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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.

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