Once Was Inc

06/20/2026

Today, Once Was Inc was honored at the Brown Blackwell Juneteenth Festival in Lake Charles.

Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to announce and enforce the freedom of enslaved people under the Emancipation Proclamation and establish federal authority in the last Confederate state.

We are grateful to the Family Legacy Foundation and 104.9 FM for recognizing the mission of Once Was Inc and for their continued commitment to preserving history, celebrating freedom, and strengthening our community.

Congratulations to all of the honorees, and thank you for allowing Once Was Inc to be part of this meaningful celebration of freedom, resilience, and unity.

06/11/2026

Once Was Inc Observesd National PTSD Awareness Day

Once Was Inc proudly observed National PTSD Awareness Day with a Meal of Remembrance in Kinder, Louisiana. Veterans and their spouses gathered for fellowship, camaraderie, and a catered meal from Faustos of Kinder.

During the event, Once Was Inc. Co-Founder and Mission Mascot, Michael " Djnv NavyVet " Edmond, a U.S. Navy veteran and Certified Peer Support Specialist, shared valuable information about recognizing and managing PTSD. He also spoke with spouses and family members about supporting loved ones who are living with PTSD

We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors and community partners for supporting the mission of Once Was Inc. Your generosity allows us to continue honoring those who served our nation while connecting them to valuable resources and support services.

Together, we remember, and honor those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

06/08/2026

Today, Once Was Inc proudly observed D-Day with a Meal of Remembrance at Chili's Grill & Bar in Carencro. Veterans and their spouses were honored with a complimentary 3 for Me meal as we gathered to remember the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of the heroes who participated in the D-Day invasion.

We were honored to welcome Centanni, Lafayette Parish Assessor, who shared valuable information about property tax benefits and exemptions available to veterans and their families. His presentation provided important resources that can help veterans maximize benefits they have earned through their service.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors for making this event possible and to the outstanding team at Chili's Carencro. Special thanks to Veteran Leslie (General Manager) and her staff for their warm hospitality, excellent service, and commitment to honoring those who have served our nation
TC Energy L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge Entergy Louisiana Super 1 Foods @

06/07/2026

06/02/2026

VFW Post 2130 American Legion Post 244, Kinder Louisiana American Legion Post 144 Oberlin, La American Legion Post 1 Louisiana Women Veterans

06/02/2026

Kindred Vets Acadiana Area for veterans Acadiana Veterans Honor Guard Louisiana Women Veterans

05/29/2026

Help Once Was Inc wish KPLC 7 News Reporter Carby well as she embarks on a new journey. Her outstanding journalism helped Once Was Inc reach veterans across Southwest Louisiana. Her dedication to highlighting the lives, sacrifices, and triumphs of veterans gave the mission of Once Was Inc a voice.
We are truly honored to have been featured in her farewell KPLC Recap to the community. We wish you continued success and happiness

05/29/2026

05/14/2026

Thank you News15 for helping us reach veterans

CARENCRO, La. (NEWS 15) — A local organization hosted a barbecue for veterans and their spouses on Tuesday afternoon at Super One Foods in Carencro as part of Military Appreciation