The Veterans Sound Off Podcast

Jerry Allhands
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL

On each episode of the show we will travel across the State of Mississippi and visit each American Legion Post and discover how the members there are still serving America in their communities.

  1. MAR 11

    Where Leadership Meets Belonging For Young Women

    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 delegate—initiative, service, and the courage to try—while challenging schools and parents to look beyond the usual picks and elevate students who bring grit and heart. We walk through the nuts and bolts that make the transformation possible: statewide in-person orientations for families, a professional dress code that sets the tone, secure dorms at Ole Miss, and a clear medical plan that prioritizes safety. You’ll get concrete guidance on applying, sponsorships, early-bird pricing of 275 dollars before April 1 (300 dollars after), and the April 20 capacity cutoff. Abby and Angela offer practical packing tips—yes to mattress toppers and snacks, no to big electronics—and explain why late afternoons fuel both debate and the need for a fridge in the room. Beyond logistics, this story is about belonging and visibility. Delegates meet peers from the Coast to the Delta, build friendships that last into college, and experience the supportive force of the American Legion and Auxiliary. Thursday Auxiliary Night brings sponsors and students together, highlighting programs like poppies and VA&R while modeling etiquette and civic pride. If you’ve wondered how to boost college readiness, public speaking, and real leadership skills in a single week, this is your playbook—complete with selection insights, safety details, and an invitation to step forward. Ready to help a junior apply or sponsor a seat at Magnolia Girls State? Subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review with the one question you still want answered. 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.

    31 min

  2. FEB 16

    How A Week At Boys State Can Change A Life

    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 out of their comfort zones, and challenged to build platforms, win votes, and govern under tight timelines. The result is a true civics lab—less lecture, more practice—guided by staffers who have served in congressional offices, senate teams, and even the White House. We walk through everything families and counselors need to know. Dates, applications, and cost are straightforward: $275 covers a full week of meals, housing, and two shirts, with little need for spending money. Safety is layered and specific: keycard dorm access, two staffers per city of about thirty, tight formations with count‑offs, campus police support, an on‑site clinic, and a program nurse who manages medications. Packing is simple—shorts or khakis with a belt, toiletries, shower shoes, towels, bedding—and yes, bring painter’s tape and banners if you plan to campaign. And if your student is set on running for attorney general on day one, keep the materials flexible; many discover a better fit once they see the field. The payoff extends far beyond a single week. Boys State alumni form a living network that shows up later in city halls, courtrooms, and state offices. Scholarships amplify the impact: many Mississippi universities award aid simply for attending, with additional awards for top roles. Reed urges American Legion posts to leverage their trusted status to recruit, fundraise, and open school doors, because the right nudge can change a trajectory. Whether you are a counselor looking for high-impact leadership training, a parent weighing safety and value, or a student who wants to learn how government really works, this conversation lays out the why, the how, and the next steps. If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a counselor or Legion member, and leave a review so more families can discover Boys State. Got a student in mind? Send them to msboystate.com and help light the spark. 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.

    17 min

  3. FEB 14

    Medicare Basics For Veterans

    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 Medicare works alongside VA care and TRICARE without conflict, and why the right plan can add real value with dental, vision, and other extras many veterans don’t receive. Michelle shares the clearest way to prepare: start three months before your 65th birthday, know exactly when your Initial Enrollment Period begins, and compare plans against your doctors, prescriptions, and clinics. We talk through the big pitfalls—like Part B late enrollment penalties that never go away—and show how independent agents, appointed with all major carriers, can narrow choices to a few strong fits. The goal isn’t more paperwork; it’s more options when you need a local specialist, shorter waits, or a benefit that fills a gap, without giving up anything you’ve earned from the VA. You’ll hear straight answers to the top veteran question—“Why add Medicare if I already have VA or TRICARE?”—plus practical tips for spouses with different medical needs, small‑group Medicare 101 sessions, and simple ways to document coverage so billing is smooth. If you’re within a year of eligibility, or advising a parent who is, this conversation will save time, money, and stress by turning a confusing maze into a clear map. If this helped you or someone you love, follow the show, share it with a veteran who’s approaching 65, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find it. Got a Medicare question we didn’t cover? Send it our way and we’ll tackle it next. 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.

    15 min

  4. FEB 11

    A Marine-Turned-Soldier Explains How The Legion Restored His Mission

    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 takes us from Iraq and Afghanistan to the first awkward months after retirement, where the absence of daily stakes and tight-knit teams hit hardest. He explains the difference between missing routine and missing brotherhood, why “organized chaos” can be hard to let go of, and how showing up at a post rekindled the best parts of service: camaraderie, structure, and a mission bigger than one person. We also explore the Auxiliary’s role in supporting families; Jacob’s wife found peers who understood the whiplash of transition and shared practical tools for navigating life after the uniform. We go inside the Riders—born in the 1990s and built to connect motorcycle culture with outreach, fundraising, and visible advocacy. It’s a powerful on-ramp for younger veterans and a direct answer to the question, “What does the Legion do for me?” Jacob lays out the impact: legislative advocacy for veterans’ benefits, scholarships, community events, mentorship, and spaces where veterans can speak freely without explaining every acronym. Along the way, he shares first-time conference insights, from meeting the national commander to seeing how local posts plug into a larger engine for change. If you’ve wondered whether the American Legion is for you—or how to bring the next generation into meaningful service—this conversation offers clear answers and real steps. Subscribe, share with a veteran who needs community, and leave a review telling us how you found purpose after service. 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.

