Tuesday, January 3 2012 7:31 PM EST2012-01-04 00:31:00 GMT
The nearly 500 veterans living at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport are enjoying life at that new facility. The beach front complex opened just over a year ago. It includes spacious living quarters and plenty of amenities, like a fitness center, library and swimming pool.More >>
Tuesday, December 20 2011 6:35 PM EST2011-12-20 23:35:27 GMT
A father stationed in Kuwait comes home for the holidays a little early. But in order to surprise his three teenage children in Ocean Springs, Staff Sergeant Rod Styer and his wife, April, had to come up with a believable lie.More >>
Friday, December 16 2011 8:40 PM EST2011-12-17 01:40:13 GMT
The Biloxi VA hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday to celebrate completion of five new buildings. It is the largest expansion project in the history of the VA. The more than $300 million project will add some 500,000 square feet.More >>
Friday, December 9 2011 5:59 PM EST2011-12-09 22:59:45 GMT
Military families who've lost loved ones in the service are looking forward to an uplifting weekend. Mother and daughter Amanda and Jaden Barron from Byram departed from the Jackson-Evers airport to Dallas this morning.More >>
Thursday, November 17 2011 9:05 PM EST2011-11-18 02:05:53 GMT
Doris Jones has always had a sense of adventure. In her younger years, she was into things like sky diving, scuba diving and horseback riding. It was that sense of adventure that led her to join the Army in the early 60's. Jeff Lawson visits with retired Army nurse Doris Jones while she recalls treating burn patients in Vietnam.More >>
Thursday, November 17 2011 5:13 PM EST2011-11-17 22:13:44 GMT
The memory of a fallen Seabee was honored Thursday morning in Gulfport. A procession for Chief Petty Officer Raymond Border, led by the Patriot Guard, made its way west on Highway 90, from Highway 49 to Broad Avenue, and then to the gates of the Seabee Base.More >>
Friday, November 11 2011 9:53 PM EST2011-11-12 02:53:35 GMT
The courage and sacrifice it takes to keep our country free is a lesson that's hitting home for Bel-Aire Elementary school in Gulfport this Veterans Day. In October, Seabee Raymond Border, whose daughter attends Bel Aire, was killed in Afghanistan. The school held a flag raising ceremony Friday to honor his life.More >>
Friday, November 11 2011 8:30 PM EST2011-11-12 01:30:04 GMT
A recent study shows that more than 100,000 veterans are homeless nationwide, and South Mississippi has its fair share. In Jackson County, a veteran recently returned from Afghanistan decided to do something to honor those homeless vets.More >>
Friday, November 11 2011 11:05 AM EST2011-11-11 16:05:26 GMT
On this Veterans Day, a local company honored a local fallen soldier on the 236th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Selex Galileo dedicated it's newest building to First Lt. William Donnelly, IV.More >>
Thursday, November 10 2011 9:20 PM EST2011-11-11 02:20:51 GMT
Friday, Americans will come together as a nation to remember those who have fought for our freedoms. At the Veterans Day parade and ceremony in Jackson County, folks will honor the memory of a Moss Point soldier, Terrance Lee, who was killed while serving in Iraq. His family is working to keep his memory alive.More >>
Thursday, November 10 2011 5:48 PM EST2011-11-10 22:48:09 GMT
More than 20 National Guardsmen from Charley Company 237th BSB Medical and Brigade Support Company out of Ohio are spending a few days at Wesley Medical Center honing their skills. More >>
Thursday, November 3 2011 5:49 PM EDT2011-11-03 21:49:18 GMT
Some jobs will disappear at Keesler Air Force Base next year. The Keesler News reports the base will lose 68 civilian positions in 2012. The cuts follow a directive from the Department of Defense to keep the civilian workforce costs at 2010 levels.More >>
Tuesday, November 1 2011 3:37 PM EDT2011-11-01 19:37:13 GMT
A 33 year old Mississippi Army National Guard soldier from Pearl surprised his nine-year-old son Tuesday morning by coming home from Iraq early. More >>
Tuesday, October 25 2011 11:05 PM EDT2011-10-26 03:05:25 GMT
For one special night Tuesday, the Coast Coliseum and Convention Center housed a room full of heroes: Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen, all men and women who've helped bring democracy to Iraq. They do a mighty work, but even heroes can't do it alone.More >>
Monday, October 24 2011 6:26 PM EDT2011-10-24 22:26:08 GMT
It began eight days ago in Texas, and will end Tuesday in Pensacola, Florida. Monday, the march to honor fallen Air Force Special Operations warriors who have lost their lives in the war on terror made its way across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.More >>
Friday, October 7 2011 7:32 PM EDT2011-10-07 23:32:30 GMT
Proud shipyard workers bid farewell Friday to the newest Coast Guard cutter constructed at Ingalls Shipbuilding. NSC Stratton is the third of eight such vessels being built in Pascagoula for the U.S. Coast Guard.More >>
Thursday, October 6 2011 10:16 PM EDT2011-10-07 02:16:17 GMT
For a Biloxi WWII vet, a recent trip to the nation's war memorials in Washington was emotional. But for a different reason than many of his fellow veterans. It was his first opportunity to see his son's name on the Vietnam Memorial.More >>
Wednesday, October 5 2011 11:49 AM EDT2011-10-05 15:49:15 GMT
After losing both legs while serving in Iraq, an Army veteran is working to reclaim her life. One of her goals was to swim with dolphins. Little did Marissa Stock know that her dream would come true this week in Gulfport.More >>
Tuesday, October 4 2011 9:04 PM EDT2011-10-05 01:04:09 GMT
By this time next year, as many as 600 fewer people will be working on the Seabee Base in Gulfport. Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 7 is being decommission in a military cost saving move.More >>
Tuesday, October 4 2011 7:57 PM EDT2011-10-04 23:57:50 GMT
