We Salute You!

A Supplement to The Eunice News Sunday, November 10, 2019 Inside This Edition: • Local Veterans • Personal Stories • Military Photos • And More

If you’re a Veteran, We Want You! Join If you’re a Veteran, You need us! Call Lynn at 337-466-3999 or Today! email us at [email protected] 2B Sunday, November 10, 2019 A Supplement To The Eunice News Eunice News: Salute to veterans The Eunice News has covered the Eunice Veterans Day ceremony for years, but depending on the calendar the coverage has always been remote from the actual day. This year the calendar worked nicely for the first Salute to Veterans special section. In October, The Eunice News began asking on its pages for photos and information about area veterans to include in a special section honoring veterans. The response has been encouraging and The Eunice News will plan to do this in the future. Already, something special is possible for Memo- rial Day. VFW Post 8971 Post Commander Don Reber assisted with gathering content for today’s edi- tion and is helping with gathering background on those from Eunice who died in service to the country for a Memorial Day edition. Reader response made this section possible. We thank the individuals and families who shared photos and information. There are more than 60 veterans featured in today’s section. They served from World War II to now. They are among the 19.2 million veterans in the United States, according to the U.S. Census. According to the Department of Veterans Af- fairs, there are 2.2 million men and woman on active military service as of 2018. The VA counts 656,000 who died in battle and 552,000 who died while in service, but not in battle. This section is for all who served. Honoring All Who Served This Veterans Day, we honor the men and women of the U.S. Military. Their courage, hard work and sacrifice are the backbone of our nation, protecting freedom, liberty, justice and all we hold dear. Thank you, Veterans.

statefarm.com®           ! !!" #  # $% & '# '     # A Supplement To The Eunice News Sunday, November 10, 2019 3B

months the unit was sent into Guard and Reserve soldiers, the jungles. The jungles con- ending his duty. sisted of high hills and valleys. In 1976, Fontenot joined the “I think I climbed every high hill Eunice Police Department as a in ,” said Fontenot. radio dispatcher. After 30 years “The platoon consisted of 30 of service with the Eunice Police men, sometimes we were di- Department, he retired as assis- vided into groups of four to sevn tant chief of police. men. We would go out on recon- naissance missions. Sometimes Pamela Theresa Veillon we would set up to ambush the Vietcon and NVA on trails they Terry W. Fontenot Pamela T. Veillon James Warren Sonnier were known to travel. Some- Navy Terry W. Fontenot times this paid off and some- James W. Sonnier times not,” said Fontenot. Pamela Theresa Veillon, born Army The unit traveled as light as in Eunice in June of 1964, Army they could because of the long Terry W. Fontenot graduated distances. “We had to travel joined the U.S. Navy on April James Warren Sonnier per- 18, 1986. She retired on Aug. from Eunice High School in through fi elds and jungles. formed his basic training in 1967 and then joined the United We only carried our weapons, 31, 2015. Fort Polk. He then was trans- Veillon’s rank was Master- States Army in August of 1967. ammo, poncho, C-rations, and a ferred to Army base in Bam- He completed basic training canteen of water. Sometimes we At-Arms 1st Class Petty Of- berg, Germany for infantry fi cer (E-6). She was a veteran at Fort Polk, and Advanced In- had the same uniform on for as training. dividual Training (AIT) at Fort long as 60 days without chang- of Desert Storm/Desert Shield, In 1971, Sonnier was de- John Timothy Ardoin Iraqi/Enduring Freedom, Leonard wood, Missouri. ing. We could only wash when it ployed to DeNang, Vietnam. From there, Fontenot was Global War on Terrorism. rained or when we crossed riv- In Vietnam, Sonnier was transferred to Hawaii for jungle ers. Sometimes we were issued John Timothy Ardoin Veillon says, “I have been to wounded and was awarded the training at Scholfi eld Barracks, 30+ countries whether I want- new uniforms and equipment Army Purple Heart. and then was transferred to and the old uniforms and some ed to go or not. I joined the Vietnam for a year with the 198 Navy because as a young child equipment were burned.” John Timothy Ardoin, U.S. Light Infantry Brigade. In April of 1969 Fontenot re- Army Specialist E5. He was my grandmother had a picture Fontenot’s tour in Vietnam, of my dad with some of his turned home for a 30-day leave. drafted and stationed in Germa- begin in April of 1968. His units He was transferred to Fort De- ny from 1970 to 1972 as a wheel shipmates and I always said I job was to clear the Viet Cong wanted to be in the Navy like vens, Mass. with the rank of and track mechanic. Ardoin is a out of the villages that they were Sgt. 6-5. He trained National lifelong resident of Eunice. my dad and grandfather. hiding in. After about three “My dad instilled in me my love of country and to fi ght for her no matter what.”

Our Veterans, Our Heroes It's time to honor the brave soldiers who safeguard our peace and Today. freedoms. Tomorrow. Thanks, veterans. We salute you for Always! your extraordinary courage and dedication to your country. SOUTHWEST LOAN CO. S   Samona Wilson, Manager $ALE3OILEAU $ALE 3OILEAU Owner 337-457-9361 7,AUREL!VEs3TE$s457-7727s%UNICE 4B Sunday, November 10, 2019 A Supplement To The Eunice News