    28 min

  5. FEB 8

    How A Rottweiler Became A Lifeline For A Veteran

    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 there: reputable programs, realistic timelines, and the daily exposure work that cements good behavior beyond the classroom. Annie’s work as a Veteran Service Officer and Wounded Warrior Project peer leader led her to Healing4Heroes in Peachtree City, Georgia—a program that keeps costs accessible, matches qualified veterans with trained shelter dogs, and focuses on real task work for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disabilities. We clarify the difference between service dogs and emotional support animals, explain what businesses can and can’t ask, and lay out the essentials of vest etiquette so the public knows when not to pet, call, or distract a working dog. Breed myths take a backseat as we focus on training, temperament, and consistent reinforcement. For veterans considering a service dog, this conversation is a roadmap: who qualifies, how to apply, why exposure matters, and what to expect from the first day of class to months of public practice. Annie’s message is practical and hopeful—resources exist, the bond is real, and the right match can restore independence. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a veteran who could use a partner on four paws, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. 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.

    16 min

  6. FEB 1

    Camp Shelby. Where Military History Meets Community Access

    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 100,000 people a year and still welcomes the public with a simple ID at the gate. We walk through concrete dates and details: a ribbon cutting at the MATES facility, a farewell breakfast, and a change of command that brings in Colonel Ashley Sullivan. These milestones aren’t just ceremony; they show how transparent leadership and community ties keep a complex installation grounded. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll get practical guidance on timing, access, and what to see first, including the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum’s rotating exhibits and the oldest structure on post—an original ammunition storage facility that tracks how safety and logistics evolved. The scale is staggering—about 150,000 acres, often compared to five or six Disney Worlds—yet the tone is personal and focused. Multiple branches, law enforcement partners, and federal teams train side by side, and visitors can witness that ecosystem at work. Thinking about service or the Guard? Adcock, a former Recruiting and Retention Battalion commander, cuts through second-hand myths and lays out why a direct conversation with a recruiter is the smartest first step, whether your journey leads to the Mississippi National Guard or another path entirely. Come for the history, stay for the perspective. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of how training, leadership, and community fit together at Camp Shelby—and how an open-post policy turns curiosity into understanding. If the story resonates, follow the show, share this episode with a friend who loves military history, and leave a quick review to help more people find it. 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.

    12 min

  7. JAN 27

    How The Legion Saves Lives, Builds Community, And Shapes Policy

    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 Coast and early duty station contrasts • American Legion’s role in GI Bill and Agent Orange legislation • why membership matters across ages and family roles • youth programs including baseball, oratorical, Boys State, esports • non-smoking, family-friendly post culture and community focus • Be The One program, 988, and Columbia Protocol partnership • buddy checks to reduce stigma and save lives • footprint of 12,000 posts and local impact beyond big-box brands • plans for America’s 250th and the Americanism pillar • life on the road as commander and shared family commitment • Veterans and Children Fund benefits and service officer training • $29.5 billion in VA claims secured for veterans in 2025 • how to learn more and join the Legion For more information on joining the American Legion, go to Legion.org forward slash join or call 601-352-4986. Again, that's 601-352-4986 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.

    18 min

  8. 08/11/2025

    From Combat Zones to Convention Centers: Where Veterans Connect

    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 to serve their communities. The episode features a powerful interview with Van Alford, a Marine Corps veteran and survivor of the 1983 Beirut bombing. "Every day I think about it," Alford shares, his words carrying the weight of that tragic moment in military history. As a fourth-generation combat veteran whose son also served as a combat medic in Afghanistan and Iraq, Alford embodies the legacy of service that runs through so many military families. Despite his experiences leaving him 90% disabled, his continued commitment to the American Legion as an incoming State Historian demonstrates how veterans channel their experiences into continued service. The spotlight also falls on Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, a remarkable volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to "healing the hidden wounds of war." Army combat veteran Kevin Wittenberg and his wife Cindy explain how their organization provides free outdoor retreats and programs to all who've served, regardless of era or branch. Their inclusive approach – offering activities from blacksmithing to horseback riding, fishing to hunting – creates healing spaces where veterans reconnect with themselves and others through nature's therapeutic embrace. Throughout the conversations, a powerful theme emerges: the profound sense of belonging that organizations like the American Legion provide. "I don't have family that lives in Anchorage, but the Legion is my family," one veteran shares. These communities become lifelines, especially when confronting challenges like veteran suicide – the "new war raging...in the hearts and minds of those who served." Join us for this moving exploration of how veterans create meaning, find purpose, and build communities that understand their unique experiences. Subscribe to Veterans Sound Off Podcast to hear more stories of service, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds formed in and after uniform. 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.

    20 min
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On each episode of the show we will travel across the State of Mississippi and visit each American Legion Post and discover how the members there are still serving America in their communities.

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