More than 1100 classic cars took part in the annual Biloxi VA Cruise in on Tuesday morning. It has become one of the more popular pit stops on the busy Cruisin the Coast schedule. The car owners share their vintage vehicles with veterans and patients at the VA.More >>
Classic car owners stopped by the Veterans Administration Medical Center Tuesday for the annual Biloxi VA Cruise in. The event is always special to both the cruisers and the veterans, who are happy to share memories of the good old days.More >>
Thursday, September 29 2011 6:36 PM EDT2011-09-29 22:36:39 GMT
A former Jones County homeless veteran is looking forward to meeting a Hattiesburg war hero who was the subject of a 7-On-Your-Side story earlier this week.More >>
Thursday, September 22 2011 7:56 PM EDT2011-09-22 23:56:27 GMT
Another group of WWI veterans are back home after a trip to see their memorial in Washington, DC. The greatest generation seldom shows outward displays of emotion, but to glance into their eyes as they were about to enter the place they had waited so long to see, it was clear how much gratitude and thanks they felt.More >>
Thursday, September 22 2011 5:26 PM EDT2011-09-22 21:26:00 GMT
A courageous 7-year-old boy with a dream to be an army helicopter pilot got the fantasy field trip of a lifetime Thursday, courtesy of the command staff at Camp Shelby.More >>
Wednesday, September 21 2011 10:57 AM EDT2011-09-21 14:57:51 GMT
Nearly 90 American war heroes have arrived at the nation's capital today. The Honor Flight is taking these World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., so they can see the monument built in their honor.More >>
Tuesday, September 20 2011 8:03 PM EDT2011-09-21 00:03:33 GMT
Another group of World War II veterans from Mississippi will be taking a journey of a lifetime Wednesday. They will be flying to Washington D.C. to see their memorial for the very first time. And during their flight home, each veteran will receive a special surprise from some south Mississippi students.More >>
Thursday, September 15 2011 9:34 PM EDT2011-09-16 01:34:22 GMT
A Long Beach mom and photographer donates her time and talent to pregnant Seabee wives, capturing some of the most important moments in their lives so deployed dads stay connected.More >>
Sunday, September 11 2011 6:36 PM EDT2011-09-11 22:36:26 GMT
An American hero from the Vietnam War was in Hattiesburg this Patriot Day, to learn more about other heros who've served our state in time of war. More >>
Wednesday, September 7 2011 6:18 PM EDT2011-09-07 22:18:36 GMT
Neighbors adjacent to the Naval Construction Battalion Center (Seabee Center), as well as on base residents, may hear gun fire coming from the base over the next few days. Base officials want everyone to know there is no need to be alarmed as it is part of a battalion exercise.More >>
Friday, September 2 2011 10:38 PM EDT2011-09-03 02:38:48 GMT
Claude St. Julien served his country in the military for 25 years. He was in both the Korean War and Vietnam War, and his family has a long history of military service. These days, this native of Louisiana lives at Gulfport's Armed Forces Retirement Home.More >>
Friday, September 2 2011 10:11 PM EDT2011-09-03 02:11:07 GMT
The biggest delivery in Pascagoula Friday involved a 418 foot long ship built at Ingalls Shipyard. Doug Walker was there for the ceremony that gave possession of the vessel to the U.S. Coast Guard.More >>
Friday, August 26 2011 12:18 PM EDT2011-08-26 16:18:02 GMT
Sonny Scardino and Laura Moore are newlyweds, but they are certainly not your typical newlyweds. Last week, they became the first couple to get married at the chapel on the grounds of the new Armed Forces Retirement Home.More >>
Thursday, August 25 2011 7:23 PM EDT2011-08-25 23:23:12 GMT
An elderly Jackson County couple needed help putting a new roof on their home. Seabees stationed in Gulfport have come to their aid, and for a very personal reason.More >>
Seabees from NMCB 11 are helping one of their own with some much needed roof repairs. Navy veteran Leon Giafaglione, 85, served with the 127th Seabees during WWII. He and his wife Shirley began building their Ocean Springs home in 1958.More >>
Thursday, August 18 2011 8:29 PM EDT2011-08-19 00:29:05 GMT
Bob Rutherford has been the driving force behind a massive food drive at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport. Military families, who can be facing some financial hardships, find the donations to be very helpful.More >>
Thursday, August 18 2011 4:46 PM EDT2011-08-18 20:46:26 GMT
A Sumrall Vietnam veteran has finally been presented one the Army's top honors for bravery 43 years after he was first notified that he had received the award.More >>
Thursday, August 4 2011 8:27 PM EDT2011-08-05 00:27:28 GMT
Bilbo Rodgers grew up dirt poor, the son of a North Mississippi farmer. At the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Army. Back then, there was no mingling of the races in the military.More >>
Just looking at the new Mississippi Gulf Coast United Services Organization (USO) van brings a feeling of patriotism. Today the van was donated by Huntington Ingalls' Industries Ingalls Shipbuilding Division.More >>
Thursday, July 21 2011 10:27 PM EDT2011-07-22 02:27:36 GMT
Ralph Krach is a veteran who lives in Biloxi. Even at 79, the long ago memories of war, and what he endured during that time are still with him.More >>
Tuesday, July 12 2011 11:23 AM EDT2011-07-12 15:23:05 GMT
Jimmy Bass is a Laurel native known to many in the community because of his longtime career as a photographer and volunteer at the Laurel Veterans Memorial Museum.More >>
Sunday, July 10 2011 12:30 AM EDT2011-07-10 04:30:40 GMT
40-year-old David Eaton is an attorney in Nashville, but he has strong ties to Taylorsville. His father, Staff Sergeant Mark Haskin Eaton was born there. More >>
Friday, July 8 2011 5:51 PM EDT2011-07-08 21:51:53 GMT
The Gulfport Seabee Base is under new leadership. Captain Rick Burgess took the helm of the Naval Construction Battalion Center at a change of command ceremony on Friday. He said he's eager to build new relationships with the servicemen stationed here, and the people in the Gulfport community.More >>
