By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
In a compelling address to the Bossier Parish Police Jury on Wednesday, April 16, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton J. Meginley, Col. (Ret), USAF, made a heartfelt appeal on behalf of the region’s veterans, calling for attention and improvements to the parish’s Veterans Affairs office.
Speaking during the Jury’s regular meeting, Col. Meginley praised the strength and value of the veteran population in Bossier Parish, while also expressing concern over the current condition of their local support infrastructure.
“Your Northwest veteran community—Caddo, Bossier, and Webster Parishes—is strong,” said Meginley. “According to VA data, Bossier Parish alone is home to more than 11,500 veterans. That’s a significant population. And those veterans are bringing in nearly $300 million in VA compensation pay. That’s money going directly into this community.”
But despite those contributions, Meginley said, Bossier’s Veterans Affairs office doesn’t reflect the population it serves and could serve.
“When I first visited that office a little over a year ago, I was disappointed, to be honest,” he said candidly. “For a parish with this many veterans, and with it being right next door to Barksdale Air Force Base, I expected something more robust, more reflective of the commitment this community has to its military heritage. I think Bossier can do a little better. And I know you all take your veterans seriously.”
Police Jury President Glen Benton responded saying.
“We will turn this over to our Veterans Committee, and we will find a facility,” said Benton. “Veterans are very important to us.”
Meginley’s call to action comes at a time when the state and federal governments have placed renewed focus on veteran care, especially for those transitioning out of active duty. As home to Barksdale Air Force Base and one of the highest veteran populations in the state, Bossier Parish plays a central role in that mission.