After 19 years of work to pull together Louisiana communities, the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance (LAFA) has taken root in Vernon Parish. Last Friday, the LAFA cut the ribbon on their new offices in the historic downtown courthouse in Leesville.

LAFA, previously known as Fort Polk Progress, is a network of business owners, retirees, citizens, and local, state, and federal leaders dedicated to strengthening and expanding the military’s economic influence in Louisiana and improving the quality of life for members of the armed forces and their families.

The alliance was formed in 2006 to provide stability for Fort Johnson, veterans and the surrounding communities, Avon Knowlton, executive director, LAFA, told the American Press.

LAFA did not have the opportunity to find a physical home until now. She said acquiring a location is a necessary step that has been a “long time coming.”

“It brings in more foot traffic. It brings in folks who want to join the alliance. It brings in ways for us to be in the middle of our communities.”

Representatives from the Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce and Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce celebrated the new location. Logan Morris, CEO, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, called LAFA’s efforts “awe-inspiring.” LAFA is a point of pride, he said, and the new office was a necessary big step for the organization to continue to uniquely support the region.

“It’s really good to see these milestones,” he said. “This does not exist in all communities. There are 125 civilian aides in other parts of the world, and very few of them have the caliber of organization effort that we have to support our military life.”

State Rep. Charles Anthony “Chuck” Owen, District 30, said Central Louisiana and Southwest Louisiana “set the standard” of community support for him.

“This is a place where patriotism runs deep. This is a place where people have made sacrifices at all sorts of levels,” he said. “It [patriotism] drives us to support things like this.”

“We want good things here. We’re going to go after those things. We’re going to make a difference. We’re going to keep going,” Knowlton said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The location of the office was chosen because of its proximity to Fort Johnson.

As the second highest economic impactor for Louisiana, the army installation is fiscally crucial for the state, Knowlton said. In 2022, military assets, contractor activities, and military spending in Louisiana had a total economic impact of $9.6 billion, supported 77,000 jobs, and generated $348.7 million in local and state tax revenue.

LAFA prioritizes quality-of-life and economic development efforts, providing opportunities for those stationed in the state.

Their new offices are located at 203 South 3rd. St., and they won’t be moving any time soon.

“We have roots. We’re going to be staying here, this is where we are and we’re here to stay,” she expressed. “The sky’s the limit for what happens here.”

Those interested in joining LAFA can contact Knowlton at 337-378-2088 or visit their website at www.armedforcesalliance.com.