The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal was created by Act 695 of 2008 Louisiana Legislature.  The intention is to recognize and honor all Louisiana veterans.  One side of the medal bears an outline of the state and the words, “United States Armed Forces.”  The flip side reads, “Louisiana appreciates your service to our country.”  All medals may be worn over the neck or pinned on a jacket.  Some medals are distinguished for veterans killed in action or wounded in action; others designate veterans who were prisoners of war.

On October 16, 2009 a ceremony honoring the Veterans across Louisiana was conducted in Homer, LA. In addition to Governor Bobby Jindal and the Sectary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs  Sectary lane Carson and the Louisiana Adjutant General Major General Bennett C. Landreneau the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs the Honorable Dennis McCarthy attended the ceremony. ESGR Chair Jack Humphries also attended the ceremony along with other members of the Louisiana Field Committee. Sectary McCarthy and Chair Jack Humphries were afforded the opportunity to visit during the ceremony as they worked together in the past while the Sectary was the Commander of the Marine Reserves here in Louisiana.
   
One of the primary purposes of attending the ceremony for Sarah Humphries was to get a Medal on behalf of a Louisiana Veteran who was unable to attend the event.  Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal presented the medal to ESGR member Sarah Humphries who was accepting a LA Veterans medal on behalf of Retired Air Force Col Gene Jackson who was unable to attend.  He is the Father -in-Law of Air Force Lt. General Bill Rew. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs encourages all eligible Louisiana veterans to apply to receive their Honor Medal. Military personnel killed while on active duty and deceased veterans are also eligible for the medal. Medals are being presented during special ceremonies throughout Louisiana at appointed times.  Veterans must be prequalified to receive their Honor Medal during the ceremony.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling ESGR Program Support Specialist Frank Huff at (318) 290-5246.

National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 319, Arlington, VA 22209
800-336-4590  www.esgr.mil