where he was an aviation crew chief on the OH-6A observation helicop- ter. Duplechain said, “We supported the artillery units for the 4th In- fantry Division. After a year tour of duty, I was sent to New Cumberlin, Pennsylvania working in Depo Unit Helicopter rebuild plant. I fi nished with a rank of Specialist E-5, and was discharged in 1970. Duplechain, born in Eunice in Patrick E. Duplechain 1947, attended Eunice High. After completing HVAC school at TH Patrick D. Duplechain Harris, he worked in the trade until Robert L. Latiolais Joseph E. Tanny DeVillier Robert B. Soileau Army retirement. Duplechain’s military service Robert L. Latiolais Joseph E. DeVillier Robert B. Soileau Patrick E. Duplechain was draft- awards included, Vietnam Service Navy ed in the U.S. Army in 1968. He Medal, Air Medal, National De- Army Army performed his basic training at Fort fense Service Medal, Army Com- Robert L. Latiolais of Eunice Eustis, Virginia Aircraft School in mendation Award, and Representa- Joseph E. “Tanny” DeVillier Robert B. Soileau of Eunice, served in the U.S. Navy in Viet- served in U.S. Army in Vietnam. served as Sgt. E6 in the U.S. 1969. He was then assigned to the tive of Vietnam Campaign Medal. nam from 1966-1967. 4th Inf. Division Vietnam (Pleiku) He performed his basic training Army from October of 1965 un- Latiolais served combat duty at Fort Polk, and did advanced til his discharge in October of off the coast of training at Brook Army Medical 1967. aboard the attack aircraft car- Center in San Antonio, Texas. Soileau’s job duties were in fi re rier Franklin D. Roosevelt. DeVillier worked in G-1 Plans direction center for the artillery. As a member of the FDR, Lati- and Operations, a secret clear- Soileau served in the Vietnam olais assisted in the launching ance is required to handle these War from 1965 until 1966. of over 7,000 combat and combat documents. He advanced to the He earned medals, which in- support missions against North rank of Specialist E-4. cluded Vietnamese military combat He served two years during with Bronze Service Star, Com- targets. the until 1964. bat Infantryman Badge, Viet- Latiolais received numerous DeVillier then served as a nam Campaign Medal, and Na- fi rst responder in the Louisiana military medals and honors, tional Defense Service Medal. those included, the Vietnam State Police for 20 years ob- Service, Vietnam Campaign, taining the rank of lieutenant, Carrol Ortego Alvin Wilson The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry deputy commander and execu- with Palm, the National Service tive offi cer until his retirement Defense. in 1983. Carrol Ortego Alvin Wilson Latiolais is the son of the late Army Army Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Latiolais.    WE SUPPORT THOSE WHO DEFEND OUR FREEDOM                Robert Chachere - Owner & Pharmacist ~“Your Prescription Specialist’’ -+*H^ii^\HigZZi™:jc^XZ™((,")*,"&%.' .NDs457-2218s%UNICE A Supplement To The Eunice News Sunday, November 10, 2019 5B

vice Command Unit at Maxey, Texas. He worked in the Camp Infi rmary. He recalled that on one occasion when a town in Oklahoma was devastated by a tornado, and their unit was dis- patched to help the storm vic- tims. He described it as a “grisly job.” Following his honorable dis- charge in October of 1945, Ch- achere was engaged in rice farm- ing and clerking in the Eunice Lloyd E. Chachere Post Offi ce. He was appointed acting postmaster in 1962. In Louis Dischler, Jr. Lloyd E. Chachere April of 1963, he received pos- Army termaster appointment, serving The Fruge brothers all served in the military. From left, are Wilson Fru- Louis Dischler, Jr. until his retirement in 1974, due ge, Bertman Fruge, Leighton Fruge, Carol Fruge and James Fruge. Lloyd E. Chachere was born in to his poor health. Air Force a rural area, called Prudhomme, Chachere held memberships Louis Dischler Jr. of Eunice near Eunice, in 1910. His fam- in the American Legion Post Fruge brothers serve in Army, Air Force ily later moved to Eunice where entered the Naval Air Force 129, the Knights of Columbus, he attended school and gradu- and the Rotary Club. He was The Fruge brothers all served 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, in 1944. Foregoing high school ated from Eunice High School. in the military: Sgt. Wilson J. North Carolina. graduation and being under- vice president and later served He attended Clemson College as a board member of the Tri- Fruge, 31 years in U.S. Army, Fruge brothers are all de- age, Louis was accompanied by where he enrolled as a medical retired from military service; ceased except for one, Bertman his mother Beulah LeDoux Dis- Parish Rice Dryer in Eunice. student. Later, Chachere trans- “In our family book Lloyd Ch- Bertman J. Fruge, E4, served Fruge, 91, who resides in Sul- chler to be able to be accepted in ferred to Southwestern Louisi- U.S. Army, a corpsman at Pre- phur. The Fruge brothers are the service. achere’s legacy is service to God, ana Institute in Lafayette. family and Country,” said his sidio, San Francisco, California; among 11 of the family, which Dischler was assigned the po- On Oct. 1, 1942, Chachere Leighton P. Fruge, U.S. Army includes six sisters. The Fruges sition of tail gunner on a PBY, wife Rosalind Chachere, 95, of joined the U.S. Army, being in- Eunice. 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, grew up near Chataignier. an Amphibious Aircraft. His ducted at Camp Beauregard, North Carolina; Carol J. Fruge, * Note: Leighton Fruge is the service was spent on the islands and thence assigned to the U.S. Air Force, served in Korea; late father of Myra Fruge Miller. in the Pacifi c. Medical Laboratory 858 Ser- and E4 James Fruge served (Louis Dischler, Jr., born three years in the U.S. Army March 14, 1927, died Feb. 22, 1983.) Salute to Vets