Friday, July 8 2011 5:21 PM EDT2011-07-08 21:21:41 GMT
Established fifteen years ago, the Laurel Veterans Memorial Museum was born from a group of local veterans that used to reminisce about their service over coffee socials.More >>
Thursday, June 23 2011 6:33 PM EDT2011-06-23 22:33:24 GMT
In 1943, Biloxi resident James Taylor was an 18-year-old black man in the Navy. January 30th of that year, was a day he will never forget. That's when 22 sailors died after their ship was hit by a torpedo.More >>
Friday, June 17 2011 6:46 PM EDT2011-06-17 22:46:22 GMT
Operating the Fisher House on Keesler Air Force Base just got a lot easier, thanks to a large donation from a group of Louisiana cowboys and cowgirls. Fisher House provides shelter for patients and their loved ones who are undergoing treatment at the base hospital.More >>
Friday, June 10 2011 9:37 PM EDT2011-06-11 01:37:25 GMT
Friday, for the second year in a row, more than 40 bikers traveled from Camp Shelby to Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula to take part in the Veterans Bike Rally.More >>
Thursday, June 9 2011 11:44 PM EDT2011-06-10 03:44:20 GMT
Gene Dufrene will never forget the year 2005. The long time Mississippi National Guard member, and a lifetime resident of the coast, was sent to Iraq that year. It was probably the most deadly year for our troops.More >>
Sunday, June 5 2011 12:25 AM EDT2011-06-05 04:25:42 GMT
The National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSCO) play a vital role in helping veterans get the benefits they need and deserve.More >>
Saturday, June 4 2011 11:11 PM EDT2011-06-05 03:11:43 GMT
Hometown star Robin Roberts was in South Mississippi this weekend for a very special conference regarding something she holds very dear to her heart: veterans.More >>
Tuesday, May 31 2011 6:30 PM EDT2011-05-31 22:30:57 GMT
Vietnam veteran George Jones is on a patriotic mission. He's inviting folks to sign his RV, hoping to fill the sides of the motor home with "support our troops" messages. His patriotic campaign is attracting attention on busy Pass Road in Gulfport.More >>
Monday, May 30 2011 8:06 PM EDT2011-05-31 01:06:16 GMT
At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Ocean Springs Monday, Patrice Clark found people standing up to say thank you to those who made sacrifices for our freedoms.More >>
Monday, May 30 2011 6:19 PM EDT2011-05-30 22:19:50 GMT
Hundreds gathered at Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday for the annual Memorial Day observance. The ceremony is held alongside thousands of white, marble grave stones. There are some 17,000 veterans buried at the national cemetery.More >>
Thursday, May 26 2011 7:26 PM EDT2011-05-27 00:26:39 GMT
Con artists hoping to take advantage of generous and patriotic Mississippians are using the name of the Honor Flight organization in their latest scam.More >>
Monday, May 23 2011 10:43 PM EDT2011-05-24 02:43:49 GMT
Thousands of motorcycle riders are expected in Washington, D.C. Monday for the annual "Run For The Wall". 650 riders came through Jackson Monday headed to the Vietnam Memorial.More >>
Thursday, May 12 2011 5:58 PM EDT2011-05-12 21:58:49 GMT
The 403rd Air Wing at Keesler AFB in Biloxi held a change of command ceremony Thursday. Brigadier General James Muscatell relinquished command of the unit to Colonel Jay Jensen. The new commander of the 403rd is no stranger to Biloxi, having served at Keesler from 1999 to 2009.More >>
Wednesday, May 11 2011 3:18 PM EDT2011-05-11 19:18:54 GMT
A group of World War II veterans from Mississippi spent Wednesday in Washington D.C. on a trip of a lifetime. The veterans visited the World War II Memorial. Jessica Bowman was at the Gulfport Biloxi International airport early Wednesday morning when the buses carrying the American heroes arrived.More >>
Tuesday, May 10 2011 4:46 PM EDT2011-05-10 21:46:29 GMT
Retired Colonel Henry Cook was in court Tuesday with lawyers representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Cook served as National Commander for the group just a few years ago, but was kicked out after he questioned spending he said was of no benefit to veterans. Now, he's taking the organization to court.More >>
Tuesday, May 3 2011 11:10 PM EDT2011-05-04 04:10:44 GMT
Through colorful brochures, heart felt stories and pictures of wounded soldiers, military charities are working hard, especially now, to solicit your money. Before you write that check, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann says check it out.More >>
March 26, 2011 07:02 PM CDT2011-03-29 22:24:40 GMT
Gulfport celebrated Navy Week with a parade Friday evening. Leading the celebration as Grand Marshal was U.S. Navy Secretary and former Mississippi governor Ray Mabus.More >>
Thursday, March 24 2011 10:57 PM EDT2011-03-25 02:57:28 GMT
Pat Cosper of Biloxi served as a medic in Vietnam. He says the memories of that war still haunt him, more than 40 years later. One of the ways he deals with it is through counseling sessions. He also does art work, depicting some of the graphic scenes he witnessed in Vietnam.More >>
Thursday, March 17 2011 11:26 PM EDT2011-03-18 03:26:07 GMT
A Gulfport Seabee had already missed his son's fourth, fifth, and sixth birthday celebrations. But on Thursday morning, he came home just in time to surprise his son on his special day. Trang Pham-Bui shows us the emotional reunion.More >>
Thursday, March 10 2011 8:27 PM EST2011-03-11 01:27:19 GMT
After more than six decades, a Diamondhead man now knows about the father who died in World War II. Jeff Lawson reports on this Project Homefront.More >>
Friday, March 4 2011 6:38 PM EST2011-03-04 23:38:41 GMT
More than 2,500 servicemembers and civilians were at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport Friday to welcome the Chief of Naval Operations. Adm. Gary Roughead told the Seabees, "What you have done over the past few years has been extraordinary. You have a reputation as the best combat engineers."More >>
