March 12, 2025 • 36 mins
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Episode Transcript
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Jerry Allhands (00:00):
This is the Veterans Sound Off Podcast.
Hard work, work let's get itgoing, let's go.
I'm your host, jerry Allhands,a veteran of the US Air Force
and Army and a Mississippi PassDepartment Commander of the
American Legion.
You're invited to join me as wetravel across the state of
Mississippi, visiting theAmerican Legion posts in each
(00:20):
community.
Together we'll get to know theAmerican Legion family,
including the American LegionAuxiliary, the Sons of the
American Legion and the LegionRiders.
As we travel the state we'llvisit with other groups and
organizations that are servingAmerica's veterans and their
families.
Today we return to Carnath andUnit 6 of the Perry A Johns
American Legion Auxiliary, wherewe sit down with Cindy Rhodes,
(00:42):
the Unit 6 President and PatMcGarver, the Unit 6 Treasurer
and keeping us all.
Wreaths Across America (00:55):
In line is Unit 6 Chaplain Tina.
Jerry Allhands (00:56):
Bugg and good morning.
We are back in the great stateof Mississippi.
I'm not even going to try tosay the name of the city, I'm
going to leave that up to y'allbecause everybody wants to say
it differently.
And we'll start from my left tomy right and ask you to please
introduce yourself and yourposition with the auxiliary.
Cindy Rhodes (01:17):
My name is Cindy Rhodes and I'm the president of
Unit 6.
Tina Bugg (01:19):
I'm Pam McCarver, I'm the treasurer of Unit 6.
Jerry Allhands (01:21):
Tina Bugg serve as chaplain, and what post or
unit and where, and give me theaddress please.
Pam McCarver (01:26):
Okay, we're Unit 6 , and we're 511 Tate Street in
Corinth Mississippi.
Jerry Allhands (01:34):
And the zip code 388-34.
And when do you all?
Cindy Rhodes (01:38):
meet.
We meet on Thursday, the secondThursday of the month, right
after the family meeting.
What time?
The family meeting's at 6.
Typically we have a meal andthen, after family time, it's
probably around 7 that theauxiliary breaks out and has
their own meeting.
Jerry Allhands (01:57):
Cindy, if you would, please tell me what makes
you eligible for the AmericanLegion Auxiliary.
Pam McCarver (02:02):
My husband is a Marine Corps veteran.
He's retired and I have a sonin the Navy who is active duty
right now.
Jerry Allhands (02:11):
How long have you been in the Auxiliary?
Pam McCarver (02:14):
Five years.
Jerry Allhands (02:15):
Pam, what makes you eligible to be in the
Auxiliary?
Cindy Rhodes (02:19):
My father served in Korea in the Army and my son
is a Marine my son's out of theMarines, but he served for five
years recently.
Jerry Allhands (02:29):
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Right, there you go.
And, tina, what makes youeligible to be in the Auxiliary?
Tina Bugg (02:35):
Honored to say my dad , ralph Hurley.
He was in the Air Force, servedover in Germany during his time
, so I participate in his honorand his memory.
Jerry Allhands (02:46):
Tina, if you would open us with prayer.
Tina Bugg (02:48):
Let us pray, dear Gracious Heavenly Father, we
just thank you for thisopportunity to come together and
, as we mentioned, we are afamily, dear God, and we just
thank you for giving us thisopportunity today and for the
opportunities for us to serveour veterans and to keep our
flag, you as our God and ourcountry, for most and most in
our heart, as we serve ourveterans every day.
(03:10):
Amen, amen.
Jerry Allhands (03:12):
Cindy, tell me a little bit about Unit 6 of the
American Legion, auxiliary.
When were you all founded, doyou know?
Pam McCarver (03:19):
1926 we were founded.
Jerry Allhands (03:22):
Have you all been in the same post, the same
building, the whole time, orhave you had a post before this?
Pam McCarver (03:28):
We've been here.
I believe right.
Yes, been here.
Jerry Allhands (03:32):
What does it mean to be in the American
Legion Auxiliary?
Pam McCarver (03:36):
Well, I love that.
We help the veterans and we'rejust a family.
We're all together, we dothings just a family.
We're all together, we dothings as a family.
We just go out and help ourveterans as much as we can and
try to raise funds for them ifthey need it or things like that
(03:58):
.
Jerry Allhands (03:59):
Pam, for you, what does it mean to be in the
auxiliary?
Cindy Rhodes (04:03):
For me, it's honoring our veterans and their
service and supporting them longafter they've served.
Jerry Allhands (04:10):
Tina, for you, what does it mean to be in the
auxiliary?
Tina Bugg (04:12):
To show that honor and respect and also teach it to
our younger generation.
We just need to make sure thatthey realize the service that
the men and women have given,and especially to those that
we've lost, that their life wasan act of service and a
sacrifice that only you can give.
Jerry Allhands (04:30):
Cindy, what's the biggest thing that you can
remember from this past yearthat your Unit 6 has done in the
local community?
Pam McCarver (04:38):
We had a festival, a veterans festival, in
November and at first it was, Ibelieve, raining that day,
wasn't it and we were afraid wewouldn't have a big turnout, but
we had a pretty good crowd andwe had a meal afterwards and we
taught about the different erasof the military, of the wars and
(05:05):
things like that.
They brought their memorabiliahowever you say that and brought
it in and shared it with thepublic and it was open to the
public.
So I thought that was reallynice.
Jerry Allhands (05:19):
How long did the event last?
Pam McCarver (05:21):
I think we started at 9 and maybe 2 o'clock it was
done.
Jerry Allhands (05:28):
Pam, if there was something that y'all as a
unit do in the community on anongoing event, what would you
say it is?
Cindy Rhodes (05:41):
The most prominent thing that we do annually is
Wreaths Across America, where wesponsor and sell wreaths to
place at our national cemeteryhere in Corinth.
Jerry Allhands (05:53):
Is that a national event or a local event?
Cindy Rhodes (05:55):
It's a national event.
Jerry Allhands (05:56):
What is Wreaths Across America?
Cindy Rhodes (05:59):
I don't know exactly when it started, but
it's been.
It's been around for severalyears.
Carlene parker, our first vicepresident, has been um our
leader in terms of northernmississippi and uh, selling the
wreaths.
Um, the wreaths are made inmaine, I believe, um in Maine,
(06:24):
and they're shipped all acrossthe nation and we sell as a unit
.
We also encourage other unitsin the auxiliary to sell and
sell through us and then, onthis, usually it's the second or
third week in December we meetat the National Cemetery, we do
(06:47):
a ceremony and then both thecommunity, the Legion, boy
Scouts, anything comes out andhelps us lay all the wreaths at
the graves of all servicemembers.
Jerry Allhands (06:58):
When do you start selling the wreaths?
Cindy Rhodes (07:01):
Right now.
Jerry Allhands (07:02):
Right.
Cindy Rhodes (07:02):
We sell all year long.
All year long, okay, yes thewreaths, or Right now?
Jerry Allhands (07:07):
Right, we sell all year long, all year long.
Cindy Rhodes (07:08):
Okay, yes, and your last opportunity to
purchase a wreath in time forit's usually the last week of
November, kind of as the cutofffor the ceremony in December.
Jerry Allhands (07:16):
And I did I understand you correctly?
The National Cemetery?
Yes, there's one nearby.
Cindy Rhodes (07:21):
Yes, here in Corinth Okay.
Jerry Allhands (07:24):
And if somebody wanted to reach out for this, to
purchase a wreath now, howwould they do that?
Cindy Rhodes (07:30):
They can contact Carlene Parker at our unit.
Jerry Allhands (07:33):
Okay, and are we going to share Carlene's phone
number?
Pam McCarver (07:38):
It's 662-415-6743.
Jerry Allhands (07:44):
And say it again 662-415-6743.
Pam McCarver (07:47):
And say it again 662-415-6743.
Jerry Allhands (07:50):
And that's Carlene Parker.
How much does a wreath cost?
Cindy Rhodes (07:54):
Wreaths are $17.
Jerry Allhands (07:56):
And can they purchase more than one?
Cindy Rhodes (07:58):
Absolutely.
You can purchase for somebodyin particular a grave-specific
wreath, for somebody inparticular a grave-specific
wreath, or you can purchase anddonate for other service members
that are buried in the.
Wreaths Across America (08:12):
National Cemetery Wreaths Across America
is an organization that is likeno other.
It almost touches every personin the United States at some
level.
The mission is to remember,honor and teach what we give our
kids, that we've learned fromthe past is what's going to help
them fall in the United Statesat some level.
