BATON ROUGE, LA — April 2, 2019 —Today, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced the establishment of the Mayor-President's Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs. The purpose of the council is to create a platform to recognize the critical role the Baton Rouge veteran community plays in economic progress and social activity. 

The Mayor-President's Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs will serve as advocates and provide counsel and expertise to the community regarding issues affecting the City-Parish's veteran population. 

“With more than 23,000 veterans currently residing in East Baton Rouge Parish, it is paramount that our city give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom," said Mayor Broome. “This council will begin by developing tactical programs to address workforce development, housing, health, and other ways in which we can improve the quality of life and services offered to our veterans.”

Council members consist of community member volunteers from both the private and public sectors. Mayor-President's Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs members include: 

•    Councilwoman Denise Amoroso

•    Ryan Beissinger

•    Marvin Broome

•    Deborah Chatman 

•    Sachiko Cleveland 

•    Councilman LaMont Cole

•    Jorge Enrique 

•    Rickey Griffin

•    Paul Hermann 

•    Joe Jenkins

•    John Meek 

•    Geoff Micelli

•    Robert Pinson

•    Yolanda Robertson 

•    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Joey Strickland 

•    Baker Mayor Darnell Waites

•    Troy Watson 

The Mayor-President's Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, April 30, from 2-3 p.m. at City Hall.