Veterans’ Holiday Extravaganza: A Day of Joy for Southwest Louisiana Heroes!

JENNINGS, La. (KPLC) – A Christmas celebration dedicated to veterans from Southwest Louisiana took place at the veterans’ residence in Jennings today.

More than 140 veterans from the surrounding area savored a Christmas feast provided by the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home. Families of the veterans were also invited to join in the festivities alongside their loved ones.

“They help us comprehend what they’ve accomplished,” stated VFW Post Commander Ernest Mitchel. “We have a deep understanding of them because they were in the trenches before we even contemplated stepping into the trenches, and that’s one of the primary reasons we are here to support them for the sacrifices they made for our freedom and to ensure that we remain free.”

Mitchel mentioned that they aimed to organize this event around the holiday season to conclude the year on a positive note for the veterans.

The Phillips 66 Veterans Network sponsored today’s gathering.

“Phillips 66 has consistently valued the role of veterans in our community,” commented Phillips 66 Veterans Network Communications Lead Alberto Maxwell. “They have consistently supported veterans in the area, thus this is an opportunity for the Phillips 66 veterans network to collaborate with other community organizations to create a spectacular event here at the Jennings veterans home.”

Additional sponsors for the event included Veterans of Foreign Wars District 5 Louisiana and Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver Council 141.

Phillips 66 recognized the oldest veteran from each military branch with a unique Christmas gift.

“It means everything to me as a veteran. I see the legacy established by the veterans present. At some point, I aspire to reach the position of these veterans so I can help preserve the memories of what it signifies to be a veteran,” expressed Maxwell.

The Phillips 66 Veterans Network will continue to recognize veterans throughout the holiday period as a gesture of gratitude to the courageous individuals who served our nation.

Copyright 2024 KPLC. All rights reserved.