Veterans Honored at Lake Charles MLK Center
The third annual veterans program at the Ward 3/Martin Luther King Center featured veterans' personal stories, musical performances and handcrafted aprons.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Awards
Veterans were honored at the third annual veterans program held Monday morning at the Ward 3/Martin Luther King Center. Participants shared stories of service, resilience and sacrifice, and each veteran received a custom apron made by the center's sewing class.
Why it matters
The program gives local veterans and their families a dedicated setting to share their service experiences within the Lake Charles community. Recognition events like this one help keep veterans' stories visible to residents across the city.
This is a community event recap based on program reporting, with the third annual edition marking the program's continuation. The number of veterans in attendance and the total number of aprons made were not reported.
The players
Robert Owens
Robert Owens is an Army veteran who spoke at the program about the mental wounds of deployment.
Carolyn Jackson
Carolyn Jackson is a former U.S. Air Force member who served from 1974 to 1994 and shared her service story at the program.
Elijah Oliver
Elijah Oliver is a former U.S. Navy member who served from 1976 to 1980 and was honored at the program.
Hedy Tezeno
Hedy Tezeno is the instructor of the Ward 3/Martin Luther King Center sewing class that handcrafted the veterans' aprons.
Dr. Corey Dotson
Dr. Corey Dotson is minister of music at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church who performed at the veterans program.
The details
Army veteran Robert Owens spoke about the mental wounds of deployment, while Air Force veteran Carolyn Jackson and Navy veteran Elijah Oliver shared their service histories. The center's sewing class, led by instructor Hedy Tezeno, handcrafted a custom apron for each veteran, and the Lake Charles College Prep band, Washington-Marion High School choir and Dr. Corey Dotson performed before a lunch for veterans and families.
Timeline
- Monday, November 9, 2026: Third annual veterans program held at the Ward 3/Martin Luther King Center.
- 1974 to 1994: Carolyn Jackson served in the U.S. Air Force.
- 1976 to 1980: Elijah Oliver served in the U.S. Navy.
Season Trajectory
This third annual program continues a yearly series that gives Lake Charles veterans a recurring public occasion to be recognized. Repeated annual editions help establish community traditions around honoring local service members.
Residents interested in veterans' programs can look for similar community recognition events at local centers like the Ward 3/Martin Luther King Center. Families of veterans may find these gatherings a direct opportunity to participate in honoring service members.
The takeaway
Community programs that combine personal storytelling, music and handmade gifts give veterans meaningful recognition beyond formal ceremonies. Residents who want to honor local veterans can attend or support similar events hosted by neighborhood centers.
Further reading
Explore more local honors in the Awards section for Lake Charles.
