Meet Louisiana's new Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley
Editor's note: The following guest column was submitted to the USA Today Network by Louisiana Department of Veterans Secretary Charlton Menginley.
Hello, I'm Charlton Meginley, the new secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. On behalf of the 850 employees of the LDVA, we have the honor and privilege to serve more than 267,000 veterans in our state.
In my short time as the LDVA secretary, I’ve realized that many citizens aren’t aware of the many services we provide to our veterans or the impact that veterans have on their communities. Our biggest program within the state is the management of five veterans’ homes, where approximately 610 veterans, veteran spouses and Gold Star parents choose to live and call home. We strive to provide our veterans with the highest level of care and comfort while celebrating their service to our country. These homes are a significant benefit to our veterans and their families. Veterans with a service connection of 70% or higher can live at one of homes free, while veteran spouses and Gold Star parents may reside there at rates far below standard nursing homes.
We also manage five veterans’ cemeteries where we bury veterans and their dependents with dignity and honor. Last year, we buried 1,274 veterans and dependents, and are currently in the process of expanding the cemetery in Slidell, which is the state’s fastest growing cemetery. The cost of burial for a veteran is free and the cost for veteran’s spouse is $745.
The department’s original operation, the benefits division, is staffed by 74 veterans assistance counselors (VACs) who serve in every parish. Last year, our VACs helped deliver more than $1.9 billion in tax-free dollars from the federal VA, money which goes directly into the pockets of Louisiana veterans. Furthermore, our LDVA Appeals Office has returned more than $3.1 million in back pay to veterans by helping them appeal VA claims decisions.
Aside from compensation and benefits, your LDVA is the approving agency for all Louisiana educational facilities which receive GI Bill® payments from the federal VA on the behalf of veterans and their dependents. This past year, our State Approving Agency-approved programs brought in more than $177 million from the federal VA in tuition and monthly housing assistance statewide, allowing nearly 9,800 students to pursue their educational goals. Additionally, each year we process and approve state educational assistance under Title 29 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes for approximately 1,000 eligible veteran dependents. This is a major benefit to the families of veterans who have a 90% or above VA rating.
LDVA’s core mission remains unchanged. We will always be there to support Louisiana veterans from all generations from filing compensation and pension claims and administering educational benefits to offering long-term care at our veterans homes and providing a final resting place of honor at our veterans cemeteries. Looking to the future, we are also preparing to better support an increase in younger veterans, the post-9/11 men and women.
It’s important to realize that veterans also provide civic and economic benefits in their communities as they collectively, at approximately 4% of our state’s population, bring in nearly $3 billion in federal dollars. Most veterans leaving the service are uniquely trained and bring experience, discipline and loyalty to employers across the state. Many post-9/11 veterans are looking for a second career or have plans to stand up their own businesses. Others will utilize their benefits under the GI Bill, a four-year benefit valued at $100,000, to further their education before pursuing a career. Veterans are vital to our economy, and it’s important to retain those veterans who are here, return those who have left and recruit veterans by showing them why they should live in Louisiana.
The mental health of our veterans will also be a priority of this administration, including specific focuses on preventing veteran homelessness and suicide. We are grateful for our partnerships with the federal VA, non-profit organizations and private sector companies that dually recognize the critical nature of addressing a veteran’s mental health as a crucial component to a veteran’s ability to thrive.
Gov. Jeff Landry noted in his inauguration speech that failure is not an option any more in Louisiana. The LDVA team is committed to supporting veterans in each stage of their lives. These servicemen and women are our heroes, and I thank you in advance for doing what you can to serve those who have served.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Meet Louisiana's new Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley
