To our veterans, their families, and the people of Louisiana — this newsletter is for you. At the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, every day we are driven by one purpose: to honor and serve those who raised their right hand and gave so much for this great state and nation.
This spring has already brought us powerful moments of recognition — from an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to honoring veteran employees across Louisiana’s most iconic brands. These stories remind us that service does not end when the uniform comes off.
We remain committed to reaching every veteran in every parish — because you have earned it, and we are here for you.
Charlton Meginley Secretary, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs · Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Story Highlights
In Focus
■ Looking Back
Secretary Meginley Joins Louisiana Veterans on Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
On April 11, 2026, Secretary Charlton Meginley served as a volunteer chaperone on an Honor Flight departing Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, accompanying a Louisiana veteran to Washington, D.C. to visit the national memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Honor Flight is a national nonprofit that transports veterans to their memorials at no cost, with priority given to senior veterans and those with a terminal illness. “Being able to stand beside one of Louisiana’s own at the memorials built in his honor is one of the greatest privileges of this office,” said Secretary Meginley. “This is not an obligation. It is an honor.”
Secretary Meginley to Honor Veterans at TABASCO® Headquarters on Avery Island
On April 30, 2026, Secretary Charlton Meginley will present the Louisiana Honor Medal to seven veteran employees of the McIlhenny Company at TABASCO® headquarters on Avery Island at 1:00 p.m. That morning, Secretary Meginley will also join the Moon Griffon Show to talk about the ceremony and LDVA’s ongoing work honoring Louisiana veterans. The Louisiana Honor Medal recognizes veterans for their selfless service and sacrifice, and this ceremony reflects LDVA’s commitment to partnering with employers who value and hire those who have served.
Your Benefits Counselor Is Already in Your Parish and It’s Free
LDVA’s Veterans Assistance Counselors (VACs) are state-certified benefits experts located in every parish across Louisiana. They can help you file claims, navigate federal VA benefits, and access programs you may not know you’ve earned at absolutely no cost to you. No appointments required at many locations. Your benefits are waiting and your counselor is already nearby.
SB 51 — Stolen Valor Would Become a Crime in Louisiana Pending
Senate Bill 51, championed by Secretary Meginley and authored by Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, passed the Louisiana Senate unanimously on March 17, 2026, and is now in the House. The bill creates tiered criminal penalties for fraudulently claiming military service or unearned military honors, with penalties ranging from fines up to $1,000 for basic false claims to fines up to $10,000 and five years in prison for fraud used to obtain veteran-only benefits. Louisiana is currently one of only 15 states without a stolen valor law.
HB 682 — Veterans as School Resource Officers Pending
House Bill 682, authored by Rep. Kellee Dickerson (R-Denham Springs), would allow honorably discharged veterans who pass a background check and complete minimum peace officer training to serve as school resource officers in public, private, and charter schools across Louisiana. Supporters say the bill addresses a statewide shortage of SROs while giving students more trained professionals and role models in their schools. Secretary Meginley spoke in support of the bill. Watch the Interview →
HB 609 — Free Medical Records for Veterans Seeking Benefits Pending
House Bill 609 passed the Louisiana House unanimously, 93 to 0, on March 26, 2026, and is now in the Senate. If signed into law, it will require healthcare providers to waive fees for medical records when a veteran is requesting them solely to support a disability claim with the federal VA or LDVA. Veterans would no longer have to pay out of pocket just to access their own records to file a claim.
SB 180 — Property Tax Benefits for Surviving Spouses of Disabled Veterans Pending
Senate Bill 180, authored by Senator Franklin Foil, has passed the Louisiana Senate and is now in the House. If enacted, it would extend property tax exemptions to the surviving spouses of disabled veterans after the veteran’s death. Under current law, the exemption ends when the veteran dies. SB 180 would close that gap and ensure families are not hit with a sudden tax increase at an already difficult time.
📅 Upcoming Events & Calls to Action
Apr 30
TABASCO® Honor Medal Ceremony
Avery Island, LA
Secretary Meginley presents the Louisiana Honor Medal to seven veteran employees of the McIlhenny Company. 1:00 p.m.
LDVA hosts a celebration for women veterans featuring keynote speaker Air Force veteran Anna Sanders, free headshots, VA benefits resource fair, and networking. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to all.
