Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs

10/26/2026

🇺🇸Veteran of the Week 🇺🇸
Jeremy Garcia Ocampo
United States Navy Veteran
East Baton Rouge Parish Veterans
Treatment Court Graduate

The Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs is proud to recognize Jeremy Garcia Ocampo, a 20-year United States Navy veteran whose journey of service, perseverance, and continued commitment to others is a powerful example of what it means to live a life dedicated to serving.

Jeremy joined the United States Navy in September 1994 with a desire to serve his country, challenge himself, develop discipline, and become part of something greater than himself. Over the course of his 20-year military career, he served as a Master-at-Arms, the Navy’s military police, and was stationed at numerous duty locations, including aboard aircraft carriers. His service took him around the world and into some of the most challenging environments. Jeremy deployed to Iraq twice and Afghanistan once, carrying out the responsibilities of his mission and serving his country with dedication.

In September 2014, after two decades of honorable service, Jeremy retired from the Navy as a Petty Officer First Class (E-6). For many veterans, however, leaving the military can bring a different kind of challenge. After 20 years of living within the structure and mission of the military, transitioning to civilian life was not always easy for Jeremy. “The military had been a major part of my identity,” Jeremy shared, acknowledging the challenges that came with adjusting to life outside of the military. But the lessons he learned during his years of service continued to guide him.

One of those lessons was the importance of perseverance and personal responsibility. As Jeremy put it, “Challenges are part of life, but how we respond to those challenges is what matters.” That philosophy has helped shape the next chapter of his life. Jeremy has continued to find purpose through volunteering, helping others, and giving back to his community. His commitment to service did not end when he hung up his Navy uniform. Instead, it took on a different form.

His journey has now brought him to the East Baton Rouge Veterans Treatment Court, where he has worked to move forward, take accountability, and build a stronger future.

On November 12, 2026, Jeremy will graduate from Veterans Treatment Court—a milestone that represents progress, perseverance, and a new chapter. For the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs, Jeremy’s story is an important reminder that a veteran’s service does not end when military service ends. The uniform may come off, but the values of service, discipline, responsibility, and commitment can continue to guide a veteran throughout the rest of their life.

Jeremy recognizes that there will always be challenges ahead, but he also recognizes the importance of surrounding himself with people who want to see him succeed. “I am proud of my military service, proud of the progress I have made, and grateful for the opportunity to continue moving forward,” he said. And perhaps the words that best capture Jeremy’s journey are the ones he chose to close his own story: “Although my military service has ended, my mission to serve has not.”

The Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs salutes Jeremy Garcia Ocampo for his 20 years of service to our nation, for the perseverance he has demonstrated throughout his journey, and for his continued commitment to serving others.

Congratulations, Jeremy, on this important milestone. Your service matters. Your journey matters. And your mission continues.
We Salute You!

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

🇺🇸VETERAN OF THE WEEK🇺🇸
SERGEANT DONALD J. LAMAR II
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Born on the Fourth of July. A warrior by choice. A Marine remembered forever.

This week, we honor the life, service, and ultimate sacrifice of U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Donald J. Lamar II, who was killed in action on May 12, 2010, while serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 25 years old.

A 2004 graduate of Stafford High School in Virginia, Donald played running back on the football team and competed in wrestling. He later returned to the sport as a wrestling coach, making the long drive from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to mentor young athletes at his former high school. Those who knew him remembered a bright, athletic, fun-loving young man who made a lasting impression on everyone around him. Donald joined the Marine Corps in January 2006 and served two tours in Iraq before deploying to Afghanistan in March 2010. A Scout Sniper Team Leader assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, he was promoted to sergeant on March 2, 2010.

In Afghanistan, Sergeant Lamar distinguished himself through exceptional leadership, personal courage, and unwavering commitment to his fellow Marines and Sailors. During operations in April and May 2010, he repeatedly led his team under enemy fire, coordinated units in combat, and helped eliminate enemy positions. His initiative and bravery saved the lives of fellow service members. On May 12, 2010, while leading a clearing operation through more than a mile of enemy territory, Sergeant Lamar continued the mission with the determination that defined his service. He was mortally wounded by an improvised explosive device while volunteering to stand security so other Marines could rest. For his heroic actions in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

But Donald’s legacy cannot be measured by his military accomplishments alone. He was a devoted husband to Stephanie, a loving father to his daughter, Madison, a cherished son of Don and Coleen Lamar, and a brother to two younger siblings. To his fellow Marines, he was more than a leader. He was a brother-in-arms whose courage, humor, loyalty, and fearless spirit would never be forgotten. His mother, Coleen, shared a moving reflection on her son’s life and sacrifice. She reminds us that although his body has been laid to rest, Donald remains present through the example he set, the wisdom he shared, and the memories carried by those who loved him.

