Louisiana Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Complete directory of Louisiana VA medical centers, education programs, veteran employment resources, and support services across the state.
Louisiana serves approximately 257,000 veterans - about 6% of the state's adult population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Louisiana, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.
This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Louisiana veterans.
Bottom Line Up Front
Healthcare: Louisiana has 3 VA medical centers (New Orleans, Shreveport, Alexandria/Pineville), multiple community-based clinics, and 5 state veterans homes - excellent VA healthcare network for veterans across the state
Education: In-state tuition at all Louisiana public universities and colleges for GI Bill users; Louisiana State University and Tulane both have strong veteran support programs; Title 29 tuition exemption for qualifying dependents (free college)
Employment: State hiring preference with direct hire authority, two major military installations (Barksdale AFB, Fort Johnson), defense contractor presence, veteran-friendly employers statewide
Veteran Population Hotspots: Jefferson Parish (16,500+ veterans), Caddo Parish/Shreveport (15,000+), Orleans Parish/New Orleans (13,500+), East Baton Rouge Parish (substantial veteran population)
VA Healthcare Facilities in Louisiana
VA Medical Centers
Louisiana has an excellent VA healthcare network with three full medical centers - exceptional coverage for veterans across the state.
1. New Orleans VA Medical Center (Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System)
Address: 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 Phone: (504) 412-3700 Toll-free: 1-800-935-8387 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health services (comprehensive PTSD treatment)
- Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory services
- Radiology/imaging
- Physical therapy/rehabilitation
- Dialysis
- Dental services
- Spinal cord injury care
Specialty programs:
- Mental health residential rehabilitation
- PTSD clinical team
- Substance abuse treatment (inpatient and outpatient)
- Homeless veteran services
- Post-deployment health services
- Military sexual trauma treatment
- Telemedicine services
- TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) treatment
Service area: Southeast Louisiana including greater New Orleans metro area, Northshore, and surrounding parishes
Location advantage: Located in Mid-City New Orleans, easily accessible via I-10 and Canal Street
Parking: Parking garage available on-site (free for veterans)
Part of: VA Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
2. Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (Shreveport)
Address: 510 East Stoner Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101-4295 Phone: (318) 221-8411 Toll-free: 1-800-863-7441 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
Bed count: 100+ beds
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health services
- Emergency care (24/7)
- Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Geriatrics
- Dental services
- Audiology
- Physical therapy/rehabilitation
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory services
- Radiology/imaging
Specialty programs:
- Comprehensive mental health center
- PTSD clinical team
- Substance abuse treatment
- Homeless veteran programs
- Post-deployment health assessment
- Military sexual trauma treatment
- Telehealth services
- Polytrauma/TBI clinic
Service area: Northwest Louisiana, northeast Texas, southern Arkansas
Location advantage: Near Barksdale Air Force Base, serves Shreveport-Bossier City metro area and surrounding region
Campus: Well-maintained facility with ample parking
Parking: Large parking lots available on-site (free)
3. Alexandria VA Health Care System (Central Louisiana)
Address: 2495 Shreveport Highway 71 North, Pineville, LA 71360 Phone: (318) 473-0010 Toll-free: 1-800-375-8387
Bed count: 143 beds
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health services
- Surgery (general, orthopedic)
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Geriatrics
- Dental services
- Audiology
- Physical therapy
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory services
- Radiology/imaging
Specialty programs:
- Mental health services
- PTSD treatment
- Substance abuse treatment
- Homeless veteran programs
- Telehealth services
- Women's health
Service area: Central Louisiana including Alexandria, Pineville, and surrounding parishes
Location advantage: Serves central Louisiana, midpoint between New Orleans and Shreveport
Parking: On-site parking available (free)
Note: Near Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), providing care for active-duty transitioning service members and veterans
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
Louisiana VA operates multiple CBOCs to extend healthcare access across the state.