The mission is to remember,honor and teach what we give our
kids that we've learned fromthe past is what's gonna help
them form the future.
Nora Moreland (08:30):
It's important to teach, not just the kids, but
everybody.
Wreaths Across America (08:34):
We need to share that freedom isn't free
Reeds Across America startedwhen my husband, who was in the
reeds business, had too manyreeds.
We had about a truckload leftover that year which is about
5,000.
I mean, we were trying to thinkof what we could do with them.
That would do maybe some goodto some people.
We thought about ArlingtonNational Cemetery.
(08:56):
He's very patriotic.
He just wanted to say thank you.
Out of respect for what we havein this country.
So it became a family tradition.
And it just struck a chord.
I guess it went around theworld.
Nora Moreland (09:10):
I remember when I started there's only a few
people and look at the turnout.
988 (09:15):
It's the heart of the volunteer that makes our mission
grow.
Wreaths Across America (09:17):
I like to say we have a heartbeat in
every community.
It grows because of thepatriotism that is still alive
and well all over the country.
Tina Bugg (09:27):
It grows because of the patriotism that is still
alive and well all over thecountry.
The Wreaths Across America,wreath laying is really, it's a
celebration of life.
That one wreath symbolizes onefamily, one family that was able
to smile because of thegenerous donations.
Wreaths Across America (09:37):
That's him right here, because everyone
has a story.
There's a story behind everyname that you see here.
Nora Moreland (09:47):
His name was Germany Vargas Isaac Thomas.
Cindy Rhodes (09:48):
Cortez Bryce Kenneth Bowers, my son, my older
brother, billy, was an E-9 inthe United States.
Tina Bugg (09:56):
Air Force.
Cindy Rhodes (09:56):
William Guy Neal.
Tina Bugg (09:58):
Just by saying their name, we're remembering them.
Cindy Rhodes (10:01):
We're remembering the sacrifice that they made for
this country.
Wreaths Across America (10:04):
January 18th 2005.
It's really important thatpeople understand that Wreaths
Across America is a year-roundmission.
My ultimate goal is to place awreath on every single American
veteran's grave, regardless ofwhere it is.
988 (10:21):
We're among so many heroes here today that have fought for
our freedom, there are Americansoldiers buried at over 24
different locations across theworld that may not have family
members that are able to visitthem.
Edward D Fogden.
Wreaths Across America (10:38):
You are sent over to save us and you die
in a place no one has everheard of, and that's your life.
988 (10:49):
It's our goal to one day be able to say we place to read
that every headstone of ourAmerican military members buried
overseas.
Wreaths Across America (10:59):
We have a saying here that you die twice
, first when you stop breathingand the second time saying here
that you die twice First whenyou stop breathing and the
second time when your name isspoken for the very last time,
the biggest fear Goldstrandfamilies have that their child
will be forgotten.
Nora Moreland (11:11):
A mother's love never dies.
It never dies.
Wreaths Across America (11:16):
Regina, we thank you for your service.
Nora Moreland (11:17):
It doesn't matter how they died, it just matters
that they fought for our freedom.
Jerry Allhands (11:22):
It just matters.
That they fought for ourfreedom Makes me feel extremely
proud.
Wreaths Across America (11:26):
Their character, their sacrifice is
not just our past, it's ourfuture and the foundation of
this country was built on thelives of those men and women
that we choose to honor.
Jerry Allhands (11:47):
And if somebody wanted to reach out to purchase
a wreath now, how would they dothat?
Cindy Rhodes (11:51):
They can contact Carlene Parker at our unit
662-415-6743.
Jerry Allhands (11:59):
And that's Carlene Parker.
Well, how much does a wreathcost?
Cindy Rhodes (12:03):
Wreaths are $17.
Jerry Allhands (12:05):
And can they purchase more than one?
Cindy Rhodes (12:14):
Absolutely.
You can purchase for somebodyin particular a grave-specific
wreath, or you can purchase anddonate for other service members
that are buried in the NationalCemetery.
Jerry Allhands (12:20):
In the future, in the near future, what do you
got coming up?
Tina Bugg (12:23):
The poppies that has been mentioned already Poppies
and pancakes.
In the near future.
What do you got coming up?
The poppies that has beenmentioned already Poppies and
pancakes.
April the 19th and we arejoining with the local teenagers
in the Alcorn County, givingthem an opportunity to actually
have a poppy poster in thiscontest.
So it's an opportunity to sharetheir artistic talents and also
(12:47):
come have breakfast.
Breakfast will be ten dollarsand it will actually be pancakes
with probably their choice ofbacon or sausage.
Jerry Allhands (12:55):
How are you getting the message out on that?
Tina Bugg (12:57):
Well, I've already contacted the schools in Kossuth
, corinth, ockron Central andBeggarsville as well.
I have flyers that are made.
The event will start at 9o'clock.
9 to 11 is the breakfast, andthen we're actually going to
have a little award ceremony at1130, excuse me, 1130, and then
(13:17):
picture taking at 12.
And then we'll conclude the daywith that.
Jerry Allhands (13:22):
Poppies and Pancakes.
You're raising funds for.
Tina Bugg (13:26):
For the American Legion Auxiliary and for our
Junior Legion projects.
Jerry Allhands (13:31):
And what are some of the projects?
Tina Bugg (13:33):
We actually post, we go to the green market and
various things as far as passingout poppies and collect
donations.
That way we have a newauxiliary junior program and so
we're trying to get more of theteenagers involved in that.
So it will give us funds to dovarious things and reach out and
(13:55):
they're actually participatingin the scrapbook.
So just kind of help them buildthe junior auxiliary.
Jerry Allhands (14:02):
Is that the American Legion auxiliary, the
junior auxiliary?
Tina Bugg (14:05):
Yes, sir.
Jerry Allhands (14:07):
How many members do you have in the junior
auxiliary?
Tina Bugg (14:09):
I believe we've got five right now.
Jerry Allhands (14:11):
We've got four or five youngsters All right and
what does it take to be ajunior auxiliary member?
Is there an age limit?
Is there an obligation?
Tina Bugg (14:19):
Well, I think the criteria would be the same as
adults.
I'm staying to be corrected onthat but they have to have a
connection as well as we do tohave a military person in their
family to be able to be a juniorauxiliary, a junior auxiliary.
Jerry Allhands (14:33):
How old is a member?
Cindy Rhodes (14:34):
They're juniors until they're 18.
Jerry Allhands (14:36):
18.
Wreaths Across America (14:36):
Okay.
Jerry Allhands (14:37):
Cindy, tell me about poppies.
You hear poppies all the time.
You see people out in thepublic wearing them.
What does a poppy imply?
Pam McCarver (14:43):
Tina knows more about that, but I think there
was a field in Flanders Field.
Tina Bugg (14:52):
Dr McRae was one of the original.
We have the poem of that.
We also have prints for salefor $10 if anybody would like to
buy one of those.
But the story behind the poppyis the bloodstained fields.
So when he was in the field andhe looked across, then he saw
the poppies growing.
So from that experience hewrote a poem called In Flanders
(15:16):
Field.
The poppy itself is just asymbol that we wear and
distribute.
We do not sell them, but we'rewelcome to take donations, so
it's just another way toremember those that have fallen.
Jerry Allhands (15:32):
And you say you do not sell them.
You do take donations.
Tina Bugg (15:35):
We accept donations.
Jerry Allhands (15:38):
How do you make the public aware of the poppy in
Flanders Field?
I mean, what do you all do as aunit?
Tina Bugg (15:46):
Several months ago, along with our junior members,
we set up at the Green Market.
It's a local festival downtownand the junior members literally
walked around and passed outthe poppies and just kind of got
the awareness out that way aswell, as we had a table set out
and collected donations that wayas well as selling our prints.
(16:08):
There is a proclamation that'sbeing presented to the city to
actually have the Friday beforeMemorial Day recognized as
National Poppy Day, so that issomething that's being done this
year.
Jerry Allhands (16:20):
Are you getting a lot of cooperation from the
city government?
Tina Bugg (16:23):
Yes, very much so.
Jerry Allhands (16:25):
Anybody in particular that's helping with
this.
Tina Bugg (16:28):
Mayor Ralph Dance.
I have spoke with him so thiswas going to be proposed at one
of the next city board meetingsand then at that time then we'll
pursue an avenue of recognizingpoppy day.
Of course.
There'll be an article in thepaper and then again our poppies
for pancakes or poppies andpancakes.
(16:48):
It's another way to get thatout there to the community how
do you?
