
this year outside of membership.
Department Commander Mark He (03:52):
Oh , goals, I'm going to be
traveling.
I know, jerry, you're a pastcommander and I'm going to try
to outdo you.
It's hard to travel to everpost, but you know we have,
since I've been in the southernarea, covered the largest with
2,000 members then 7th and 8th.
Now I'm going to have to, youknow, maybe go to Horn Lake and
(04:14):
those places in Corinth.
Jerry Allhands (04:15):
Oh yeah, we're going to bring you up north, and
Clark, that's right.
Department Commander Mark He (04:17):
So I'm going to travel in a little
bit and my goal is try to seeas many people as I can and
visit a lot of posts.
Jerry Allhands (04:28):
And if they need anything, they can give me a
call and I'll be glad to helpthem.
Well, you know, the one thingthat I've learned over the many
years being in the Legion and inthe military is the importance
of my spouse.
Department Commander Mark (04:37):
Who's your spouse?
My wife's, faith Harrington.
We've been married almost 40years.
If I had to say that, but yeah,we've been married almost 40
years.
I've had to say that, but yeah,we've been married a long time
and she's an auxiliary in a unitof 24.
She's really just our support.
I mean, she does everything forour unit, for our posts, for
our veterans.
When we put out over 2,000flags, she's out there putting
(05:01):
flags out.
You know going to the VA home,helping them.
You know visiting at the VAhome and so, yeah, that's a big
part is you know how that is Ourspouse is helping us get
through, maybe get through thisyear and looking forward to a
great year.
Jerry Allhands (05:17):
Anything you would like to say to her before
we wrap up?
Department Commander Mark (05:20):
Yeah , faith is my best thing that
ever happened.
We have two kids my daughterand her son and John Mark Jr,
and he's around 30, and he's gottwo kids and they've got a
total of six grandchildren.
Curtis Oliver (05:35):
But yeah.
Department Commander Mark Her (05:36):
I appreciate what she does and I
thank you.
Jerry Allhands (05:41):
You mentioned your son by name.
What's your daughter's name?
Department Commander Mark He (05:43):
My daughter's Gabrielle, we call
her gabby.
She's uh married and got uhfour kids and um two boys and
two girls and and so they likecoming to the farm, you know,
and uh hang out and with thegoats and the chickens and all
that good stuff.
Jerry Allhands (05:58):
So good, good, good, grandpa time.
I like it mark, thank you somuch, we look forward to it and
you're going to visit with usmany times over the next year,
and congratulations, yes, sir.
And the best wishes for a verysuccessful year.
Department Commander (06:09):
Appreciate you, jerry, anytime.
Thank you.
Jerry Allhands (06:11):
Thank you, Mike.
Be The One (06:13):
Be, willing to show up for your veteran, your
friend, your loved one.
Be willing to trust your gut,follow your heart, take a risk.
Be the one willing to ask, toguess wrong, to even offend
another, to keep them safe, toremind them that they are
valuable.
Wreaths Across America (06:39):
If you know a veteran, be the one to
reach out and make them a partof your life.
You can join in the mission toremember our fallen heroes,
honor those who currently serveand their families, and teach
younger generations about thevalue of freedom.
A $17 donation to WreathsAcross America sponsors a fresh
balsam remembrance wreath.
These wreaths have become asymbol of America's respect for
those who have served and nolonger walk with us.
(07:01):
Sponsor a wreath today.
Visit wreathsacrossamericaorgor call 877-385-9504.
Jerry Allhands (07:12):
And now back to our visit with the Department of
Mississippi's American LegionConvention in Natchez
Mississippi.
Still at the American LegionConvention in Natchez
Mississippi, and I have the veryspecial, distinct honor to
speak with our departmentadjutant, deborah Fielder, who
has been patted and talked aboutand praised so much today by
(07:32):
the vendors here in the building.
Are you for real?
I am for real.
I am for real.
How did you hear about us?
Well, this lady down at thisblue ribbon or this yellow
ribbon or this other, yes, ma'am, you you are.
Everybody in here knows you.
They may not get your nameright, but they know you and
what you're doing.
Okay, we're at the americanlegion department of mississippi
(07:54):
convention in natchez,mississippi.
Uh, today I am meeting with arepresentative from the
mississippi va, mr curtis.
Oliver.
Sir, welcome and appreciate youbeing here today thank you j.
Jerry, how did you find outabout the event here today?
Curtis Oliver (08:08):
Man, you guys got one of the most tenacious
recruiters outreach members onhand Debbie Deborah Fielder.
