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About LDVA

Serving those who served
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The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is an 850-person strong statewide, cabinet-level department led by Secretary Charlton J. Meginley, Col (Ret), USAF, appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry. Our staff, many veterans themselves, are committed to serving those who served—our nation’s heroes—each and every day in cities and towns all across Louisiana.

LDVA operates on a $93 million budget, made up in large part by federal funding, which sustains our cornerstones—benefits, education, long-term care and burial honors—in addition to other programs and services. In addition to the advocacy and passion we provide, we also work alongside our federal, state and local partners to connect veterans with external resources as well.

Our Mission

Relentlessly advocate for Louisiana veterans and their families to ensure they receive superior customer service and support by connecting them to the benefits they have earned in service to our country, while meeting the economic, educational and employment needs of transitioning service members looking to make Louisiana their home.

Our Values: Advocacy, Integrity, Duty

Our Vision

Louisiana will be the most veteran-friendly state in the nation! LDVA will help lead the state to better times through new ideas and programs aimed at harnessing the economic, educational and military experiences of veterans.

Our Leadership

Col Charlton Meginley

Charlton J. Meginley, Col (Ret), USAF

Secretary EVENT REQUEST
Col. Jerome Buller

Dr. Jerome L. Buller, COL (USA Retired)

DEPUTY SECRETARY
John C. Phillips, LCDR, USN (Ret.)

John C. Phillips, LCDR, USN (Ret.)

UNDERSECRETARY
Dustin Guy

Dustin Guy

CHIEF OF STAFF
Connor Junkin

Connor Junkin

EXECUTIVE COUNSEL
Brandee Morgan Patrick

Brandee Morgan Patrick

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Earnest Buckner Jr

Earnest Buckner Jr.

DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF BENEFITS
Matthew Duhon

Matthew Duhon

DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF VETERANS HOMES
Torrence Joseph

Torrence Joseph

EDUCATION PROGRAM CONSULTANT
Ted Krumm

Ted Krumm

CEMETERY PROGRAM DIRECTOR
William L. Mac Mcinnis

William L. “Mac” McInnis

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANAGER
Kate Seba

Kate Seba

CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANT TO THE DEPUTY SECRETARY AND CHIEF OF STAFF
Cleophus D. “Cleo” Wallace

Cleophus D. “Cleo” Wallace

STATE APPROVING AGENCY DIRECTOR
Clifton Williams

Clifton Williams

LAVETCORPS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Larry Williams

Larry Williams

ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF VETERAN OUTREACH
Miracle Williams

Miracle Williams

CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY

VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMISSION

H. Paul Hermann Jr.
CHAIRMAN, DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
Deron G. Santiny
VICE CHAIRMAN, MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART
Eric B. Kuyper
AMERICAN LEGION
Eric B. Kuyper
AMERICAN LEGION
Elena P. Branzaru
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Robert J. Lovergne Jr.
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
Mark M. St. Romain Jr.
MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART
Bobbie L. Ragsdale III
AT-LARGE
Richard Adams
AT-LARGE
James S. Baehr
AT-LARGE

MILITARY FAMILY ASSISTANCE FUND BOARD

Secretary Charlton J. Meginley, Col (Ret), USAF
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Sen. Gerald Boudreaux
LOUISIANA STATE SENATE’S DESIGNEE
Lt. Col. Ebony Carter
LOUISIANA NATIONAL GUARD’S DESIGNEE
Rep. Raymond Crews
LOUISIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES’ DESIGNEE
Mike Cushman
HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERAN
Renee Free
STATE TREASURER’S DESIGNEE
Sulanda Lonnette
GOVERNOR’S DESIGNEE
Harold J. Molbert
HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERAN
Homer Rodgers
HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERAN
William Tilley
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES’ DESIGNEE
Gary “Bubba” Viator
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S DESIGNEE

Here to help. Day or night.

If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are veterans themselves. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. 365 days a year.

Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.