Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg’s Veterans Committee has selected Chief Warrant Officer Four Harold Robert Hall (Mississippi Army National Guard – Retired) as its 2026 Veteran of the Year, recognizing his decades of military service and continued commitment to veterans, families and the community.

“Chief Warrant Officer Hall’s life reflects a commitment to serving wherever he is needed,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “From his military career to his work supporting local veterans and families, he has continued to answer the call. We are proud to recognize his service to our country and to Hattiesburg.”

A Forrest County resident since 1956, Hall served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from August 1966 to August 1972. His service included a deployment to South Vietnam from December 1967 to August 1969. Stationed on Monkey Mountain near Da Nang, he was there during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Hall joined the Mississippi Army National Guard in July 1974 and retired as a chief warrant officer four in June 2006, completing 32 years of Guard service. During an active-duty assignment from 2004 to 2006, he supported Camp Shelby’s mobilization center as it prepared service members for deployments supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Hall also helped provide meals, ice and bottled water to people affected by the storm, supporting relief efforts for several weeks.

Today, Hall helps plan and carry out Hattiesburg’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs as an active member of the city’s Veterans Committee. He represents Allen B. Carter American Legion Post 24 and Commiskey-Wheat Detachment 1073 of the Marine Corps League, managing communications for both organizations.

Through the Marine Corps League, Hall participates in an annual holiday toy drive for children in need. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, he joins fellow Marines in replacing American and Marine Corps flags honoring Medal of Honor recipients Henry Commiskey, Jack Lucas and Roy Wheat.

An active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Hall helps prepare blessing bags for people experiencing homelessness and has assisted with repairs and renovations at local St. Vincent de Paul facilities. At Sacred Heart Elementary School, he volunteers with youth activities and helps teach students about American flag history, etiquette and respectful retirement.

The recognition also carries a family connection. Hall’s mother, Jeanette S. Hall, a World War II veteran of the Women’s Army Corps, was named Hattiesburg’s Veteran of the Year in 2003. She served on the city’s Veterans Committee until her death in 2009.

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