Percy Norwood becomes veterans’ service officer for Carroll County
One of Alcorn State University’s most dedicated alumni has accepted a new role that allows him to help out our nation’s veterans.
Percy O. Norwood Jr. is the new veterans’ service officer for Carroll County, Mississippi. His job will be to assist veterans in receiving necessary benefits such as medical care, pensions, burial benefits and much more from the veterans’ administration.
Norwood, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard, is proud to be in a position where he can aid fellow veterans in attaining their needs.
“As a veteran myself, it is absolutely gratifying to help folks who are some of the most deserving people in this nation,” said Norwood, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Alcorn in 1968. “In Carroll County alone, we have about 800 veterans, so I’ll be reaching out through churches, friends, families and other organizations to encourage other veterans to come in and talk to me so that we can help them receive the benefits they deserve.”
Giving back to Alcorn is not only one of Norwood’s duties as president of the Montgomery-Carroll-Grenada County Alcorn Alumni Chapter, but it is also one of his personal priorities. Because of Alcorn laying the foundation for him and his siblings to have successful careers, Norwood goes above and beyond to contribute to the progress of his alma mater.
“If it hadn’t been for Alcorn, I am convinced that none of us would be where we are today. I had a very successful career in the Coast Guard, my brothers had successful careers in coaching and athletics and my sister was a successful teacher. So Alcorn provided an opportunity for us. Whenever I get an opportunity to give back to Alcorn or encourage others, I do so because it is so important. One of this chapter’s goals is to get at least 50 percent of the residents in this area to contribute to Alcorn.”