Baton Rouge VA Clinic
Address: 5550 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: (225) 761-3400
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth
Location: Capital city, serves East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding area
Slidell VA Clinic
Address: 1522 Gause Boulevard, Building A, Slidell, LA 70458 Phone: (985) 643-2950
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Location: Northshore area, serves St. Tammany and surrounding parishes
Houma VA Clinic
Address: 1629 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Houma, LA 70360 Phone: (985) 851-0188
Services: Primary care, mental health
Location: Southeast Louisiana, serves Terrebonne Parish
Lafayette VA Clinic
Address: 2100 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, LA 70501 Phone: (337) 261-0734
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Location: Acadiana region, serves Lafayette and surrounding area
Monroe VA Clinic
Address: 1101 Hudson Lane, Suite B, Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: (318) 361-0031
Services: Primary care, mental health
Location: Northeast Louisiana, serves Ouachita Parish
Fort Johnson (Fort Polk) VA Clinic
Address: Building 5700, Fort Johnson, LA 71459 Phone: (337) 531-3950
Services: Primary care, mental health (serves Fort Johnson military and veterans)
Location: On Fort Johnson military installation
Lake Charles VA Clinic
Address: 3900 5th Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70607 Phone: (337) 494-3100
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Location: Southwest Louisiana, serves Calcasieu Parish
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Centers provide free counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members. No VA enrollment required.
New Orleans Vet Center Address: 2200 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Suite 114, Kenner, LA 70062 Phone: (504) 464-4743
Services: PTSD counseling, substance abuse counseling, employment counseling, family counseling, bereavement counseling, sexual trauma counseling
Baton Rouge Vet Center Address: 6585 Siegen Lane, Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: (225) 761-3140
Services: Full counseling services, military sexual trauma treatment, readjustment counseling
Shreveport Vet Center Address: 2800 Youree Drive, Building 1, Suite 105, Shreveport, LA 71104 Phone: (318) 861-1776
Services: Full counseling services, strong focus on Barksdale AFB veterans
No appointment needed for crisis counseling
Hours: Monday-Friday, some evening hours available
How to Enroll in VA Healthcare
Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center or clinic with your DD-214
Documents needed:
- DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
- Social Security card
- Insurance information (if you have other coverage)
- Income information (for copay determination)
Best practice: Enroll as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you have other insurance. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.
New Orleans VA enrollment: (504) 412-3700 Shreveport VA enrollment: (318) 221-8411 Alexandria VA enrollment: (318) 473-0010
State Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care)
Louisiana operates five state-of-the-art veterans homes providing skilled nursing and assisted living - excellent facilities at affordable costs across the state.
1. Louisiana War Veterans' Home (Jackson)
Address: 4739 Highway 10, Jackson, LA 70748 Phone: (225) 634-5265
Capacity: 156 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, Alzheimer's care, intermediate care
Location: East Feliciana Parish, north of Baton Rouge
Features:
- Private and semi-private rooms
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Activities and recreation
- Chapel services
- Beautiful rural setting
2. Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home (Monroe)
Address: 6700 Highway 165 North, Monroe, LA 71203 Phone: (318) 362-4206
Capacity: 156 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, long-term care, rehabilitation, Alzheimer's care
Location: Monroe, northeast Louisiana
Features: Modern facility, comprehensive therapy services, activities programming
3. Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home (Bossier City)
Address: 3130 Arthur Ray Teague Parkway, Bossier City, LA 71112 Phone: (318) 741-2763
Capacity: 156 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, long-term care, rehabilitation, mental health services, Alzheimer's care
Location: Bossier City, near Barksdale Air Force Base and Shreveport
Features: State-of-the-art facility, comprehensive medical services, near Barksdale AFB
4. Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home (Reserve)
Address: 4080 West Airline Highway, Reserve, LA 70084 Phone: (985) 479-4080
Capacity: 156 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, long-term care, rehabilitation, Alzheimer's care
Location: St. John the Baptist Parish, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge
Features: Serves New Orleans metro and River Parishes area
5. Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home (Jennings)
Address: 1610 Evangeline Road, Jennings, LA 70546 Phone: (337) 824-2829
Capacity: 156 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, long-term care, rehabilitation, Alzheimer's care
Location: Jeff Davis Parish, southwest Louisiana
Features: Serves Lake Charles, Lafayette, and southwest Louisiana region
Eligibility for State Veterans Homes
Who qualifies:
- Veterans who served in U.S. Armed Forces and received other than dishonorable discharge
- Spouses of eligible veterans (at some facilities, space permitting)
- Louisiana resident
Cost: Sliding scale based on income
- VA aid and attendance benefits can help cover costs
- Medicaid accepted
- Medicare coverage for skilled nursing
- Private pay rates competitive with civilian nursing homes (typically $4,000-6,000/month)
How to apply: Contact facility directly or Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs:
- Phone: (225) 219-5000
- Website: vetaffairs.la.gov
Education Benefits for Louisiana Veterans
In-State Tuition for Veterans (Choice Act)
Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Louisiana public schools regardless of residency duration.
