Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance opens new offices

By Emily Burleigh

After 19 years of work to pull together Louisiana communities, the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance (LAFA) has taken root in Vernon Parish. Last Friday, the LAFA cut the ribbon on their new offices in the historic downtown courthouse in Leesville.

LAFA, previously known as Fort Polk Progress, is a network of business owners, retirees, citizens, and local, state, and federal leaders dedicated to strengthening and expanding the military’s economic influence in Louisiana and improving the quality of life for members of the armed forces and their families.

The alliance was formed in 2006 to provide stability for Fort Johnson, veterans and the surrounding communities, Avon Knowlton, executive director, LAFA, told the American Press.

LAFA did not have the opportunity to find a physical home until now. She said acquiring a location is a necessary step that has been a “long time coming.”

“It brings in more foot traffic. It brings in folks who want to join the alliance. It brings in ways for us to be in the middle of our communities.”

Representatives from the Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce and Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce celebrated the new location. Logan Morris, CEO, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, called LAFA’s efforts “awe-inspiring.” LAFA is a point of pride, he said, and the new office was a necessary big step for the organization to continue to uniquely support the region.

“It’s really good to see these milestones,” he said. “This does not exist in all communities. There are 125 civilian aides in other parts of the world, and very few of them have the caliber of organization effort that we have to support our military life.”

State Rep. Charles Anthony “Chuck” Owen, District 30, said Central Louisiana and Southwest Louisiana “set the standard” of community support for him.

“This is a place where patriotism runs deep. This is a place where people have made sacrifices at all sorts of levels,” he said. “It [patriotism] drives us to support things like this.”

“We want good things here. We’re going to go after those things. We’re going to make a difference. We’re going to keep going,” Knowlton said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The location of the office was chosen because of its proximity to Fort Johnson.

As the second highest economic impactor for Louisiana, the army installation is fiscally crucial for the state, Knowlton said. In 2022, military assets, contractor activities, and military spending in Louisiana had a total economic impact of $9.6 billion, supported 77,000 jobs, and generated $348.7 million in local and state tax revenue.

LAFA prioritizes quality-of-life and economic development efforts, providing opportunities for those stationed in the state.

Their new offices are located at 203 South 3rd. St., and they won’t be moving any time soon.

“We have roots. We’re going to be staying here, this is where we are and we’re here to stay,” she expressed. “The sky’s the limit for what happens here.”

Those interested in joining LAFA can contact Knowlton at 337-378-2088 or visit their website at www.armedforcesalliance.com.

SportsPlus

Local

Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance opens new offices

Local

Historic winter storm unlikely to have long-term effects on crawfish season

Local

State sees significant gains in national education rankings

Business

Hundreds attend meeting as proposed carbon capture project faces backlash

Local

Leesville honors one of its own with Heroism Samaritan Award

Local

Vernon library to host authors autograph party

Local

Snowfall chances ‘slim’ but flooding real possibility

Local

After New Orleans attack, Cassidy urging Americans to ‘not live in fear’

Local

Chance for snow in Leesville later this week

Local

La. attorney general to issue guidance on Ten Commandments law

Local

Louisiana politicians remember Carter after his passing

Local

Leesville’s Xavier Ford named LSWA Mr. Football

Local

National defense budget could allocate millions to Louisiana military bases

Local

Tax that funds sewer maintenance up for renewal on Dec. 7 ballot

Lifestyle

Stencil program designed to help children practice educational skills

Local

Landry’s ambitious tax plan hits first bump

Local

Leesville High grad to lead US Army in the Pacific

Local

Sowela expands its course offerings at Leesville campus

Local

Cold front, accompanying showers headed to SW La. Wednesday

Local

Tax reform, other bills advance in first week of special session

Local

Landry’s income tax rate plan advances to House committee

Local

Landry: Tax changes needed to fuel population growth, encourage families to stay

Local

Leesville Council opposes carbon capture drilling

Local

One amendment on Louisiana’s Nov. 5 ballot