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AmeriCorps Partners with American Red Cross to Celebrate and Assist Veterans
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, TRIAD Service AmeriCorps members joined with the Hattiesburg Chapter of the American Red Cross to assist active military members, veterans, and their families in safely enjoying Veterans Day celebrations.
AmeriCorps members marching in the fifth annual Veterans Day parade were Sharita McLaurin, Zachary Sellers, Laiken Turner, Amber Williams, Jasmine Whiteside, Reagan Ratcliff, Nathan Hatten, and Tatum Davis. Afterwards, AmeriCorps members supported attendees of the 33rd annual Veterans Day ceremony, held at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Hattiesburg.
The morning began with Hattiesburg’s fifth annual Veterans Day parade. This year’s parade, sponsored and organized by members of the Magnolia Chapter of the Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association, was larger than ever. AmeriCorps members walked alongside and behind the Red Cross’ Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV).
Members assisted the Red Cross in greeting veterans and making sure that parade attendees maintained a safe distance from the rolling ERV. Jasmine Whiteside, first year AmeriCorps member, noted the uniqueness of the parade. “It was very different from other parades in Hattiesburg, but in a good way. I got to walk down the street and shake the hands of veterans. That was very intimate. You don’t get that at other parades.”
The Veterans ceremony was the biggest opportunity for AmeriCorps members to make a difference. The sun came out over the proceedings, making the day a bit lovelier, but also suddenly hot. Active military members, veterans, and family members alike were broiling in their uniforms, suits, and “Sunday best” attire.
Hattiesburg policemen, firemen, and city workers who aided in the setup of the ceremony also needed relief from the heat. AmeriCorps members supported the Red Cross in their endeavor to provide water to all who attended and supported the ceremony.
Antonio Norwood, second year AmeriCorps member and future student at The University of Southern Mississippi, assisted in distributing the bottled water. After the event, Tony said, “When I passed out the water bottles to everyone at the ceremony, I felt good inside and out. It is an important thing for our community to support veterans and active military members who serve our country.”
TRIAD Service AmeriCorps would like to extend a huge “Thank You” to the American Red Cross for allowing members the opportunity to volunteer for this event through their organization.
TRIAD (Training, Resources and Information for the Advancement of Disability) Service AmeriCorps is an inclusive service program funded through the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service. TRIAD Service AmeriCorps focuses on providing support for economically disadvantage youth with disabilities through health education.
The TRIAD AmeriCorps program is a project of The University of Southern Mississippi and is funded through a grant from the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Mississippi.
For more information about TRIAD Service AmeriCorps, contact Jin Joo M. Crosby at 601.266.6037 or jin.mcclendon@usm.edu or visit www.usm.edu/disability-studies (under Community Service).