Military members and their spouses may be eligible to receive free tax return preparation assistance. The IRS and U.S. Armed Forces participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program which provides free tax advice, tax preparation, return filing and other tax help to military members and their families.More >>
Wednesday, March 2 2011 6:44 AM EST2011-03-02 11:44:49 GMT
The Wings of Freedom Tour is coming to South Mississippi. Wednesday. The Collings Foundation will bring three vintage World War II airplanes to Hattiesburg's Bobby L Chain Municipal Airport. They include the Boeing B-17 flying fortress, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, and the North America P-51 Mustang.More >>
Sunday, February 27 2011 6:36 PM EST2011-02-27 23:36:29 GMT
After a long journey home, the members of Coast Guard Port Security Unit 308 will get a long awaited homecoming Sunday afternoon. The unit, based at Stennis, just returned from a deployment to the Middle East in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.More >>
Thursday, February 24 2011 9:10 PM EST2011-02-25 02:10:28 GMT
May 11th of this year will be a very important day for our Mississippi World War II veterans. That morning, a chartered jet will leave Gulfport and fly to the nation's capital carrying about 90 of our Mississippi World War II veterans.More >>
Thursday, February 17 2011 8:33 PM EST2011-02-18 01:33:06 GMT
The memories and nostalgia of America's Greatest Generation landed in South Mississippi Thursday. A crowd gathered to see two fully restored World War II planes on display at the airport in Gulfport. Several former fighter pilots talked about seeing the planes after all these years.More >>
Tuesday, February 15 2011 8:07 PM EST2011-02-16 01:07:28 GMT
A Mississippi National Guard soldier who is exhibiting photos of life in Iraq at Southern Miss is now displaying other similar photos at Camp Shelby. More >>
Thursday, February 10 2011 7:45 PM EST2011-02-11 00:45:31 GMT
Anthony is a Jackson County resident and Gautier High graduate, who joined the Marine Corp a few years ago. In the summer of 2010, he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan. He barely survived, and was left without both of his legs and his right hand. Jeff Lawson spoke with him in this Project Home FrontMore >>
Friday, February 4 2011 8:16 PM EST2011-02-05 01:16:04 GMT
A Gulfport Seabee is committed to serving in the military. She also has another love: Being a volunteer firefighter. On Friday, Morgan Rector got the best of both worlds. Trang Pham-Bui takes us to a reenlistment ceremony at a very unusual setting.More >>
Friday, February 4 2011 7:50 PM EST2011-02-05 00:50:33 GMT
Imagine having to stay at a motel while a loved one was hospitalized for weeks or months. The cost would be prohibitive. But at Keesler Air Force Base, there is no cost, thanks to the Fisher House. Family members stay free while loved ones receive medical care.More >>
Tuesday, February 1 2011 9:48 PM EST2011-02-02 02:48:22 GMT
Around 100 social service providers attended a Homeless Summit at the Biloxi VA on Tuesday. They shared information about available services and brain stormed ideas on how to improve their outreach programs. The Department of Veteran Affairs has set a goal of eliminating homelessness among veterans by October of 2014.More >>
Thursday, January 27 2011 8:10 PM EST2011-01-28 01:10:33 GMT
Corporal Anthony McDaniel grew up in Gautier. A few years ago, he made the decision to join the Marine Corps. The summer of 2010, what happened to Anthony in Afghanistan, would change his life forever. The Gautier Marine reflects on losing both legs and a hand from IED in Afghanistan.More >>
Thursday, January 27 2011 11:58 AM EST2011-01-27 16:58:57 GMT
For one year, Lt. David Holland never went out in the streets without two things: his Nikon camera and rifle. The Hattiesburg photographer took 25 gripping photographs of life on the streets of Baghdad during his 2008 tour of Iraq with the U.S. Army National Guard. Now his work is on display at USM.More >>
Saturday, January 22 2011 7:18 PM EST2011-01-23 00:18:35 GMT
Veterans of Foreign Wars from Mississippi gathered Saturday for the 2011 Mid-Winter Conference in Gulfport. The joint business meeting with VFW members and the Ladies Auxiliary is held each year.More >>
Friday, January 14 2011 8:02 PM EST2011-01-15 01:02:10 GMT
It was all smiles for the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board after they received a $110,000 dollar check from the Friends of Mississippi Veterans at the Jackson State Veterans Nursing Home.More >>
Friday, January 14 2011 12:11 PM EST2011-01-14 17:11:01 GMT
The honor flight program, which sends groups of World War II veterans on day long trips to DC to visit our military monuments, is reaching out to South Mississippi.More >>
Thursday, January 13 2011 8:48 PM EST2011-01-14 01:48:48 GMT
Naomi Kraima joined the Air Force and served in Iraq to make a difference. And despite being medically retired, she's still making a difference counseling her fellow veterans.More >>
Thursday, December 30 2010 8:42 PM EST2010-12-31 01:42:44 GMT
Major Michael Reynolds recently came home from a 183 day deployment to Afghanistan. It was his fifth time to be deployed in 15 years, and it won't be his last. He says every deployment seems to get harder for the family, especially the kids.More >>
Monday, December 27 2010 9:57 PM EST2010-12-28 02:57:10 GMT
They may be far away from home for the holidays, but members of the Mississippi National Guard celebrated Christmas with a delicious meal in Afghanistan.More >>
Wednesday, December 22 2010 5:34 PM EST2010-12-22 22:34:57 GMT
The USO at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport was filled with military travelers on Wednesday. That organization helps provide a "home away from home" for service members. The USO airport facility offers free snacks, Internet and TV for military travelers, giving them a place to relax while waiting for flights.More >>
