HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Office of Military and Veteran Success made history on May 15, by hosting the first-ever Veterans Expo on campus, marking a significant milestone not only for the university but for the entire state of Louisiana. The event, which showcased resources from 50 diverse businesses and organizations in the community, attracted an impressive turnout of over 300 attendees, representing a wide spectrum of military backgrounds.
The Director of Southeastern’s Office of Military and Veteran Success Emily Anthony said the inaugural Veterans Expo was a resounding success, underscoring Southeastern’s unwavering commitment to supporting and honoring military veterans and their families. This groundbreaking initiative served as a platform to connect veterans with vital resources, services, and opportunities available within the local community and beyond, she explained.
“We are immensely proud to have hosted the first-ever Veterans Expo at Southeastern, and we are truly grateful for the overwhelming support and participation from our community partners and attendees,” Anthony said. “This event underscores our university’s dedication to serving those who have served our country and providing them with the support they deserve as they transition to civilian life or pursue higher education.”
The Veterans Expo featured a wide range of exhibitors, including businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and local partners, offering information and services tailored to meet the unique needs of veterans and their families. Attendees had the opportunity to explore job opportunities, educational programs, healthcare services, financial assistance, housing resources, and more.
Anthony said one of the distinguishing aspects of the event was its ability to bring together individuals from various generations and backgrounds, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity among attendees from the Vietnam era to the present day. The expo served as a testament to the enduring spirit of service and sacrifice that unites veterans across different generations and backgrounds, she added.
“The overwhelming turnout and positive feedback we received from attendees reaffirms the importance of creating opportunities for veterans to connect, engage, and access the support they need to thrive,” Anthony said. “We look forward to building upon the success of this inaugural event and continuing to expand our efforts to support the military and veteran community.”
“Southeastern’s Office of Military and Veteran Success extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees who contributed to the success of the Inaugural Veterans Expo,” Anthony added. “The university remains committed to serving as a beacon of support and advocacy for military veterans and their families, both on campus and in the community.”
For more information about Southeastern’s Office of Military and Veteran Success and upcoming events, or to donate to their mission of supporting veterans, visit www.southeastern.edu/veterans.
