Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Veterans Day listing of events is live! Check it out at bit.ly/veteransday24. If you would like an event to be added to the list, please submit the following information to veteran@la.gov: Name of Event Date and Time of Event Venue Name and Address of Event Details of Event (Guest speaker(s), cost, parking, etc.) #LDVA #ServingThoseWhoServed #VeteransDay Charlton J. Meginley | Jerome Buller, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACOG, FACHE | John Phillips | Dustin Guy | Brandee Patrick | Larry Williams, MPA, PHR

The LSU Law Veterans Legal Clinic is offering free discharge upgrade assistance for Louisiana veterans! LSU Law students will work with veterans remotely, under the supervision of faculty. All applications will be reviewed for eligibility, and applicants will be notified on Nov. 8 if they meet the requirements. Apply confidentially at https://lnkd.in/gJRuZ847 by Thursday, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. #LDVA #ServingThoseWhoServed Charlton J. Meginley | Jerome Buller, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACOG, FACHE | John Phillips | Dustin Guy | Brandee Patrick | Larry Williams, MPA, PHR | Louisiana State University | LSU Law

OFFICE CLOSURE Our offices will be closed tomorrow in observance of Election Day. We will reopen on Wednesday, Nov. 6. For election information, your trusted source is the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office. Visit geauxvote.com or download the GeauxVote Mobile app for Apple and Android to find your polling location, view your sample ballot and more. #LDVA #ServingThoseWhoServed Charlton J. Meginley | Jerome Buller, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACOG, FACHE | John Phillips | Dustin Guy | Brandee Patrick | Larry Williams, MPA, PHR

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

The LSU Law Veterans Legal Clinic is offering free discharge upgrade assistance for Louisiana veterans! LSU Law students will work with veterans remotely, under the supervision of faculty. All applications will be reviewed for eligibility, and applicants will be notified on Nov. 8 if they meet the requirements. Apply confidentially at https://lnkd.in/gJRuZ847 by Thursday, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. #LDVA #ServingThoseWhoServed Charlton J. Meginley | Jerome Buller, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACOG, FACHE | John Phillips | Dustin Guy | Brandee Patrick | Larry Williams, MPA, PHR | Louisiana State University | LSU Law

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS THIS FRIDAY! The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs is excited to host the 2024 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards. The GOLD Awards is an opportunity for Louisiana to pay tribute to the achievements and dedication of individuals in the disability community. Among the list of awards is Veteran of the Year. This award is given in recognition of a veteran with a disability who has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, and has a record of exemplary service in the disability community. Examples of nominee attributes: · Contributes towards increased awareness for veterans with disabilities in the community · Devotes outstanding volunteer efforts in their community · Works continually to inspire others · Honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces All nominations must include a completed nomination form, letter of recommendation describing the nominee’s achievements and contributions and letters of support from others. Submissions for nominations are due by Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. See link to access nomination form. All packets must be emailed to disability.affairs@la.gov or mailed to Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs, 1051 N. Third St., Suite 136, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Nomination forms, supporting documents, and photographs will not be returned. For questions and more information, email disability.affairs@la.gov or call 225.219.7553. #LDVA #ServingThoseWhoServed Charlton J. Meginley | Jerome Buller, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACOG, FACHE | John Phillips | Dustin Guy | Brandee Patrick | Larry Williams, MPA, PHR | Office of Governor Jeff Landry https://lnkd.in/gF-7c6bM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 18, 2024 GOVERNOR LANDRY PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR MORE THAN 100,000 MILITARY AND VETERAN CAREGIVERS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH ELIZABETH DOLE FOUNDATION   NEW ORLEANS, La.—Governor Jeff Landry today pledged support for the more than 100,000 military and veteran caregivers in the state of Louisiana by joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign, making Louisiana the 12th Hidden Heroes state in the nation. The campaign raises awareness and brings critical resources to military and veteran caregivers—referred to as hidden heroes—who care for wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Jerome Buller was joined by Elizabeth Dole Foundation CEO Steve Schwab, and local military and veteran caregivers at the National World War II Museum to announce this partnership. Louisiana's recognition as a Hidden Heroes state coincides with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's rollout of its latest RAND study, “America’s Military and Veteran Caregivers: Hidden Heroes Emerging from the Shadows,” in cities across the United States. The study revealed approximately 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers who provide care valued at a minimum of $119 billion. In Louisiana, more than 30,000 veterans rely on family and friends for care, making up 12% of the state’s total veteran population. Researchers also found that more than 30,000 Louisiana veterans have an unmet need for care, underscoring significant caregiving needs. “We have a duty as a nation to offer continuous support and care to each and every man and woman who have served in our Armed Forces,” said Gov. Landry, a veteran himself. We also know that many veterans will look to a family member or friend for care. To honor our military and veteran caregivers, First Lady Sharon Landry and I are proud to proclaim Louisiana as a Hidden Heroes state, solidifying our commitment to support our nation’s heroes.” FULL RELEASE --> https://bit.ly/4dWytsa #LDVA #ServingThoseWhoServed Charlton J. Meginley | Jerome Buller, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACOG, FACHE | John Phillips | Dustin Guy | Brandee Patrick | Larry Williams, MPA, PHR | Office of Governor Jeff Landry | Elizabeth Dole Foundation

On National Boss's Day, we have to stop and take some time to talk about our Secretary, Charlton Meginley. He's passionate about serving Louisiana's veterans, and he understands challenges that service members face when transitioning from the military to civilian life. His vision, coupled with a strategic plan to be carried out by LDVA's 850-strong staff, will create new opportunities for veterans, and in turn, make Louisiana the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. Happy Boss's Day, sir! We appreciate your leadership, your zeal and most of all, your kindness. #LDVA #ServingThoseWhoServed Charlton J. Meginley | Jerome Buller, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACOG, FACHE | John Phillips | Dustin Guy | Brandee Patrick | Larry Williams, MPA, PHR

On Oct. 13, 1775, a resolution of the Continental Congress established what is now the US Navy with “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months….” After the American War of Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798. In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized the official recognition of Oct. 13 as the birthday of the U.S. Navy "to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.” Happy 249th birthday, Navy! #LDVA #ServingThoseWhoServed Charlton J. Meginley | Jerome Buller, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACOG, FACHE | John Phillips | Dustin Guy | Brandee Patrick | Larry Williams, MPA, PHR

This week, Secretary Meginley was able to speak and attend several events in support of our veterans. On Monday, he spoke to the Veterans Advocacy Club during their meeting at the LSU Law Center. He addressed issues veterans face and gave insight to members who may want to professionally advocate for veterans. Secretary Meginley was invited to speak by Chad Granger, 2026 JD/DCL candidate and LSU Veterans Law Clinic participant. Chad was also a former LDVA LaVetCorps navigator serving student veterans at Baton Rouge Community College. Secretary Meginley traveled to Washington, La. on Tuesday to award honor medals to veterans at American Legion Post 209 alongside Gen. Bennett Landreneau, former adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, and Post Commander David St. Cyr, who organized the ceremony. Today, Secretary Meginley was humbled to attend a ceremony of final honors for Army MSGT Clyde Thornburg at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell. MSGT Thornburg was taken as a prisoner of war in 1951, and not long thereafter, passed away at the age of 32. Secretary Meginley was able to visit with MSGT Thornburg's family, reiterating that while he is still missing in action, we pray for his return home through the work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. #LDVA #ServingThoseWhoServed Charlton J. Meginley | Jerome Buller, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACOG, FACHE | John Phillips | Dustin Guy | Brandee Patrick | Larry Williams, MPA, PHR