The American Legion Post 593, GSU Army ROTC, and the Greater Grambling Chamber of Commerce have combined to sponsor the 2013 Veterans Day Program on Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. CST in Grambling State University’s Favrot Student Union, Black & Gold Room.
The purpose of the program is to honor veterans from all armed forces. The featured speaker is the Honorable Rodney Alexander, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs.
The theme for the event will be Valor, Courage and Sacrifice/Honoring All Who Served.
“Our nation’s veterans are from many generations and from many backgrounds. In conflicts around the world, they have secured the priceless gift of liberty for millions. These selfless patriots have set a standard of bravery and idealism for mankind and earned the deep respect and admiration of a grateful nation,” said Ewing Collier, one of the coordinators.
Collier said, “It is our hope that by thanking America’s veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, we can reward them with the honor they so richly deserve.”
Alexander was appointed to veterans affairs by Governor Bobby Jindal effective Monday, Sept. 30. Prior to his appointment, Alexander served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives for Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District, beginning with his election to Congress in 2002.
While serving as a member of Congress, Alexander was assigned to the powerful House Appropriations Committee where he worked to cut Federal spending and helped to shape responsible Federal budgets. Alexander served as Chair of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee and held seats on the Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services, Education and Related Agencies as well as the Subcommittee on Energy and Water.
Alexander began his career as a public servant at the age of 25 when he was elected to the Jackson Parish Police Jury. He went on to serve for 15 years as a Louisiana State Representative where he was Chair of the House Health and Welfare Committee. In this position, Alexander shepherded through the legislation for Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP), which assists mothers and children with basic health care and insurance needs.
Alexander is a graduate of Jonesboro-Hodge High School, University of Louisiana at Monroe and served as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He and his wife, the former Nancy Sutton, reside in Ruston and are the proud parents of three children and six grandchildren.
For more information, contact Collier at 318-247-6516 or Mack Williams at 318-251-8840.