Eligibility:
- Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
- Living in Louisiana while attending school
- Enrolling within 3 years of discharge (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Benefit: Eliminates out-of-state tuition surcharge (typically $8,000-12,000/year)
Applies to: All Louisiana public universities, colleges, and community colleges
Example savings:
- Louisiana State University out-of-state tuition: ~$30,000/year
- Louisiana State University in-state tuition: ~$12,000/year
- Savings with Choice Act: $18,000/year
Louisiana State University - LSU (Baton Rouge)
Veteran population: 1,200+ student veterans and military-connected students
Military & Veterans Student Center (William A. Brookshire Center) Address: Behind Barnes & Noble, LSU Campus, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Phone: (225) 578-4647 Email: lsuveterans@lsu.edu
Services:
- GI Bill certification
- VA education benefits assistance
- Military tuition assistance processing
- Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E) support
- Transition assistance
- Academic advising
- Student veteran lounge
Available GI Bill benefits:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty and Selected Reserve)
- Veterans Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31)
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): $1,831/month (in-person), $1,118/month (online only)
Yellow Ribbon: Yes, limited participation for graduate programs
Tuition (2024-25):
- In-state: ~$12,000/year
- With Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fully covered + $1,831/month BAH
Special programs:
- All ROTC branches available
- Strong engineering programs
- Top-ranked business school
- Excellent support for military families
Louisiana Title 29 Exemption: LSU participates - qualifying dependents receive free tuition
Louisiana HB167: Veterans with service-connected disabilities using less than 100% GI Bill may receive additional state tuition assistance
Tulane University (New Orleans)
Veteran population: 150+ student veterans
Student Veterans Services Office Location: Office of the University Registrar, Tulane University Phone: (504) 865-5231 Website: registrar.tulane.edu/veterans
Services:
- GI Bill certification
- VA education benefits assistance
- Academic advising
- Student veteran support
BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): $1,774/month (in-person), $1,119/month (online only)
Yellow Ribbon: YES - Tulane is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program
- Tulane awarded $163,891 in Yellow Ribbon benefits last year
- Split among 27 veterans for an average award of $6,070 ($12,140 after government matching)
Tuition (2024-25):
- Private university: ~$58,852/year
- Maximum Post-9/11 benefit for private school: $29,920.95/year (2025-26)
- Yellow Ribbon helps bridge the gap
Special note: As a prestigious private university, Tulane's Yellow Ribbon participation makes it accessible for veterans with 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.