Throughout history, at home and overseas, they’ve put their love for their country above all else. On Veterans Day, we proudly    honor these brave men and women for their courage, commitment and patriotism. =ln#&.%:Vhi™)*,",(+&™:jc^XZ Phillip DeVillier To all the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have sacrificed State Representative so much, we thank you from the P  Q - District 41 bottom of our hearts. THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT...YOU'LL LIKE OUR PRICES AND OUR SERVICE! 6B Sunday, November 10, 2019 A Supplement To The Eunice News

in the Kahuku mountains for several months before deploying to Vietnam, becoming part of the Americal Division. His unit was out in the boonies of Quang Ngai during the Tet Offensive of ‘68. The year 1968 was the high- est casualty year of the war and of the original 135 men in his company, he is one of 24 not John Randall Young wounded or killed. Young also survived a plane crash out of John Randall Young Duc Pho in route to Chu Lai/ Herman A. Durbin Army Cam Ranh Bay to come home. Francis Roger Guillory Young is a native of L’Anse Herman A. Durbin John Randall Young of Eunice Bourbeuse near Chataignier. Army Francis R. Guillory is an Army Vietnam combat vet- He is a graduate of Chataig- Army eran. He served in Vietnam, nier High School and USL. He Herman A. Durbin, served in Clayton Fruge 1967-1968. is married to Glenda M Young, the 2nd Armored Tank Division Francis Roger Guillory proud- Sgt. Young was an infantry MSRN. “Hell On Wheels”, U.S. Army at Clayton Fruge ly served his country in the squad leader and FDC in the They have four children, 11 Ft. Benning, Georgia. United States Army during the grandchildren and two great- Durbin, a WWII veteran 1941- 11th Light Infantry Brigade, 1945, served in campaigns/ bat- Clayton Frugé, born in 1963 Korean Confl ict, spending two known as the ‘Jungle Warriors’. grandchildren. tles which included North Af- in Eunice, to Dorothy and Clif- years on the island of Hokkaido, Young trained at Fort Polk, Young is the Chevrolet, Buick rica, Sicily, Normandy “D-Day”, ton Fruge. Japan, the northern most island Fort Ord, California and Scho- and GMC dealer in Eunice. Northern , Holland, Bas- He is the only boy in the fam- of Japan. He also, traveled the fi eld Barracks, Hawaii where togne “Battle of the Bulge,” and ily of four. Fruge joined the mili- world as a merchant seaman the 11th Brigade went through Germany. tary at the age of 17 and fought from the end of World War II intense jungle warfare training Durbin served as nicknamed two wars serving his country. until his service in the United by the Germany Army “Roos- He served 24 years. States Army. evelt’s Butchers.” They were the He joined in 1982 and retired Roger was a retired barber fi rst American division to enter in 2005. and the former owner of Jolly Berlin. Roger’s Fried Chicken. Durbin was born and raised in Oakdale and later moved to Eunice. The picture and information, was submitted by Luther Wayne Durbin. The picture was taken in Eng- land prior to the Normandy In- vasion. Thank You

S          S  for your Service              S   

                          

Darnall, Sikes & Frederick, CPA’s 2019 &'(&:#AVjgZa6kZ#™:jc^XZ™((,")*,")&)+

C. Drake Aguillard, ChFC® 337-457-5231 [email protected] 6JID™=DB:™7JH>C:HH™B:9>86G:HJEEA:B:CI A Supplement To The Eunice News Sunday, November 10, 2019 7B

Prior to Miller’s military ser- muda. He was honorably dis- vice, he graduated from Eunice charged A/IC. High in 1968, met his future Soileau was discharged in wife in high school. Gus and November of 1957 and then Linda Miller Miller married in enrolled in ULL (then SLI) in 1968. Lafayette. He earned a bach- In 1970, Miller did some ‘R elor’s degree in 35 months with &R’ with his wife Linda during honors and began teaching fi fth his Vietnam tour. In 1971 and grade at Highland Elementary 1972, Linda and their son John, for six and half years. He was traveled with Gus to Taipei, Tai- transferred to East Elementary wan for the rest of his tour. (then called Happy Hill Elemen- Miller loved his service and tary) as a fi fth grade teacher. the places he saw all over the George Soileau Jr. Soileau said, “Two weeks later, the then Superintendent John Gus Miller world. After serving his country, Miller worked in the workforce George Soileau Jr. Dupre, came to my classroom on Gus Miller for Kutch Rougeau as a drafts- Air Force a Friday and said that I was to Army man, Sherwin Williams as a take over as principal that fol- Gene J. Olivier manager. He sold insurance, lowing Monday.” George Soileau Jr., a native of Soileau served as principal at worked for R.P. Fontenot real Gene J. Olivier Gus Miller of Eunice enlisted Grand Prairie, enlisted in the East Elementary for 19 years in the U.S. Army in 1969. He estate and construction, worked United States Air Force at the and then was promoted to Su- Army performed his Army Basic train- for Jim Spell in construction, age of 17. Soileau is a graduate pervisor of Media Services and ing in South Carolina in 1969. Habetz Construction, David of Grand Prairie High School. retired on July 1, 1994. Gene Joseph Olivier joined the From 1969 until 1970, Miller Clause Construction and for the Soileau served three and half Soileau is married to Pam Fon- United States Army in 1963. attended Intelligence Training past 15 years as a draftman on years from 1954-1957. He per- tenot and the father of Danny Olivier served in Korea from School at Fort Devens, Massa- his own. formed his basic training at Soileau, Eunice High assistant 1963-1964. He was discharged chusetts. Miller is the son of the late Lockland AFB in San Antonio, baseball coach and a welding in 1966. Miller served in the Vietnam Melvin James Miller and Irene Texas, and was then was sent to instructor at Eunice Vocational Olivier received the Good Con- War from 1970-1971. There Fruge Miller. He is the father Airborne Radar School at Kee- School. He is also the father of duct medal, National Defense he met and spoke French with of three, the grandfather of fi ve, sler Field in Biloxi, Mississippi. Cindy Soileau Feucht, who is a medal and the Korean Defense President Nguyen Van Thieu step-grandfather of fi ve, and From Mississippi, Soileau was retired elementary teacher. He medal. through an interpreter. Miller step-great-grandfather of 10. sent to then Lake Charles AFB is the step-father to Jason Son- made the rank of E-5 in Viet- to work on B-47’s and KC-97’s nier. He is a proud grandfather nam. (Airborne re-fueling planes). of seven and great-grandfather He evacuated LCAFB on June of seven. 26, 1957 ahead of Hurricane Au- His parents were the late drey and fl ew to Riverside, Cali- George Soileau Sr. and Emma fornia. Fontenot Soileau of Grand Prai- Soileau went on to temporary rie and Ville Platte. missions to Goose Bay, Labra- dor, Thule, Greenland, and Ber-