Deborah Fielder, yes, we met afew years ago and we were
talking about this, and so fromthat point to this point, she's
(08:29):
been inviting us out to come.
Kevin & Cindy Wittenberg (08:31):
I'm Kevin Wittenberg.
I'm a veteran volunteer withSoldiers Freedom Outdoors.
American Legion (08:36):
Yes, I'm Cindy Wittenberg.
Our organization is SoldiersFreedom Outdoors and I've been
volunteering with them for aboutsix years.
Jerry Allhands (08:43):
How did you become aware of our convention
here today?
Kevin & Cindy Wittenberg (08:46):
So we actually were talking at a
Yellow Ribbon event, if Iremember correctly, and one of
the ladies that spoke out, MissDebbie, I think it was- Deborah
Shilder.
Deborah correct Anyway so wewere at one of those and we were
asked to come out and speak,and so that's we're like gladly,
because we're trying to get ourinformation out there.
Ramona Williams (09:08):
I am Ramona Williams.
I'm an employee of MississippiDepartment of Human Services,
Aging and Adult Service Division.
I am the legal assistancedeveloper licensed attorney, and
our quest is to make certainthat all Mississippians age 60
years of age and older receiveany legal assistance that they
(09:28):
may need as residents of thestate of Mississippi.
How did you become?
Jerry Allhands (09:32):
aware of our convention here in Natchez.
Ramona Williams (09:35):
The adjutant, Ms Deborah Fields, invited us
down.
I saw that as an opportunity toprovide information about the
many services that we provide inour aging and adult service
division.
Jerry Allhands (09:48):
Deborah Fielder is our department adjutant.
She has been with us for fiveyears now.
Since 2019 as the adjutant, butI have been a member since 2002
.
Okay, I know that you are aveteran.
Can you tell us which branch ofthe service?
Department Adjutant Deborah (10:06):
Yes , I can.
I am a 41-year veteran of theUnited States Air Force via the
full-time Air National Guard 41years 41 years.
Jerry Allhands (10:17):
Now look, you know that we're not on camera,
so how do you expect me to tellpeople how gorgeous and
young-looking you are and tellme that you've been in the
military for 41?
Department Adjutant Debor (10:26):
years .
Okay, I'll give you that dollarlater, but I um joined when I
was 17 while I was still in highschool and I joined the air
national guard.
I stated and went to basictraining, went to uh, all of
this with the training, with thetech school, and came back and
was in college and everythingand needed to further my
(10:47):
education.
But college was expensive.
So I got a job full-time at theAir Guard and once I did that I
earned my degree.
But it was through the UnitedStates Air Force College.
So I got a degree that way andstill had a full-time job.
The excuse me, United StatesAir Force College.
Jerry Allhands (11:05):
Okay.
Department Adjutant Deborah (11:05):
So I got a degree that way and
still had a full-time job, andso I retired.
I loved the full-time job.
Jerry Allhands (11:13):
What was your first job in the Air Force?
Department Adjutant Deborah (11:15):
The very first job in the Air Force
and we can go back.
The Air Force has changed theway they code things.
The very first job was a 293,which was administration, and
since then they've changed itnumerous times, but it was
administration.
Jerry Allhands (11:31):
I don't even keep up with the numbers anymore
.
I was a security police8-1-1-5-0 or 3-0 way back.
You know, it's like every fewmonths, they were changing
something like our uniforms, youknow, yeah, yeah.
Department Adjutant Deborah (11:41):
But look, I can still with the,
with the numbers.
It's.
It's amazing what you canremember because you know the
air force regulations changethroughout the years, but 35-10
will always be dress andappearance is it?
Jerry Allhands (11:55):
still no it's my heart is yeah, mine too you
know, in my eyes, the haircut,the beard, and you know, air
force security police, we werealways.
You had to, you had to set thestandards.
Department Adjutant Deborah (12:04):
And boy, I tell you, yeah, that's
true, Of course I was40-something years ago.
Yeah, yeah, but you know,they've changed dressing,
appearance and Some of thethings, and we have to always be
subject to change, but some ofthe things that they've changed,
I'm thinking that doesn'tremind me of the Air Force.
That doesn't look like AirForce.
Jerry Allhands (12:23):
No, no, not even I miss the black leather boots.
With the polish, you know, getall your stress out polishing
that boot.
I need a camera right herewhere people see me rubbing the
boot in my hand you know it'slike oh man.
Department Adjutant Deborah (12:39):
How long have you been in the
American Legion?
Since 2002.
Jerry Allhands (12:40):
Since 2002,.
Okay, and where did you firstjoin the Legion?