One of his Marine brothers remembered him as the epitome of a Marine and Scout Sniper: fearless, capable, and devoted to his fellow warriors. He vowed to live his own life in a way that would honor Donald and their fallen brothers. That is the enduring power of service and sacrifice. The mission may end, but the bonds forged in service and the lives touched by a hero continue to shape the world long after he is gone.

Today, we honor Sergeant Donald J. Lamar II for his extraordinary courage, his devotion to his fellow Marines, and his willingness to place the safety of others before his own.

Sergeant Donald J. Lamar II, We Eternally Salute You.

10/12/2026

🇺🇸VETERAN OF THE WEEK 🇺🇸
Lieutenant Colonel William Gregory Hall
United States Marine Corps

This week, we honor the life, service, and sacrifice of Lieutenant Colonel William Gregory Hall, a United States Marine whose unwavering dedication to our nation was matched only by his profound love for his family.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Lieutenant Colonel Hall served 15 years in the Marine Corps. Assigned to 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (3rd LAAD), Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, he deployed to Iraq for his second tour, helping train Iraqi forces to assume responsibilities from American troops. A graduate of Washington State University who also earned a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, Lieutenant Colonel Hall was remembered by family and friends for his leadership, wisdom, compassion, and remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He took tremendous pride in being a Marine and was devoted to his wife and children.

His military service was recognized through numerous awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. His decorations also reflect service in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as his contributions to the broader mission of defending our nation.

On March 27, 2008, just two days before he was fatally wounded in a roadside bombing in Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel Hall wrote to his family about the dangers of his mission while reminding them that there was more to Iraq than the violence reported in the news. He closed his message with words that remain deeply moving: “Love you and miss you. I’ll write again soon.”

On March 30, 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Hall died from wounds sustained in the attack near Fallujah. He was just 38 years old. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. He left behind his beloved wife, Xiomara, two young daughters, Tatianna and Gladys, and two stepsons, Xavier and Xander.

Lieutenant Colonel Hall’s legacy extends far beyond his rank and decorations. It lives on in the Marines he led, the people he inspired, the family who loved him, and the nation he served with honor.

We honor your service. We remember your sacrifice. We will never forget your legacy.

Semper Fidelis, Lieutenant Colonel Hall, we Salute you.

The Baton Rouge Veteran of the Week program proudly recognizes the men and women whose service and sacrifice have helped preserve the freedoms we cherish.

10/05/2026

🇺🇸VETERAN OF THE WEEK 🇺🇸
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE

Christy Fetherkile Smith
October 20, 1958 – September 27, 2026

This week, our Veteran of the Week is not someone we honor because she wore the uniform. We honor her because she spent nearly two decades serving those who did. On September 27, 2026, the Baton Rouge veteran community lost a very special friend and champion, Christy Fetherkile Smith, founder of BR Soldier Outreach. In 2008, Christy saw a need and answered it. She founded BR Soldier Outreach to support soldiers stationed overseas, making sure they received care packages and, perhaps even more importantly, the reminder that someone back home was thinking about them. She didn't simply start an organization. She made it personal, and she gave it her everything.

Christy made wreaths to raise money for BR Soldier Outreach. She volunteered. She networked. She connected people and organizations. She found ways to help. Sometimes it felt like she had a secret twin, because she was everywhere! And everywhere she went, she was smiling, and everywhere she went, she was promoting BR Soldier Outreach. And she never seemed to need recognition for any of it, that was simply who Christy was. Throughout her life, she gave her time generously, to her family, to charitable organizations, to children, to animals, and to countless causes that mattered to her. She was the kind of person who was always willing to step forward when someone needed help, and she would readily offer help without being asked.

For the veteran community, Christy became something especially precious:

A friend.
A supporter.
A champion.
A reminder that the people serving far from home were never forgotten.

Her work with BR Soldier Outreach touched soldiers who were thousands of miles away, but her kindness reached much farther than any care package could travel. Christy also understood something that those of us who work with veterans know well: supporting our military isn't only about honoring the uniform. It is about standing beside the men and women who wear it, and continuing to stand beside them when they come home. Christy did that.

She lived a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, adventure and service. She loved her husband, Allen, her children and extended family fiercely. She loved cruises, riding Harleys, family traditions at Grand Isle, a good game of Canasta, and making her mother's homemade candy every December. And she loved helping people, literally, everyone. As Christy begins her final journey home, we remember not only the organization she founded, but the heart behind it.

