Leleux takes over Louisiana National Guard recruiting

For a 42-year-old man, Staff Sgt. Heath C. Leleux has led a life that most elderly men would be proud of.
He served in the U.S. Army following Desert Storm where he was stationed in Germany. He as a Crowley police officer from 1998-2003. He enlisted in the National Guard where he served two tours (2009, 2010) fighting for his country. And returning to work full-time after seven years with Baker Hughes where he was a victim of the layoffs that have affected thousands of Louisianians.
“That’s one of the benefits of the Guard,” said Leleux during an interview Monday afternoon. “You can always fall back on it. Whatever you put into it you can get out of it.”
Leleux’s patriotism is obvious. Another aspect to his personality, however, seems to be his love for the people in Acadia Parish.
“I grew up here,” he said. “The last four recruiters in the area weren’t from Acadia Parish and I want people to know that it’s one of their own who is the recruiting the young men and women of this parish. I’m not going to make any promises that our unit can’t back up.
Leleux is a 1992 graduate of Crowley High School where he played both baseball and football. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign War and American Legion Post 15 veteran’s organizations. It was there that he noticed a problem with both organizations.
“There are virtually no younger people in either one,” he said. “I’d like to change that. I’d looking forward to having the leadership in these organizations set for years to come. From those who served before me to those who don’t even know if they’re going to join yet.
“A lot of people don’t even know what that big building on Standard Mill Road is, or the history attached to it,” he continued. “It currently houses the 156th Infantry Unit and has stood since the days of the Civil War and the significance to Acadia Parish is well-established.”
Leleux will begin visiting parish schools when the upcoming year begins. He does, however, want students who are interested in serving with the National Guard to know they can contact him anytime prior to that.
And aside from the pride he feels from serving his country, he wants the students to realize the benefits that come along with joining the Guard.
“Your college tuition is 100 percent paid for, my medical insurance for myself and my family has been great, and when employers see that a potential employee has served in the military they know that he/she is disciplined and is the type of person who could be a leader,” he said. “And with TOPS being threatened in the state, this is the only sure fire guarantee.”
And he is very happy to be back working in Acadia Parish.
“There are 20,000 to 25,000 veterans in the parish,” said Leleux. “I requested to come back here and be able to help build a sense of patriotism and help to involve the National Guard with their community. When there is a disaster we are the people who respond.
“I want to get people who are willing to help themselves and help develop and brighten their future,” he said.
There will be more about the National Guard and their importance and dedication to serving the United States and Acadia Parish in coming editions.