For all that you are and all that you’ve given to our country, we salute you, veterans. Thank you for protecting our freedom at home and overseas. Your service and your sacrifice will always be remembered. With gratitude, we honor America’s On Veterans Day, we salute the veterans and military personnel. brave men and women whose courage, determination and dedication to freedom make us so proud to be Americans.

JOHN GUILLORY 336 W. LAUREL AVE. EUNICE Brought to you by: (337) 457 8438 Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz [email protected] and the staff of St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Substation 8B Sunday, November 10, 2019 A Supplement To The Eunice News

his six weeks of basic training Due to a death in the family, guration, and represented the and the Vietnam War was un- Dupre assumed an untimely de- 1st Cavalry Division in parades, derway. parture from his tour of duty riding demonstrations and civic Following completion of basic in Kitzingen.Following another events. training, “Hawk” was assigned unfortunate set of family cir- While at Ford Hood, Crader to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, cumstances, he was afforded a trained as a combat medic, unit for his Advanced Individual compassionate reassignment armorer, master driver, rail load Training (AIT). Fort Leonard back at Fort Polk to complete his instructor, and a multi-channel Wood is the Army’s Maneuver tour of duty. The Department transmit ion systems operator Support Center training for of the Army soon issued a Let- for the 13th Signal Battalion. engineer, chemical defense and ter of Commendation from the Crader was sent to Fort Irwin military police enlisted soldiers. Commanding Offi cer of Dupre’s National Training Center three At AIT School, Dupre received Platoon in Kitzingen. The letter David Crader times within one year for Train- hands-on training and fi eld in- commended him for achieving ing in the Mojave Desert. struction specifi cally in engi- “mastery” in the diffi cult and David Crader In March of 2001, Crader Henry “Hawk” Dupre neering. His AIT training was diverse facets of the Atomic De- was sent to Camp Red Cloud, completed on July 19, 1968. molitions Field and for having Army Uijeongbu, Korea. He worked Henry “Hawk” Dupre After a short visit with fam- gained the respect of all those alongside and trained South Army ily, Dupre received orders for his he worked with because of his David Crader joined the U.S. Korean soldiers. In 2018, Camp next assignment to the Atomic technical profi ciency and per- Army in 1997 wanting to be a CRC was returned back to the Demolitions Platoon in Kitz- sonal conduct. Henry “Hawk” Michael Du- drill instructor. Crader left for Korean government. pre is a veteran of the United ingen, Germany. Kitzingen is U.S. Army Specialist 4 Henry basic training, Fort Jackson, a quaint Bavarian city located Dupre completed his tour of duty Crader returned back to the States Army and is proud to South Carolina in June of 1998. states in July of 2002 and fi n- have served his country. He was about 200 miles northwest of with the United States Army on He trained at Fort Gordon, Austria. Kitzingen winters were March 20, 1970. He remained ished his reserved duty up until drafted into the United States Augusta, Georgia, in September 2006. Army on March 21, 1968. extremely cold but their beer on Standby Reserve from March of 1998. was very tasty. The city’s main 1970 until March 1974. Crader became the American Dupre recalls the day well. A He served at Fort Hood, Legion Post 129 commander in rare sight in Louisiana, it was landmark is the Leaning Tower. Dupre is a 1969 Eunice High Killeen, Texas, in January of Local U.S. army legend has it School graduate. He currently Eunice. He is a 1998 graduate of softly snowing as he stared out 1999. Eunice High School. of the window on the bus ride to that the upside down crosses lives in Eunice and is married Crader joined the 1st Cavalry Fort Polk. He had been pre-as- appear right side up in the win- to Jo Ann Francois Dupre. They Division Horse Calvary Detach- signed to the Infantry Training dows of the tower and casts light have three children and six ment. He participated in change Center with the HQ U.S. Army towards the nearby grave yard grandchildren. of command and medal ceremo- Training Center at Fort Polk for in order to ward off vampires. nies, the U.S. Presidential Inau- Thank You

In honor of Veterans Day, we want to show our support to the brave men and women for their service. We salute you.