In true style of Christy’s devotion to the veteran community, her family and friends were asked to consider wearing red, white and blue in honor of Christy's charity and her unwavering support of our soldiers.

Red for the courage she admired.
White for the love she gave so freely.
Blue for the soldiers she never forgot.

Christy, thank you for reminding so many of us that service doesn't always require a uniform. Sometimes, service looks like a care package sent across the world. Sometimes it looks like a wreath made by hand. Sometimes it looks like showing up. And sometimes, it looks like one person deciding that our soldiers deserve to know they are remembered. You showed up for them for nearly 20 years.Now it is our turn to remember you, and the thousands of lives that you changed with your kindness, your devotion, your dedication, your spirit, and your love.

Rest peacefully, Christy. Your service to those who served will not ever be forgotten.

We Salute You, Christy Smith. ❤️

Please keep Christy's family, friends, and the BR Soldier Outreach family in your thoughts and prayers as they say goodbye to a truly remarkable woman.

09/28/2026

🇺🇸🇺🇸 Veteran of the Week 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Ms. Lillian Hoover
Navy WAVES Veteran

Celebrating 102 Years of Life, Service, and Dedication to Our Country

This week, we are honored to shine the spotlight on an extraordinary Louisiana veteran, Ms. Lillian Hoover, who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday.

A proud United States Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) veteran, Ms. Hoover answered the call to serve during World War II at a time when women were only beginning to enter the military in significant numbers. Her decision to serve was inspired by her fascination with the history of our country and her desire to be part of something larger than herself. In 1944, Ms. Hoover left home on her 20th birthday to begin her military journey. Because she was not yet 21, her father had to sign for her enlistment. She began her Navy training at Hunter College in New York. Upon completing basic training, she was asked where she would like to be stationed. She requested either the East Coast or West Coast.

Instead, the Navy sent her to Norman, Oklahoma! Ms. Hoover was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Norman, where she served as a Dormitory Director, overseeing the women living in the barracks. Her memories of military life remain vivid. “It was different. You know when they holler attention, at 6:00 in the morning, that was a new thing, but it was just a whole different experience as a civilian. There was a lot of discipline that you had to abide by.”

For Ms. Hoover, joining the military was more than a new experience—it was a privilege. “It’s indescribable. I consider it a privilege to join the service.”

After leaving the Navy, Ms. Hoover continued serving her community in a different way, operating a preschool daycare. Today, she remains active with Louisiana Women Veterans and American Legion Post 58. She also enjoys fellowship with fellow women veterans through the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Female Veteran Outreach Program, and is a proud resident of Southdowns. For Ms. Hoover, those connections provide an opportunity to reminisce, share experiences, and celebrate the unique paths women veterans have taken throughout our nation's history. “It’s nice to reminisce and to find out the different areas the women played and different experiences they had. It’s a great time for fellowship. That’s one of the best parts. You meet new friends that have served along with you or in different areas in the country.”

Ms. Hoover is proud of the opportunity she had to serve, and she hopes the generations of women who followed will continue the tradition of service that she and so many other women helped establish. “It makes me feel proud to be a part of service, and the fact that I feel like I might have accomplished a little something for the freedom of the country.” Ms. Hoover, we believe you accomplished far more than “a little something.”

At 102 years young, your life is a remarkable part of our nation's story. You answered the call when your country needed you, helped pave the way for generations of women who would follow, and have continued to give back to your community throughout your life.
From all of us in the City-Parish of East Baton Rouge: Happy 102nd Birthday, Ms. Lillian Hoover!

Thank you for your service, your dedication, and the example you have given to generations of Americans.
We Salute You!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

To watch an interview of her, visit: https://www.louisianafirstnews.com/news/local-news/louisiana-women-lillian-hoover-one-of-the-oldest-living-female-veterans-in-the-capital-city/

09/23/2026

be sure to order your banners!!! 🇺🇸

🇺🇸 Honor a Hometown Hero 🇺🇸

Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana Chapter One will accept orders for Hometown Hero Banners from September 25 through October 10 for the City of Baton Rouge.

Veterans, active-duty service members and Gold Star Families are eligible.

🔹 Double-sided banner — $150
🔹 Single-sided banner — $85

Banners will be displayed throughout downtown Baton Rouge during November and may return in future years at no additional charge until replacement is needed.

Order here:
bluestarmoms.net/banners-form

Please note: This banner campaign is not a fundraiser for Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana Chapter One.

09/21/2026

🇺🇸 VETERAN OF THE WEEK 🇺🇸
CHAD GRANGER
U.S. ARMY SERGEANT

This week, we honor Chad Granger, a U.S. Army veteran whose story is one of service, sacrifice, family, and a continued commitment to helping others.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Chad became a husband and father. His decision to serve was deeply personal. His own father had joined the U.S. Army after starting a family, and Chad followed in his father’s footsteps.