Louisiana Tech University (Ruston)
Veteran population: 400+ student veterans
Office of Veterans Affairs Phone: (318) 257-2176 Email: sheilas@latech.edu
Services:
- GI Bill certification
- VA education benefits assistance
- Military tuition assistance
- Academic support
- Transition assistance
BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): Monroe area rate (Louisiana Tech falls under Monroe military housing area)
Available GI Bill benefits: All major GI Bill programs approved
Tuition (2024-25):
- In-state: ~$10,000/year
- With Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fully covered + BAH
Special programs:
- Strong engineering programs
- Excellent STEM programs
- Military-friendly campus
- Credit for military training
Louisiana Title 29: Participates for qualifying dependents
University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette)
Veteran population: 500+ student veterans
Military & Veteran Student Services Phone: (337) 482-1000
Services:
- GI Bill certification
- VA education benefits assistance
- Student veteran support
- Military tuition assistance
BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): $1,572/month (Lafayette area)
Tuition (2024-25):
- In-state: ~$11,000/year
- With Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fully covered + BAH
Location advantage: Heart of Acadiana, near numerous military veterans
Southeastern Louisiana University (Hammond)
Veteran Services Website: southeastern.edu/admin/vet_success/
Services:
- GI Bill certification
- All VA education benefits assistance
- VetSuccess on Campus
- Student veteran support
BAH rate: Hammond area rate
Tuition: ~$9,000-10,000/year in-state, fully covered by GI Bill
Louisiana Community Colleges
All Louisiana community colleges accept GI Bill benefits and provide in-state tuition to eligible veterans:
Major community colleges with veteran programs:
Delgado Community College (New Orleans)
- Veteran population: 800+
- Comprehensive veteran services
- Near New Orleans VA Medical Center
Bossier Parish Community College
- Near Barksdale Air Force Base
- Strong veteran support
- Technical training programs
South Louisiana Community College (Lafayette area)
- Multi-campus system
- Strong technical programs
Community college tuition: ~$3,500-5,000/year (in-state)
- Fully covered by Post-9/11 GI Bill
- BAH varies by location ($1,200-1,800/month)
Louisiana Title 29 Tuition Exemption (State Benefit)
Louisiana's Title 29 provides exceptional education benefits for eligible dependents of veterans - one of the best state education benefits in the nation.
Who qualifies:
- Children of veterans who are POW/MIA, killed in action, or 100% service-connected disabled
- Spouses of POW/MIA veterans
- Surviving spouses and children of deceased veterans
Benefit: Covers all tuition and school-imposed fees at Louisiana public universities and colleges (does not cover student-imposed fees)
Duration: Good for four years of schooling to be completed in not more than five years, or until the student reaches age 25 (no age limit for surviving spouses)
Value: $10,000-15,000/year per dependent at major universities
- Total value: $40,000-60,000 per dependent over 4 years
How to apply: Contact Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and your university's veteran services office
This is one of Louisiana's most valuable but often overlooked veteran benefits - essentially free college for qualifying dependents.
Louisiana HB167 (Gap Coverage for Disabled Veterans)
Veterans living in Louisiana using Chapter 33 (Post-9/11) GI Bill benefits with less than 100% GI Bill coverage AND a VA service-connected disability may qualify for additional coverage of tuition and fees under Louisiana's HB167.
Example: If you have 80% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility and a 30% service-connected disability, Louisiana may cover the 20% gap.
Contact: Your university veteran services office to apply
Employment Resources for Louisiana Veterans
State Hiring Preference
Louisiana law grants veterans significant advantages in state employment.
What you get:
- 5 to 10 points added to passing scores on civil service examinations
- Absolute appointment preference within a given grade
- Higher retention standing in case of layoffs
- Direct hire authority (no exam required in certain circumstances)
Direct hire authority: A state employment hiring authority may hire a veteran for a probationary appointment without requiring a civil service examination, provided the veteran meets the job's minimum qualifications. The veteran must have been honorably discharged in the last 12 months and have served at least 90 days of active duty (other than for training).
Who qualifies:
- Veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Spouses, surviving spouses, and surviving parents of veterans (in certain circumstances)
- Louisiana resident
How it works: If you meet minimum qualifications and pass the exam (if required), your veteran status gives you priority over non-veteran applicants with similar scores.
Where to apply: jobs.la.gov or contact Louisiana Department of State Civil Service
Major state employers:
- Louisiana Department of Corrections
- Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- Louisiana State Police
- State universities and colleges
- Louisiana National Guard (civilian positions)
Louisiana Workforce Commission - Veterans' Employment Services
Services:
- Job search assistance
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation
- Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
- Apprenticeship programs
- On-the-job training programs
- Priority of service for all Louisiana Workforce Commission job training programs (federally mandated)
Contact: Local Louisiana Workforce Commission office or call 1-866-783-5567
Website: laworks.net
Veteran Service Representatives: Available at major workforce centers to specifically assist veterans
Priority of service: As a condition of receiving federal workforce funding, priority service must be given to qualified veterans when referring individuals to job openings, DOL-funded training programs, and related services.