Department Adjutant Deborah F (12:46):
I want to tell you the truth,
okay, okay.
Jerry Allhands (12:48):
I'll tell you the truth.
Department Adjutant Deborah (12:49):
The truth is, I do not know and I
have paid membershipcontinuously I'm thinking that I
had gone to.
I went to Shepherd Air ForceBase back in 2002, and I was
working not working but fortraining and I think, somehow or
another I joined at that timeand the person that I thought
(13:10):
asked me to join years later asa matter of fact, it's about
five years ago, because I'mthinking all the way from 2002,
and I'll go ahead and tell youthat I thought Angie had
actually signed me up, but then,when I was looking at the
records, I was in the AmericanLegion four years before Angie.
And so I'm thinking I don'teven remember who asked me to
join the American Legion, but Ifaithfully paid my dues every
(13:32):
year since 2002.
But today I have no idea whosigned me up since 2002, but
today I have no idea who signedme up.
But looking at my records, thepaperwork that they used to show
that I was a veteran is when Iwent to a blue flag exercise,
and that was back in 2002.
And so in between the blue flagexercise or maybe
what's-his-all, falls somewherein there somebody asked me to
(13:56):
join and I joined.
Jerry Allhands (13:57):
So this is Angie .
This is Angie Bowman.
Angie Bowman, right, our fourDuncan now.
Department Adjutant Deborah (14:03):
But yeah, I said I told her
sometime last year is when Idiscovered it.
I said, angie, I thought allthese years that you signed me
up for the American Legion, butI've been in four years longer
than you have, so you didn'tsign me up.
So it's a mystery.
Somebody signed me up and ifyou're listening and you sign me
up, call me, let me know.
Jerry Allhands (14:22):
Take credit, take credit where it's due, for
sure.
Hey, you know it's been apleasure working with you over
the last.
What five, ten years that youand I have had an experience
together?
It has been ten years, but okay, we'll take it Five, ten years.
You know, whatever Sure feelslike it some days, I tell you.
Department Adjutant Deborah F (14:40):
I know you're like a hammer.
It has been ten years.
Jerry Allhands (14:45):
But you know, honestly, though, I was so
relieved when you became ourdepartment adjutant.
For those who don't know what adepartment adjutant does in the
American Legion, share with usa little bit about what your
responsibilities are, what yourduties are as the department
adjutant.
Department Adjutant Debora (15:00):
Okay , as the department adjutant,
I'm basically a Jane of alltrades and everything, because
it involves the administrative,the financial customer service
above and beyond.
Sometimes you have to be I'mtrying to think of the word just
(15:21):
compassionate, because you'reanswering the phone and in my
position we only have onefull-time person, which is me.
I do have help occasionallywith other individuals, which is
Angie, and then my daughter,Jessica, and then everybody else
throughout the American Legion,but I'm the only four-time
person.
So when that phone rings, theAmerican Legion is getting a
(15:42):
call and they're calling andthey may not.
The questions that they'reasking, the help that they want,
it's maybe not something thatthe American Legion can even
fill, but you don't ever want toleave a veteran with the
service or answer saying that Idon't know, that's not my job,
that doesn't have anything to dowith American Legion.
(16:03):
So we're trying to answer allthe questions of trying to find
the resources that are availableto help those individuals that
call and everything.
And so that's just the way, howcompassionate I feel about this
job and everything.
And I truly love this job.
You know, like I could beretired and at home doing
everything else, but it's likebeing in the military.
(16:27):
Once you get out and I toldthis to various individuals kind
of a little bit of downgrade,because you stay in for so long
and somebody has told you whento get up, when to be at work,
when, when you're supposed totake this shot, when you're
supposed to take this physical.
Somebody has always told youwhat to do and everything, and
(16:50):
then when you retire, it's likeI'm lost.
I don't know but you, you, youmiss, you miss the people and
you miss the job and everything.
But you're retired, you can'tgo back to that job and
everything.
So you find something elsethat's going to keep you close
to the military, to the veteran,and that's the American Legion.
American Legion (17:11):
You know, when you get out and you're a
civilian now and you're kind oflike not really knowing where to
go, the Legion was like mypeople.
I used to work for thecommander that's here, the
secretary that's here.
I used to work for them.
So when I got out it just kindof felt like home again.
The tight-knit community thatthey actually have is what
surprised me.
It's nice to be a part of that.
Usually when you think of club,you just think of I'm just
(17:33):
going to go here for cheap orsomething.
But they said they actuallycare about who you are, what you
do and what your everyday is.
Jerry Allhands (17:39):
For more information on joining the
American Legion, go to legionorgforward slash, join or call
601-352-4986.