Jerry Allhands (16:54):
what is your avenue of disseminating
information?
I mean, do you have local radio, tv, newspaper?
How do you get out?
Tina Bugg (17:04):
We have a good connection with the Daily
Corinthian as well as Facebook,and then, like the flyers, I
just distribute them all overthe community, whether it's by
sending it out to email orposting it at Kroger's or the
library or various places likethat.
Jerry Allhands (17:22):
Do you have a Facebook page, social media?
Tina Bugg (17:24):
We do just a regular auxiliary page.
Jerry Allhands (17:27):
And the title for that is for what?
Cindy Rhodes (17:29):
We have an American Legion Auxiliary 6 page
.
We also participate in theDepartment American Auxiliary
page and we have a CorinthAmericaninth american legion
page.
Jerry Allhands (17:42):
That is uh community facing that we can
share our events is yourfacebook page, your auxiliary
page, six page, is it a openpage or is it a closed page?
So can somebody find it's whatI'm trying to say the auxiliary
six page is closed.
Uh, I'm not sure about thedepartment one service members
that are buried in the NationalCemetery?
(18:03):
Okay, what about Instagram X,all that sort of stuff?
Cindy Rhodes (18:09):
No, we don't really use that.
Jerry Allhands (18:11):
I was told recently that only the old
people are on Facebook now, andthat was from my grandchildren.
Cindy Rhodes (18:15):
We're kind of old, so Really nice.
Jerry Allhands (18:17):
Yeah, I appreciated that yeah
grandchildren.
Pam McCarver (18:19):
We're kind of old, so really nice.
Yeah, I appreciated that.
Yeah, usually what we do withan event too is if, if we um can
get it off of the page, weshare it on to our facebook
pages and let our friends andfamily know what's going on that
works for you pretty well yes,it does what's the uh, what's
(18:40):
the one thing that's happened inthe last three or four months
that just really jumps out atyou that y'all have done as a
unit for me it's the toy drive.
Cindy Rhodes (18:48):
we recently did um , we collected toys.
I think we collect toys reallyall year long, but Then in
December we open up the post andveterans and community members
can come in and pick toys fortheir children.
(19:10):
If they can't afford them, wehelp them shop, we wrap the
gifts, we had hot chocolate thisyear and really just try to
make it a good event for them sothat their kids can enjoy and
have something to open onChristmas morning.
Jerry Allhands (19:25):
Cindy.
Pam McCarver (19:26):
The Coat Drive.
I was amazed about the peoplethat came in whether it be needy
families from the community,the veterans as well, families
from the community, the veteransas well just talking with them
and mingling with them andhelping them pick out what they
(19:49):
needed for the winter coat driveor whatever.
So that was amazing to me.
Jerry Allhands (19:54):
How did the coats?
I mean, were they donated orwas it a purchase?
How did it go?
Donated, I mean, were they?
Pam McCarver (19:58):
donated or was it a purchase?
How did it go Donated?
Carlene and I went out andpurchased some just to give from
us and basically it wasdonations.
Wreaths Across America (20:11):
Okay.
Pam McCarver (20:12):
Tina.
Tina Bugg (20:13):
Another thing that we do is participate with flag
etiquette, go into the schoolsor different youth clubs and
just share and explain to themthe meaning of the flag.
I'm also serving as thechairperson for Corinth.
Junior Civitans and the groupcame out and explained to the
(20:33):
children what each fold of theflag meant, and that was really
special.
Jerry Allhands (20:39):
Are you able to share that?
Tina Bugg (20:40):
yes, I just happen to have that handy now and I just
want to read the very first ofit says have you ever wondered
why the flag of the unitedstates of america is folded 13
times when it is lowered or whenit is folded and handed to the
next of kin at a burial of aveteran?
And it lists here, and I'm justgoing to read a couple of them
(21:02):
the first fold of our flag is asymbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol ofour belief in eternal life.
And then the third.
The fold is made in honor andremembrance of the veterans
departing our ranks who havegave a portion of their lives
for our defense of our country,to attain peace throughout the
(21:23):
world.
And again, that's a great thingto look up if you want to know
why or what the 13 folds mean.
Jerry Allhands (21:32):
Give me the last fold.
Tina Bugg (21:33):
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are
uttermost, reminding us of thenation's motto In God we Trust.
After the flag is completelyfolded and tucked in, it takes
on the appearance of a cockedhat, ever reminding us of the
soldiers who served underGeneral George Washington and
the sailors and marines whoserved under Captain John Paul
(21:55):
Jones, who were followed bytheir comrades and shipmates in
the armed forces of the UnitedStates, preserving for us the
rights, privileges and freedomwe enjoy today.
Jerry Allhands (22:07):
Let's talk a little bit about what's coming
up in the future.
I mean, I know that you've gotthe event the poppies and
pancakes.
Is there anything else comingup for you?
Tina Bugg (22:17):
Well, we may have something before this, but one
of the other things that'sreally touching to me and we
have participated in it forprobably 25 or 30 years is the
placing of the flags at theNational Cemetery.
My daughter served as a goldaward winner for the Girl Scouts
, so I've been doing that longbefore I joined the A, but to me
(22:39):
that's another way that's verysimple to remember those that
we've lost.
Jerry Allhands (22:44):
And what is it that you do again?
Tina Bugg (22:46):
We place an American flag on the graves at the
National Cemetery and there'sabout 6,000.
But it doesn't take that long.
9,000?
, 8,000?
There's a lot.
(23:07):
How about that?
So it takes a lot of people toput that on, but that's a very
special event and it's to sayit's pretty.
But it is pretty once it's allcompleted.
Jerry Allhands (23:15):
And the auxiliary does that and you have
other organizations to come out.
Tina Bugg (23:18):
We have other organizations, like I said, the
Girl Scouts, boy Scouts, thecommunity.
This past year there was anolder lady there with her
granddaughter and she justwanted her to show respect for
family members.
Jerry Allhands (23:32):
And when does that take place?
Tina Bugg (23:33):
Saturday, the weekend before Memorial Day Hard work,
work, work.
Wreaths Across America (23:39):
Hard work, work.
There we go.
Jerry Allhands (23:40):
Let's get some claps going.
Let's pause for a moment tohear from some of the people who
have helped to make thisepisode possible with their
financial support.
Nora Moreland (23:47):
Hello, my name is Nora Moreland.
I am a proud US Marine, thegranddaughter of a World War II
US Navy veteran, a Delbert Shea,who served in the Pacific
Theater, the wife of a combatcorpsman and the mother of an
active duty Marine.
I would humbly ask you tosponsor the Veterans Sound Off
(24:09):
podcast.
Each episode tells the storiesof what we in the American
Legion do locally and around theworld.
Jerry Allhands (24:15):
Thank you, Today's episode would not have
been possible without thesupport of Dean and Judy Graves.
Dean believed in and supportedthis program, but unfortunately
passed away before hearing acompleted episode.
We thank them both for theirsupport.
Tina Bugg (24:28):
Hi, this is Judy Graves of Mount Vernon, Missouri
, inviting you to listen to thenext episode of the Veteran
Sound Off podcast.
Jerry Allhands (24:41):
A very special thank you to Laura Allhands,
whose support and constantencouragement makes this podcast
possible.
988 (24:48):
When a person calls 988, they're connected to a crisis
counselor.
Crisis is completelyself-defined.
If you're wondering if youshould call, you should probably
call.
A caller can expect to talkabout coping skills, talk about
resources and ways to moveforward beyond the call.
They can call us, they can chat, they can text and when they
(25:11):
come out on the other sidethey're feeling better.
Wreaths Across America (25:14):
Call or text 988 or chat 988lifelineorg.
Jerry Allhands (25:18):
If you are enjoying this podcast, please
consider becoming a sponsor,just as these folks did.
Simply call us today at662-902-6658 and we'll give you
all the details.
Thanks a lot, and now back tothe episode of the Veterans
Sound Off Podcast.
Pam, let's talk a little bitabout training.
(25:46):
What does your unit do toimprove itself as an American
Legion Auxiliary Unit?
Cindy Rhodes (25:53):
What does your unit do to improve itself as an
American Legion Auxiliary Unit?
Well, recently, several of uswent to Nashville and attended
mission training with NationalPresident Trish Ward and really
just different leadershipworkshops across the state.
We go to our area conferences,there's training there for us,
(26:20):
and then all of the information,a plethora of information, on
alaforveteransorg.
Jerry Allhands (26:27):
Give me an example of some training.