Major Military Installations (Employment Opportunities)
Barksdale Air Force Base (Air Force)
Location: Bossier City, Louisiana (northwest Louisiana, near Shreveport) Military personnel: ~14,500 (including families on 27,000-acre base) Civilian employees: ~3,000+
Major units:
- 2nd Bomb Wing (B-52 Stratofortress bombers)
- 307th Bomb Wing (Air Force Reserve)
- Eighth Air Force Headquarters
- Air Force Global Strike Command
Mission: Strategic bomber operations, long-range strike capabilities, U.S. strategic deterrence
Typical civilian jobs: Logistics, aircraft maintenance, administration, IT, facilities management, security, contracting, human resources
How to apply: usajobs.gov - search "Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana"
Veteran preference: Federal hiring preference applies (5-10 points on applications)
Salary range: GS-5 to GS-13 positions ($35,000-95,000 typical range)
Local economy impact: Barksdale contributes over $1.5 billion annually to Louisiana economy
Nearby cities: Bossier City (5 minutes), Shreveport (10 minutes)
Fort Johnson (Formerly Fort Polk) (Army)
Location: Vernon Parish, central Louisiana Military personnel: Varies (training rotation base - JRTC) Civilian employees: ~2,500+ Land: 250,000 acres (50% of Vernon Parish)
Major units:
- Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC)
- Training support units
Mission: Combat training for Army units deploying worldwide, realistic battlefield environment training
Typical civilian jobs: Training support, logistics, facilities management, range operations, administration, IT
How to apply: usajobs.gov - search "Fort Johnson, Louisiana" or "Fort Polk"
Veteran preference: Federal hiring preference applies
Salary range: GS-5 to GS-12 positions ($35,000-85,000 typical range)
Local economy impact: Fort Johnson contributes over $1.5 billion annually to Louisiana economy
Nearby cities: Leesville (adjacent), Alexandria (45 minutes)
Note: Fort Polk was renamed Fort Johnson in 2023
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (Navy/Air Force/Marines)
Location: Belle Chasse, Louisiana (south of New Orleans) Military personnel: ~3,000+ Civilian employees: ~1,000+
Major units:
- Navy Reserve units
- Air Force Reserve units
- Marine Corps Reserve units
- Coast Guard units
Mission: Joint reserve operations, hurricane response, homeland defense
Typical civilian jobs: Aviation maintenance, logistics, administration, security
How to apply: usajobs.gov - search "New Orleans" or "Belle Chasse"
Location advantage: Near New Orleans metro area
Defense Contractors and Veteran-Friendly Employers
Defense Contractors (Louisiana)
Northrop Grumman (Lake Charles)
- Location: Lake Charles area (Defense Systems Sector)
- Employees: 200+ in Louisiana
- Programs: Defense systems, logistics, fabrication solutions
- Typical roles: Manufacturing, engineering, quality, logistics
- Veteran programs: Active military recruiting, veteran affinity groups
- Website: northropgrumman.com/careers
Lockheed Martin (Louisiana locations)
- Programs: Defense systems, aerospace
- Employees: Varies by location
- Typical roles: Engineering, program management, systems integration
- Veteran programs: Military Relations Managers, SkillBridge program
- Website: lockheedmartinjobs.com
L3Harris Technologies (Louisiana)
- Programs: Defense communications, electronics
- Typical roles: Engineering, program management, IT
- Veteran programs: Active recruiting
General Dynamics (Louisiana locations)
- Programs: IT services, defense systems
- Typical roles: IT, cybersecurity, systems administration
Major Civilian Employers Hiring Veterans
Entergy (New Orleans - utility company)
- Programs: Electric utility operations, power generation
- Employees: 4,000+ in Louisiana
- Typical roles: Power plant operations, electrical engineering, field service, customer service
- Veteran programs: Military recruiting initiatives
- Website: entergyjobs.com
Capital One (New Orleans and other Louisiana locations)
- Programs: Banking, technology, customer service
- Employees: 2,000+ in Louisiana
- Typical roles: IT, customer service, banking, finance, data analysis
- Veteran programs: Active military recruiting
- Website: capitalonecareers.com/military
DXC Technology (New Orleans)
- Programs: IT services, consulting
- Employees: 2,000+ in New Orleans
- Typical roles: IT, software development, cybersecurity, project management
- Veteran programs: Military recruiting programs
Dow Chemical (Plaquemine, near Baton Rouge)
- Programs: Chemical manufacturing
- Employees: 2,000+
- Typical roles: Chemical operations, process engineering, maintenance, safety
ExxonMobil (Baton Rouge refinery - one of largest in U.S.)
