LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley was guest speaker at two Veterans Day events dedicated to those who serve our nation’s military.
The U.S. Attorney was keynote speaker at the Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery annual Veterans Day Service at 3 p.m. The event featured Junior ROTC members, a singer, pledge recitation, invocation and the placing of a wreath to honor fallen soldiers. She was also guest speaker at Honorfest at 6 p.m. at Parc International hosted by Townsquare Media that featured inspirational messages, a video presentation and country music star Trace Adkins. It also featured local music artists such as Kipp Sonnier, Steve Grisaffe and Jeff Dugan who entertained the veterans and visitors. A portion of the proceeds of Honorfest goes to American Legion Post 69 in Lafayette. Finley spoke about sacrifices that military members and their families makes every day. She reminded those attending that we owe thanks to them for the freedoms they protect.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy spoke on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the St. Thomas More High School Veterans Day ceremony. McCoy served as guest speaker addressing the student about the importance of veterans to our nation. The event also featured patriotic music being played by the high school band and a mass.
“Our military members should never be forgotten,” Finley stated. “We don’t always acknowledge the soldiers, sailors and airman who continue to serve and sacrifice. They come from all walks of life and many backgrounds and are bonded by their dedication to our nation.”
A 1991 Cum Laude graduate of SULC, Finley was recommended by Senator Mary Landrieu and appointed by President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2010 to serve as the top federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Louisiana. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 28, 2010, and took the oath of office on June 2, 2010, as the first woman appointed to serve as U.S. Attorney in the State of Louisiana.
Finley is responsible for overseeing federal criminal prosecutions occurring in 42 of the 64 parishes in the State for crimes ranging from acts of terrorism to public corruption, complex white collar crimes, investment schemes, organized crimes and gang activities, civil rights, internet-related crimes, drug trafficking, firearms violations, violent crimes, child exploitation, environmental crimes, tax evasion, illegal immigration and alien smuggling, among other criminal activity. She is also charged with defending the United States in civil cases and collecting debts owed to the United States.
Before joining the U.S. Attorney=s Office, Finley was on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, stationed at England Air Force Base in Louisiana and Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. She served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves where she was a Judge Advocate assigned to the 8th Air Force Global Strike Command located at Barksdale Air Force Base. Prior to being at the 8th Air Force, she was assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing Judge Advocate General=s Office at Barksdale Air Force Base. Her duties as a JAG officer have included serving as a hearing officer for criminal cases and administrative discharge boards, working in the areas of contract and labor law and military justice as well as providing legal assistance services for active duty, reservists and dependents of the military.
Daniel J. McCoy serves as the Executive Officer of the Navy Reserve, Defense Institute of International Legal Studies unit in Newport, R.I., in addition to being an assistant U.S. Attorney in Lafayette. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and received a bachelor’s degree of science in political science, with distinction, in May 1996. Following his graduation, McCoy was commissioned as an ensign, and completed Surface Warfare Officer’s School in Newport, R.I., in March 1997. He has served in various operations and missions all over the world throughout his career. He was selected for the Law Education Program early in his career and attended Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans. He received the degree of Juris Doctor, cum laude, in May 2004. In addition to his work as an attorney in the Navy, he also served as an instructor and has earned numerous medals for his service.