Pam McCarver (26:30):
Well, some of the conferences we've went to,
they've talked to us about howto do our reports, things like
that They've talked to us aboutyeah, teaching about the
financials, teaching you knowreally giving us training on how
(26:50):
to recruit members.
Cindy Rhodes (26:54):
You know, really giving us training on how to
recruit members, ideas formembership.
Membership is key to growingthe organization and supporting
our veterans, so it's somethingwe focus on every year heavily.
But all kinds of leadershiptraining, practical training for
(27:14):
how we run our meetings,constitution and bylaws training
, let's talk about membershipfor a moment.
Jerry Allhands (27:20):
How many members does this unit have?
Cindy Rhodes (27:29):
This unit has today 46 members, and what are
you doing to recruit new members?
We're going to be having amembership drive come up on
March 15th here at our post andit's also going to be a
leadership training workshop for, as Cindy mentioned, reporting,
because there's reports you'vegot to do every year.
We've had membership drivesover at the Green Market Tina
(27:52):
mentioned the Green Marketbefore we put up a table, talk
to people in the community aboutthe American Legion, the
American Legion Auxiliary, andreally we talk about the whole
family because there'sopportunities to sign up members
across the family, not justwith the American Legion
Auxiliary.
Jerry Allhands (28:09):
You said Green Market.
Do you know the address forthat?
Tina Bugg (28:13):
It's downtown Fillmore Street in our SoCo
district.
Jerry Allhands (28:19):
Okay, that means absolutely nothing to me.
Tina Bugg (28:21):
It's part of our care garden.
It's where our Corinth Depot islocated, and they set up in the
green space.
Cindy Rhodes (28:30):
Okay, fillmore.
Jerry Allhands (28:31):
Street, fillmore Street Right.
Is there a cross street,something that we're going to
look for?
If you say green market, can wepull this up on the Internet?
I believe.
Tina Bugg (28:39):
so yes, you can do that, or you can go to the Carth
website and it will be locatedon that as one of the events.
But if you're familiar with theSoCo District, it's right
downtown.
Jerry Allhands (28:53):
Okay, and the date on that do we know?
Tina Bugg (28:56):
It varies.
They have several during theyear.
Jerry Allhands (28:59):
Okay, the membership recruitment I guess
that's going to be done here atthe Post is going to be.
What day did you say?
Cindy Rhodes (29:06):
March, the 15th, from 9 to noon, all right.
Jerry Allhands (29:08):
What day of the week is that?
It's a Saturday Right.
What day of the week is?
That it's a Saturday and aperson, male or female, who
wants to join the AmericanLegion Auxiliary if they come to
this unit, to this post what dothey need to bring with them to
join the auxiliary?
Cindy Rhodes (29:29):
They need to know how they're connected to a
service member, because they'regoing to fill out an application
and they need to list thatinformation on there.
The information will bevalidated by our post-adjutant
and then they have to pay theirdues, which is $40.
Say that again $40 for the year.
Jerry Allhands (29:48):
Your voice trailed off.
Sorry, that's all right.
Your voice trailed off, sorry,that's all right To prove
membership.
I mean to join the auxiliaryunit here.
Does their spouse, if they'reliving, do they have to be a
member of this post, this unit?
What's required?
Cindy Rhodes (30:03):
Yes, if they're living they have to be a post
six member to join the auxiliaryhere, and I believe if they're
not living it's two degrees yourspouse, your daughter, your
granddaughter, and you fill itout, sorry.
Jerry Allhands (30:26):
I thought you were going to go two degrees of
Kevin Bacon, no, so they couldbe the father, the mother,
grandfather, grandmother whoserved.
Cindy Rhodes (30:34):
Sister brother.
Jerry Allhands (30:36):
Yeah, sister brother.
Okay, wasn't aware of that part.
So if they served that sisterbrother, child grandchild could
join the auxiliary.
Cindy Rhodes (30:47):
Yes.
Jerry Allhands (30:47):
Okay, if the service member is still alive
and they don't want to join theAmerican Legion, can that person
join the auxiliary?
Wreaths Across America (31:02):
No, no, no.
Jerry Allhands (31:04):
So we need to pay their dues and get them in
so we can join the auxiliaryright.
Cindy Rhodes (31:08):
That's right, we need a new member.
Jerry Allhands (31:11):
What kind of paperwork do you need, uh from
the unit adjutant to be able, orunit secretary to be able, to
prove to you that, uh, thatperson's of that?
Cindy Rhodes (31:23):
they review the application and sign it for us
um.
I'm not sure what the extent ofthe validation is honor system.
Jerry Allhands (31:33):
Uh, I don't know ?
Okay, I don't know, truthfully,well, come on down and join the
american legion auxiliary yes,please do and again your
location.
Cindy Rhodes (31:42):
Here is what 511 south tate street in corinth,
mississippi she did what I wasgoing to ask.
Jerry Allhands (31:50):
Miss it.
What's that zip code again?
Cindy Rhodes (31:52):
388-34.
Jerry Allhands (31:54):
And if somebody wants to call ahead of time to
see what's going on, who do theycall and what's that number?
Pam McCarver (32:02):
Cindy Rhodes, it's 815-955-6396 or Carlene Parker.
Jerry Allhands (32:14):
And her number is 662-415-6743.
Cindy talking about service,let's talk a little bit about
Girls State.
Do you all support, do you sendgirls to Girls State?
Pam McCarver (32:29):
Yes, Nora handles that mostly.
State.
Yes, Nora handles that mostly.
We send the girls to GirlsState or we sponsor them and try
to.
Jerry Allhands (32:41):
And yes, we are involved with that.
Pam, what do you look for in agirl to go to Girls State?
Cindy Rhodes (32:44):
I believe you have to be a junior in high school,
going into your senior year andgoing into your senior year and
really you know Girl State is toteach them about leadership,
about government and you knowmaturity is important and a
(33:06):
willingness to learn, I think,is important for those girls.
Jerry Allhands (33:12):
How do you get the girls?
Are they submitted to you bythe schools, by their parents,
by somebody?
Cindy Rhodes (33:17):
Girl state.
Notifications go out to thehigh schools across the state
and counselors can work withtheir students to sign up.
If they need financial support,the girl state committee will
pair them up with units in theirarea that are able to support
the cost to go.
Jerry Allhands (33:42):
And speaking of that Girl State is June 8th
through the 13th.
For more information on that,go to
wwwalamississippigirlstatecom.
Both programs are happeningright here in Oxford on the
campus of Ole Miss.
Anything else that you want toadd for the auxiliary coming up
(34:03):
or anything that you feel likewe need to cover we haven't
talked about.
Tina Bugg (34:07):
Just to say you know this is.
It is fun, as you can see today.
It's a good organization tojoin because, being some of the
newer people coming in, I'veonly been doing this for three
or four years and it is likejoining the family.
So just walked in and was madewelcome.
Jerry Allhands (34:28):
That's very important.
Speaking of being welcome, whatdo you do to a new person who
comes in?
I mean, do they instantly haveto start washing dishes and
mopping the floor?
Tina Bugg (34:38):
I was just welcomed with open arms and ready to go
to work.
So there you go.
Jerry Allhands (34:42):
Tina, if you would please give us a closing
prayer.
Tina Bugg (34:45):
Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, as we leave
this place, please keep us safein return and stay focused on
our mission, dear Lord, and wejust thank you for each and
every day and this family thatwe're a part of.
Just let us grow closer andcloser every day, amen.
Cindy Rhodes (35:00):
Amen.
Nora Moreland (35:01):
Hard work, work.
Let's get it going.
Let's go Hard work, work.
Jerry Allhands (35:05):
And that was our visit with Unit 6 of the Perry
A Johns American LegionAuxiliary in Corneth.
Be sure to join us next Mondayas we sit down with the Sons of
the American Legion Reggie Leos,Commander of the SAL Squadron 6
, who is joined by dual memberTerry Phillips, and Jim Horton,
also a dual member of theAmerican Legion, and the Sons of
the American Legion.
(35:25):
A very special thank you toJonathan Michael Fleming for his
musical talents.
You can find his CDs and videoson Spotify, Amazon Music and
YouTube.
We hope you've enjoyed thisepisode and look forward to your
feedback and ask that yousubscribe to and share the
Veterans Sound Off podcast withyour friends and family.
If you have a comment,suggestion or questions or you
(35:48):
would like to become a supporterof this podcast, please send an
email to jdallhands atoutlookcom that's jdallhands at
outlookcom, or by calling662-902-6658.
And we'll get back to you assoon as possible.
This has been a production ofAll Hands Media LLC, with
(36:09):
offices in Renalara, Mississippi.
