veterans

Local Vietnam veteran in desperate need of help

In Pass Christian, resident John Trapagnia served our nation as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Now, this man who has given so much to our country needs our help. John, who goes by Jack now, is 70-years-old living with three…

Veterans compete in Creative Arts Competition

The Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System held their annual Creative Arts Competition today. The competition features multiple categories of art, including creative writings, dance, drama, and music. All veterans who are enrolled in the health system were allowed to enter.…

Horses healing veterans

Giving back to those who gave the country their all: that’s the main goal at Healing Reigns Equine Center in Ocean Springs. United States Navy Veteran Gary Himes said, “We are all cooped up in a hospital all the time.…

New veteran care facility announced

This morning, Stacey Pickering, director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board, made a big announcement regarding long term care for veterans. He announced a new care facility for veterans that will be located at Tradition. According to Pickering, there are…

American Legion honors fallen heroes

Sunday marked the 76th anniversary of the sinking of the Dorchester Army transport ship. More than 670 soldiers lost their life that day. Long Beach Post 1995 of the American Legion honored four of those brave men who willingly gave…

Fireworks can trigger PTSD

Tonight, millions will celebrate the countdown to the New Year with family, friends, and fireworks. For some people, like veterans, the loud booming can spark something much deeper. The sound of fireworks often triggers memories of war for those who…

Bradford-O’Keefe Coat Drive delivery

The Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home has been collecting sweaters and coats for close to four weeks now for homeless veterans in our area. Today, the funeral home delivered the warm clothing to the VA Hospital. The VA Hospital will now take…

Wreaths for Veterans at Biloxi National Cemetery

For the past six years, members of the community have been placing wreaths on the headstones at the Biloxi National Cemetery. This year is going to be bigger and better than ever. For many a wreath is a symbol of…

Equine therapy helping veterans on the Coast

A new type of therapy for veterans has hit the Gulf Coast. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what about a horse? Well, according to many experts, a horse is just what the doctor ordered.…

Thanksgiving dinner for veterans

To show appreciation for veterans on the Coast, the Safe Harbor United Methodist Church hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in their honor. The American Legion Post 160 Honor Guard presented the flags before the dinner was served. The veterans were the…

Honoring our veterans through song and music

The salute continues along the Gulf Coast, honoring our veterans for all that they’ve done for our country. Tonight, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Concert Choir, Mississippi Sound, and the Perk Woodwind Ensemble performed a Veterans Day concert…

Veterans Day Program at the VA

What better place to honor our veterans than at the VA? Veterans from all branches of the military were guests of honor at the Veterans Day Program at the Biloxi VA Medical Center’s recreational hall this morning. On hand were…

Veterans Day Program at Popp’s Ferry Elementary

Popp’s Ferry Elementary held their annual Veteran’s Day Program today. With flags waving and voices singing patriotic songs, Popp’s Ferry Elementary honored veterans in a special way. They invited parents to join their Veterans Day Program and Hero Walk. Students…

Veterans Ceremony at Memorial Hospital

This morning, Memorial Hospital in Gulfport held a ceremony in recognition and remembrance of veterans and their service to our country. Memorial Hospital staff members came together outside by the flag pole and were joined by Gulfport High School Junior…

Coast veterans visit National WWII Museum

In honor of Veterans Day approaching, today the Riemann Family Funeral Home took a group of veterans to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. For the seventh year in a row, veterans on the Coast shared laughs,…

Veterans breakfast at MGCCC Jackson County

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College decided they wanted to spend the entire week leading up to Veterans Day honoring those who served our country. This morning at the MGCCC campus in Jackson County, school officials held a complimentary breakfast for…

Operation Vet Sail- A Salute at Sea

‘Operation Vet Sail- A Salute at Sea’ is a national initiative by the American Sailing Association and charter boat owners to honor our veterans that has been launched right here in South Mississippi. Dwayne Russell has spent 22 years flying…

Veterans Day Parade

Some 55 cars and floats paraded down the streets of Ocean Springs on Saturday to honor those that have served our country. The Ocean Springs American Legion invited anyone who would be of interest to participate in the parade. They…

Armed Forces Retirement Home rate increase

Imagine your rent going up by almost $1600, shocking right? Well, that is a reality for some residents at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport. Robert Guenther turned 19-years-old while he was in basic training for the Air Force.…

Gulf Coast POW/MIA Recognition Day

Freedom is not free, something family and friends of those who still have not returned home while serving their country know all too well. Dozens of people gathered today at the Biloxi VA to honor and remember our POWS and…

Gold Star Families Remembrance Week

The U.S. Senate approved a resolution authored by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith to honor families of fallen members of the armed forces this month. September 23rd through the 29th is designated as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. This is to…

Veterans Village in the works

Crusaders for Veterans is a local organization that’s on a mission to raise $75,000 to purchase land for their veterans transitional village. Those plans include a community center for educational courses, PTSD counseling, and group meetings as well as a…

Veteran’s remains may return to Biloxi

Recently North Korea returned 55 caskets containing the remains of American soldiers. Biloxi city officials hope a local veteran who lost his life in the Korean War is part of those remains. After a summit with President Trump, North Korea…