- Programs: Oil refining, petrochemical production
- Employees: 2,000+ direct employees
- Typical roles: Refinery operations, process engineering, maintenance, safety, management
- Veteran programs: Values military discipline and training
Sasol (Lake Charles area)
- Programs: Chemical manufacturing, petrochemical operations
- Employees: 1,300+
- Typical roles: Plant operations, engineering, maintenance
Amazon (Multiple Louisiana fulfillment centers)
- Locations: Carencro (Lafayette area), other locations planned
- Veteran programs: Military Talent Team
- Typical roles: Warehouse operations, logistics, management
- Website: amazon.jobs/military
Walmart Distribution Centers (Multiple Louisiana locations)
- Typical roles: Warehouse, transportation, logistics, management
- Veteran programs: Active military recruiting
Healthcare Employers
Ochsner Health System - Louisiana's largest healthcare provider
- Locations: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, statewide
- Employees: 30,000+ statewide
- Veteran programs: Values military healthcare training
LCMC Health - New Orleans area Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center - Baton Rouge Willis-Knighton Health System - Shreveport
Healthcare systems actively recruit veterans with medical training, offering leadership development programs and valuing military discipline and teamwork.
Oil & Gas Industry
Louisiana's oil and gas industry offers substantial opportunities for veterans:
- Offshore drilling operations
- Refinery operations
- Petrochemical manufacturing
- Pipeline operations
- Field service technicians
- Safety management
Key companies: Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Phillips 66, Marathon Petroleum, Valero
Veterans with technical military training (engineering, mechanics, electrical, nuclear) are highly valued.
Apprenticeship Programs
Louisiana Registered Apprenticeship programs offer paid on-the-job training in skilled trades:
Common programs:
- Electrical work
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Industrial maintenance
- Pipefitting
- Carpentry
- Heavy equipment operation
- Crane operation
- Instrumentation technician
GI Bill benefits: Can be used for apprenticeships, providing monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages
Example: Electrician apprentice earning $22/hour + $1,400/month GI Bill BAH = $5,100/month total while training
Contact: Louisiana Workforce Commission, Apprenticeship Program Phone: (225) 342-7820 Website: laworks.net
High demand: Louisiana's petrochemical, oil & gas, and industrial sectors create high demand for skilled trades - excellent opportunities for veterans.