All rights reserved.
This is the Veterans Sound Off Podcast.
Hard work, work let's get itgoing, let's go.
I'm your host, jerry Allhands,a veteran of the US Air Force
and Army and a Mississippi PassDepartment Commander of the
American Legion.
You're invited to join me as wetravel across the state of
Mississippi, visiting theAmerican Legion posts in each
(00:20):
community.
Together we'll get to know theAmerican Legion family,
including the American LegionAuxiliary, the Sons of the
American Legion and the LegionRiders.
As we travel the state we'llvisit with other groups and
organizations that are servingAmerica's veterans and their
families.
Today we return to Carnath andUnit 6 of the Perry A Johns
American Legion Auxiliary, wherewe sit down with Cindy Rhodes,
(00:42):
the Unit 6 President and PatMcGarver, the Unit 6 Treasurer
and keeping us all.
Wreaths Across America (00:55):
In line is Unit 6 Chaplain Tina.
Jerry Allhands (00:56):
Bugg and good morning.
We are back in the great stateof Mississippi.
I'm not even going to try tosay the name of the city, I'm
going to leave that up to y'allbecause everybody wants to say
it differently.
And we'll start from my left tomy right and ask you to please
introduce yourself and yourposition with the auxiliary.
Cindy Rhodes (01:17):
My name is Cindy Rhodes and I'm the president of
Unit 6.
Tina Bugg (01:19):
I'm Pam McCarver, I'm the treasurer of Unit 6.
Jerry Allhands (01:21):
Tina Bugg serve as chaplain, and what post or
unit and where, and give me theaddress please.
Pam McCarver (01:26):
Okay, we're Unit 6 , and we're 511 Tate Street in
Corinth Mississippi.
Jerry Allhands (01:34):
And the zip code 388-34.
And when do you all?
Cindy Rhodes (01:38):
meet.
We meet on Thursday, the secondThursday of the month, right
after the family meeting.
What time?
The family meeting's at 6.
Typically we have a meal andthen, after family time, it's
probably around 7 that theauxiliary breaks out and has
their own meeting.
Jerry Allhands (01:57):
Cindy, if you would, please tell me what makes
you eligible for the AmericanLegion Auxiliary.
Pam McCarver (02:02):
My husband is a Marine Corps veteran.
He's retired and I have a sonin the Navy who is active duty
right now.
Jerry Allhands (02:11):
How long have you been in the Auxiliary?
Pam McCarver (02:14):
Five years.
Jerry Allhands (02:15):
Pam, what makes you eligible to be in the
Auxiliary?
Cindy Rhodes (02:19):
My father served in Korea in the Army and my son
is a Marine my son's out of theMarines, but he served for five
years recently.
Jerry Allhands (02:29):
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Right, there you go.
And, tina, what makes youeligible to be in the Auxiliary?
Tina Bugg (02:35):
Honored to say my dad , ralph Hurley.
He was in the Air Force, servedover in Germany during his time
, so I participate in his honorand his memory.
Jerry Allhands (02:46):
Tina, if you would open us with prayer.
Tina Bugg (02:48):
Let us pray, dear Gracious Heavenly Father, we
just thank you for thisopportunity to come together and
, as we mentioned, we are afamily, dear God, and we just
thank you for giving us thisopportunity today and for the
opportunities for us to serveour veterans and to keep our
flag, you as our God and ourcountry, for most and most in
our heart, as we serve ourveterans every day.
(03:10):
Amen, amen.
Jerry Allhands (03:12):
Cindy, tell me a little bit about Unit 6 of the
American Legion, auxiliary.
When were you all founded, doyou know?
Pam McCarver (03:19):
1926 we were founded.
Jerry Allhands (03:22):
Have you all been in the same post, the same
building, the whole time, orhave you had a post before this?
Pam McCarver (03:28):
We've been here.
I believe right.
Yes, been here.
Jerry Allhands (03:32):
What does it mean to be in the American
Legion Auxiliary?
Pam McCarver (03:36):
Well, I love that.
We help the veterans and we'rejust a family.
We're all together, we dothings just a family.
We're all together, we dothings as a family.
We just go out and help ourveterans as much as we can and
try to raise funds for them ifthey need it or things like that
(03:58):
.
Jerry Allhands (03:59):
Pam, for you, what does it mean to be in the
auxiliary?
Cindy Rhodes (04:03):
For me, it's honoring our veterans and their
service and supporting them longafter they've served.
Jerry Allhands (04:10):
Tina, for you, what does it mean to be in the
auxiliary?
Tina Bugg (04:12):
To show that honor and respect and also teach it to
our younger generation.
We just need to make sure thatthey realize the service that
the men and women have given,and especially to those that
we've lost, that their life wasan act of service and a
sacrifice that only you can give.
Jerry Allhands (04:30):
Cindy, what's the biggest thing that you can
remember from this past yearthat your Unit 6 has done in the
local community?
Pam McCarver (04:38):
We had a festival, a veterans festival, in
November and at first it was, Ibelieve, raining that day,
wasn't it and we were afraid wewouldn't have a big turnout, but
we had a pretty good crowd andwe had a meal afterwards and we
taught about the different erasof the military, of the wars and
(05:05):
things like that.
They brought their memorabiliahowever you say that and brought
it in and shared it with thepublic and it was open to the
public.
So I thought that was reallynice.
Jerry Allhands (05:19):
How long did the event last?
Pam McCarver (05:21):
I think we started at 9 and maybe 2 o'clock it was
done.
Jerry Allhands (05:28):
Pam, if there was something that y'all as a
unit do in the community on anongoing event, what would you
say it is?
Cindy Rhodes (05:41):
The most prominent thing that we do annually is
Wreaths Across America, where wesponsor and sell wreaths to
place at our national cemeteryhere in Corinth.
Jerry Allhands (05:53):
Is that a national event or a local event?
Cindy Rhodes (05:55):
It's a national event.
Jerry Allhands (05:56):
What is Wreaths Across America?
Cindy Rhodes (05:59):
I don't know exactly when it started, but
it's been.
It's been around for severalyears.
Carlene parker, our first vicepresident, has been um our
leader in terms of northernmississippi and uh, selling the
wreaths.
Um, the wreaths are made inmaine, I believe, um in Maine,
(06:24):
and they're shipped all acrossthe nation and we sell as a unit
.
We also encourage other unitsin the auxiliary to sell and
sell through us and then, onthis, usually it's the second or
third week in December we meetat the National Cemetery, we do
(06:47):
a ceremony and then both thecommunity, the Legion, boy
Scouts, anything comes out andhelps us lay all the wreaths at
the graves of all servicemembers.
Jerry Allhands (06:58):
When do you start selling the wreaths?
Cindy Rhodes (07:01):
Right now.
Jerry Allhands (07:02):
Right.
Cindy Rhodes (07:02):
We sell all year long.
All year long, okay, yes thewreaths, or Right now?
Jerry Allhands (07:07):
Right, we sell all year long, all year long.
Cindy Rhodes (07:08):
Okay, yes, and your last opportunity to
purchase a wreath in time forit's usually the last week of
November, kind of as the cutofffor the ceremony in December.
Jerry Allhands (07:16):
And I did I understand you correctly?
The National Cemetery?
Yes, there's one nearby.
Cindy Rhodes (07:21):
Yes, here in Corinth Okay.
Jerry Allhands (07:24):
And if somebody wanted to reach out for this, to
purchase a wreath now, howwould they do that?
Cindy Rhodes (07:30):
They can contact Carlene Parker at our unit.
Jerry Allhands (07:33):
Okay, and are we going to share Carlene's phone
number?
Pam McCarver (07:38):
It's 662-415-6743.
Jerry Allhands (07:44):
And say it again 662-415-6743.
Pam McCarver (07:47):
And say it again 662-415-6743.
Jerry Allhands (07:50):
And that's Carlene Parker.
How much does a wreath cost?
Cindy Rhodes (07:54):
Wreaths are $17.
Jerry Allhands (07:56):
And can they purchase more than one?
Cindy Rhodes (07:58):
Absolutely.
You can purchase for somebodyin particular a grave-specific
wreath, for somebody inparticular a grave-specific
wreath, or you can purchase anddonate for other service members
that are buried in the.
Wreaths Across America (08:12):
National Cemetery Wreaths Across America
is an organization that is likeno other.
It almost touches every personin the United States at some
level.
The mission is to remember,honor and teach what we give our
kids, that we've learned fromthe past is what's going to help
them fall in the United Statesat some level.
