Mississippi Salute Podcast

Mississippi Salute Podcast

by Mississippi Veterans Affairs

Government History

Season 1

Tony Provenza - World War Two and United States Marine Veteran

World War Two Marine Veteran Tony Provenza shares his journey from Greenville, Mississippi, to his World War Two Service in South China and Japan.

Sheri Biggs - Lt. Colonel of the Mississippi Air National Guard

In honor of Women's History Month, we feature Sheri Biggs, a Lt. Colonel of the Mississippi Air National Guard, on our Mississippi Salute Podcast.Biggs has served in the National Guard since 2012 and is a former Administrator at our Mississippi Veterans Home in Kosciusko.She sat down with Ray Coleman on the Mississippi Salute Podcast and shared how working in our Veterans Home System inspired her to join the armed forces.

Deborah W. Coleman - MSVA Board Member and Retired Colonel of the Mississippi National Guard

In honor of Women's History Month, we're proud to feature one of our Veterans Affairs Board Members, Colonel (Ret.) Deborah Coleman. Coleman served in the Mississippi National Guard for 27 years and currently serves in the Mississippi Legislative Budget Office. She sat down with Ray Coleman on the Mississippi Salute Podcast and shared her journey in the armed forces and why she continues serving the Veterans of the magnolia state.

Augustus L. Collins - Former Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard

Major General (Ret.) Augustus Leon Collins is the first African-American to serve as the Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard (from 2012 to 2016). In this episode, he discusses his journey of more than 35 years of military service, his upbringing in northeast Mississippi and how a "chance" opportunity led him to join the United States Army.

MDOT Commissioner Willie Simmons - Vietnam War and U.S. Army Veteran

Willie Simmons currently serves as the Central District Commissioner for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. The elected official has served in state government for close to 30 years, 26 of those as a senator in the Mississippi Legislature. Simmons, a Vietnam War Veteran, shares stories of his early life on his family's farm, his military service in the United States Army, and how it led him to choose a life of service in state government.

Chris Ellis - Mississippi VA Executive Legislative Liaison (U.S. Army Veteran)

Chris Ellis serves as our Executive Legislative Liaison. He is a retired Staff Sergeant with the Mississippi Army National Guard, having served 16 years with the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He was medically retired in 2017 due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. In this epidsode, Ellis provides an overview of the VA claims process and what you can do secure the best possible outcome for Veterans benefits.

George E. Irvin, Sr. - Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board Member (U.S. Army Veteran)

George Irvin, Sr. is one of seven members of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board. He is a retired Brigadier General of the United States Army, having served 37 years. In this episode, Irvin, Sr. discusses his military service, his family's service history, and how his military skills and knowledge have transferred over into his civilian life.

David Smith - World War Two Veteran (U.S. Army Veteran)

David Smith is a World War II Veteran and a resident at our Mississippi Veterans Home at Kosciusko. The 97-year-old shares why he wanted to join the United States Armed Forces and recalls some of his most vivid war experiences.

Mark A. Smith - Executive Director of Mississippi Veterans Affairs (U.S. Army Veteran)

Mark Smith serves as the Executive Director of Mississippi Veterans Affairs. He is a retired United States Army Colonel. In this first-ever episode of Mississippi Salute, Smith discusses his military history and passion for serving America's heroes. For more information on Mississippi Veterans Affairs and its services, visit www.msva.ms.gov.

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