Tuesday, December 21 2010 6:54 PM EST2010-12-21 23:54:50 GMT
Two little known flight squadrons with a reserve wing at Keesler are playing a big role in the war on terror. When you think of the 403rd, you usually think of the Hurricane Hunters. But the 815th Flying Jennies and the 345th Golden Eagles are used to flying into storms of a different nature, war zones.More >>
Friday, December 17 2010 11:01 PM EST2010-12-18 04:01:39 GMT
Jeff and Angie Egger gave their two kids the best Christmas surprise ever. Egger is a Seabee who just returned from a 10 months deployment to Africa. He dropped in on his children's classrooms Friday afternoon for a surprise happy reunion.More >>
Tuesday, December 14 2010 9:21 PM EST2010-12-15 02:21:33 GMT
Tuesday morning, Lieutenant William Donnelly, IV was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. At exactly the same time, in the city of Picayune, a memorial service was held for Lt. Donnelly.More >>
For troops serving overseas, holidays like Christmas are often spent far from home. Care packages are one way the public can support the troops during the holidays.More >>
Thursday, December 2 2010 10:54 PM EST2010-12-03 03:54:01 GMT
On Thanksgiving Day, the Donnelly family received the news that every military family fears. They learned their son, Will, had been killed in action in Afghanistan. His father talked with Jeff Lawson about the pride he has for Will, and the last time he saw his son - last September on his wedding day.More >>
Tuesday, November 30 2010 8:07 PM EST2010-12-01 01:07:15 GMT
Nearly 200 South Mississippi National Guardsmen deployed in Afghanistan will have a merrier Christmas this year thanks to the Coast chapter of the Soldiers' Angels Organization. The group has partnered with American Legion Post 77 in Waveland to box up and ship out Christmas gifts and trinkets.More >>
Thursday, November 18 2010 7:53 PM EST2010-11-19 00:53:53 GMT
Midwest author pens story about his late uncle. He calls him "A citizen soldier," who represents the many millions of men who fought in World War II.More >>
Thursday, November 11 2010 8:50 AM EST2010-11-11 13:50:55 GMT
Five year after his death, Robert Earl Moody, was honored and remembered Wednesday as a "forgotten hero." A small group of people gathered at Biloxi National Cemetery for a special service. Moody's ashes will be laid to rest at the cemetery. His wife Barbara Moody described her husband as "happy go lucky" and said he often entertained the troops with his singing and jokes.More >>
Wednesday, November 10 2010 12:27 PM EST2010-11-10 17:27:06 GMT
Vancleave High School honored Gulf Coast war heroes Wednesday morning for Veteran's Day. Sponsored by the VHS Junior Civitan Club, the high school wanted to "bridge the gap" between older and younger generations of veterans from South Mississippi.More >>
Tuesday, November 9 2010 6:53 PM EST2010-11-09 23:53:37 GMT
The veterans at the new Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport were officially welcomed home Tuesday with a special event called "Glory on the Gulf." Several federal officials were on hand, including the administrator for the General Services Administration.More >>
Monday, November 8 2010 4:49 PM EST2010-11-08 21:49:39 GMT
Monday was a day to honor our nation's military heroes at Gautier High School. Hundreds of veterans gathered at the school to be saluted by students for their service to the country. But the highlight of the day was the homecoming of a former graduate, a man who nearly lost his life in Afghanistan.More >>
Thursday, November 4 2010 7:17 PM EDT2010-11-04 23:17:11 GMT
A Woolmarket mom, with a son in the 101st Airborne Division, worries every day about her son's safety. He blows up IED's in Afghanistan. It may be the most dangerous work in the most dangerous place in the world right now. Jeff Lawson shares her story on this Project Homefront.More >>
Sunday, October 31 2010 1:15 PM EDT2010-10-31 17:15:12 GMT
Retired Colonel Henry Cook of Bay St. Louis had given up the hope of ever finding the man who saved his life. But, all that changed one day this fall.More >>
Tuesday, October 19 2010 7:42 PM EDT2010-10-20 00:42:49 GMT
The "top doc" for both the Navy and Marine Corps is on a fact-finding tour of Navy medical facilities in the region. His first stop was Tuesday at the Gulfport Seabee Base. During the visit, Navy Surgeon General Adam Robinson discussed plans to replace the health clinic on base with a new building. Trang Pham-Bui tells us how the new clinic will help improve medical care for the Seabees and their families.More >>
Saturday, October 16 2010 2:12 PM EDT2010-10-16 18:12:19 GMT
Seabee veterans from World War II up to Iraqi Freedom, gathered on the coast this week to commemorate the time they spent serving their country. Friends and servicemen swapped sea stories Friday night as they each re-lived their time in the Seabees.More >>
Friday, October 8 2010 8:45 PM EDT2010-10-09 01:45:13 GMT
The Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday to recognize the opening of their new mental health unit.More >>
Wednesday, October 6 2010 5:24 PM EDT2010-10-06 22:24:37 GMT
A World War II soldier from Mississippi will finally be laid to rest in his home state exactly 66 years after he died. Army Cpl. Judge C. Hellums was killed in 1944 on a battlefield in France. The Department of Defense announced Wednesday that Hellums' remains have been identified and are being returned to the family for burial with full military honors.More >>
Monday, October 4 2010 9:59 PM EDT2010-10-05 01:59:26 GMT
Some 150 veterans are finally "back where they belong." Five years after Hurricane Katrina exiled them to Washington, DC, the vets enjoyed an emotional homecoming Monday as they moved into the brand new Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport.More >>
Monday, October 4 2010 7:11 PM EDT2010-10-05 00:11:19 GMT