The mission is to remember,honor and teach what we give our
kids that we've learned fromthe past is what's gonna help
them form the future.
Nora Moreland (08:30):
It's important to teach, not just the kids, but
everybody.
Wreaths Across America (08:34):
We need to share that freedom isn't free
Reeds Across America startedwhen my husband, who was in the
reeds business, had too manyreeds.
We had about a truckload leftover that year which is about
5,000.
I mean, we were trying to thinkof what we could do with them.
That would do maybe some goodto some people.
We thought about ArlingtonNational Cemetery.
(08:56):
He's very patriotic.
He just wanted to say thank you.
Out of respect for what we havein this country.
So it became a family tradition.
And it just struck a chord.
I guess it went around theworld.
Nora Moreland (09:10):
I remember when I started there's only a few
people and look at the turnout.
988 (09:15):
It's the heart of the volunteer that makes our mission
grow.
Wreaths Across America (09:17):
I like to say we have a heartbeat in
every community.
It grows because of thepatriotism that is still alive
and well all over the country.
Tina Bugg (09:27):
It grows because of the patriotism that is still
alive and well all over thecountry.
The Wreaths Across America,wreath laying is really, it's a
celebration of life.
That one wreath symbolizes onefamily, one family that was able
to smile because of thegenerous donations.
Wreaths Across America (09:37):
That's him right here, because everyone
has a story.
There's a story behind everyname that you see here.
Nora Moreland (09:47):
His name was Germany Vargas Isaac Thomas.
Cindy Rhodes (09:48):
Cortez Bryce Kenneth Bowers, my son, my older
brother, billy, was an E-9 inthe United States.
Tina Bugg (09:56):
Air Force.
Cindy Rhodes (09:56):
William Guy Neal.
Tina Bugg (09:58):
Just by saying their name, we're remembering them.
Cindy Rhodes (10:01):
We're remembering the sacrifice that they made for
this country.
Wreaths Across America (10:04):
January 18th 2005.
It's really important thatpeople understand that Wreaths
Across America is a year-roundmission.
My ultimate goal is to place awreath on every single American
veteran's grave, regardless ofwhere it is.
988 (10:21):
We're among so many heroes here today that have fought for
our freedom, there are Americansoldiers buried at over 24
different locations across theworld that may not have family
members that are able to visitthem.
Edward D Fogden.
Wreaths Across America (10:38):
You are sent over to save us and you die
in a place no one has everheard of, and that's your life.
988 (10:49):
It's our goal to one day be able to say we place to read
that every headstone of ourAmerican military members buried
overseas.
Wreaths Across America (10:59):
We have a saying here that you die twice
, first when you stop breathingand the second time saying here
that you die twice First whenyou stop breathing and the
second time when your name isspoken for the very last time,
the biggest fear Goldstrandfamilies have that their child
will be forgotten.
Nora Moreland (11:11):
A mother's love never dies.
It never dies.
Wreaths Across America (11:16):
Regina, we thank you for your service.
Nora Moreland (11:17):
It doesn't matter how they died, it just matters
that they fought for our freedom.
Jerry Allhands (11:22):
It just matters.
That they fought for ourfreedom Makes me feel extremely
proud.
Wreaths Across America (11:26):
Their character, their sacrifice is
not just our past, it's ourfuture and the foundation of
this country was built on thelives of those men and women
that we choose to honor.
Jerry Allhands (11:47):
And if somebody wanted to reach out to purchase
a wreath now, how would they dothat?
Cindy Rhodes (11:51):
They can contact Carlene Parker at our unit
662-415-6743.
Jerry Allhands (11:59):
And that's Carlene Parker.
Well, how much does a wreathcost?
Cindy Rhodes (12:03):
Wreaths are $17.
Jerry Allhands (12:05):
And can they purchase more than one?
Cindy Rhodes (12:14):
Absolutely.
You can purchase for somebodyin particular a grave-specific
wreath, or you can purchase anddonate for other service members
that are buried in the NationalCemetery.
Jerry Allhands (12:20):
In the future, in the near future, what do you
got coming up?
Tina Bugg (12:23):
The poppies that has been mentioned already Poppies
and pancakes.
In the near future.
What do you got coming up?
The poppies that has beenmentioned already Poppies and
pancakes.
April the 19th and we arejoining with the local teenagers
in the Alcorn County, givingthem an opportunity to actually
have a poppy poster in thiscontest.
So it's an opportunity to sharetheir artistic talents and also
(12:47):
come have breakfast.
Breakfast will be ten dollarsand it will actually be pancakes
with probably their choice ofbacon or sausage.
Jerry Allhands (12:55):
How are you getting the message out on that?
Tina Bugg (12:57):
Well, I've already contacted the schools in Kossuth
, corinth, ockron Central andBeggarsville as well.
I have flyers that are made.
The event will start at 9o'clock.
9 to 11 is the breakfast, andthen we're actually going to
have a little award ceremony at1130, excuse me, 1130, and then
(13:17):
picture taking at 12.
And then we'll conclude the daywith that.
Jerry Allhands (13:22):
Poppies and Pancakes.
You're raising funds for.
Tina Bugg (13:26):
For the American Legion Auxiliary and for our
Junior Legion projects.
Jerry Allhands (13:31):
And what are some of the projects?
Tina Bugg (13:33):
We actually post, we go to the green market and
various things as far as passingout poppies and collect
donations.
That way we have a newauxiliary junior program and so
we're trying to get more of theteenagers involved in that.
So it will give us funds to dovarious things and reach out and
(13:55):
they're actually participatingin the scrapbook.
So just kind of help them buildthe junior auxiliary.
Jerry Allhands (14:02):
Is that the American Legion auxiliary, the
junior auxiliary?
Tina Bugg (14:05):
Yes, sir.
Jerry Allhands (14:07):
How many members do you have in the junior
auxiliary?
Tina Bugg (14:09):
I believe we've got five right now.
Jerry Allhands (14:11):
We've got four or five youngsters All right and
what does it take to be ajunior auxiliary member?
Is there an age limit?
Is there an obligation?
Tina Bugg (14:19):
Well, I think the criteria would be the same as
adults.
I'm staying to be corrected onthat but they have to have a
connection as well as we do tohave a military person in their
family to be able to be a juniorauxiliary, a junior auxiliary.
Jerry Allhands (14:33):
How old is a member?
Cindy Rhodes (14:34):
They're juniors until they're 18.
Jerry Allhands (14:36):
18.
Wreaths Across America (14:36):
Okay.
Jerry Allhands (14:37):
Cindy, tell me about poppies.
You hear poppies all the time.
You see people out in thepublic wearing them.
What does a poppy imply?
Pam McCarver (14:43):
Tina knows more about that, but I think there
was a field in Flanders Field.
Tina Bugg (14:52):
Dr McRae was one of the original.
We have the poem of that.
We also have prints for salefor $10 if anybody would like to
buy one of those.
But the story behind the poppyis the bloodstained fields.
So when he was in the field andhe looked across, then he saw
the poppies growing.
So from that experience hewrote a poem called In Flanders
(15:16):
Field.
The poppy itself is just asymbol that we wear and
distribute.
We do not sell them, but we'rewelcome to take donations, so
it's just another way toremember those that have fallen.
Jerry Allhands (15:32):
And you say you do not sell them.
You do take donations.
Tina Bugg (15:35):
We accept donations.
Jerry Allhands (15:38):
How do you make the public aware of the poppy in
Flanders Field?
I mean, what do you all do as aunit?
Tina Bugg (15:46):
Several months ago, along with our junior members,
we set up at the Green Market.
It's a local festival downtownand the junior members literally
walked around and passed outthe poppies and just kind of got
the awareness out that way aswell, as we had a table set out
and collected donations that wayas well as selling our prints.
(16:08):
There is a proclamation that'sbeing presented to the city to
actually have the Friday beforeMemorial Day recognized as
National Poppy Day, so that issomething that's being done this
year.
Jerry Allhands (16:20):
Are you getting a lot of cooperation from the
city government?
Tina Bugg (16:23):
Yes, very much so.
Jerry Allhands (16:25):
Anybody in particular that's helping with
this.
Tina Bugg (16:28):
Mayor Ralph Dance.
I have spoke with him so thiswas going to be proposed at one
of the next city board meetingsand then at that time then we'll
pursue an avenue of recognizingpoppy day.
Of course.
There'll be an article in thepaper and then again our poppies
for pancakes or poppies andpancakes.
(16:48):
It's another way to get thatout there to the community how
do you?
Jerry Allhands (16:54):
what is your avenue of disseminating
information?
