Attending the ceremony was Gov. John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, the Louisiana House and Senate Select Committees on Veterans Affairs, military and local officials.
Federal legislation calling for a major expansion of veteran health care benefits also authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to spend about $29.5 million to establish a new Baton Rouge outpatient clinic.
Louisiana’s senators say they voted with fellow Republicans to delay passage of health care for military personnel exposed to toxins while on duty because of certain language in the legislation that they say could lead to a portion of the funding being used for other purposes.
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland, COL (USA Retired) is encouraging all Louisianans to give in July to remember veterans through the Wreaths Across America program at LDVA’s five state-run veterans cemeteries. Louisianans can purchase a wreath now to be placed on a Louisiana veteran’s grave on December 17 instead of waiting until the holidays to make the purchase.