Shortly after 11am Monday, a plane carrying a large group of veterans landed at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. As buses transported the veterans to the new Armed Forces Retirement Home, they were greeted by thousands of people; most were school children. Trang Pham-Bui was there as the students cheered and chanted to welcome the residents back to South Mississippi.More >>
Thursday, September 23 2010 9:26 PM EDT2010-09-24 01:26:34 GMT
The Swann family in Petal, Mississippi is anxiously awaiting the return of National Guardsman Robert Swann. The husband and father of three is currently serving in Afghanistan. He left in early September, and won't be home for almost a year.More >>
Thursday, September 23 2010 7:20 PM EDT2010-09-23 23:20:39 GMT
For about five years the Hattiesburg Combat Veterans Group has been meeting every Wednesday at the Lake Terrace Convention Center free of charge thanks to the efforts of both the Convention Commission and the City of Hattiesburg.More >>
Friday, September 10 2010 9:57 AM EDT2010-09-10 13:57:31 GMT
Staff Sergeant Brian Bradley is stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, but has spent the last eight months on deployment in Iraq. Something happened during that time that was life changing for Brian, in a very positive way.More >>
Congratulations to Stacy Schutz, our August Project Homefront essay winner! Read her winning story, or click here to enter your own essay. We'll pick one each month to win a family dinner and spa package.More >>
Congratulations to Laurie Blalock, our July Project Homefront essay winner! Read her winning story, or click here to enter your own essay. We'll pick one each month to win a family dinner and spa package.More >>
Congratulations to Dixie Lee, our June Project Homefront essay winner! Read her winning story, or click here to enter your own essay. We'll pick one each month to win a family dinner and spa package.More >>
Tuesday, August 17 2010 12:29 PM EDT2010-08-17 17:29:15 GMT
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College was named a Military Friendly School for 2011 by G.I. Jobs magazine. This honor ranks Gulf Coast in the top 15 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide based on a survey of college policies, recruiting and retention efforts.More >>
Thursday, August 12 2010 6:31 PM EDT2010-08-12 22:31:01 GMT
The Fisher House at Keesler Air Force Base has been an immense help to countless military families over the years. The facility is a free place to stay for the families of military members undergoing medical treatment on base.More >>
Friday, August 6 2010 9:07 PM EDT2010-08-07 01:07:08 GMT
Fourth District Congressman Gene Taylor is just back from a trip to Afghanistan. It is not the first time he has been there, but the congressman is becoming increasingly concerned about the direction of the war, in terms of lives lost and dollars spent.More >>
Thursday, July 29 2010 7:11 PM EDT2010-07-29 23:11:58 GMT
A Navy couple somehow made a romance lead to marriage, despite the fact they were separated by thousands of miles. Now, they say their "boring" life is good. Jeff Lawson reports.More >>
Tuesday, July 27 2010 2:26 PM EDT2010-07-27 19:26:46 GMT
Early next year, the laughter of about 1,200 children should fill the classrooms of the planned school in Djibouti, thanks to a team of sailors from NMCB 7. Recently the team has been working on excavation of the classrooms, cleaning out the rooms and preparing to install concrete walls with cement blocks for additional stability.More >>
Tuesday, July 20 2010 2:15 PM EDT2010-07-20 19:15:47 GMT
When a group of Gulfport Seabees returned from Afghanistan Monday night, they were greeted by parents, wives, children and several new bundles of joy. Of the returning Seabees, 22 are fathers of newborns who came into this world during the Afghan mission.More >>
Thursday, July 15 2010 8:03 PM EDT2010-07-16 00:03:58 GMT
The family of Gulfport Seabee Robert Salter, anxiously await his return. Robert is in Africa with NMCB 7, and won't be back home until December. For his wife Deanna and the kids, it is difficult being a single mom right now. Jeff Lawson has the story.More >>
Thursday, July 8 2010 6:08 PM EDT2010-07-08 22:08:24 GMT
Beau Rivage got a big thank you Thursday morning from a group of soldiers stationed in Afghanistan. The Biloxi casino recently adopted the 287th engineering group out of Lucedale, and sent 150 care packages overseas.More >>
Thursday, July 1 2010 5:45 PM EDT2010-07-01 22:45:01 GMT
For the first time since Hurricane Katrina, Keesler Air Force Base will house 50 Mississippi National Guard soldiers to support ongoing oil spill response operations. The soldiers are from Alpha Company 1/155th Infantry headquartered in the St. Martin Armory in Jackson County.More >>
Congratulations to Sydney Decker, our May Project Homefront essay winner! Read her winning story, or click here to enter your own essay. We'll pick one each month to win a family dinner and spa package.More >>
Thursday, June 3 2010 8:32 PM EDT2010-06-04 00:32:01 GMT
Nicole Ribet of Gulfport is the wife of a Gulfport Seabee. Her husband David has been deployed three times in the six years they have known each other. Nicole said it's hard, but she understands the sacrifices that have to be made when you are a military wife.More >>
Monday, May 24 2010 9:45 AM EDT2010-05-24 14:45:48 GMT
More than 600 museums nationwide are offering free admission to military families all summer in a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The list includes some of theMore >>
Tuesday, May 18 2010 8:34 PM EDT2010-05-19 01:34:05 GMT
Two Mississippi soldiers recently deployed in Iraq received some much needed rest and relaxation thanks to the Mississippi Chapter of the Soldiers' Angels Program and a local charter boat captain. The soldiers from the 155th Calvary Regiment out of Amory, Mississippi were treated to a fishing trip on the Mississippi Sound.More >>
Wednesday, May 12 2010 12:19 PM EDT2010-05-12 17:19:27 GMT