I mean, do you have local radio, tv, newspaper?
How do you get out?
Tina Bugg (17:04):
We have a good connection with the Daily
Corinthian as well as Facebook,and then, like the flyers, I
just distribute them all overthe community, whether it's by
sending it out to email orposting it at Kroger's or the
library or various places likethat.
Jerry Allhands (17:22):
Do you have a Facebook page, social media?
Tina Bugg (17:24):
We do just a regular auxiliary page.
Jerry Allhands (17:27):
And the title for that is for what?
Cindy Rhodes (17:29):
We have an American Legion Auxiliary 6 page
.
We also participate in theDepartment American Auxiliary
page and we have a CorinthAmericaninth american legion
page.
Jerry Allhands (17:42):
That is uh community facing that we can
share our events is yourfacebook page, your auxiliary
page, six page, is it a openpage or is it a closed page?
So can somebody find it's whatI'm trying to say the auxiliary
six page is closed.
Uh, I'm not sure about thedepartment one service members
that are buried in the NationalCemetery?
(18:03):
Okay, what about Instagram X,all that sort of stuff?
Cindy Rhodes (18:09):
No, we don't really use that.
Jerry Allhands (18:11):
I was told recently that only the old
people are on Facebook now, andthat was from my grandchildren.
Cindy Rhodes (18:15):
We're kind of old, so Really nice.
Jerry Allhands (18:17):
Yeah, I appreciated that yeah
grandchildren.
Pam McCarver (18:19):
We're kind of old, so really nice.
Yeah, I appreciated that.
Yeah, usually what we do withan event too is if, if we um can
get it off of the page, weshare it on to our facebook
pages and let our friends andfamily know what's going on that
works for you pretty well yes,it does what's the uh, what's
(18:40):
the one thing that's happened inthe last three or four months
that just really jumps out atyou that y'all have done as a
unit for me it's the toy drive.
Cindy Rhodes (18:48):
we recently did um , we collected toys.
I think we collect toys reallyall year long, but Then in
December we open up the post andveterans and community members
can come in and pick toys fortheir children.
(19:10):
If they can't afford them, wehelp them shop, we wrap the
gifts, we had hot chocolate thisyear and really just try to
make it a good event for them sothat their kids can enjoy and
have something to open onChristmas morning.
Jerry Allhands (19:25):
Cindy.
Pam McCarver (19:26):
The Coat Drive.
I was amazed about the peoplethat came in whether it be needy
families from the community,the veterans as well, families
from the community, the veteransas well just talking with them
and mingling with them andhelping them pick out what they
(19:49):
needed for the winter coat driveor whatever.
So that was amazing to me.
Jerry Allhands (19:54):
How did the coats?
I mean, were they donated orwas it a purchase?
How did it go?
Donated, I mean, were they?
Pam McCarver (19:58):
donated or was it a purchase?
How did it go Donated?
Carlene and I went out andpurchased some just to give from
us and basically it wasdonations.
Wreaths Across America (20:11):
Okay.
Pam McCarver (20:12):
Tina.
Tina Bugg (20:13):
Another thing that we do is participate with flag
etiquette, go into the schoolsor different youth clubs and
just share and explain to themthe meaning of the flag.
I'm also serving as thechairperson for Corinth.
Junior Civitans and the groupcame out and explained to the
(20:33):
children what each fold of theflag meant, and that was really
special.
Jerry Allhands (20:39):
Are you able to share that?
Tina Bugg (20:40):
yes, I just happen to have that handy now and I just
want to read the very first ofit says have you ever wondered
why the flag of the unitedstates of america is folded 13
times when it is lowered or whenit is folded and handed to the
next of kin at a burial of aveteran?
And it lists here, and I'm justgoing to read a couple of them
(21:02):
the first fold of our flag is asymbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol ofour belief in eternal life.
And then the third.
The fold is made in honor andremembrance of the veterans
departing our ranks who havegave a portion of their lives
for our defense of our country,to attain peace throughout the
(21:23):
world.
And again, that's a great thingto look up if you want to know
why or what the 13 folds mean.
Jerry Allhands (21:32):
Give me the last fold.
Tina Bugg (21:33):
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are
uttermost, reminding us of thenation's motto In God we Trust.
After the flag is completelyfolded and tucked in, it takes
on the appearance of a cockedhat, ever reminding us of the
soldiers who served underGeneral George Washington and
the sailors and marines whoserved under Captain John Paul
(21:55):
Jones, who were followed bytheir comrades and shipmates in
the armed forces of the UnitedStates, preserving for us the
rights, privileges and freedomwe enjoy today.
Jerry Allhands (22:07):
Let's talk a little bit about what's coming
up in the future.
I mean, I know that you've gotthe event the poppies and
pancakes.
Is there anything else comingup for you?
Tina Bugg (22:17):
Well, we may have something before this, but one
of the other things that'sreally touching to me and we
have participated in it forprobably 25 or 30 years is the
placing of the flags at theNational Cemetery.
My daughter served as a goldaward winner for the Girl Scouts
, so I've been doing that longbefore I joined the A, but to me
(22:39):
that's another way that's verysimple to remember those that
we've lost.
Jerry Allhands (22:44):
And what is it that you do again?
Tina Bugg (22:46):
We place an American flag on the graves at the
National Cemetery and there'sabout 6,000.
But it doesn't take that long.
9,000?
, 8,000?
There's a lot.
(23:07):
How about that?
So it takes a lot of people toput that on, but that's a very
special event and it's to sayit's pretty.
But it is pretty once it's allcompleted.
Jerry Allhands (23:15):
And the auxiliary does that and you have
other organizations to come out.
Tina Bugg (23:18):
We have other organizations, like I said, the
Girl Scouts, boy Scouts, thecommunity.
This past year there was anolder lady there with her
granddaughter and she justwanted her to show respect for
family members.
Jerry Allhands (23:32):
And when does that take place?
Tina Bugg (23:33):
Saturday, the weekend before Memorial Day Hard work,
work, work.
Wreaths Across America (23:39):
Hard work, work.
There we go.
Jerry Allhands (23:40):
Let's get some claps going.
Let's pause for a moment tohear from some of the people who
have helped to make thisepisode possible with their
financial support.
Nora Moreland (23:47):
Hello, my name is Nora Moreland.
I am a proud US Marine, thegranddaughter of a World War II
US Navy veteran, a Delbert Shea,who served in the Pacific
Theater, the wife of a combatcorpsman and the mother of an
active duty Marine.
I would humbly ask you tosponsor the Veterans Sound Off
(24:09):
podcast.
Each episode tells the storiesof what we in the American
Legion do locally and around theworld.
Jerry Allhands (24:15):
Thank you, Today's episode would not have
been possible without thesupport of Dean and Judy Graves.
Dean believed in and supportedthis program, but unfortunately
passed away before hearing acompleted episode.
We thank them both for theirsupport.
Tina Bugg (24:28):
Hi, this is Judy Graves of Mount Vernon, Missouri
, inviting you to listen to thenext episode of the Veteran
Sound Off podcast.
Jerry Allhands (24:41):
A very special thank you to Laura Allhands,
whose support and constantencouragement makes this podcast
possible.
988 (24:48):
When a person calls 988, they're connected to a crisis
counselor.
Crisis is completelyself-defined.
If you're wondering if youshould call, you should probably
call.
A caller can expect to talkabout coping skills, talk about
resources and ways to moveforward beyond the call.
They can call us, they can chat, they can text and when they
(25:11):
come out on the other sidethey're feeling better.
Wreaths Across America (25:14):
Call or text 988 or chat 988lifelineorg.
Jerry Allhands (25:18):
If you are enjoying this podcast, please
consider becoming a sponsor,just as these folks did.
Simply call us today at662-902-6658 and we'll give you
all the details.
Thanks a lot, and now back tothe episode of the Veterans
Sound Off Podcast.
Pam, let's talk a little bitabout training.
(25:46):
What does your unit do toimprove itself as an American
Legion Auxiliary Unit?
Cindy Rhodes (25:53):
What does your unit do to improve itself as an
American Legion Auxiliary Unit?
Well, recently, several of uswent to Nashville and attended
mission training with NationalPresident Trish Ward and really
just different leadershipworkshops across the state.
We go to our area conferences,there's training there for us,
(26:20):
and then all of the information,a plethora of information, on
alaforveteransorg.
Jerry Allhands (26:27):
Give me an example of some training.
Pam McCarver (26:30):
Well, some of the conferences we've went to,
they've talked to us about howto do our reports, things like
that They've talked to us aboutyeah, teaching about the
financials, teaching you knowreally giving us training on how
(26:50):
to recruit members.
