American Legion recognizes hospital’s IT employees
Members of Neshoba County’s American Legion Post 138 honored Neshoba General IT Department workers Clay Conn and Ryan Gillis with a certificate of appreciation last Wednesday for their efforts in selecting and setting up a professional sound system for events at DeWitt DeWeese Park.
“We are fixed now to where they come out and set that up for us every time we have a ceremony,” said Retired Col. Ray Crocker, speaking about the sound system. “It’s such a pleasure to know that you don’t have to worry about the speakers and the PA set anymore.”
Crocker further emphasized the importance of events like Veterans Day ceremonies honoring the 102 fallen veterans listed on the park’s monument.
Part of the certificate reads, “You being there to operate the system adds a lot to the professionalism of our programs and removes the apprehension of whether our speakers can be heard by everyone that attends. Without your support and assistance during our Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs, the sound quality of our system nor the volume would be as good as it has been.”
Kyle James, who is on active duty and spoke through a sound system at the event, thanked Crocker for making the presentation happen.
He praised Crocker as “a fine example of someone who puts service above self and is the driving force behind all veterans’ activities in our community,” and thanked him for his service to both the country and the community.
James also commended Conn and Gillis, saying, “By serving the community, they are selflessly putting the needs of this community and its veterans ahead of their own. By doing so, it’s ensured the sound is set up for all events at the Veterans Monument ceremonies held throughout the year. They both do so without seeking recognition or gain, other than the satisfaction that they are serving our great community.”
Gillis said he was humbled to be recognized by American Legion Post 138.
“I have never served in the military, but just to be able to take time to honor the fallen veterans, those who are currently serving, and those who have served is a tremendous honor. It’s an honor to be able to give back to them, even in a small way, to bring attention to them,” he said.
Conn added, “It’s great to get recognized, but we don’t do it for the recognition. Mr. Crocker and American Legion are so great in helping with everything in town, and we are glad to help them in any way we can to recognize veterans and Memorial Day. We are also very grateful to work for an organization like Neshoba General that encourages us to help the community and our veterans.”
The post also presented a certificate of appreciation to Neshoba General in recognition of the outstanding support it provides to veterans in Neshoba County, including the hospital staff’s contributions to Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs.
The hospital’s certificate was accepted by board of trustees chairman Jo Helen Daly.