Standing in the Gap for Louisiana Veterans

Once Was Inc is a veteran-led nonprofit standing in the gap for Louisiana veterans who live more than 50 miles from VA hospitals and military resources. Guided by faith and a commitment to restore dignity, we connect veterans to housing, healthcare, and community support — ensuring that distance never stands between them and the help they deserve.

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Meals of Remembrance

Each month Once Was Inc honors veterans in Calcasieu and Lafayette Parishes with warm, dignified meals shared in community. These gatherings are more than food—they are moments of reflection, gratitude, and connection. On days of national significance, Meals of Remembrance are held in observance of Military Holidays and serve as living tributes to those who have served.

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Service Saturday

Held on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, Service Saturday brings together volunteers and supporters to provide veterans and their families with holiday essentials—such as Thanksgiving turkeys, holiday hams, and needed supplies—ensuring no veteran household is forgotten during times of celebration.

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Honoring Veterans. Serving with Dignity.

7+ Years of Service

Honoring Service. Restoring Hope.

Since our founding, Once Was Inc continues to stand in the gap for veterans across Acadiana and beyond. Through meals, mentorship, and community programs, we meet veterans where they are—offering dignity, faith, and support when resources feel out of reach.

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Financial Help for Vets

Meals Shared With Veterans and Families

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Veterans Assisted Through Food and Resources

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Lives Saved Through Critical Outreach

Core Commitments to Veterans

Once Was Inc. exists to honor veterans with dignity, connecting them to housing, career opportunities, mentorship, and emotional support so they can thrive in civilian life.

Veteran Housing Solutions

Facilitating safe, stable and affordable housing options for Louisiana veterans in need, including transitional housing and supportive environments where they can thrive.

How can we help?

Training Programs

Offering education in financial literacy, PTSD recovery, and addiction support while exploring how these challenges intersect with law enforcement and community well-being.

How can we help?

VA Benefit Consultations

Connecting veterans to peer mentors who understand their journey and provide encouragement through challenges.

How can we help?

Mental Health Support

Providing access to counseling, emotional support, and mental health resources so veterans can find resilience and hope.

How can we help?

Honoring Veterans with Dignity, Faith, and Community.

Community Impact Programs

Our community impact programs go beyond meals to address the ongoing needs of veterans and their families across Louisiana. From fundraising events and holiday outreach to community partnership opportunities, Once Was, Inc. connects neighbors with meaningful ways to honor those who served. These initiatives build stronger communities while ensuring veterans receive dignity, support, and hope year-round.

Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Join us at L’Auberge in Lake Charles for our signature annual golf tournament. This event brings supporters together for fellowship, fundraising, and community impact — with every team helping Louisiana veterans thrive.

Veteran Outreach Events

Beyond holiday meals and fundraisers, Once Was Inc connects veterans to local partners, raises awareness, and expands community support across Acadiana.

Community Partnership Impact

Community partners play a vital role in strengthening support for veterans. From event days to resource outreach, your involvement helps us deliver dignity, compassion, and steady assistance across Louisiana.

Ways You Can Make an Impact

At Once Was Inc, we believe that honoring veterans means more than providing meals and resources. It takes a community standing together in partnership, advocacy, and service. These opportunities give individuals, churches, and organizations tangible ways to contribute to lasting change for Louisiana veterans.

What The Say About Us

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Veterans Reside In Louisiana

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LA. Veterans Live Below Poverty

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Service-Related Disabilities

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Highly Educated
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Community Pathways of Support

At Once Was Inc we know that veterans need more than one-time events — they need pathways that create dignity, stability, and hope. These three pillars of support highlight how partnerships, faith, and storytelling strengthen Louisiana veterans and the families who stand beside them.

Corporate Partnerships

The impact of Once Was Inc. is made possible through the commitment of dedicated corporate and community partners. Their ongoing support amplifies our outreach, strengthens veteran services, and fuels our annual initiatives — including meals, resources, and our signature golf tournament. We proudly acknowledge the organizations and individuals who continue to stand with us. Visit our Partner Appreciation Page to view our featured supporters.

Community Support Spotlight

Once Was Inc is strengthened by faithful community supporters who stand with our mission. Bridgette Menard with Ameri Dream Mortgage, volunteers from the Louisiana State Police, Acadiana Veterans Hockey, and local festival queens faithfully support our events to serve and support veterans. Their consistent presence expands awareness, resources, and encouragement for veterans and families across Louisiana.

Veteran & Family Stories

Behind every program is the testimony of veterans and families who have found hope through Once Was, Inc. Sharing these stories keeps their voices alive and ensures that no service member is ever forgotten.

Meet Our Board of Directors

Behind every meal, every outreach effort, and every veteran served is a board committed to doing the right thing. Our Directors bring insight, accountability, and lived experience to the mission of Once Was Inc. Their leadership honors the stories of those who have served and ensures that no veteran is overlooked or forgotten.

Racquel Edmond

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Michael Edmond

Co-Founder & Secretary

Craig Gordon

Board President

Every veteran deserves to be honored.

Karen Batiste

Treasurer

Amanda Anderson

Board Member

Every veteran deserves to be honored — past, present, and future. From the earliest days of Once Was Inc to the work we do today, our mission has never changed: to recognize every sacrifice, uphold every story, and ensure no veteran is ever overlooked or forgotten. Honor is not just what we give — it’s the foundation we stand on.

In The Community

From food drives to holiday outreach, these moments capture how Once Was brings veterans and communities together. Each photo is more than a memory — it’s a reminder that dignity, faith, and support change lives in real ways.