Page 10 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2026

PUBLISHER: MICHAEL SUNDERMAN michael@m2mediacorp.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: MARY SUNDERMAN mary@m2mediacorp.com
EDITOR: KELSEY SUNDERMAN-FOSTER editor@m2mediacorp.com
BUSINESS MANAGER: AMY CHATAGINER manager@m2mediacorp.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: LORI BETH SUSMAN loribeth@m2mediacorp.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES:
SUZETTE CARLSON suzette@m2mediacorp.com 228.669.3335
JENNIFER COX jennifer@m2mediacorp.com 228.697.5119
JIM MCCLOSKEY jim@m2mediacorp.com 228.297.1173
DESIGNERS:
BRIAN TREADAWAY brian@m2mediacorp.com
JOHN SUKMANN john@m2mediacorp.com
KEVIN BROUILLETTE II kevin@m2mediacorp.com
CONTRIBUTORS:
Carlin Duncan
John N. Felsher Chelsea Gieselmann Holly Harrison
Joey Lee
Lynn Lofton
Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray Victoria Snyder Shannon Stage Barbara Travis
Cherie Ward
Gaye Winter
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
James Edward Bates Christopher Duncan Daniel Gibson Madeline Romano Katherine Sowers
CONTACT
Editorial Office
12268 Intraplex Parkway Gulfport, MS 39503
Office Phone: 228.385.7703 Office Fax: 228.385.7705 Website: www.smliving.net
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Copyright, 2026
South Mississippi Living is owned and published by
M2 Media Corp. The contents of South Mississippi Living are copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
FROM THE editor’s desk What I
About This Issue
As we reflect on the 250-year experiment that is the United States, we at South Mississippi Living want to take a moment to thank the many people who have played a part in the story of the Gulf Coast. From the countless active and veteran military members who call the Coast home to the men and women in uniform who protect our communities every day, from those who have made their way here and decided to plant roots to those who have always called this place home—thank you.
In our Coast & Country special section, we revisit South Mississippi’s role in defending America, including its historic efforts in WWII, as well as the many people and moments that have defined us over the years. Also in this section, you’ll meet the stars of our cover: the team at Mississippi Heroes. Their story is an inspiring one that weaves together the needs of veterans and
the talents of many, from contractors and women in construction to volunteers and community advocates. It’s the work of organizations such as these that truly make the Coast special—a community of people loving people.
Perhaps one of the best-known ways the South
shows its love to one another is food. Whether it be bringing food to a loved one in need or sharing a meal with friends and family at a favorite restaurant, food
is a sure-fire way to bring us together. Food being
as important to South Mississippians as it is, we are excited to announce Carlin Duncan as our new dining writer! Carlin’s passion for food is unmatched, as is her dedication to telling the stories of the restauranteurs of the Coast. She and her husband Christopher, the man behind the camera, are a welcome addition to our team.
Closing out this issue, Captain Corina McSwain of the D’Iberville Police Department shares her story— what led her to career, what it means to her, and the challenges she has faced as a woman in uniform. For her, becoming a police officer has meant many things, but standing up for the people and communities that matter most has remained at the forefront.
Thank you, Captain McSwain, as well as the countless men and women in uniform, from the frontlines to behind the scenes, that are featured in these pages. You are what makes South Mississippi feel like home.
Behind the scenes of the cover shoot with Team SML and Mississippi Heroes
“My own American Dream was to serve my country as best I could and make a difference in America—an”d in
the world.
– Buzz Aldrin
Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
Editor
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