American Legion Post to install new slate of officers

As announced by Post 77 Commander David Simon during the June meeting, the new slate of American Legion officers for the coming year will be installed during the regular monthly meeting of Arceneaux Post on Tuesday, July 5, at the Legion Home.
Legionnaires will also invite guests and spouses for the installation meeting.
The following officers, elected by acclamation during the May meeting, will be installed: Commander David Simon, 1st Vice Ray Olinger, 2nd Vice Bobby Alleman, 3rd Vice John Quebodeaux, Financial Officer Lorraine Gaines, Jr. Past Commander Gene Comeaux, Adjutant Lee John, Historian/Publicity Horace Thibodeaux, Chaplain Robert Comeaux, Servive Officer (vacant), Judge Advocate Shane Mouton, Sgt-at-Arms Andrew Habetz, Color Bearers Wilson LeDoux and Harold Arceneaux, and Advisors to Commander Andrus Fontenot, Willis Credeur and Gilbert Cormier.
Chairman Ray Olinger gave a brief report of the recently held Memorial Day Program presented by Post 77 on Sunday, May 29, at the Legion Home. During the program, veterans who have passed during the past year were remembered, in addition to the local soldiers who perished while defending their nation. Veterans who have passed and remember during the program include Willie L. Leger, Austin Trahan, Jasper Paul Johnson, Harry Lee “Pete” Melancon, Orise Boudreaux, Larry James Smith, Wilson Thibodeaux, and Daniel Nicholas “Nappy” Landry Jr.
Gold Star mothers and family members were also invited to attend with a number of family members in attendance for the program.
Auxiliary members who have passed on during the year were also remembered during the program, including Leola Leger and Louella Menard.
Chairman Olinger also thanked all legionnaires who attended and volunteered their time and assistance for the Legion program, in addition to the local Woodmen of the World who provided refreshments. Robert Comeaux also acknowledged Olinger and Commander Simon in providing a most successful program.
Concerning Boys State, it was announced no high school juniors have shown interest in the program so Post 77 and additional sponsors will not send a delegate. A district-wide orientation/briefing for Boys and Girls State will be held June 16, at Post 77 in Rayne beginning at 5 p.m.
Chairman Olinger also submitted the membership count remained at 192 or 83% paid up dues to complete the membership year. He also noted new cards for the coming year should arrive shortly to begin the new membership drive.
A list of upcoming entertainment and events was noted by Commander Simon with tickets of $10 available at the door for anyone over the age of 18 years. He also noted a very large audience was in attendance for the recent performance by Johnny Allen.
A reminder was given to any son of an American Legion member in good standing to attend an information meeting on Wednesday, June 22, at Post 77 in Rayne to become members of the Sons of the Legion.
Commander Simon gave a report on the Legion awards presented during end of the school year awards programs, including: Rayne High senior scholarship, along with eighth grade awards to a boy and girl at Armstrng Middle, Rayne Catholic, Mire Elem. and Branch Elem. He also thanked the Legionnaires for making the many school presentations.
An update was given on the building maintenance By Robert Comeaux of needed and completed projects of the Legion Home.
Chairman Robert Comeaux gave the memorial report including the passing of veteran Raymond Gossen on June 6, 2016.
Commander Simon reminded everyone of the American Legion State Convention to be held June 10-12 in Alexandria.
With no additional business, the meeting was adjourned and a delicious meal was served by the Legion cooks.