Our Story

Friends of Mississippi Veterans (FOMV) was established in 2007 as a support organization for the state’s veterans. The intitial project was to provide leadership and support for a veterans cemetery. With more than 200,000 veterans in Mississippi, this was a much-needed facility. With FOMV’s help, there are now two beautiful places in Mississippi for our brave soldiers to be laid to rest—in Newton and in Kilmichael.

With the two cemeteries now in operation, our initial purpose has been fulfilled. However, there are two other major needs that require longterm support. Now, our focus has turned to the care of veterans in our four State nursing homes, as well as participation in the Wreaths Across America national program.

Approximately 600 men and women who have served our country reside in our State nursing homes. These facilities are located in Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, and Oxford. Each year in November in connection with Veterans Day, these homes are visited by FOMV volunteers and the resident veterans are presented with a gift in appreciation for their service.

In December of each year, FOMV sponsors the Wreaths Across America program at the Newton and Kilmichael cemeteries. Live Christmas wreaths are places on every single veteran’s grave in both cemeteries, and it makes for a stunning display of honor to our state’s brave military men and women who are buried there. The event, scheduled for December 19, 2020, includes a brief FOMV annual meeting, followed by the laying of the wreaths. All family members, veterans, and sponsors join in the placing of the wreaths. The printed program includes an insert acknowledging all contributors and sponsors.

FOMV welcomes donations and questions about volunteer service. Please email inquiries@friendsofmsveterans.org for more information.

FOMV Board of Directors

For more information, please contact 601-331-0432