Unemployment Benefits for Veterans
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months
Who qualifies: Honorably discharged veterans recently separated from active duty
How much: Based on military pay
Duration: Up to 26 weeks in Louisiana
Contact: Louisiana Workforce Commission Phone: 1-866-783-5567 Website: laworks.net
Priority service: Veterans receive priority access to all employment services at Louisiana workforce centers
Support Services
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Address: P.O. Box 94095, Capitol Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70804 Phone: (225) 219-5000 Toll-free: 1-877-838-4569 Website: vetaffairs.la.gov
Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information, veterans homes applications
Parish Veterans Service Officers: Louisiana has Veterans Service Officers in parishes statewide - find yours at vetaffairs.la.gov
Other VSOs with Louisiana presence:
- American Legion - Posts throughout Louisiana
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Posts statewide
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities
- Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters
- AMVETS - Louisiana chapters
Homeless Veteran Programs
VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838
HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management (available through all VA medical centers)
Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing in Louisiana cities
Stand Down Events: Annual events in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and other cities providing services, clothing, medical care, benefits enrollment
Louisiana-specific resources:
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care (New Orleans): (504) 412-3700
- Louisiana Housing Corporation - Statewide housing assistance
- Contact your nearest VA medical center for homeless veteran services
Mental Health Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
Confidential, immediate help for veterans in crisis or emotional distress
Vet Centers (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport) provide free counseling for:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Military sexual trauma
- Readjustment issues
- Substance abuse
- Combat trauma
- Family counseling
No VA enrollment required for Vet Center services
Legal Assistance
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Phone: (225) 219-5000
Services: Help with VA claims, benefits appeals, discharge upgrades
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Phone: 1-800-355-8683
Services: Free legal help for low-income veterans
Loyola Law Clinic (New Orleans)
- Legal assistance for veterans
- Discharge upgrade help
- VA claims appeals
Louisiana State Bar Association Veteran Resources
- Pro bono legal services for veterans
- Referrals to veteran-friendly attorneys
Parish and Regional Veteran Resources
Jefferson Parish (Greater New Orleans Suburbs)
- Veteran population: 16,500+
- VA Clinic: Slidell Clinic (nearby Northshore)
- VA Medical Center: New Orleans VA Medical Center (nearby)
- Major employers: Healthcare, oil & gas, logistics, hospitality
- Cities: Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Marrero
Jefferson Parish Veterans Service Office Phone: (504) 736-6933
Caddo Parish (Shreveport Area)
- Veteran population: 15,000+
- VA Medical Center: Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (Shreveport)
- Vet Center: Shreveport
- Military installation: Barksdale Air Force Base
- Major employers: Barksdale AFB (civilian), healthcare, gaming/hospitality
Caddo Parish Veterans Service Office Phone: (318) 226-6630
Orleans Parish (New Orleans)
- Veteran population: 13,500+
- VA Medical Center: New Orleans VA Medical Center
- Vet Center: New Orleans/Kenner
- Major employers: Healthcare, hospitality/tourism, oil & gas, port operations, technology
Orleans Parish Veterans Affairs Phone: (504) 658-1500
East Baton Rouge Parish (Baton Rouge)
- Veteran population: Substantial
- VA Clinic: Baton Rouge VA Clinic
- Major employers: Petrochemical, state government, healthcare, ExxonMobil refinery, Dow
East Baton Rouge Parish Veterans Service Office Phone: (225) 389-5468
Calcasieu Parish (Lake Charles Area)
- Veteran population: Significant
- VA Clinic: Lake Charles VA Clinic
- Major employers: Petrochemical industry, gaming, Northrop Grumman
Calcasieu Parish Veterans Service Office Phone: (337) 721-3610
Key Takeaways
- Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Louisiana has 3 VA medical centers and multiple clinics - excellent coverage
- Use in-state tuition benefits - Save $10,000-18,000/year at Louisiana public universities with Choice Act
- Explore Title 29 benefits - Free college tuition for qualifying dependents (one of best state benefits)
- Leverage state hiring preference - Veterans get 5-10 point preference and direct hire authority for state jobs
- Target military installations and major employers - Barksdale AFB, Fort Johnson, oil & gas, petrochemical industries offer thousands of jobs
- Connect with your parish Veterans Service Officer - Free help claiming every benefit you've earned
Louisiana genuinely supports its veteran population with tangible, valuable benefits - especially strong VA healthcare access, excellent education benefits (Title 29), and substantial employment opportunities in oil & gas, petrochemical, defense, and state government sectors.
Additional Resources
- Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs: (225) 219-5000 | vetaffairs.la.gov
- New Orleans VA Medical Center: (504) 412-3700 | va.gov/southeast-louisiana-health-care
- Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (Shreveport): (318) 221-8411
- Alexandria VA Health Care System: (318) 473-0010
- LSU Military & Veterans Student Center: (225) 578-4647
- Tulane Student Veterans Services: (504) 865-5231
- Louisiana Workforce Commission (Veteran Jobs): 1-866-783-5567 | laworks.net
- GI Bill School Search: va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool
Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.