Memorial Day services set at DeWeese Park
Neshoba County’s annual Memorial Day program is scheduled for Monday, May 29 at the Fallen Veterans Memorial in Dewitt DeWeese Park starting at 11 a.m.
Memorial Day is a time when the nation remembers those who have given their lives in war. The names of Neshoba County’s war dead are inscribed on the Fallen Veterans monument.
Lt. Col. Rodney Hodge, commander, 298th CSSB, will be the guest speaker. Born and raised in Jackson, Hodge enlisted into the Mississippi Army National Guard in April of 1996 as a military policeman; spending three years in the 114th Military Police Company in Clinton.
He has had numerous assignments in his years of service. Hodge received his commission through the Officer Candidate School at the Mississippi Military Academy in July 1999. He and his wife KaJanuary reside in Perkinston. They have two children, Kajarian (20) and Kamori (11).
Hodge’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M device, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He is also authorized to wear the Combat Action Badge.
His state awards include: the Mississippi Magnolia Medal, Mississippi War Medal, and the Mississippi Emergency Service Medal.
LTC Hodge is presently employed at the Stennis Space Center working as Supervisory Human Resource Specialist for the Department of the Navy.
In case of rain, the program will be held at the Ellis Theater.