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Boulet announces Lafayette's Veterans' Affairs Commission members
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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Lafayette Consolidated Government has released the details of the parish's new Veterans Affairs Commission, which Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet announced on July 4.
The new initiative, whose stated aim is to strengthen support for veterans and military families across Lafayette Parish, was made during a public proclamation at the Lafayette Stars and Stripes Fourth of July celebration in Downtown Lafayette.
The Veterans Affairs Commission will serve as an advisory body to Lafayette Consolidated Government, "offering insight on how to better serve local veterans, improve access to resources, and expand outreach," according to a release from LCG.
“Our veterans are among our community’s greatest assets—leaders, workers, and neighbors who continue to serve long after their time in uniform,” Boulet said. “This Commission brings together voices who understand firsthand what it means to serve—and who are deeply committed to ensuring that every veteran in our community is supported with dignity, opportunity, and care.”
Boulet appointed Andrew T. Ward, CEO of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance and founder of The Boot, as chairman of the commission.
Additional commission members include:
- Kevin Breaux, CEO of Joint Force Contracting LLC, Board Member of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance, member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, retired Louisiana National Guard
- Becky Guidroz, Chief Warrant Officer Two, Active Guard Reserve, Louisiana Army National Guard
- Stephanie Hanks, Commander, American Legion Post 69; honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran
- Don Reber, Former State District 4 Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9822; retired U.S. Army
- Deron Santiny, Department Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart; retired U.S. Army
- State Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, non-veteran appointee; Member of the Louisiana Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs
“Our goal is to close the gaps between veterans and the services they’ve earned,” Ward said. “This partnership with LCG and AVA (Acadiana Veteran Alliance) is a major step forward in making Lafayette a model for how communities support their veterans.”
The Commission’s first meeting is scheduled for later this month, officials said. Areas of focus will include veteran wellness, transition support, public engagement and collaboration with regional and state veteran service providers, according to the release.