RELEASE: Gov. Edwards Releases Latest “Louisiana: On the Right Track” Video Highlighting the LDVA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2018
Contact: govpress@la.gov

“Louisiana: On the Right Track” Video Series Highlights Accomplishments by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Baton Rouge, La — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards highlights accomplishments by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) in the latest installment of the “Louisiana: On the Right Track” video series.

“Sec. Strickland has done a remarkable job advocating on behalf of the more than 280,000 veterans and their families who proudly call Louisiana home,” said Gov. Edwards.  “The department has made great strides in reaching out and connecting active, retired, homeless and incarcerated veterans with resources for health care, education and other benefits as well as overseeing the state cemeteries and Veterans homes that serve more than 700 of our nation’s heroes, their spouses and eligible Gold Star parents. We should always remember the great sacrifices made by our veterans and their families, and they should take confidence in knowing that my administration and this state are committed to helping them in every way possible.”

Among LDVA’s accomplishments:

• Connected over 280,000 veterans with $1.3 Billion in VA compensation and pension.
• LDVA is the State Approving Agency (SAA) and has approved universities and colleges with educational training programs to receive the G.I. Bill, known as the Forever G.I. Bill funding. As a result, more than 8,300 veterans have received books and housing allowances for school tuition   and training.
• Through the SAA, the agency has brought more than $185 million to Louisiana colleges and universities to student veterans.
• Lead the dedication of the Louisiana Gold Star Families Memorial in the newly renamed Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park.  It’s the first in the nation to be placed on state capitol grounds.

“I consider it a tremendous honor to serve alongside Gov. Edwards and lead this agency,” said Sec. Strickland. “The men and women of this department take great pride in serving the veterans in every parish of our great state. Last year, we were able to help hundreds of thousands of veterans with their federal benefits and brought back more than one billion to the state. We’re proud of that mark because those dollars went directly into the veterans’ pockets and put food on their tables. That’s impacting people in a real way, and that is what we strive to do every day.”

Sec. Strickland served for 28 years in the US Army, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. He has served for more than 15 years in Veterans Affairs at both the national and state levels.

Click here to see the new installment of the “Louisiana on the Right Track” video series. A new video will be released each week featuring each of the state agencies.

A link to download the video file is available by emailing govpress@la.gov.