Friday, May 1, 2015

MILITARY FAMILY DAY AT THE SENATE, 2015



Rev. Rodney Wood leads prayer for Military Family Day in the Louisiana State Senate.
Photo by Senate Communication Office
Rev. Rodney Wood and Senate President John Alario 
Photo by Senate Communications Office
On Tuesday, April 28th, it was my solemn privilege again this year to offer the prayer for the Louisiana Senate's annual Military Family Day as the fallen soldiers of Louisiana (who have died during the past year) and their families were honored in a very meaningful and extended ceremony.

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- The colors are presented at the 11th Annual Military day to honor fallen soldiers in the Senate Chambers at the State Capitol Building.
LA National Guard Color Guard and Bagpiper from the Baton Rouge Pipes and Drums
The Advocate Staff Photo by Bill Feig

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, right, watches as the National Anthem is sung by Angela Perry at the 11th Annual Military day to honor fallen soldiers in the Senate Chambers at the State Capitol Building.
Ms. Angela Perry, secretary to the Clerk of the House of Representatives
 sings the National Anthem.  Senate President John Alario stands beside her.
The Advocate Staff Photo by Bill Feig



Senator Robert Adley reads the senate resolution for each soldier.
Photo by Senate Communication Office

The senators who represent each soldier's district stood beside
Sen. Robert Adley (a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War) as he
read the very personal words of remembrance and appreciation 
given in the senate resolution for each soldier.

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- Sen. Robert Adley, R-Benton, right, reads the Senate Resolution as the family of Army Sgt. Justin Kling watches as well as Sen. Jody Amedee, R-Gonzales, second from right, at the 11th Annual Military day to honor fallen soldiers in the Senate Chambers at the State Capitol Building.
Senator Jodie Amedee and Senator Adley with the family of a fallen soldier.
The Advocate Staff Photo by Bill Feig
Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- Sen. Robert Adley, R-Benton, right, reads the Senate Resolution as the family of  Louisiana Army National Guardsman Military Policeman Travis Scott Bordelon watches as well as Sen. Bob Kostelka, R-Monroe, second from right, at the 11th Annual Military day to honor fallen soldiers in the Senate Chambers at the State Capitol Building.
Senator Bob Kostelka and Senator Adley with family members.
The Advocate Staff Photo by Bill Feig
Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- The Louisiana Senate  observes a moment of silence for the family of SSgt. Adam Jacob Koczrowski during the 11th Annual Military day to honor fallen soldiers in the Senate Chambers at the State Capitol Building.
Senators stand for a moment of silence after each soldier is remembered
The Advocate Staff Photo by Bill Feig

After every soldier's resolution was read, the senators reverently filed forward to offer  kind words and warm gestures to every member of that soldier's family.  



Senators and family members at the front of the chamber
Photo by Senate Communication Office
Senator Gerald Long comforts each family member.
Photo by Senate Communication Office
Senate Senior Staff Attorney Heyward Je
Senate Senior Staff Attorney Heyward Jeffers, whom I have been blessed to know since my early years at the Capitol, also served in Vietnam and was the recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Military Honor Award from the Folds of Honor Foundation for his service to veterans and their families as well as for his own service in the U.S. Army. 

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- Heyward Jeffers, with memorabilia of his Army service in Vietnam decorating his office, is receiving the Distinguished Military Honor Award from the national Folds Of Honor Foundation for his military service and service to veterans and their families in his role as a Louisiana Senate lawyer.
Senior Staff Attorney Heyward Jeffers, Distinguished Vietnam Veteran
COORDINATOR OF MILITARY FAMILY DAY
The Advocate Staff Photo by Bill Feig

On August 23, 1968, Mr. Jeffers was a member of the team that rescued three medical personnel who were badly wounded in attacks on Pleiku. Thank you for your service to our country, Heyward, and for your work on Military Family Day. 

Friends, please take a moment to pray for the wives, children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and other loved ones of those who have died while serving in our military. I spoke with many of the family members before the ceremony. The burden of their sorrow is great. They need your prayers. 

Your brother in the Savior,

Rodney

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