American Legion-MS State President, Mike Fronabarger Gives Important Information for Veterans and Their Families

About Us: Business owners, Chamber directors, industry leaders, Main Street Directors, school and hospital leaders discuss what's happening in North MS with station owner, Melinda Marsalis. Interviews are recorded in Ripley, MS at Sun Bear Studio, broadcast every Tuesday at 11 am on The Shark 102.3 FM Radio and added here to help you stay informed.   If you would like to be considered for an interview, you can call or email Melinda.  The Shark 102.3 FM Radio Station and Sun Bear Studio, located in Ripley, MS, are owned by Chris and Melinda Marsalis.  Chris and Melinda have a passion for community development and love all of the amazing things that are going on in North Mississippi.  This Week:   In this episode of Heard It On The Shark, Melinda talks with Mike Fronabarger, the American Legion - Mississippi State President.  State President Fronabarger explains the history of The American Legion, when it was formed and why.He details how the programs of the American Legion have expanded since World War I to include not just veterans but their families as well. State President Fronabarger encourages all who are eligible to join their local post. Whether a veteran or their family member feel they need the offered services or not, it helps to have the support when you just need to talk with someone who understands what you have been through and what you are dealing with now.  Plus, there is strength in numbers. Because of the membership's combined voice, many veterans' issue get addressed quickly at the state and federal levels.  In Mississippi, there are 217 American Legion Posts with at least one in each county and, two, three, or more in many counties.Some of the biggest issues facing veterans and their families here in Mississippi as well as across the nation are PTSD, Homelessness, and recovery from so many of the natural disasters that have occurred in the past years. These issues make mental health a primary focus of the programs within The American Legion.  We all recognize 911 as a National Emergency Number for Physical Health and Help. Because of the importance of good mental health, 988 is the new National Emergency Mental Health has been established. This number is available to everyone. However, Veterans may call 988 and then press the #1 to be connected directly to Veteran-specific help.  One of the missions of The American Legion is to provide support for our veterans and to be an additional family for America's veterans. If you are a veteran or you have a family member who was a veteran, please reach out to your local American Legion Post for information on becoming a member and to learn more about the programs for families. www.jc.media662-837-1023theshark1023@gmail.com