Eunice, Basile & Iota 337-457-3371 • ardoinfuneralhomeseunice.com A Supplement To The Eunice News Sunday, November 10, 2019 9B Three Bollich brothers, WWII Veterans The Bol- Bollich earned lichs, three awards, medals brothers Ste- and commenda- phen, Andrew tions, includ- and James, ing the Purple served our Heart, World country. All War II Victory brothers, from Medal, Ameri- Mowata, were can Campaign WWII U.S. Medal, Distin- Andrew Bollich Army veter- Stephen Bollich guished Unit James Bollich ans. Citation and Corps in 1940. James earned Stephen J. Good Conduct numerous of medals, honors, Bollich was a casualty of World Medal. distinquished awards, Bronze War II. Stephen’s rank was James Bollich, 98, resides in Stars, Purple Heart. In 2018 second lieutenant. He had en- Lafayette. A WWII veteran of Bollich received the Congres- listed in the U.S. Army, served the Bataan Death March.An sional Recognition Gold Medal in World War II, and held rank estimated 68,000 American and of Honor. of second lieutenant. He earned Filipino soldiers were part of Bollich recounted his Bata- awards, medals and commenda- the 1942 march from the Phil- an experience, as an author in tions that included World War II lippine peninsula of Bataan to a a 1993 book, “Bataan Death Victory Medal, American Cam- prisoner of war facility at Camp March: A Soldier’s Story.” paign Medal, Distinguished O’Donnell. Japanese captors Unit Citation and Good Conduct gave the prisoners no food, wa- Medal. ter or rest in a fi ve day march Second Lieutenant Andrew that claimed between 600 and Bollich, was born on April 19, 800 lives. Hundreds more died 1920, died June 24, 1943, in a in captivity. Bollich is believed raid over Sardinia, buried in to be one of fewer than 40 survi- Cagliari, Sardinia. He was a ca- vors who are still alive. sualty of World War II. Andrew Bollich joined the Army Air VETERANSDAY         On Veterans Day, we pause to reflect on the courage, dedication and loyalty of our nation’s military veterans. Throughout history, their hard work and sacrifice have kept us safe and protected our freedom. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, and we salute them for their service. To all of the brave men and women who have sacrificed to put their country first, we thank you. American Legion Post 129 Disabled American Turner-Mornhinveg Moore Veterans Join VFW Today! Call Lynn at 337-466-3999 or email us at vfwpost8971_offi[email protected] 10B Sunday, November 10, 2019 A Supplement To The Eunice News

vember 7, 1942 and transferred on a destroyer, The Fredrick C. to Camp Pendleton, California, Davis, and saw battle in several for training. He served in the theaters during his duty. South Pacifi c and saw action on Manuel was severely injured the islands of Guadalcanal, New during a battle at sea and was Georgia, Emirau, and taken to the shore hospital. The Okinawa. In February 1944, the destroyer returned to sea and 4th Raider Battalions disband- was hit by a torpedo leaving ed and became the 4th Marine only a handful of survivors. Regiment. Moody was assigned Marcelle “Marci” Manuel, a to G Company, 2nd Battalion. granddaughter of Manuel, said Moody was wounded by mor- “He was proud to serve the tar fi re on May 27, 1945, on the Ellis E. Manuel country he loved and his resolve island of Okinawa and he ar- never weakened.” Jake Moody rived at Mare Island Hospital in After the war Manuel re- California on June 28, 1945. He Ellis E. Manuel turned home to Eunice and Jake Moody was discharged from the hos- Navy married Marilyn Fontenot. He Chief James Bret Fruge Marine Corps pital and the Marine Corps on then went to work as a general August 23, 1946. Ellis E. Manuel, was the only agent for the Pacifi c Railroad in James Bret Fruge Moody returned to his job child of Alphan and Lena Manu- Beaumont, Texas. Jake Moody graduated from with Continental Oil in Tepa- Navy Eunice High School in 1940. He el of Eunice. Marci added, “I am proud to tate, near Eunice, and married Manuel enlisted in the U.S. call the bravest man I’ve ever Chief James Bret Fruge of enlisted in the United States Devina Deshotels on May 27, Marine Corps on Sept. 14, 1942 Navy when WWII began and known as Papa.” Lafayette, originally of Opelou- 1947. They made their perma- quickly rose to the ranks of chief sas, served 21 years in the U.S. and was sent to boot camp in nent home in Eunice in June of San Diego, California. petty offi cer. He was stationed Navy, with nuclear elecron- 1950. Moody passed away Nov. ics. Fruge traveled all over the After boot camp, Moody was 9, 2005. recruited and volunteered to world. join the newly created 4th Ma- rine Raiders Battalion on No-

Allen Gus Miller Allen Gus Miller Army 

Honoring and Celebrating our nation’s service to our country.