Congratulations to Deanna Johannsen, our April Project Homefront essay winner! Read her winning story, or click here to enter your own essay. We'll pick one each month to win a family dinner and spa package.More >>
Thursday, April 29 2010 10:37 PM EDT2010-04-30 02:37:11 GMT
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate was at Keesler Air Force Base Thursday to get a first hand look at how the Hurricane Hunter's mission is critical to both his agency and the National Hurricane Center.More >>
Wednesday, April 14 2010 5:49 PM EDT2010-04-14 22:49:30 GMT
Where can you go to eat the best Air Force food in the world? Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi. The base food service operation has just won the Hennessy Award for 2010, beating every other air bases across the globe. Doug Walker spent the day at the base chow hall, and serves up the story.More >>
Friday, April 2 2010 11:17 AM EDT2010-04-02 16:17:54 GMT
Congratulations to Tonya Adams, our March Project Homefront essay winner! Read her winning story below, or click here to enter your own essay. We'll pick one each month to win a family dinner and spa package.More >>
Tuesday, March 30 2010 5:18 PM EDT2010-03-30 21:18:43 GMT
Members of the 81st medical group at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi just returned from a humanitarian mission to Chile. A total of 46 men and women took part in the three week medical mission. They helped erect a field hospital to temporarily replace a medical center that was heavily damaged in the February earthquake.More >>
Monday, March 15 2010 5:37 PM EDT2010-03-15 21:37:38 GMT
It was called a last key ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base Monday morning, but it really marked the start of a new and exciting era for base housing and the families who will live there. Doug Walker takes us inside one of the new homes.More >>
Friday, March 12 2010 3:33 PM EST2010-03-12 20:33:00 GMT
A Harrison County woman says it is tough coping with the demands of everyday life while her husband is deployed, but she also insists it is all worth it.More >>
Tuesday, March 2 2010 12:56 PM EST2010-03-02 17:56:29 GMT
Congratulations to Nicole Ribet, our February Project Homefront essay winner! Read her winning story below, or click here to enter your own essay. We'll pick one each month to win a family dinner and spa package.More >>
Sunday, February 28 2010 10:41 AM EST2010-02-28 15:41:04 GMT
Military spouses say they've been left in limbo because of a suspended government program. One of them here in South Mississippi says she was never told about the halt. Sylvia Hall talks to her about what she and spouses like her are doing about it.More >>
Friday, February 26 2010 5:56 PM EST2010-02-26 22:56:41 GMT
South Mississippi military members are serving on the front lines in the battle against illiteracy and the high dropout rate. They are joining forces with Harrison County schools to tackle those problems. Trang Pham-Bui tells us how that partnership is making a difference in the classroom.More >>
Friday, February 26 2010 9:59 AM EST2010-02-26 14:59:57 GMT
Kathie Ladner runs the National Guard's Family Assistance Center in Hancock County. Because her husband has deployed many times, she understands better than most, the unique challenges a military family faces.More >>
Friday, February 12 2010 11:53 AM EST2010-02-12 16:53:38 GMT
This week's Project Homefront special report features a National Guard family. Kathie Ladner and her husband, John, are both long time Gulfport residents who married 21 years ago. Since John was a graduate of the Air Force Academy, Kathie knew her life would be that of a military spouse. She calls it a wonderful life, but not without challenges.More >>
Saturday, January 30 2010 8:33 PM EST2010-01-31 01:33:43 GMT
The Musacchia family at Keesler Air Force base are greatly anticipating Captain Joe Musacchia's return from Iraq. The challenges for this family have been many since Joe deployed back nearly a year ago. Jeff Lawson spoke with the family and has this story.More >>
Friday, January 15 2010 12:50 PM EST2010-01-15 17:50:43 GMT
About 85 members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7 from Gulfport will be soon be headed to Haiti. Their immediate mission will include clearing roads and helping restore communications. It's a job they're familiar with, especially since many survived Hurricane Katrina and endured its aftermath.More >>
Friday, January 15 2010 9:44 AM EST2010-01-15 14:44:04 GMT
WLOX-TV is beginning a year long series of reports called Project Homefront. The series will examine the stress and strain associated with a loved one in the military being deployed. For families left behind, the emotions run the gamut. And no one knows that better than Tracy Dedeaux.More >>
Friday, January 15 2010 9:30 AM EST2010-01-15 14:30:58 GMT
Despite the challenges, I witnessed a feeling among our troops – both at the top level and the enlisted men and women – that we are in a strong position to turn things around in Afghanistan this year...More >>
Thursday, January 14 2010 5:38 PM EST2010-01-14 22:38:36 GMT
More than 80 Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 have been tasked to support relief operations in Haiti after a devastating earthquake. Personnel began pulling equipment from warehouses and prepping to fly out with the air detachment from the battalion late Friday or early Saturday.More >>
Wednesday, December 23 2009 12:19 PM EST2009-12-23 17:19:21 GMT
The United States Marines received an order 62 years ago and they look forward to carrying it out each and every Christmas. Last year alone they collected an astonishing 142 million "Toys for Tots." For all they do for our nation and the children of our community every holiday season, we honor members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves as South Mississippi Heroes.More >>
Wednesday, December 23 2009 9:35 AM EST2009-12-23 14:35:06 GMT