Again, that's 601-352-4986.
There's a lot of structure inthe military life that we don't
(18:02):
have in civilian world.
Department Adjutant Debo (18:03):
That's true.
Jerry Allhands (18:04):
A lot of expectations.
I like that.
For the department adjutant'sposition, is there any kind of
formalized training that you getfrom the national organization?
Department Adjutant Debor (18:14):
There is formalized training, but
with everything there'sformalized training.
But the American Legion is madeup of 55 different departments.
You have the formalizedtraining.
They give you the basics on howto do this and how to do that.
But you're going to have to goin there and you're going to
have to, just like witheverything else, use job
experience and come up with waysof doing things on your own
(18:42):
experience and come up with waysof doing things on your own.
Make the final answer to be thecorrect procedure or whatever,
or the final answer to be, youknow, getting the person in or
getting that particularsituation solved.
But there is no book that saysyou're going to have to do this
and you're going to have to dothat because everybody does it
differently.
When I took over this job restis so Mr Johnny Bracey had been
(19:03):
in it for 21 years and I keptsaying I'm not going to stay in
for 21 years.
I may do five, and since thenfive has gone past, but it's
because I love being in theposition.
So I'm staying in the positionand I'm going to stay as long as
possible.
But you know, once a year we goto Indianapolis and we get some
, some training and it's likebackup procedures and we're
(19:28):
having zoom meetings where we'retalking with other adjutants
trying to find out ways thatthere maybe another department
is doing something that you needhelp with and you find that
their procedure.
Or you got booklets andeverything, and I take, for
example, in reference to theCPRs and everything.
Jerry Allhands (19:46):
No, no, no, we're doing initials here.
Let's back up.
Indianapolis is where ournational headquarters are.
Yes, cprs are Consolidated PostReports.
Department Adjutant Deborah (19:53):
Yes , I'm sorry, yes, that is.
So.
It's not culinary resuscitation, it is Consolidated Post
Reports, and so I was lookingfor a way to get our posts
motivated as to, you know,completing their CPR,
(20:13):
consolidated Post reports andeverything.
And I found a great example inanother department, department
of oregon, the ways that theywere doing things, and so I
pulled from a little bit of thatand then find another
department, come up with someways to make something.
Part of them but and thenbasically our own.
So, being being an adjutant, toanswer your question, yes,
(20:35):
there is a little bit of formaltraining, but it's always with
every job that you get.
You get in there and you learnand you grow from experience,
and you learn by coming up wayson your own or taking ideas from
someone else.
Jerry Allhands (20:49):
And you do that very well too.
Department Adjutant Debor (20:51):
Thank you, thank you very much.
Jerry Allhands (20:52):
Thank you.
We're talking, you know.
We're at our convention here inNatchez, Mississippi, and it's
so far today ending up the firstofficial day of the full day of
training or convention.
It's been an enjoyableexperience.
What has Natchez meant to youas the department agent, as far
as being able to put thisconvention on?
Department Adjutant Deborah (21:15):
The city of Natchez, the Natchez
Grand Hotel and then the NatchezConvention Center.
I'll go back to 2019.
My very first time ever comingto Natchez was at well, actually
was midwinter, so that wouldhave been in.
No, let's go back, it was July2019, very first time coming
(21:38):
here to Natchez and the hotelwe're set up in the hotel.
This is my very firstconvention and I'm trying to get
everything set up andeverything.
Then I look over.
The Natchez Hotel is great andthey gave us great meeting rooms
and everything.
But you want to grow and youwant to be bigger and everything
.
But you want to grow and youwant to be bigger and everything
(22:00):
.
And so being over there in thehotel when we wanted vendors and
when we had our members, it'slike small and compact and I
kept looking over here at theconvention center and thinking
that convention center is justsitting over there and there is
no parking over there and weshould be over there and
everything.
Not understanding the process,but later on, understanding the
(22:20):
process and God be with us Somebenefits came out of COVID.
Covid came and we were able tobecause of the law that went
into effect or the bill thathelped restaurants and other
stores and the convention center.
If they were losing customersand everything, they could rent
(22:41):
the building out and that fundwould reimburse them.
So that year we didn't have ourwinter in February because of
the weather, we changed it toMarch, and so March of 2020, we
came over to the convention and,lo and behold, everybody fell
in love with this conventioncenter, which is undergoing a
(23:02):
remodel after 25 years, andwe're over here this weekend at
the convention center, throughthe ability to rent it at a
great price from Mr, a greatprize from Mr Aaron excuse me
(23:22):
Walter Tipton, and then hisstaff members.