As our Armed Forces fight to protect our freedom abroad, we’re reminded of the sacrifice made by so many brave soldiers before them. On Veterans Day, we pause to recognize and thank all of the veterans who have served our country. We are eternally grateful for their dedication and service. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Alderman-at-Large 76INE!VEs%UNICEs337-457-5285 A Supplement To The Eunice News Sunday, November 10, 2019 11B Eunice native Hollier retires as a master sergeant in U.S. Air Force Kelly Paul Hollier of Eunice operations. cial Operations Group. Primary Training Sq, Keesler AFB, Mis- is a retired master sergeant in As superintendent of com- duties included establishing sissippi, May 1996-Nov. 2000: the U.S. Air Force. He retired in munications, MSgt Hollier pro- command and control facili- Team Member, 738 Enginering July of 2015. Hollier now resides vides and conducts detailed co- ties throughout Europe, Africa & Installation Sq, Keesler AFB, near Tacoma, Washington. ordination with staff on and the Middle East. He has Mississippi, Nov. 2000-July Hollier is the son of Cynthia full-spectrum communication deployed to Iraq for OIF, North 2006 NCOIC, Combat Radio Frey Hollier of Eunice. His integration and execution. He Africa for OEF-Tras Sahara and Maintainance, 352 OSS, 352 grandparents are the late Regi- ensures alignment of 1 ASOG Operation Autumn Return, the SOG, RAF Mildenhall, UK, July nald and Joe Ann Frey and Tra- and I Corps staff communica- evacuation of American citizins 2006-Nov 2009 NCOIC, Com- vis and Gladys Hollier, all of tion capabilities for joint train- from civil war torn Ivory Coast. munications Plans, 352 OSS, Eunice. ing exercise scenarios and de- MSgt Hollier has seen Mali, 352 SOG, RAF Mildenhall,UK, Hollier is a 1995 Eunice High ployments. MSgt Hollier is also Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nov. 2009-May 2012, NCOIC, School graduate. He joined the responsible for the coordination Turkey, Norway, Ukraine, Iraq, Radio Maintainance, 321 STS, Air Force in July of 1995. of communication and cyber sus- Egypt, Mauritania, Latvia and 352 SOG, RAF Mildenhall, UK, Biography dated: January tainment activities between 11 Morocco, just to name a few. June 2012-Present: Superinten- of 2014 MSgt. Kelly P. Hollier geographically separated units MSgt Hollier received and dent, A6, 1 ASOG, Joint Base Submitted by: MSgt. Kelly spanning Pacifi c area of opera- earned numerous awards and Lewis-McCord, Washington. P. Hollier, U.S. Air Force U.S. Army combat units en- tions. decorations. Those include: MSgt. Hollier earned the MSgt Kelly P Hollier is super- gaged in world-wide operations. MSgt Hollier joined the Air Sept. 1996 Ground Radio Com- Global War on Terrorism Expe- intendent of communications for These units include I Corps and Force in July of 1995. After munications Apprentice, Keesler ditionary Medal Global War on the 1st Air Support Operations seven infantry, airborne and completing the Ground Radio AFB, Mississippi, August 2000 Terrorism Service, Medal Hu- Group, 354th Fighter Wing, Stryker combat brigades of the Maintainance Course at Kee- Airman Leadership School, manitarian Service MedalAir Joint Base Lewis-McChord, 2nd and 25th Infantry Divi- sler AFB, he was assigned to Keesler AFB, Mississippi, May & Space Campaign Medal, Air Washington. 1 ASOG directs sions. The Group’s Air Liaison the 738th Engenering & In- 2009 Associate Degree, Elec- Force Overseas Ribbon, Long four squadrons and seven de- Offi cers (ALO) and Joint Termi- stallation Squadron where his tronice Systems Technology, Air Force Expeditionary Service tachments located in Washing- nal Attack Controllers (JTAC) primary duties were to install/ December 2009 NCO Academy, Ribbon with Gold Border Air ton, Alaska and Hawaii. advise Army commanders on referbish Air Traffi c Control fa- Vogelweh, Germany, May 2013 Force Longevity Service (four The Group provides Air Sup- all aspects of joint airpower em- cilities throughout the USAF. USAF Senior NCO Academy oak leaf clusters), USAF NCO port Operations Center (ASOC), ployment, integrating and syn- From November 2000 to May (Non-residence), PME Graduate Ribbon Small Tactical Air Control Parties chronizing a wide variety of US 2012, MSgt Hollier was sta- July-Sept. 1995: Trainee, Arms, Expert Marksmanship (TACP), and battlefi eld and Air Force capabilities into ma- tioned at RAF Mildenhall where Lackland AFB Texas, Sept. Ribbon (Rifl e)Air Force Train- staff weather teams to support neuver unit strategy, plans and he was assinged to the 352 Spe- 1995-May 1996: Student 338 ing Ribbon.        For their courage, service, sacrifice and dedication, we honor the men and women, past and present, of our military. We will always remember that freedom is not free. -Ì°Ê>˜`ÀÞÊ œÕ˜VˆÊœ˜Ê}ˆ˜}ÊUÊÎÎLJ™{Ӈ£™În 12B Sunday, November 10, 2019 A Supplement To The Eunice News Gournay, WWII Prison of War turns 100 Harold Gournay of Eunice cel- from Eunice High in 1938. He ebrated his 100th birthday Oct. married his wife Bessie Quirk of 19 in Eunice with family and Eunice, and was married for 63 many friends. Approximately years when Bessie died in May 100 guests attended the birth- of 2008 at the age of 87. day celebration. Gournay is the father of two Harold Gournay was born on daughters, Gloria Gournay Oct. 21, 1919, to his parents Byars and Paula Gournay. Corber Gournay and Blanche He is the grandfather of three, Miller Gournay of Eunice. He great-grandfather of 12 and is the oldest of three siblings. great-great-grandfather of one. Gournay had one brother, Corb- Gournay is a WWII former er Hill Gournay and one sister prisoner of war veteran. Thayer May Seely. Gournay died on Nov. 7, 2019. Harold Gournay graduated

The two daughters of Harold Gournay gave a sur- Gournay Byars, Gournay, and Paula Gournay. Both prise 100th birthday party for their father Harold daughters reside in Lake Charles. (Photos by Myra Gournay on Oct. 19 in Eunice. From left, are Gloria Miller)

Harold Gournay celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct. 19. Many fam- ily members and friends attended the surprise event. From left are his grandsons, Scott Doyle of Houston, Gournay; and Todd Doyle of Lafayette.

At right, Courtney Doyle, granddaughter of Gournay, leads a 100th birthday toast in honor of Gournay dur- ing his 100th birthday celebration.

