The Liberian American Veterans Association (LAVA) formally inducted its new corps of national officers on Saturday, November 8 in Fort Washington, Maryland, during a ceremony marked by military decorum, patriotic pride, and reaffirmed unity within the Liberian diaspora.
The induction was performed by Joetta M. Addy, First Secretary for Commerce, Trade and Investment at the Liberian Embassy near Washington, acting on behalf of Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States.
Liberian Embassy Representative Administers Oath of Office
Administering the oath, Addy led the officers through a pledge emphasizing integrity, discipline, and service to the Liberian veteran community across the United States.
“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge my duties of the office to which I have been elected within the Liberian American Veterans Association,” Addy declared as the officers raised their hands. “I pledge to uphold the constitutional and by-laws of LAVA, to preserve the unity and integrity of our association, and to serve with honor, loyalty, and self-commitment.”
She continued:
“I will work diligently to promote mentorship, professional growth, and the welfare of all members. I will conduct myself with integrity and respect and lead by example in the spirit of brotherhood, service, and sacrifice. So help me God.”
Concluding the installation, Addy formally stated:
“By the authority vested in me, on behalf of the Liberian American Veterans Association, I hereby install you as officers of this association.”
New Officers of LAVA
- Chairman/President: CW2 George Decontee Jackson
- Vice President/Chairman: Calvin Jackson (Ret.)
- Secretary: Lester Kandakai
- Chaplain/MWR: CPT (CH) Harry Ross
- Treasurer: SSG Demowah Quoiyan
- MWR: Gontowon Wehye
President George Jackson: “We need your guidance.”
Following the induction, newly installed President CW2 George Jackson delivered sincere and heartfelt remarks, acknowledging the challenges of leading a globally dispersed veteran community while actively serving in the U.S. military.
“The military is busy. I am right now in Korea,” he said. “So to run an organization with everybody else around the world, I don’t have access to phone all the time. Sometimes it’s hard.”
Jackson, who took over from Outgoing LAVA’s President, Master Chief (Ret) Hawa Riley for the next two years, stressed that LAVA thrives when senior members remain active, providing mentorship and accountability to the leadership team:
“But if we have you remind us about commitment to this organization, I think it will be fine.”
He expressed gratitude to members who traveled and made personal sacrifices to attend the ceremony, despite their own demanding schedules.
“You have no reason to be here, but you made it your business to be here,” Jackson said. “Thank you for coming. We appreciate you for all the pieces of advice you gave us.”
A Unified Call for Community Stewardship
The ceremony underscored LAVA’s growing influence as a unifying body for Liberians serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The new administration signaled its commitment to mentorship, professional development, and strengthening ties with the local Liberian communities and the broader diaspora community.
As Jackson closed, the energy in the room reflected a shared sense of duty and renewed purpose for the year ahead.
In furtherance of their sacred commitments to selfless services to Liberia and the United States, LAVA members embarked on a cleanup campaign at the Liberian Embassy in the US to help remove the numerous leaves in the compound due to the fall season.
Editor’s Note
LAVA’s leadership transition reflects the strength of Liberia’s military diaspora and its enduring commitment to public service, mentorship, and community uplift. BanaBridge News remains committed to documenting the contributions of Liberians in uniform across the United States and around the world.
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