Cindy Rhodes (26:54):
You know, really giving us training on how to
recruit members, ideas formembership.
Membership is key to growingthe organization and supporting
our veterans, so it's somethingwe focus on every year heavily.
But all kinds of leadershiptraining, practical training for
(27:14):
how we run our meetings,constitution and bylaws training
, let's talk about membershipfor a moment.
Jerry Allhands (27:20):
How many members does this unit have?
Cindy Rhodes (27:29):
This unit has today 46 members, and what are
you doing to recruit new members?
We're going to be having amembership drive come up on
March 15th here at our post andit's also going to be a
leadership training workshop for, as Cindy mentioned, reporting,
because there's reports you'vegot to do every year.
We've had membership drivesover at the Green Market Tina
(27:52):
mentioned the Green Marketbefore we put up a table, talk
to people in the community aboutthe American Legion, the
American Legion Auxiliary, andreally we talk about the whole
family because there'sopportunities to sign up members
across the family, not justwith the American Legion
Auxiliary.
Jerry Allhands (28:09):
You said Green Market.
Do you know the address forthat?
Tina Bugg (28:13):
It's downtown Fillmore Street in our SoCo
district.
Jerry Allhands (28:19):
Okay, that means absolutely nothing to me.
Tina Bugg (28:21):
It's part of our care garden.
It's where our Corinth Depot islocated, and they set up in the
green space.
Cindy Rhodes (28:30):
Okay, fillmore.
Jerry Allhands (28:31):
Street, fillmore Street Right.
Is there a cross street,something that we're going to
look for?
If you say green market, can wepull this up on the Internet?
I believe.
Tina Bugg (28:39):
so yes, you can do that, or you can go to the Carth
website and it will be locatedon that as one of the events.
But if you're familiar with theSoCo District, it's right
downtown.
Jerry Allhands (28:53):
Okay, and the date on that do we know?
Tina Bugg (28:56):
It varies.
They have several during theyear.
Jerry Allhands (28:59):
Okay, the membership recruitment I guess
that's going to be done here atthe Post is going to be.
What day did you say?
Cindy Rhodes (29:06):
March, the 15th, from 9 to noon, all right.
Jerry Allhands (29:08):
What day of the week is that?
It's a Saturday Right.
What day of the week is?
That it's a Saturday and aperson, male or female, who
wants to join the AmericanLegion Auxiliary if they come to
this unit, to this post what dothey need to bring with them to
join the auxiliary?
Cindy Rhodes (29:29):
They need to know how they're connected to a
service member, because they'regoing to fill out an application
and they need to list thatinformation on there.
The information will bevalidated by our post-adjutant
and then they have to pay theirdues, which is $40.
Say that again $40 for the year.
Jerry Allhands (29:48):
Your voice trailed off.
Sorry, that's all right.
Your voice trailed off, sorry,that's all right To prove
membership.
I mean to join the auxiliaryunit here.
Does their spouse, if they'reliving, do they have to be a
member of this post, this unit?
What's required?
Cindy Rhodes (30:03):
Yes, if they're living they have to be a post
six member to join the auxiliaryhere, and I believe if they're
not living it's two degrees yourspouse, your daughter, your
granddaughter, and you fill itout, sorry.
Jerry Allhands (30:26):
I thought you were going to go two degrees of
Kevin Bacon, no, so they couldbe the father, the mother,
grandfather, grandmother whoserved.
Cindy Rhodes (30:34):
Sister brother.
Jerry Allhands (30:36):
Yeah, sister brother.
Okay, wasn't aware of that part.
So if they served that sisterbrother, child grandchild could
join the auxiliary.
Cindy Rhodes (30:47):
Yes.
Jerry Allhands (30:47):
Okay, if the service member is still alive
and they don't want to join theAmerican Legion, can that person
join the auxiliary?
Wreaths Across America (31:02):
No, no, no.
Jerry Allhands (31:04):
So we need to pay their dues and get them in
so we can join the auxiliaryright.
Cindy Rhodes (31:08):
That's right, we need a new member.
Jerry Allhands (31:11):
What kind of paperwork do you need, uh from
the unit adjutant to be able, orunit secretary to be able, to
prove to you that, uh, thatperson's of that?
Cindy Rhodes (31:23):
they review the application and sign it for us
um.
I'm not sure what the extent ofthe validation is honor system.
Jerry Allhands (31:33):
Uh, I don't know ?
Okay, I don't know, truthfully,well, come on down and join the
american legion auxiliary yes,please do and again your
location.
Cindy Rhodes (31:42):
Here is what 511 south tate street in corinth,
mississippi she did what I wasgoing to ask.
Jerry Allhands (31:50):
Miss it.
What's that zip code again?
Cindy Rhodes (31:52):
388-34.
Jerry Allhands (31:54):
And if somebody wants to call ahead of time to
see what's going on, who do theycall and what's that number?
Pam McCarver (32:02):
Cindy Rhodes, it's 815-955-6396 or Carlene Parker.
Jerry Allhands (32:14):
And her number is 662-415-6743.
Cindy talking about service,let's talk a little bit about
Girls State.
Do you all support, do you sendgirls to Girls State?
Pam McCarver (32:29):
Yes, Nora handles that mostly.
State.
Yes, Nora handles that mostly.
We send the girls to GirlsState or we sponsor them and try
to.
Jerry Allhands (32:41):
And yes, we are involved with that.
Pam, what do you look for in agirl to go to Girls State?
Cindy Rhodes (32:44):
I believe you have to be a junior in high school,
going into your senior year andgoing into your senior year and
really you know Girl State is toteach them about leadership,
about government and you knowmaturity is important and a
(33:06):
willingness to learn, I think,is important for those girls.
Jerry Allhands (33:12):
How do you get the girls?
Are they submitted to you bythe schools, by their parents,
by somebody?
Cindy Rhodes (33:17):
Girl state.
Notifications go out to thehigh schools across the state
and counselors can work withtheir students to sign up.
If they need financial support,the girl state committee will
pair them up with units in theirarea that are able to support
the cost to go.
Jerry Allhands (33:42):
And speaking of that Girl State is June 8th
through the 13th.
For more information on that,go to
wwwalamississippigirlstatecom.
Both programs are happeningright here in Oxford on the
campus of Ole Miss.
Anything else that you want toadd for the auxiliary coming up
(34:03):
or anything that you feel likewe need to cover we haven't
talked about.
Tina Bugg (34:07):
Just to say you know this is.
It is fun, as you can see today.
It's a good organization tojoin because, being some of the
newer people coming in, I'veonly been doing this for three
or four years and it is likejoining the family.
So just walked in and was madewelcome.
Jerry Allhands (34:28):
That's very important.
Speaking of being welcome, whatdo you do to a new person who
comes in?
I mean, do they instantly haveto start washing dishes and
mopping the floor?
Tina Bugg (34:38):
I was just welcomed with open arms and ready to go
to work.
So there you go.
Jerry Allhands (34:42):
Tina, if you would please give us a closing
prayer.
Tina Bugg (34:45):
Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, as we leave
this place, please keep us safein return and stay focused on
our mission, dear Lord, and wejust thank you for each and
every day and this family thatwe're a part of.
Just let us grow closer andcloser every day, amen.
Cindy Rhodes (35:00):
Amen.
Nora Moreland (35:01):
Hard work, work.
Let's get it going.
Let's go Hard work, work.
Jerry Allhands (35:05):
And that was our visit with Unit 6 of the Perry
A Johns American LegionAuxiliary in Corneth.
Be sure to join us next Mondayas we sit down with the Sons of
the American Legion Reggie Leos,Commander of the SAL Squadron 6
, who is joined by dual memberTerry Phillips, and Jim Horton,
also a dual member of theAmerican Legion, and the Sons of
the American Legion.
(35:25):
A very special thank you toJonathan Michael Fleming for his
musical talents.
You can find his CDs and videoson Spotify, Amazon Music and
YouTube.
We hope you've enjoyed thisepisode and look forward to your
feedback and ask that yousubscribe to and share the
Veterans Sound Off podcast withyour friends and family.
If you have a comment,suggestion or questions or you
(35:48):
would like to become a supporterof this podcast, please send an
email to jdallhands atoutlookcom that's jdallhands at
outlookcom, or by calling662-902-6658.
And we'll get back to you assoon as possible.
This has been a production ofAll Hands Media LLC, with
(36:09):
offices in Renalara, Mississippi.
All rights reserved.
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