Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

06/17/2026

✊🏾 In observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day, our offices will be CLOSED on Friday, June 19, 2026. We will reopen on Monday, June 22. 🎉

Juneteenth marks one of the most powerful moments in American history — the day freedom finally reached every corner of this land. We honor that legacy and the countless Black veterans who fought for a country still working to live up to its promise.

For assistance, please visit vetaffairs.la.gov or contact us when we return on June 22.

Happy Juneteenth, Louisiana. 💛❤️🖤

06/16/2026

Our hearts are heavy today.

Yesterday morning, a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California during a routine test mission. Eight people were on board — a mix of uniformed military, government civilians, and government contractors. None survived.

"Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a horrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans," said Col. James Hayes.

Eight great Americans. Let that sink in.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs joins the entire nation in mourning this tremendous loss. We ask that you keep the families, friends, and fellow servicemembers of these fallen heroes in your thoughts and prayers.

Read more:

The aircraft crashed shortly after its takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, the service announced.

06/16/2026

June is PTSD Awareness Month - Learn about the Primary Care and PTSD connection.

06/16/2026

Louisiana has more than 252,000 veterans — and some of them could change their lives with a single referral.

The Blinded Veterans Association has partnered with Meta to provide 130,000 Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses to blind veterans nationwide. BVA National Executive Director Lea Rowe shared details of the program on NewsNation — and the impact is real: greater independence, a smoother adjustment to life with sight loss, and technology that actually meets veterans where they are.

If you know a blind veteran who could benefit, don't wait. Visit bva.org/glasses to learn more and get them connected.

Learn more about the program: https://www.newsnationnow.com/.../meta-collab.../11884070

Meta is teaming up with the Blinded Veterans Association to give free Meta AI glasses to 130,000 blind vets. Lea Rowe, the national executive director of the BVA, tells NewsNation she has seen a profound interest among the veterans in the organization, as it gives independence back to them.

06/15/2026

Louisiana is on the move! 🎖️ Our state jumped SEVEN spots in WalletHub's rankings of the best states for military retirees, landing at #19 in the nation.

More Louisiana veterans are receiving benefits than ever before, with a 9.5% increase in education benefits, far outpacing the national average of 3%. And Louisiana veterans are receiving over $2.5 billion in compensation and pension benefits.

A huge thank you to Governor Jeff Landry for his continued commitment to Louisiana's veterans and for recognizing the progress our state is making. Secretary Meginley put it best: veterans bring skills, drive, and dollars that strengthen every community in our state.

Louisiana is not just welcoming veterans, we are investing in them. 🇺🇸

📰 Read the story: https://louisianaradionetwork.com/2026/06/15/46951/

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

What a weekend for Louisiana's veterans — and for the team dedicated to serving them. 🇺🇸

Yesterday, Secretary Meginley had the honor of serving as Grand Marshal of the Flag Day Parade in Baton Rouge. On a day set aside to celebrate the symbol of our nation's freedom, there was no one more fitting to lead the way than the man who leads Louisiana's charge for those who carried that flag into battle. 🇺🇸

At the Coushatta POW WOW in the Kinder-Allen Parish area, Commissioner Eric Kuyper and Michael Jorden set up an LDVA benefits table to connect with indigenous veterans and the broader veteran community. Secretary Meginley joined them and was welcomed on stage with the Coushatta Tribal Council for the Grand Entry alongside Chairman David Sickey and Councilman Kevin Sickey. Louisiana State Rep. Dewith Carrier and new Coushatta Chief of Police James Harris were also part of the day. Chairman Sickey presented Secretary Meginley with the Coushatta veterans patch — a great honor. The stories we heard from Coushatta and intertribal veterans were powerful and unforgettable. 🪶

Veterans are now on the path to serve as Louisiana School Guardians. LDVA Commissioner Elena Branzaru was honored to witness Governor Jeff Landry sign the bill championed by Rep. Dickerson making it possible for veterans to be hired to protect our schools. Secretary Meginley was present for the signing — LDVA proudly backed this legislation.

At the Louisiana American Legion Department Convention, Assistant Secretary of Outreach Larry Williams connected with Legionnaires, veterans, and families statewide — sharing information on benefits, disability claims, veterans homes, cemeteries, employment, and outreach programs. Secretary Meginley and Deputy Secretary Dr. Jerome Buller were also on hand to address the convention and strengthen LDVA's partnership with one of Louisiana's most important veteran service organizations.

The convention was also a moment to celebrate one of our own. Jesecca L. Creger, Administrative Coordinator at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery and proud member of American Legion Post 19 in Jennings, was individually honored with the District Newsletter Award for her excellence in newsletter publication and communications. Post 19 also took home the Local Newspaper Award for exceptional promotion of American Legion programs and the Activities and Multimedia Award for outstanding community engagement. Congratulations, Jesecca — veterans serving veterans at its finest. 👏

And one of the most memorable moments of the week — Secretary Meginley had the honor of presenting 100-year-old Gene Tiley, the last living WWII veteran in Grant Parish, with an Honor Medal, an official Commendation from Governor Landry, a state flag, a certificate, and two commemorative challenge coins — just one day before his 100th birthday. 🎖️

Gene and the Greatest Generation gave everything so we could have everything. Louisiana salutes you.

This is what showing up for veterans looks like. Every. Single. Day.

You have served us. Now allow us to serve you.

06/14/2026

🇺🇸 It's Flag Day!

Old Glory. 50 stars. 13 stripes. And every single one of them means something.

Today we honor the American flag — the symbol our veterans carried into battle, draped over caskets, and brought home with pride.

To Louisiana's more than 250,000 veterans: thank you for defending everything that flag represents. 🙏

Drop a 🇺🇸 in the comments and tell us what the flag means to you!

📌 The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to serve those who served under it.

06/14/2026

🎂 251 years old and STILL the most powerful Army on the face of the earth! 🎂🇺🇸

On June 14, 1775 — before the United States of America even existed — the Continental Army was established. Think about that. The Army came FIRST. It literally fought for this nation to be born.

251 years of standing watch. 251 years of answering the call. 251 years of sending the bravest among us into the most dangerous places on earth — so the rest of us never have to.

Louisiana is home to thousands of proud Army veterans and soldiers serving right now. We see you. We honor you. We are so incredibly proud of you. 💪🎖️

Happy Birthday, U.S. Army. Here's to 251 more. 🥂

👇 Army veterans — sound off in the comments! What year did you serve? 🎂

06/12/2026

💪🎖️ She raised her right hand. She left her family. She served her country. And today, we honor HER. 🇺🇸

June 12 is Women Veterans Day — a day dedicated to the more than 2 million women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Here in Louisiana, our women veterans are our neighbors, our leaders, and our heroes.

To every woman who wore the uniform — your sacrifice is seen. Your service matters. Your strength inspires us all. 💙

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to serve YOU. If you're a woman veteran in need of benefits, resources, or support, we are here.

👉 Visit vetaffairs.la.gov or call us today.

🏷️ Tag a woman veteran you want to honor in the comments. ⬇️