Troops in South Mississippi are answering the call to combat following the president's order to send more troops to Afghanistan. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 out of Gulfport is scheduled to deploy early next year. Krystal Allan stopped by the Gulfport Seabee Base to see how the base is preparing troops for deployment.More >>
Jim Taylor Jr., has lived an interesting life. This native of the Midwest, moved to Mississippi only a few years ago. Way back in 1943 he joined the Navy. It was a different time a different era.More >>
2005 was a very deadly year, for our troops in Iraq. Terrorists were killing American soldiers almost daily with improvised explosive devices. It was also the year, that Coast resident, Gene Du-frain a long time member of the Mississippi National Guard was sent to Iraq. As he tells us on Project Home front it was not a good year.More >>
84 Mississippi World War Two veterans are back home today. After the journey of a lifetime. May 11, 2011 was the very first trip of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight. It's a program that takes WW II veterans to see their memorial in the nation's capitol Photojournalist Greg McNease and Jeff Lawson were honored to travel there with these great men and women. On a special edition of Project Homefront we take you there.More >>
Students at Pearl River Central High School in Carriere received a living history lesson from a World War II veteran Thursday. Colonel Glenn Frazier shared his amazing story as a young soldier who survived the infamous Bataan Death March in the Philippines back in 1942.More >>
(1-27-11) Marine Corporal Anthony McDaniel's life changed dramatically late this summer while serving in Afghanistan. It was the day Anthony thought he would not survive, but as you will see, Anthony McDaniel is a determined and a very impressive young man. Jeff Lawson has his story on Project Homefront.More >>
(1-13-11) Naomi Kraima Is a veteran of the Air Force. Five days a week she is in her office at Keesler Air Force Base helping other veterans. It's her job, but as you will see, it is also her passion. Jeff Lawson with her story on our Project Homefront.More >>
(11-18-10) Retired Colonel Wayne Quist, a resident of the Midwest, recently was guest speaker at the World War Two Museum in New Orleans. The Colonel spoke about a book he has written on his late uncle Army private Joe Haan. The book has received high praise from people like Garrison Keillor There is even consideration of making the story into a movie. On his way to the museum, Colonel Quist stopped at WLOX News. Jeff Lawson reports.More >>
(9-23-10) "My boots are heavy...but not as heavy as my heart." Those were the words of Robert Swann when he left his family last week for a one year deployment to Afghanistan. Robert is in the National Guard. Any deployment is hard on the soldiers but even harder on the families. On our Project Homefront, the Swann family's story.More >>
(9-9-10) Staff sergeant Brian Bradley is stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, but he has spent the last eight months on deployment in Iraq. Something happened during that time, that was life changing for Brian in so many ways, and all good ways. Jeff Lawson has this family's story in our Project Homefront.More >>
(08-26-10) Cindy Reed, a Pass Christian resident, understands what it is like to deal with adversity and challenges. Cindy's husband, Brian is a Seabee with 17 years of service. Right now, he is in Guam and won't be home until the spring of next year. Cindy and her family will make it through this deployment just like they have all the others. Cindy's story on our Project Homefront.More >>
(8-12-10) If you are currently serving in the military or ever did then hopefully you have heard of the Fisher House. If you have not, then you should. It is a wonderful place, and all thanks to an extraordinary man. The Fisher House and what it does is the subject of this Project Homefront.More >>
(7-29-10) On our Project Homefront, meet Michaela and Clayton Condon. These two take the term "long distance romance" to a new level. They met more than three years ago, and now, they are married, but getting to that point was not easy. Jeff Lawson has their story.More >>
(6-3-10) On our Project Homefront, Nicole Ribet is a Gulfport resident whose husband is a Seabee. He is now on his third deployment in the 6 years they have known one another. Nicole says the key for her to getting through these deployments is staying busy. Jeff Lawson has her story.More >>
(07-14-10) Deanna calls Robert, not just her husband and father of their children, but also "her hero and her best friend." Robert is stationed at the Gulfport Seabee base and is serving with NMCB 7 in Africa. A long way from his wife and two beautiful little girl. Jeff Lawson has the story.More >>
(5-6-10) For Project Homefront we take you out to the Seabee base where they are busy getting ready for "Seabee Day." As part of the process of getting ready they had a lot of fun washing the bee. Here's tonights Project Homefront.More >>
02/11/10 - This week's Project Homefront special report features a National Guard family. Kathie Ladner and her husband, John, are both long time Gulfport residents who married 21 years ago. Since John was a graduate of the Air Force Academy, Kathie knew her life would be that of a military spouse. She calls it a wonderful life, but not without challenges.More >>
WLOX-TV is beginning a year long series of reports called Project Homefront. For the next year, every other Thursday on WLOX News at 6pm and WLOX.com, you will meet some of south Mississippi's military families. We begin with the lady who is one of the driving forces behind WLOX's Project Homefront.More >>
Army Family Programs offer a comprehensive array of programs and services dedicated to maintaining the readiness of Soldiers, Families and communities.More >>
The "Family Matters" blog provides resources and support to military families, as well as to encourage a dialogue on topics ranging from deployments and separations to the challenges of everyday life.More >>
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