VetFest is the biggest Veteran & First Responder event in the Ark-La-Tex!

GOT YOUR 6 LOUISIANA PRESENTS

VETFEST 2026

Saturday November 7, 2026 10am

Follow our Facebook and Instagram for most up to date information!

VetFest allows us to unite our local veterans and first responder community to ensure they have access to organizations that exist solely to serve them. Bridging the gap between our heroes and the valuable resources/ services they need to live happy, healthy lives. Not only is this event a platform to provide our heroes a way to meet and interact with others like themselves, but it is also a community event where everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. VetFest will feature live bands throughout the day, silent auctions, food, a kids FunZone, and guest speakers.

We pride ourselves in inviting and providing valuable resources on this day. I’ve attached our Vendor Agreement form which contains detailed information for you. We look forward to having you at VetFest, supporting our local veterans, first responders, and their families.

VetFest success is contingent upon vendors like you supporting events like this. I look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly.

Download Vendor Form

Give the Gift of Life!

LifeShare Blood Center will be on-site during our event collecting blood donations. Every donation helps save local lives — be a hero and make a difference! All donations done at this blood drive go directly to Overton Brooks VA Hospital to help our local veterans in need!

Join us, roll up your sleeve, and help strengthen our community one pint at a time!

Toys for Tots is partnering with VetFest! Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help make the season brighter for kids in need!

Held annually in November on the weekend nearest to Veterans Day, VetFest was established in 2020 by members of the Department of Louisiana Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4588 to support those who serve by uniting, informing, and ultimately strengthening the Veterans & First Responders within our community.

Our Veterans & First Responders often feel alone and isolated because of the traumatic events that are all part of protecting & serving. They’re afraid to ask for help because they fear judgment. They feel isolated because not everyone understands. Some turn to drugs & alcohol to dull the pain, while others resort to suicide because the pain is too much to bear.

Assuring our Veterans & First Responders that they are not alone and letting them know It’s okay to not be okay gives them the strength and courage they may need to seek assistance.

VetFest allows us to unite our local first responder community to ensure they are informed and have access to the organizations that exist solely to serve them, bridging the gap between our heroes and the help they need to live happy and healthy lives while offering a platform to meet and interact with others just like themselves.

But VetFest isn’t just for Veterans & First Responders; the community they serve is a big part of the recovery process, and that’s why everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Guest Speaker : Dr. Jerome L. Buller, COL (USA Retired)

DEPUTY SECRETARY

Dr. Jerome L. Buller, a distinguished physician executive, has built an exceptional career marked by dedicated service, visionary leadership, and transformative innovation in both military and civilian healthcare. His distinguished tenure in the U.S. Army and subsequent leadership in the private sector reflect an unwavering commitment to advancing medical care and uplifting those he serves.

During his military career, Dr. Buller held pivotal leadership roles, including Brigade Commander of the Uniformed Services University and Commander of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research. He also served as Executive Officer to the U.S. Army Surgeon General, Director of Communications for Army Medicine, Command Surgeon for the National Defense University, and Division Surgeon for the 1st Armored Division. His service includes two years in the Middle East in support of the Global War on Terrorism. After retiring from the Army, Dr. Buller joined the private sector as Chief Medical Officer and Director of Optum Serve Clinical Services and Quality Programs. There he led clinical services and quality programs, serving the veteran community across Nation.

Dr. Buller joined the LDVA team in February 2024. He provides strategic oversight of the departments four cornerstone operations – veteran benefits, veteran education, long-term care, and burial honors. As the director of medical services, oversees medical operations at our five Louisiana veterans’ homes.

Dr. Buller is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and fellowship-trained Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Physician Executive with the American Association for Physician Leadership. He holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School and a Master of Science in National Security and Resource Strategy from the National Defense University.

Dr. Buller resides in Covington, Louisiana, with his wife of 30 years, Jennie, whose steadfast support has been a cornerstone of his journey. They raised three accomplished daughters: Tiffany, a U.S. Army veteran and defense analyst supporting U.S. Army Europe; Hailey, a U.S. Army Captain and Pediatric resident at Madigan Army Medical Center; and Meredith, a masters-prepared Biologist in Maryland. Grounded by family and faith, Dr. Buller’s values continue to inspire his legacy of service and excellence.

Guest Performer : Jimmy Wooten

Hailing from Shreveport, LA, Jimmy Wooten is a seasoned musician who has toured the past fifteen years with bands internationally, but, with the recent release of his fourteen-track debut album, Collision Course, he is solidifying himself as a true songsmith. With a sound rooted in rock, country, blues, and soul, his music takes you on an auditory journey that you won’t soon forget.

Born into a musical family and hitting the road with multiple bands straight out of highschool, Wooten has toured internationally along with sharing stages with The Steel Woods, Uncle Lucious, Joshua Ray Walker, Dennis Quiad, Marty Stewart, Vince Gill, Tab Benoit, Josh Weathers, Casey Donahew and more. Not to mention touring with country music legend Neal McCoy for five years (bass guitar, background vocals). However, since starting a family, Wooten says that his children have given him the confidence and drive to step out on his own.

"I’ve been playing music professionally since around 2001, playing different instruments with different people, from locals to Neal McCoy on major nationwide tours. All the studio work, everything I’ve ever done, has been building up to this moment where I’m putting out a full body of work and I could not be more excited, or ready."

Guest Performer : Seth Bradford

A Shreveport-based singer-songwriter known for his soulful blend of Americana, country, and roots music. With heartfelt lyrics, rich vocals, and skillful guitar work, Seth brings authenticity and emotion to every performance.

His shows combine storytelling and musicianship in a way that connects deeply with audiences, making him a standout voice in the regional music scene. A fixture on the local music scene, he delivers live performances that are intimate, compelling, and backed by a quiet confidence that reflects years of honing his craft.

Whether interpreting a well-worn classic with fresh reverence or unveiling an original composition that mines real-life experience, Seth’s music feels simultaneously timeless and immediate.

Guest Performer : Miranda Gonzales

Miranda is a solo artist based in Shreveport, Louisiana who incorporates clean acoustic guitar sounds to compliment her vocal versatility in cross genre singing.

Miranda has performed in various levels and types of music events including musicals, rock bands, duo performances and most recently solo performing. Miranda is a Board Certified Music Therapist with a dream to provide unique health and wellness treatment to the Shreveport Bossier area with her musical skills.

Miranda is currently involved with Guitars for Vets as an instructor and a primary presenter in The Noel Community Arts Center Create for Calm Program. Miranda is actively building clientele to provide music therapy services with Clint Davis Counseling and Integrative Wellness. She is also actively booking solo performances and music therapy experiences in the area.

Silent Auction items:

Donated by Guitars 4 Vets: Brand new acoustic guitar with soft case, tuner, strap, picks, any extra strings signed by World famous guitarist Joe Bonamassa. This guitar's pickguard was signed by Joe Bonamassa at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on August 18th, 2024 for Guitars 4 Vets Shreveport Chapter. Value of
Gift Certificate for the Remington Suite Hotel and Spa. It includes a one night stay, a couple massage, a glow facial and a bottle of champagne. Value of $900.
Champion Portable 3650/4450 watt Generator from Ivey’s Value: $465
LSU v. LA Tech Football Certificate (includes 2 tickets to Sept 6th fame, skyline club access, buffet, parking pass) Value: $800
Metal Fire Pit from LA Custom Metal Works. Value: $400
Devotion Tattoo - James Clements Gift Certificate Value $250
iPad 9th Generation WiFi 64 GB, Value $200