Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families

THANK YOU!

 

Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor

The new home for The Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families

We Welcome You!

Please enjoy this video narrated by the Center's Director, Major General (Retired) Jeff Hammond. For all who are Military-Connected: this building was constructed for you! Come by and see us!

 

Here's a video of the construction of the building and a simulation of the interior.

 

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USM Military Students Welcome You to Our Campus!

 

 

 

Last Updated on 11/10/2025

Military Benefits

For more information, click on the link to complete the appropriate document -

MiSsissippi National Guard Form	Benefits Intake Form (Veterans and Dependents)	Benefits Intake Form (Active Duty, national guard and Reserve)
Federal Tuition Assistance Form	Non-Resident Tuition Exception Form	Joint Services Transcript Form

 

The University of Southern Mississippi is covering the gap between Federal Tuition Assistance and remaining course tuition for TA-approved hours. Whether fully online or on-campus, Military Students who qualify for Federal Tuition Assistance can have the remainder of their TA-approved hours covered through our TA Gap Funding Program.

 

What People Are Saying

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“At Ease at USM”

Who are you? Ethan Rizzotte

What is your background? My junior year of high school I decided to join the Air Force Delayed Entry Program (DEP). A year later I graduated and was headed to basic training. I spent 5 months in San Antonio, 3 years at Langley AFB, Virginia, and 3 years at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. I always knew I wanted to serve in my highest capacity, so when the opportunity to join the Army though USM's ROTC program, I accepted. Now I am in the Mississippi National Guard as an SMP cadet about to start my senior year. I look forward to resuming my active-duty service as an Army officer. 

a. Where do you call home? Beavercreek, Ohio

b.  What branch did you join? Air Force then Army National Guard

c.   When were you in the Military? Active Duty Air Force: June 2018-June 2024, MS Army National Guard: July 2024- Present

d.   How long did you stay in the Military? Going on 8 years 

e.   What did you do in the Military? In the Air Force I was a Diet Therapy Technician. In the Army I am an ROTC cadet.

f.    What is your proudest moment? Getting calls from my troops that I supervised fulfilling their career and personal goals even after I left the Air Force.

g.   What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I am also a big fan of Star Wars

h.   How do you deal with stress? Going on walks and making a thorough plan through whatever is making me feeling stressed

 

Who are you? Stacey L. Hall

What is your background? I was born and raised in Meridian, MS. I graduated from Northeast Lauderdale High School in May 1999. While there, I was involved in band as a part of the flag corps and Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC). After graduation, I attended Xavier University of Louisiana for one year before transferring to The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Because of my involvement in NJROTC, I always wanted to join the United States Navy. During a career fair in the Payne Center as a sophomore, I found the Navy recruiter and started the process to become an officer. I enlisted in the Navy in July 2001 under the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program. After garnering my bachelor’s degree in political science, I attended Naval Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL, and was commissioned in May 2004. I served twenty years of faithful and honorable service before retiring and returning to MS. As a retiree, I chose to take a two-year gap before deciding to use my Post 9/11 GI Bill to pursue a master’s degree in counseling psychology. As an alumnus, USM was my only choice.

a. Where do you call home? Meridian, MS

b.  What branch did you join? United States Navy

c.   When were you in the Military? July 2001 – August 2021

d.   How long did you stay in the Military? 20 Years

e.   What did you do in the Military? I served as a Surface Warfare Officer, an Unrestricted Line Officer, on various types of surface ships. As a Division Officer, I served as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer aboard a destroyer and as an Auxiliary Officer aboard a frigate. As a Department Head, I served as a Combat Systems Officer aboard an amphibious transport dock ship and as an Operations Officer aboard a littoral combat ship. My staff positions included serving as the Materiel Officer for Amphibious Squadron One and as the Training Officer for Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two. My last duty station in the Navy was at the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and Fourth Fleet, where I served as an operations liaison. 

f.    What is your proudest moment? My proudest professional moment was when I served as the executive officer for a pre-commissioning crew while stationed in San Diego, CA. Even though the position was temporary, I served in it for over eleven months before turning the position over to the official executive officer. My proudest personal moment is when I became a mother while still serving on active duty. It was a challenge and a blessing.

g.   What are some of your hobbies? I have always enjoyed journaling and writing poetry. I have recently taken up diamond painting as a hobby. It is very relaxing, and I receive a huge sense of accomplishment when I have finished a piece. I also have given away more pieces than I have kept for myself. To be able to share my talent with others gives me a sense of connection.

h.   How do you deal with stress? My military experience placed me in varying levels of stressful situations. I am thankful for my training and the ability to think clearly, analyze the situation, and proceed towards resolution.