Rayne's Post 77 to install new Legion officers
As announced by Post 77 Commander David Simon, the new slate of American Legion officers will be installed during the regular meeting of Arceneaux Post 77 on Tuesday, July 7, at the Legion Home. Legionnaires will also invite guests and spouses for the installation meeting.
The following candidates 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, Service Officer (vacant), Judge Advocate Shane Mouton, Sgt-at-Arms Andrew Habetz, Color Bearers Wilson LeDoux and Harold Arceneaux, 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 24, 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. Gold Star mothers and family members were invited to attend, and Leo Spaetgens served as the program’s guest speaker. Olinger also thanked all legionnaires who attended and volunteered their time and assistance.
Concerning Boys State, it was announced that Rayne High junior Ethan Alleman will represent Post 77 at Boys State the week of June 21-27 at Northwestern State University at Natchitoches. Funds for the week-long trip will be provided the local Woodmen of the World, Rayne Lions Club and Bank of Commerce. A district-wide Boys State orientation/briefing will be held Wednesday, June 10, at Post 77 beginning at 5 p.m.
Chairman Olinger also submitted the membership count 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 for the following events: June 13 - Mathew Ewing Band; June 20 - Ronnie Matthews and Throw Down Band; June 27 - Tommy G and Stormy Weather.
Commander Simon gave a report on the Legin 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 Robert Comeaux, Andrus Fontenot and Bobby Alleman for making the elementary presentations.
An update was given on the building maintenance of needed and completed projects of the Legion Home.
Chairman Willis Credeur reported a $100 donation received from the local chapter of the Woodmen of the World towards the purchase of a new sign for the front of the Legion Home. The former sign was domaged beyond repair during a recent storm.
Chairman Robert Comeaux gave the memorial report including the passing of veterans Willie L. Leger (May 5, 2015) and Austin Trahan (June 1, 2015). A thank you note was aso received from the family of veteran Michael “Pickel” Besse.
Legionnaires discussed the planned Veterans Appreciation Meal slated during the November meeting to coinside with Veterans Day. All Acadia Parish Legion posts will be contacted for their participation in the revived program with all parish veterans invited to attend.
Delegates for the American Legion State Convention to be held in Alexandria on June 12-14 were submitted, including David Simon, Ray Olinger, John Quebodeaux, Andrus Fontenot and Lorraine Gaines.
Commander Simon gave a report of the recently completed Annual Spring Fling held at the War Veterans Home in Jennings. He noted a large turn out and the fundraiser earned over $6,000 for the Home.
District 7 Vice Commander and Commander-elect Joe Monroe of Church Point Post 225 was introduced as a guest in attendance for the meeting. He thanked Post 77 for hosting two events, (1) Boys State orientation on June 10 and (2) DEC Meeting on June 29, at the local Legion Home.
By Lisa Soileaux
Rayne Acadian-Tribune