Gournay, left, with friends, Terry and Burke Sylvester of Eunice. A Supplement To The Eunice News Sunday, November 10, 2019 13B U.S. Army retiree Lincoln “Link” Savoie Lincoln “Link” Savoie of Sun- 2009, followed by the Humani- set is a U.S. Army retiree. tarian of the Year in St. Landry Savoie was drafted into the Parish in 2014. United States Army due to the Savoie is a coordinator of the Korean War. At the time Savoie St. Landry Parish Veteran was a sophomore at SLI (now Funeral Honor Guard. Savoie UL) majoring in criminal jus- has been working on the hon- tice with the intent of becoming or guard project through the a Louisiana State policeman. American Legion Post 514 in Already fl uent in the French Opelousas. He aims to get a language, he was trained in the 20-member honor guard up and Herbert Dupre Military Police Academy and at running. The honor guard will the young age of 19 decided to be limited to funerals only, he Herbert Dupre Robert L. Hird favor the military as a career. said. The vision statement for United States Army Chief the honor guard, posted on the WWII Veteran Robert L. Hird Warrant Offi cer Link Savoie re- website is, “The St. Landry Par- Korean War tired from the Army after serv- ish Veterans Honor Guard un- Purple Heart ing 22 years of active federal derscores the belief that every 1952-1956 service with duties as a special veteran honorably discharged agent with the United States from the military and residing Army Criminal Investigation in St. Landry Parish should be Command in Washington, D.C. buried with dignity with full Savoie’s assignments included Lincoln “Link” Savoie military honors, justifying The the war in Korea, the war in Best Going Away Possible.” Do- Vietnam as an interrogator in a private business, Savoie became nations can be made to Ameri- prisoner of war camp. He earned involved in veteran affairs. Be- can Legion Post 514, in care of a Bronze Star Medal. Savoie ing a victim of Agent Orange Veterans Funeral Honor Guard, had a six year assignment work- while serving in Vietnam he P.O. Box 1145, Opelousas, LA ing with the French Police in strived to further the health 70571, or one can contact Savoie Paris; six years in Belgium as- benefi ts to veterans, especial- at 337-662-7283. signed to the Belgium National ly Vietnam veterans and has Savoie is married to the for- Police, three years in Hawaii as- served veterans as a veterans mer Mary “Maggie” Lanclos, Paul (B.L.) Miller signed to the Hawaiian Armed advocate for 36 years. a retired state employee. The Services Police. couple has four adult children Remaining active in civic or- Paul (B.L.) Miller Nolton J. Thibodeaux Sr. While in the military he re- ganization in St. Landry Par- who are all college graduates. mained dedicated to education. ish, Louisiana and the United One daughter is a fl ight/nurse Navy WWII Savoie completed his criminal States, he graduated from the attendant, another daughter is Nolton J. Thibodeaux Sr. justice degree, and an additional fi rst Leadership St. Landry involved in the oil industry; a Army 1950-1953 degree in public administration Class of 1994; was elected to third daughter is employed by and another in international re- serve as state commander of Vet- the St. Landry Parish School lations. erans of Foreign Wars of Loui- system; and a son employed by Upon his retirement from the siana in 2003; he was awarded the federal government. Army to his native St. Landry the Jefferson Award, a national Parish and while operating his award for service to Veterans in

Steve Miller Steve Miller Marine Corps

Roy Olivier Roy Olivier Army

Michael Bergeron Roger D. Veillon Michael Bergeron Joseph L. Bertrand Roger D. Veillon Army, Korea Jeremy S. Smith Army Joseph L. Bertrand Jeremy S. Smith Army, Korea Army 14B Sunday, November 10, 2019 A Supplement To The Eunice News

Force but failed to pass the phys- of waiting for the draft. Duran ical due to a busted eardrum he comes from a military family as had as a child. his father served as a medic in Vidrine was drafted by the WWII and the Korean War and Army after failing the fi rst a brother who served in Thialand physical because of his hearing, as a medic, as well as another he was given a second one and brother who served as a nurse in spite of his hearing disability, in the Army and retired in the he passed the second one. Vid- Army Reserve. rine wanted to go to college and Duran saw combat during the 1968 Tet Offensive and the May become a coach. He was honored Robert Duran posthumously by his 1967 class- Offensive. He was wounded once mates when they instituted The Joseph Apton Cormier Robert Duran by friendly fi re with schrapnel in Terrel Vidrine Memorial Trophy the arm. He also worked with the to the Outstanding Athlete at Joseph Cormier Army South . Ville Platte High School. Army Duran was assigned to a Secu- Terrel James Vidrine Vidrine received many medals Robert Duran served as ser- rity Guard Company and some of geant in the U.S. Army. From his duties included serving guard in his short military service, one, Joseph Apton Cormier: U.S. Terrel J. Vidrine the Bronze Star Medal for Out- August 1967 to August of 1968, in a tower for a ammunition Army, Cpl, Korean War. he served with the 199th Infan- dump and also provided security standing Bravery twelve days Apton Cormier enlisted in the Air Force before he was killed in action. try Brigade. From September of for ammunition trucks delivering Army in 1949. Cormier mar- 1968 to September of 1969 Du- ammo to various units. Duran Terrel Vidrine was from Ville (Terrel James Vidrine, Feb. 13, ried Tessie Fontenot on Dec. 30, 1948 - Nov. 23, 1968) ran served with D Company in said that most of his time spent Platte and graduated from Ville 1951 on his 10-day leave from 58th Infantry. in the military was infantry on Platte High School. Vidrine ex- the Army. He was wounded and Duran said he enlisted instead patrol. celled at school academically and returned home in September of in sports. 1952. Vidrine tried to join the Air After the war, Apton and Tes- sie settled in Eunice and they raised three children, Karen, Sammy and Jeremy. Cormier passed away on Aug. 22, 2009.

