The State of Louisiana has been named the 2026 Community Leader Impact Award recipient by Hiring Our Heroes, recognizing the state’s efforts to support military spouses and military families, state officials announced this week.
The award was presented during the 10th Annual Military Spouse Employment Summit: Leadership and Legacy in Washington. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley accepted the award alongside Andrew Ward, founder of The Boot nonprofit organization, and members of The Boot team.
The Community Leader Impact Award is presented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative to communities that create employment and career opportunities for military spouses both on and off military installations.
“Louisiana has always been a state that honors those who serve, and this recognition reflects the collective commitment of our state, our partners, and our communities to ensure military spouses have real opportunities to build careers and lives here,” Meginley said.
The award highlights Louisiana’s military spouse support initiatives, including the work of The Boot, a nonprofit founded by Ward in collaboration with the governor’s office and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. The organization focuses on recruiting, retaining and reconnecting military service members and their families with career and community opportunities across Louisiana.
“This award is a reflection of Louisiana’s investment in military families and the workforce they bring with them,” said Hannah Carey, The Boot’s Northwest Louisiana and Barksdale Air Force Base ambassador. “Through The Boot’s strong connectivity at Barksdale Air Force Base and Fort Polk, we are creating direct pathways for military spouses, work-aged children, and transitioning service members to thrive professionally and build lasting careers across our state.”
Louisiana is home to about 250,000 veterans. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs provides services through benefits counselors, state veterans homes and veterans cemeteries.