They have gone above and beyondhelping us to set up, asking us
if we need anything within ourconference, making everything
better for our conference.
Last year, because of theconvention center being able to
have it, we had our very firstVeterans Expo.
Because of the conventioncenter being able to have it, we
had our very first veteransexpo.
When you go to the national,you see all the different
(23:43):
departments coming together andthen you see this huge room of
vendors and everything.
So we're not on the scale ofnational and everything.
Yeah, but yes, yeah, but we'regrowing, but because of the
convention center allowing us tobe over here and everything
we're able to.
(24:03):
Last year, we held our veryfirst Veterans Expo.
It was a huge success.
And then this year we're backwith our Veterans Expo being a
huge success, and so we've beenable to give our members the
ability to come meet, have greatmeeting times, have a great
(24:24):
general session and then be ableto be able to come out in
between breaks and go in andtalk to these vendors that are
giving us the resources that weourselves may need or we know
somebody that needs something orour family needs.
The one great disappointment isfor a veteran to call you and
(24:45):
ask you for help and you don'tknow where to go to, and that's
what being at an expo does.
It gives you those resourcesthat you may not be able to help
your members because they don'tneed to help, but a random call
where a veteran is needing helpand everything you can say.
Well, I met this organizationat our Veterans Expo and this
(25:07):
organization can help you.
Now here's the information forit.
Jerry Allhands (25:11):
And you will hear from many of these vendors
in today's podcast.
They've been very gracious togive me interviews and they'll
be heard throughout this podcastand in future podcasts as well.
Again, people here in Natchezhave been so great to us.
We really appreciate them andthank them so much, and I asked
(25:31):
you for 10 minutes.
You've given me 16.
Oh look at this, I do want tosit down with you at a future
date and talk more about theAmerican Legion and what you
know the department does andwhat you do as well.
If somebody wanted to join theAmerican Legion in their, in the
state area, how would theyreach you to to join the Legion?
Department Adjutant Debora (25:51):
Okay , you can reach me.
Our state office is located at120 North State Street in
Jackson Mississippi.
Our state office is located at120 North State Street in
Jackson Mississippi.
My telephone contact number,commercial, is 601-352-4986.
Jerry Allhands (26:04):
Okay, now wait, wait, wait, because I'm old and
I'm slow.
Department Adjutant Debora (26:09):
Give me that phone number again
601-352-4986, commercial ormobile mobile 601-497-5079.
You can reach me at any number.
If I fail to answer, leave avoice message and say tell me
(26:30):
who your name is and go aheadand tell me what you're seeking
the information, or if you'rehaving a problem, go ahead and
leave that on the voicemail.
Therefore, when I call you back, hopefully I've researched it
and I can have an answer for you.
Jerry Allhands (26:44):
Great and that building address again is.
Department Adjutant Debora (26:47):
It's 120 North State Street, jackson
, mississippi.
That's the old War Memorialbuilding.
We're right next to the oldCapitol on North Street.
The building is very historical.
If you drive by it you don'tsee the address or anything.
You're going to see soldiersout front and you're going to
(27:07):
see these beautiful columns.
That building is an absolutelygorgeous historical building but
it is locked because ofsecurity purposes and everything
.
But when you walk up to it, ifyou haven't called prior,
there's a list of numbers ofdifferent organizations just
located on the door.
You just call one of thosenumbers and hopefully that
person is in or somebody elsewill answer and they'll let you
(27:30):
in the building.
In that building we have theAmerican Legion, the Veterans of
Foreign War.
We have the DAV, which is theDisabled American Veterans.
We have the NAGIS, which is theNational Guard Association.
We have Veterans Affairs Office.
They're all located within thatbuilding.
So a veteran that's needinghelp, you can go one location
(27:53):
and you can find it in thatbuilding.
Jerry Allhands (27:54):
One-stop shopping.
I love it yes.
Deborah, thank you so much foryour time today.
I appreciate you so much.
Department Adjutant Debo (27:59):
You're so welcome.
Jerry Allhands (28:02):
Be sure to join me next week for more from the
American Legion Department ofMississippi Convention right
here in Natchez, mississippi.
And don't forget to hit thefollow button to subscribe to
this podcast and drop us a textmessage.
And, if possible, pleaseconsider supporting this show.
All the buttons are right hereon our page, so don't forget to
(28:23):
subscribe, sponsor and leave atext message.
Hey, we'll see you next time.
On the Veterans Sound OffPodcast, a production of All
Hands Media LLC, with offices inRinalar Mississippi.
All rights reserved.
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