Local American Legion Auxiliary unit celebrates 81 years

BY: SAJA HOFFPAUR, LIFESTYLES EDITOR

This month, American Legion Auxiliary Acadia Unit 15 will proudly celebrate its 81st birthday with hopes that it will be able to continue its work well into the future.

Recently, the Post-Signal had the opportunity to sit down with Sylvia Broussard, who has been in the unit longer than any other member, to learn about her experiences.

Broussard, who is 88, joined the Acadia Unit 15 in 1944, which means that she has now been a member for 71 years. Broussard joined the organization after her husband Ernie returned from World War II, having served as storekeeper aboard the U.S.S. Victoria supply ship. Broussard’s membership in the American Legion Auxiliary was the natural thing to do to support her husband.

And, not only were Broussard and her husband members of the legion and its auxiliary, but so were their seven children, all of their grandchildren and all of their great-grandchildren. Broussard always made sure that their dues were paid and their memberships were up to date.

Broussard, who spent two years as unit president, recalls that the unit raised money by, among other things, selling poppies and using the money for service projects. They would also visit the veterans and bring them sweets.

They also started the Gold Star Mothers program, which honors the mothers of veterans killed in action and who are members of the auxiliary. The unit members would host a big luncheon with a fitting program for the mothers every year.

The unit no longer hosts the luncheon because there are not that many Gold Star Mothers in the area. In fact, the only present Gold Star Mother in the unit is Emma Trahan, the mother of the late Seth Trahan, who will be honored at the city’s Memorial Day program on May 24. 

Additionally, the unit was very involved with the American Legion baseball program, running the concession stands at the games.

According to Broussard, membership in Acadia Unit 15 was extremely helpful to her because she got to meet a lot of people. When she and her husband first moved here, they did not know a lot of people, but through the legion and its auxiliary they made many life-long friends.

Broussard was so involved with the American Legion Auxiliary that she went to the national convention, which is held in conjunction with the American Legion national convention every year. She only stopped going after her husband, who is now deceased, got too sick to travel, which was only in the past couple of years.

Broussard believes that membership in the American Legion Auxiliary remains extremely important for the support of men and women who are currently serving in the America’s Armed Forces.

About the American Legion Auxiliary 

The American Legion Auxiliary was formed to aid the American Legion in carrying out its mission, and its members serve side-by-side with the members if of the American Legion in a spirit of unselfish devotion to the well-being of the American republic.

The American Legion Auxiliary works to keep patriotism a part of the education of every child. The organization also endeavors to bring to Americans a fuller realization of their responsibilities as citizens.

The American Legion Auxiliary’s program is one of Americanism - the concern for veterans of all wars and conflicts; the education and welfare of the children of veterans who have given of their lives for our country; the securement of adequate national security against all possible enemies; the betterment and beautification of the communities in which we live; and service through a true spirit of fellowship and cooperation with all people for world development.

Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is limited to women who have a direct personal connection through an immediate family member with service in World Wars I or II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon/Grenada, Panama or the Persian Gulf wars. Connection with the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II must be between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946.

For more information regarding membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, contact Joanie Schendel, president of Acadia Unit 15, at (337) 458-1313.

American Legion Auxiliary Acadia Unit 15 meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., with dinner prepared and served by American Legion Post 15.