Rotarians recognize veterans, Paul Harris Fellows

Gathered in the activities room of Southwind Healthcare and Rehabilitation, the Rotary Club of Crowley had much to be thankful for Tuesday night.
While the fellowship alone was enjoyable, the highlights of sacrifice, love of country and Rotary were on full display as the club opted to forego its normal Tuesday luncheon for a banquet in the evening. There, the club honored the club’s veterans and Paul Harris fellows.
There was hardly an empty seat in the house as the cocktail hour came to a close, and, later, as the last dessert was handed out, club treasurer Debbie Spallino took to the podium to get things started.
Turning the floor over to former treasurer Troy Breaux, the club went around the room and applauded veterans on the eve of Veterans Day.
“You know, you went through your history classes and you learned about different things, but, for me, I didn’t appreciate World War II until I was in Rotary, and I saw Dr. (“Bo”) McNeely and Mr. Ralph Cowen and Jack Omohundro, and people like that,” said Breaux.
“There are heroes all throughout this club and all throughout this city, sitting among us that served for us and gave us our freedom. A lot of Crowley does not know that.”
Pointing to veterans who had passed over the years, Breaux pulled from a letter, written, in part like an essay, the late Omohundro wrote to his son to begin his presentation.
The club includes veterans from World War II to present-time conflicts. Those in attendance eagerly presented the veterans a standing ovation.
The Rotary Club of Crowley has several in its midst that served the U.S. as a member of the military. They include Cowen, Gerald Dill, Joe Hamilton, Van Landry, Mike McBride, McNeely, Rev. James Proctor, Scott Schumacher, Stephen Stefanski and Lee Wright.
Several Rotarians, who have passed away also were highlights, Omohundro, Ernie Broussard and Travis Sandidge included.
Then, veterans in attendance that are spouses of Rotarians were also applauded, such as Dr. Cason delaHoussaye and John Miers.
Rotarians with members of their family who have served or are currently serving were also applauded vigorously.
As he wrapped up his presentation, Breaux simultaneously drew from his Catholic roots, Rotary and military veterans themselves.
“It’s very fitting that we have this involved in the same night that we honor Paul Harris Fellows because Paul Harris Fellows also are the most significant part of Rotary,” he said.
Breaux then gave the floor back to Spallino who explained the basics of the Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
The Rotary Foundation funds many projects across the world through those contributions, none as big, however, as its Polio Plus effort to eradicate the world of polio.
In its renewed push this year, the Crowley club raised $11,418 during its October campaign. That was a large part of District 6200’s $23,000 raised last month.
“The Crowley Rotary Club was almost 50 percent of that,” said Spallino. “So, great job, Lee (Lawrence, Polio Eradication Committee chair). And, great job, Rotarians.”
Each time a Rotarian reaches the next $1,000 mark he or she is awarded a “plus-1” designation. With each designation, original and additional, the Rotarian is presented points that he, or she, can present to another to name a person they deem worthy as a Paul Harris Fellow as well.
Over the years, Crowley Rotarians have often chosen their parents, their spouses, their children or fellow Rotarians when they’ve been able to do so.
“We had a lot of members step up to the plate this year, both through monetary contributions and through transferring their recognition points to other family members, other Rotarians and we have about 30 Paul Harris Fellow awards (to present) tonight,” said Spallino. “This is a remarkable accomplishment for our club.
Current members of the Crowley Rotary Club that have Paul Harris Fellow recognition status include Carolyn Barousse, Brent Benson, Chris Brammer, Dr. Craig Brammer, Troy Breaux, Becky Broussard Lamm, Paul Broussard, Ted Carmichael, Katie Chiasson, Ralph Cowen, Romona Credeur, Tim Croughan, Isabella delaHoussaye, Elliot Doré, Michael Doughty, Joan Finley, Joe Freeland, Mike Goss, Ken Goss, Joe Hamilton, Henry Helo, Dana Huval, Anthony “Tiger” Istre, John N. John, Van Landry, Lee Lawrence, Jeannine LeJeune, Melinda Malmay, Mike McBride, Dr. “Bo” McNeely, Tommy McNeely, Sandy Melancon, Pat Miers, Bill Nevitt, Jeremy Patin, Kenny Privat, Scott Privat, Dr. Ezora Proctor, Rev. James Proctor, Ted Reaux, Peggy Sandidge, David Savoie, Kirk Schexnider, Scott Schumacher, Jill Signorelli, Trey Signorelli, Debbie Spallino, John Suire, Amy Thibodeaux, M’Elise Trahan, Adrianne Vidrine, Suzy Webb, Alice Whiting, Gene Williams, Lee Wright, Tracy Young and Mary Zaunbrecher.
A number of these members earned Paul Harris Fellow recognition for the first time.
Some also brought family members that were transferred points to be named a Paul Harris Fellow as well, including spouses, children, grandchildren and in-laws. And, an in memoriam recognition was also presented.