Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs

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!!

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

Goldstar, mothers and families day will be held on Saturday, September 19 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Goldstar Monument in Louisiana’s Veterans Memorial Park, which is adjacent to the state capital in Baton Rouge. We would love to be honored by your presence. ⭐️ Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1

09/08/2026

🇺🇸VETERAN OF THE WEEK 🇺🇸
THOMAS S. GUILLOT, M.D.
US NAVY

Dr. Guillot served in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1978, repairing aircraft radios and radar systems. He was stationed at NAS New Orleans and served as an honor guard at the funeral of Congressman Hale Boggs

This week, we are proud to honor Thomas S. Guillot, M.D., a United States Navy veteran whose service to our nation became an important chapter in a lifetime of service to others.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Dr. Guillot followed a family tradition of military service. His father and two uncles served in the U.S. Navy, and he felt it was fitting that he would follow in their footsteps.

Dr. Guillot served in the United States Navy from 1972 to 1978 as an Aviation Electronics Technician, where he repaired radios and radar systems. He completed boot camp at NAS Memphis before being stationed at NAS New Orleans. His time in uniform included some memorable experiences, including flying through the Bermuda Triangle and serving as an honor guard at the funeral of Louisiana Congressman Hale Boggs.

One accomplishment during his service stands out: Dr. Guillot completed a nine-month Aviation Electronics course in just two weeks and earned the highest electronics score in his squadron on his Aviation Electronics examination.

But perhaps the most lasting impact of his Navy service came from a fellow sailor he met during boot camp. That fellow Navy servicemember encouraged him to attend medical school, setting Dr. Guillot on a path that would become his life's profession. He is an F.A.C.S.Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Former Diplomate of the American Board of Emergency Medicine, Diplomate of the American Board of Bariatric Medicine, and his favorite quote is from Louis Pasteur, "Chance favors the prepared mind".

A proud Baton Rouge native, Dr. Guillot attended Redemptorist High School and LSU, where he was a member of the LSU Band and earned his degree in electrical engineering.

His commitment to service did not end when he left the Navy. Today, he continues giving back through his church, Bethany, participating in missionary work in Kenya and outreach programs here in Baton Rouge.

When asked what being a veteran means to him, Dr. Guillot offered a simple but powerful reflection:

“It means I put in my effort to help the country in a time of need.”

And his message to younger generations and today's service members is equally meaningful: “Being in the military is an honor and is very helpful to learning about life.”

Please join us in thanking Dr. Thomas S. Guillot for his service to our nation—and for the many ways he has continued that spirit of service in his profession, his community, and around the world. He is happily married 35 years to his lovely bride Lynn,

Thank you for your service, Dr. Guillot, We Salute You!!

08/31/2026

🇺🇸MAYOR’S VETERAN OF THE WEEK🇺🇸
Mark R. Adams
United States Navy

This week, we are proud to recognize United States Navy veteran Mark R. Adams for his remarkable 23 years of honorable service to our nation.

Inspired by a proud family tradition of Navy service—including his grandfather, father, and two uncles—Mark began his own military journey in 1985 at Recruit Training Command in San Diego. Over the next 23 years, he served our country aboard the USS Acadia (AD-42), USS Richard B. Russell (SSN-687), USS Georgia (SSBN-729), USS Kamehameha (SSN-642), USS Los Angeles (SSN-688), and USS Olympia (SSN-717). A qualified Submariner and respected leader, Mark also served on shore duty in Pascagoula, Mississippi; Naples, Italy; and Fort Meade, Maryland. He retired from the United States Navy in 2009 as a Chief Petty Officer (E-7).

Throughout his distinguished career, Mark earned numerous military honors, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, seven Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, and many additional awards recognizing his service, leadership, deployments, and dedication.

For Mark, being a veteran is more than a title: He says, “It is a badge of honor. Serving the people and the flag of this country for 23 years was an honor I will always carry with me.”

Today, Mark continues to serve the Baton Rouge community in his own unique way. During the day, you may see him helping members of our community as a pest control technician. When the sun goes down, he heads to the studio, where he shares his passion for music as a voice on Eagle 98.1, Baton Rouge’s rock station!

His message to younger generations and those currently serving is simple and powerful: “Take pride in what you do, never take your time in uniform for granted, and always look out for the person standing beside you. Serve with honor and integrity.”

Only a small percentage of Americans will ever have the privilege of wearing the uniform of the United States military. Mark R. Adams is proud of the sailors he served alongside, the ships and commands that became part of his life, and the many years he was honored to wear the uniform of the United States Navy. He is happily married to his lovely bride, Trisha Adams.

Thank you, Chief Adams, for your 23 years of service, your leadership, and your continued commitment to the Baton Rouge community. We are proud to recognize you as this week’s Mayor’s Veteran of the Week!

Thank you for your service, Chief Adams, We Salute You!!

08/24/2026

🇺🇸🇺🇸Veteran of the Week🇺🇸🇺🇸
Irma Boulet Darphin
United States Army

This week, we are honored to recognize Irma Boulet Darphin, a World War II Army nurse, beloved Louisiana woman, proud member of the Louisiana Women Veterans, and a true national treasure.

Born in Orange, Texas, Irma spent only three months there before Louisiana became home. She graduated from Crowley High School in 1939, and in 1943, following the United States’ entry into World War II, she answered her country’s call by volunteering to serve as an Army nurse.

From 1943 to 1945, Irma served with the 127th General Hospital in England and France, where she cared for wounded soldiers and prisoners of war. Her specialty was orthopedic nursing, and her work was anything but easy. After spending 16 months in England preparing hospitals for the wounded, Irma and her fellow nurses crossed the English Channel and arrived at Normandy’s Utah Beach just six weeks after D-Day. Nearly 100 nurses and 80 doctors served with the 127th General Hospital, working long shifts—often 12 hours a day—to care for the tremendous number of casualties arriving from the battlefield.

