FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2010

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ANNOUNCES

NEW “SUPPORT OUR VETERANS” LICENSE PLATE NOW ON SALE

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) announced today that the “Support Our Veterans” Louisiana License Plate is available for purchase through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.  Created with the passage of House Bill 1204 in the 2010 LA Legislative Session, the plate was designed to patriotically honor the men and women who have served our country through their military service.

“Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to announce the new “Support Our Veterans” license plates are ready for sale,” says LDVA Secretary Lane A. Carson.  “LDVA is always looking for more ways to honor our Veterans.  This new specialty plate gives everyone who owns a vehicle in Louisiana a way to show their support for our country’s heroes.”

 Now available for purchase at all Louisiana State Office of Motor Vehicle locations, online at www.expresslane.org , or by calling (225) 925-6146, costs for the plates include a one-time $25 fee in addition to regular license plate fees.  Proceeds from the sale of these plates will be dedicated to the Military Family Assistance (MFA) fund for various Veterans programs.  MFA is managed by LDVA and provides assistance to members of Louisiana National Guard or Louisiana Reservists who experience financial hardships as a result of being placed on active-duty status.

The license plate design, created by LDVA staff and Jane Thomas of Thomas Graphics, features the silhouettes of military personnel in a traditional combat uniform as well as a female in dress uniform on the left side of the plate. A lightly colored background image of the United States flag serves as a backdrop and a bold red bar featuring the words “SUPPORT OUR VETERANS” in white lettering runs along the bottom portion of the plate. 

 The mission of LDVA is to provide comprehensive care and quality service to Louisiana’s Veterans and families with regard to health care, education, disability benefits, long term care and burial honors.  For more information about LDVA programs and services, please call toll free 1-877-GEAUX-VA (1-877-432-8982) or visit www.vetaffairs.la.gov .