Legion honors law officers
By Lisa Soileaux ~Assistant Editor
Three law enforcement officers were honored Tuesday evening during the January meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, at the Legion Home in Rayne.
Officers of the Rayne Police Department, Rayne Police Reserves, and the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office were honored with awards and named Outstanding Young Law Officers for 2009-2010 term.
Post 77 Commander Pete Melancon presented awards to the following young law officers of Rayne during the Legion meeting as announced by Post 77 Americanism Chairman Rodney J. Trahan:
Rayne Police Department - PFC Michael Cormier is a five-year officer with the Rayne Police Department since 2005 following service with the Rayne Police Reserves. He also serves as a member of the Rayne Volunteer Fire Department. Cormier was nominated by Rayne Police Chief Carroll Stelly who made the introduction.
Rayne Police Reserves - Gladdie Breaux, Jr. is a five-year member of the Rayne Police Reserves, becoming fully certified in 2004. Breaux was introduced by Reserve Assistant Commander Thomas Gossen.
Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office - Patrol Deputy Lonnie Domingue is a four-year member of the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office who also served over 20 years with the Rayne Police Department. He was nominated by Sgt. Ricky Monceaux and Lt. Melvin Clay for the award.
Also welcomed as special guests during Tuesday’s Legion meeting were Department Commander Dr. Kenneth LaFleur and Kenneth Thibodeaux, aide to the Commander, both of Post 45, Opelousas.
Welcomed as a new member of Post 77 was Issac “Ike” Duncan, a Vietnam veteran, who was voted into the organization by a unanimous vote of the membership.
A memorial report was given by chairman Raymond Thevis, who reported of the Dec. 18,2009 passing of Legionnaire Aubry Cormier.
Membership chairman Ray Olinger reported of the 238 members with paid membership dues, resulting in 71%.
For the sick call report, noted were Calvin Roach, Leroy Prejean and Walter Stelly.
Chairman Al Leger gave a positive Bingo report, including a 160 attendance average for the month of December and a $1,000 per week intake. The membership was reminded that Bingo proceeds support the many programs sponsored by Post 77.
With the absence of chairman Hiliary Olinger, a report of the Legion’s New Year’s Eve Party will be given at the February meeting.
Americanism chairman Rodney J. Trahan reminded everyone of February observed Americanism Month. He also reminded World War II veterans of the last Honoraire trip to Washington, D.C. to be held in April of 2010. Trahan also reminded the membership of the awarding of the Young Fire Fighters of the Year during the February Legion meeting.
Trahan, who also chairs the annual Legion Oratorical Contest, reminded Legionnaires of the Acadia Parish Legion Oratorical Contest to be held Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Legion Home in Rayne. The 7th District contest is scheduled for Feb. 13, also in Rayne.
Department Commander Dr. Kenneth LaFleur addressed the audience, including a reminder of the upcoming Mid-Winter Conference to be held Jan. 14-17 in Alexandria. He also commented on the new Veterans Hospital planned for New Orleans, as he was informed the project to replace the former structure is on schedule.
Charles Spaetgens invited everyone to attend a special deployment ceremony slated Thursday, Jan. 7, at the Cajundome in Lafayette in honor of the 256th Brigade, who is slated to be deployed overseas for another one-year stay in the Middle East.