Yet Irma remembers those years not with fear, but with gratitude. “We were young and never thought about being in danger,” she recalled. She loved being a nurse and loved knowing that her work mattered to people. When asked if she would do it all again, her answer was simple:
“I wouldn’t have had my life any other way because I loved being a nurse and we had good people around us.” When the war ended, Irma returned to nursing and eventually made her way back to Louisiana, settling in Iota, where she and her late husband, George, raised their family. Together they had four children, 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Her life of service continued long after her military career. She worked in public health and spent 20 years serving at the Southwest State School.

Today, Irma remains an inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She is a proud and treasured member of the Louisiana Women Veterans, and she continues to be surrounded by family and friends who recognize the remarkable woman she is. Among those who think the world of Irma is her dear friend and admirer, Anna Sanders, who speaks of her with tremendous affection and admiration. It is easy to understand why. Irma has spent more than a century living by the philosophy she shares so freely with others: “If you manage to love people, you’ve got it made.” 83 years since she raised her hand and volunteered to serve. And still teaching people, simply by the way she lives.

Irma celebrated her 104th birthday on August 8, 2026, surrounded by the people who love her, and also becoming the oldest and only female World War II veteran residing at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home. She credits her longevity to staying active, working hard, eating well, and perhaps, as she jokingly says, “good genes.” But those who know Irma might say there is something more: a lifetime spent caring for others, serving her country, loving her family, and making friends wherever she goes.
She still loves to sing, remembering how she and the other Army nurses entertained themselves during the war by riding bicycles and singing together. And when family and friends gathered to celebrate her 104th birthday, Irma found her voice once again as everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to her. Irma’s advice remains beautifully simple: “Love people. You just supposed to love everybody. It isn’t going to hurt a thing.”

This week, the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs proudly salutes Irma Boulet Darphin for her service to our nation, her dedication to nursing and public service, and the extraordinary life she has shared with generations of Louisianians.

From the battlefields of World War II to the communities of Southwest Louisiana, Irma has spent a lifetime serving others. What a woman. What a life. What a legacy. 104 Years of Service, Love, and Grace.

Thank you for your service, Irma. Thank you for your example. And thank you for reminding us all that a life well lived is a life lived in service, love, and kindness. We stand tall as we Salute you!!!
To learn more about Mrs. Darphin, see:

https://www.klfy.com/community/renee-allen-s-90-plus/90-plus-99-year-old-iota-woman-looks-back-on-how-life-led-her-to-acadiana/

https://americanpress.com/2023/08/09/world-war-ii-army-nurse-irma-darphin-turns-101/

https://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-17-19f4rjt8

https://www.kplctv.com/2023/08/08/world-war-ii-nurse-celebrates-101st-birthday-swla-veterans-home/

08/17/2026

🇺🇸🇺🇸 Tara Jones 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Air Force National Guard

Tara Jones proudly served in the Air Force National Guard from 1988 to 1997, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and serving as a Quality Assurance Administrative Inspector. During her nine years of military service, Tara participated in training missions to Istanbul, Turkey, and Copenhagen, Denmark, and was honored to receive the Southwest Asia Service Medal.
One of the accomplishments Tara remembers most proudly from her military career was being nominated for Officer Training School by her senior leadership. To Tara, the nomination was more than an honor—it was a meaningful reflection of the confidence her leaders placed in her abilities, leadership, and potential.
After leaving military service, Tara spent more than 20 years building a career in the financial and marketing industries. While she valued that experience, she ultimately discovered her true calling in serving those who had served our nation. Today, Tara works with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs as an Administrative Program Manager, where she supports the Incarcerated Veterans Program and serves as a Veterans Assistance Counselor.
Through her work, Tara has found tremendous fulfillment in helping veterans and their families navigate challenges and access the benefits and resources they have earned. She also continues her commitment to veterans as the Adjutant of American Legion Post Boyd-Ewing 58, allowing her to remain actively involved in serving and supporting the veteran community.
For Tara, being a veteran represents far more than military service—it represents a lifetime of service. Community, courage, selflessness, respect, and dedication are values she carried with her beyond the uniform and continues to live by each day, both personally and professionally.
Her advice to current service members and the next generation is simple but powerful: never stop learning, and never be afraid to ask for help. Tara believes true strength is not found in pretending to have all the answers, but in knowing when to rely on your team, support one another, and continue growing. She encourages service members to cherish the friendships and bonds formed during military service, take care of their physical and mental well-being, prepare for life after the military, and continue developing as leaders, family members, and members of their communities.
Tara's commitment to service is also a family tradition. Her husband, Roger Jones, proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. Together, Tara and Roger have built a life centered on faith, family, and service, and they are blessed with two wonderful children.
For Tara and her family, serving our country is an important part of their story—but their commitment did not end when they left the uniform. Today, Tara continues that legacy by serving veterans, supporting their families, and giving back to the community she is proud to call home.
Thank you, Staff Sergeant Tara Jones, for your service to our nation, and for continuing to serve those who served. We proudly Salute you!

08/15/2026

August 15, 1945
V-J Day, Victory over Japan day,
The end of WWII.

Meanwhile, at a Japanese Prisoner of War camp, WWII US Army Air Corps veteran, Bataan Death March survivor James Bollich was liberated from his captors by US allies.

On his 21st birthday.

Happy 105th birthday, Jim.

American salutes your courage and valor.

God bless you. 🇺🇸🇺🇸