Hometown Rankin - June & July 2017

William Simmie Honea, Jr.
Hometown: Copiah County
Branch of Service: U.S. Marines
Burt Matheny
Hometown: Purvis, MS
Branch of Service: National Guard
Clois Moree
Hometown: Sumrall, MS
Branch of Service: U.S. Air Force
Mr. Bill left for the Marines on his
birthday, March 8, 1945. His high school
released him early so he could go to
boot camp. After training on Paris Island,
South Carolina he was stationed in North
Carolina when the news was announced
that the war was over. Bill recalls that
the excitement about the end of the war
tingled with great apprehension and
a myriad of questions about the
future for those in military service.
After basic training, Mr. Burt served
during the civil rights demonstrations at
Jackson State. He remembers it being a
terrible time as people was divided over
the issues. He can remember that time
being very difficult for the military as
they tried to keep the riots from escalating.
Most frightening for him was having to point
his gun and keep peace among relatives
and friends who attended the riots.
Mr. Clois signed up when he was around
18 years old and served 4 years. His nickname,
Clem stuck with him all of his life. He recalled
that you could not call the standard issue gun,
the M1, a “gun”. You were required to call it
a “weapon”. If you didn’t call your gun a
“weapon”, your commanding officer ensured
that you would remember the second time.
Courage.
Sacrifice.
Loyalty.
These six men represent our men and women in uniform well.
Their stories blessed me and their dedication challenged me.
Thank you, Laverne, Don, John, Bill, Burt, & Clois.
We are grateful for you.
Hometown Rankin • 25