On September 27, 2001, Chad enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 1st Armored Division as a Chemical Soldier. Stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, he deployed twice to Iraq-first from April 2003 to April 2004 during the invasion and its aftermath, and again from February 2005 to February 2006.

During both deployments, Chad served as the company commander’s driver and as the unit’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) specialist. His first deployment took him to Baghdad, where he and his fellow soldiers made their home on the west bank of the Tigris River. His second tour was at Taji, Iraq.

Chad completed his military service with
an Honorable Discharge on May 1, 2006, as an E-5 Sergeant. His decorations and awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Combat Action Badge, and Iraq Campaign Medal.

Of all his experiences in uniform, Chad says his first deployment in 2003 remains especially meaningful. That year in Iraq, he says, continues to be a defining experience in shaping his character and growth.
But Chad’s commitment to service did not end when he left the Army.

After returning home, he worked as a chemical plant operator, including at Air Products in Baton Rouge, before pursuing higher education and a career with the State of Louisiana. Through the Louisiana Workforce Commission, he helped veterans prepare for the workforce and continued volunteering with organizations including the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and Volunteers of America. His dedication to veterans earned him the Governor’s GOLD Award for Veteran of the Year in 2021.

In 2025, Chad served as president of the Veterans Advocacy Club at the Paul M. Hebert LSU Law Center, where he recently earned his Juris Doctor. Today, he continues serving others through the 19th Judicial District Court Veterans Treatment Court, where he mentors participants.

For Chad, being a veteran represents “a better life for my family, a connection to the brothers and sisters I gained through service, and a consistent respect I give and receive within my community.”

His message to younger generations is equally powerful: Military service can teach respect, duty, honor, integrity, and loyalty, while opening doors to education, personal growth, and opportunity.

Louisiana has been Chad’s home throughout his life. After growing up in West Baton Rouge, he has called East Baton Rouge Parish home for the past 17 years, a community he says he could not imagine a finer place to live or work.
From following his father’s example, to serving his country in Iraq, to earning his law degree and continuing to advocate for fellow veterans, Chad’s journey demonstrates that service does not end when the uniform comes off.

Please join us in thanking Chad Granger for his service to our nation and his continued service to our veterans and community. He is married to his best friend and beautiful bride, Katie.
Thank you for your service, Sergeant Granger, We Salute You!

And, in Chad’s own words: Geaux Army, beat Navy! And Geaux Tigers!

09/14/2026

🇺🇸 VETERAN OF THE WEEK 🇺🇸
ADRIAN BRUNEAU
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

This week, we are proud to recognize United States Marine Corps Veteran Adrian Bruneau for his service to our nation and his continued commitment to serving others.

Adrian served in the United States Marine Corps from 1990 to 1998, beginning his military journey when he took the oath of enlistment on his 18th birthday. During his service, he worked in Aviation Avionics (MOS 6412) and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). For Adrian, serving as a United States Marine was an absolute privilege and one of the most meaningful decisions of his life. He says that “Honor, Courage and Commitment is a code we live by. Long after active service ends, those values remain intact the same as they did the day I took the oath of enlistment.” The Marine Corps taught Adrian the importance of leadership, service, and being part of something greater than oneself. Those lessons continue to guide him today. “The Marines taught me to strive to always do better, be there for others, stand up to injustice, defend and protect those who cannot fend for themselves.”

Baton Rouge has always held a special place in Adrian’s life. His maternal grandparents lived here, and his family has a long tradition of public service. His uncle served as both a Baton Rouge Police Officer and Louisiana State Trooper, while his father served in the Louisiana Legislature for more than three decades. Today, Adrian continues his commitment to service as a Partner in a Government Affairs Firm, where he works to help address challenges, create opportunities, improve policy, and advocate for initiatives that can improve the quality of life for veterans and fellow citizens.

While Adrian is deeply proud of his service as a Marine, he says that his family is what he is most proud of. He credits his father with instilling in him the belief that service is among life's highest ideals. Adrian reminds us all that service does not end when the uniform comes off. He encourages us to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, honor our Gold Star Families, and always be present for those we love and those in need.

For Adrian, being a Marine is not something that ended in 1998. It is for life.

Thank you, Adrian Bruneau, for your service to our nation, your continued service to your community, and for carrying the values of Honor, Courage and Commitment throughout your life.

Semper Fidelis, Ssgt Bruneau, We Salute You!

09/10/2026

We would love to showcase your group!!