Governor, state recognizes Louisiana veterans

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alyssa C. Miles
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
More than 250 veterans from all branches of the military were awarded the new Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal in a ceremony held March 10 at Hoban Hall. 

The governor was present along with Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Lane Carlson, joined Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, 8th Air Force vice commander, Col. Robert Wheeler, 2d Bomb Wing commander, Army Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreau, adjutant general for the Louisiana National Guard, as well as other state senators and representatives. 

Additionally, the families of more than 53 servicemembers killed in action since 9/11, 74 Purple Heart and nine Prisoner of War veterans were in attendance at one of the largest ceremonies held at Hoban Hall. 

The gold-plated medals are designed with a Louisiana state outline and the words "United States Armed Forces" are inscribed on the front of the medal, while "Louisiana appreciates your service to our country" is on the back. 

Upon arrival, all veterans received a medal on a ribbon, with the Purple Heart recipients ribbon being purple, black for prisoners of war, yellow for family members of killed in action veterans and all other veterans receiving a blue ribbon. 

The efforts of retired Col. Steve dePyssler, who initiated the bill, and state Rep. Robert Adley made the medal presentation possible. 

"We were trying to honor our veterans that we so easily forget," said Colonel dePyssler. "This is one way we can remember them throughout Louisiana. We are one of the few states that are recognizing our veterans in this way." 

Governor Jindal, ceremony guest speaker, cited from President Ronald Reagan saying, "you all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you. 

"Our president had it right," the governor said. "Each one of you was ready to lay down your life for this country if required. On behalf of a grateful state, thank you." 

Secretary Carson feels the medal is a way to thank every veteran for their service individually. 

"Every veteran in Louisiana is going to get a thank you from this grateful state," he said. "It's our way of patting them on the back, looking them in the eye, shaking their hand and saying thank-you. It's because of you that we're here, but we wouldn't be here if it weren't for you." 

In an emotional and heartfelt ceremony, many family members were in attendance to accept the award for their deceased family member, including Mekhiah Champlin, 6, son of Marine Lance Cpl. Donny Champlin. Mekhiah was escorted to the ceremony by his grandfather, Danny Champlin. 

Homer, La., native Richard Babin, was also amongst the reputable honorees, standing for his son who was killed in action on Jan. 6, 2005. 

"It's definitely the right thing to do," Mr. Babin said. "Everything that is done to honor our veterans keeps the names of those who were killed in action alive. I know this is for more than KIA, it's for all veterans. It's a wonderful thing to do." 

More than 300,000 veterans in Louisiana will receive the award. 

World War II Navy veteran, Henry James Myrick, spent his time-in-service stationed in Hawaii. Mr. Myrick said he never would have imagined receiving this kind of recognition decades after his service, and was pleasantly surprised when he was notified of the award. 

"It's nice to recognize the veterans," he said. "We all need to do that more often."
Although more than 200 veterans were in attendance at Hoban Hall for the ceremony, the event also served as a reminder that some veterans are no longer there, as they gave their life for our country. 

Medal ceremonies are scheduled to be held in each region of the state. Eligible recipients include those who served in the military during war or peacetime, and is currently a Louisiana resident or was one before entering the military or at their time of death. Additionally, all recipients must have had an honorable discharge from the military. For more information, visit www.vetaffairs.com