Project LOVE targets Louisiana veterans with letters, cards

JENNINGS, La. — The Louisiana Department of Veterans is trying to spread some love and joy to veterans across the state while they remain under quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Project LOVE, is an initiative to send letters and cards to the more than 600 veterans who live in Louisiana’s five staterun veterans homes including the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings.

“Our veterans are among our state’s and nation’s most precious treasurers,” Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Col. Joey Strickland said. “Writing a letter to them to show them we care is a small token of our appreciation for their service and sacrifice. I encourage all Louisianans throughout this summer to reach out to a veteran living in one of our five veterans’ homes.”

LDVA Director of Communications Brandee Patrick said the goal of Project LOVE is to lift the spirits of veterans during this extraordinary time.

Project LOVE is the result of a brainstorming session at Patrick’s home office with her 10-year-old daughter. Her daughter came up with the letters for what LOVE stands for: “Love Our Veterans Every day.”

“She and I are going to use the Fourth of July holiday to kick off our own personal letter writing,” Patrick said.

To her knowledge, Patrick said no campaign has ever been done like this before for the veterans homes.

“We are really hoping that throughout the summer Louisianans will take a moment to write our veterans,” she said. “These men and women are truly treasurers, and we should let them know that we appreciate them, love them and are praying for them.”

Julie Benoit, a spokesman for the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home, said it would mean a lot to the veterans to get mail. Many of them are feeling lonely during this time, she said.

The veterans have been isolated from visitors, including their loved ones since the veterans homes closed their doors to all visitors in March, she said. She said staff have been trying their best to keep the residents entertained and connected to their loved ones.

“We’ve been face timing with families and eating a lot of snacks,” she said.

Due to the increase in cases statewide, no charges in visitation are expected at this time.

“We will continue to evaluate conditions and remain in communication with the Office of Public Health regarding any changes to the visitation police,” Patrick said.

“Our veterans are resilient,” she continued. “They have proven that during their service to our country, and they are doing the same now facing COVID-19. We are very grateful for the outstanding staff members at each of the homes who are going above and beyond to engage the residents while wearing the proper personal protective gear and maintaining appropriate social distance. We are looking to provide every social activity and interaction that we can safely provide at this time including FaceTime calls with loved ones, crossword puzzle books and art projects.”