The Veterans Sound Off Podcast

Send a text A week can change the way a young woman sees herself. From the floor of the American Legion Midwinter Conference, we sit down with Magnolia Girls State director Abby Burris and past department president Angela Kilcreese to unpack how a hands-on mock government turns rising seniors into confident leaders, sharp communicators, and informed citizens. They share what truly matters in a del...

Send a text What happens when 320 talented juniors arrive at Ole Miss as strangers and leave as a functioning state government? We sit with assistant director Reed Overstreet to trace how Mississippi Boys State turns curiosity into competence with real campaigns, real responsibilities, and real stakes. Reed opens the curtain on a week built for growth: delegates are split into new “cities,” kept o...

Send a text A Medicare card shows up in the mail and suddenly you’re staring down a seven‑month clock, an alphabet of Parts, and a lifetime penalty if you miss the mark. We brought in Michelle Williams, an independent Medicare and veteran benefits specialist, to make the path simple for veterans and their families. From the American Legion Midwinter Conference in Mississippi, we unpack how Medicar...

Send a text What happens when the mission that shaped your life goes quiet? At the American Legion Midwinter Conference in Mississippi, we sit down with Jacob Harrison—a veteran of both the Marine Corps and the Army with 26 years of active service—to unpack the jarring shift from combat arms to civilian keyboards, and how he rebuilt purpose through the Legion and the American Legion Riders. Jacob...

Send a text A calm, steady dog can change a life—and Annie Hines shows us how. We sit down at the American Legion Department of Mississippi’s Midwinter Conference to hear how her rottweiler, Zekana, went from eager pup to trained service partner who can anticipate anxiety, apply grounding pressure, and guide Annie through crowded, high-stress spaces. Along the way, we unpack the path that got her...

Send a text Want to see what military readiness looks like up close, not just in headlines? We sit across from Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Adcock at historic Camp Shelby and open the gates—literally—to the nation’s largest National Guard training site. From leadership changes to museum tours and safety tips on active roads, this conversation maps the full experience of a post that trains more than 1...

Send a text We sit down with American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley to explore how a 105-year-old organization evolves to meet modern needs, from suicide prevention to family programs and real wins for veterans’ benefits. Stories span Keesler memories, national advocacy, and why local posts matter. • origin story from Air Force service to national leadership • growth of Mississippi Gulf C...

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

Send a text 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 i...

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

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

Send a text Coming up in the next few weeks is a visit with American Legion baseball, Boys State, Magnolia Girls State, the Department of Mississippi's American Legion Convention in Natchez Mississippi and a whole lot more. Support the show Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a spon...

Send a text Jerry Allhands sits down with Trish Ward, the 2024-2025 American Legion Auxiliary National President, for a compelling conversation that reveals the heart of the American Legion family's mission to support veterans across America. At the Oxford VA Home in Mississippi, President Ward shares her remarkable journey from California transplant to national leadership. After relocating t...

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

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

Send a text The powerful bonds of military family legacy come alive in this candid conversation with members of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 6 from Corinth, Mississippi. Commander Randy Leos, alongside dual members Terry Phillips and Jim Horton, share their personal journeys into an organization that honors veterans through meaningful service. "We're more than just a bunch of...

Send a text Support the show Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658. Would you consider buying us a cup of coffee? Look on our page and make a donation of your choosing.

Send a text Discover the heartwarming stories shared by veterans of American Legion Post 6 in Corinth, Mississippi. In this episode, we delve deep into the experience of Commander Nora Moreland, her fellow members Terry Phillips and Mike Hurst, and how their military backgrounds shape their current pursuits in community service. We explore the vital role that camaraderie plays in the post's a...

Send a text American Legion Post 2022 in Olive Branch, Mississippi, is making significant strides in serving local veterans just two years after its inception. The episode shines a light on the challenges of starting a new post, the critical role of honoring veterans at funerals, and the importance of engaging younger veterans through community building.  • Founding story of Post 2022 from discuss...

Send a text What drives a veteran to turn personal tragedy into a force for good? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Joey McNutt, an Army veteran who founded Ronnie's Retreat, a non-profit dedicated to supporting homeless veterans. With insights from Carlene Parker and Nora Moreland of the American Legion Perry A Johns Post 6, we explore the pressing issues veterans face, includin...

Send a text What motivates someone to dedicate their life to supporting veterans and their families? Meet Mary Eunice Cole, Alice Barberi, and Mary Jo Abraham as they open up about their heartfelt journeys with the American Legion Auxiliary in Mississippi. Their stories are intertwined with personal connections to military service, from Mary Jo's late husband Frank's Army service to Alic...

Send a text Ever wondered how young women are being prepared to lead the future? Join us on the Veterans Sound Off Podcast as we uncover the impact of the Magnolia Girls State Program, a pioneering leadership initiative for high school juniors. Featuring insightful discussions with Angela Kilcrease, Abby Burris, and Camille Bullock, this episode explores how the program empowers participants by fo...

Send a text Explore the heart of Mississippi with me, Jerry Allhands, as we shine a light on the incredible work of the American Legion family. Ever wondered how a small town like Nesbitt can make a big difference for veterans? Join us at Post 1990, where we celebrate the essential roles played by the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion. From navigating the charming quirk...

Send a text Join me, Jerry Allhands, as we uncover the heartwarming impact of community support on veterans in Mississippi. Discover the inspiring history of the Sons of the American Legion at the James Buster Keaton Post 1990, and learn about the crucial role the younger generation plays in sustaining this legacy. Personal stories reveal how these efforts provide essential aid to veterans who may...

Send a text Join me, Jerry Allhands, on a heartfelt journey across Mississippi, alongside our esteemed guest, Trish Ward, the 2024-2025 National President of the American Legion Auxiliary. Trish opens up about her inspiring travels across 18 states, sharing moving experiences such as honoring fallen heroes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Her stories about her Kansas upbringing and her devotion...