{ÈxÊޓœ˜`Ê-ÌÀiiÌÊUÊÎÎLJ{xLJÎäÈ£ A Supplement To The Eunice News Sunday, November 10, 2019 15B

Harry B. Fruge Godwin Vidrine Harry B. Fruge Godwin Vidrine Army Navy Robert Hooks Lloyd J. Sanders Harry B. Fruge of Eunice Godwin Vidrine was from Jeffery Leger served in U.S. Army, Vietnam Ville Platte. After graduating Robert Hooks from 1963-1966. He is a US from Sacred Heart High School Army Lloyd J. Sanders Jeffery Leger Army Vietnam veteran of E-5, he enlisted in the Navy to de- Army Army Spec. 5 93-96. fend our country. Fruge served in Vietnam from Vidrine’s fi rst ship was 1965-1966 in the 18th Engr. Bri- bombed and he was missing in gade, 46th Engr. Bn. Co. C. He action for six months. He was was a MOS 620B heavy equip- picked up by the Army and was ment maintenance operator. with them for six months. Once He provided heavy construction his four years was up and the services, building roads, hospi- war was over, Vidrine returned tals, clearing jungles, airport back to his hometown. He mar- runways, bridges, for 1st Infan- ried Julian Deaville, and they try 173rd-169th 25th Inftry. di- had four children. His oldest visions all over , and only son was killed in Viet- at places called Long Bien, Bien nam on Nov. 23, 1968. Hoa, Siagon, Di Ann, Cu Chi, Vidrine continued to serve his and An Loc in weather typically country by becoming a part of 110 degree no index, monsoon Veterans of Foreign Wars and George F. Coleman Eugene Thibodeaux season with 4 inches per hour American Legion, promoting all Harry Lee Leger everyday, and humidity off the projects especially the youth. He chart. was instrumental in forming George F. Coleman Eugene Thibodeaux Harry Lee Leger Fruge said, “I gave some, The Sons of Veterans of Foreign Navy Navy 52,800 gave all. May God bless Wars. Army, Korea their souls.” Vidrine was very proud to Harry B. Fruge married his have been part of World War II sweetheart Frances Montelaro and to be an American, display- on July 31, 1965 and was de- ing his Patriotism daily. Honoring the Best & the Bravest ployed on Aug. 10, 1965. (Godwin Vidrine, July 9, 1925 -Aug. 23, 1996) ForF theirhi courage, hard h d work k and dddi dedication i to their hi country, we salute the men and women of our Armed Forces past and present. It is because of their sacrifice that America remains the land of the free, and we thank them for protecting our citizens and our country. Wishing all of our veterans and soldiers a very happy Veterans Day.

Cursey Fisher Allison “Son” Bertrand Cursey Fisher Army WWII Allison Bertrand Army WWII 1230 W. Laurel Ave., Eunice, LA www.eunicesuperette.com 337-546-6042 16B Sunday, November 10, 2019 A Supplement To The Eunice News Reber’s military service “Top Secret” Enlisting in U.S. Army changed his life forever Don Reber’s military service, Charles Bradley of Eunice en- his wife. A few weeks later he as he said, ‘is still top secret, listed in the U.S. Army on May received a large box from home, ask me maybe in another 50 14, 1953, for three years. He was out of which he produced a pic- years, and I may be able to tell sent to New Orleans for a physi- ture of a woman and a girl. He you everything.’ cal examination and then for two told me that it was his wife and Reber’s military service began weeks of processing at Fort Sam daughter.” just after his high school gradu- in Houston, Texas, and then to Bradley pointed to a picture on ation in June of 1964. He said, Fort Bliss, Texas for 16 weeks of the wall locker and asked “Who “The Army sent me on a bus Boot camp training. is this?” He told me that it was to Montgomery, Alabama for a Upon completion of Boot Camp, his little sister who was in col- physical exam and gave me sev- Bradley was given an eleven day lege in Dallas. eral mental tests for evaluation. leave and then was shipped to After a few weeks of Bradley There was close to 500 recruits Don Reber Germany for two-and-a-half looking at this same picture, he going through this process over years. “After two weeks on a asked him if she was engaged. a three day period. Vietnamese Army (NVA) and troop ship, we landed at Bremer- “The Texan told me no, and that On the fi nal day of Reber’s the Viet Cong (South Vietnam- haven, Germany and then to she was trying to get through evaluation, he was called out ese Communist). He said, “The 552nd AAA Battalion at Karl- college and get a job. I asked along with three other recruits dominant part of the enemy sruhe, Germany where I would him if he thought that she would for a “special assignment”. communication involved sup- spend my time,” said Bradley. correspond with me. Upon ask- Reber added, “We were es- plies going into South Vietnam Bradley was trained as a radar ing her, she told him yes.” corted to a room where we were from North Vietnam through operator, and the fi rst two weeks Shortly after, Bradley was pro- introduced to the Army Security the Ho Chi Mein trail. was spent in tracking airplanes moted to sergeant and obtained Agency (ASA). We were told that “There is much more that we from a farmer’s fi eld in the area. the title of battalion personnel we had been selected because of did but I am still not allowed Bradley said, “Deciding that Charles Bradley sergeant. our high test scores and that we to talk about it. Some of what this was not for me, I sought Bradley corresponded for four- of my duties consisted of Clas- were just the type of recruit to the ASA did in southeast Asia other employment. One morning teen months with his future has been declassifi ed but much at formation the fi rst sergeant sifi cation and assignment of all wife, Lou Ann, and after being work in the ASA on secret mis- new incoming personnel. Upon sions. They were pretty vague is still classifi ed. Ask me again asked for volunteers who could discharged, bought a new car in about another 50 years and type. My hand was immediately the arrival of a new group I was and traveled to Dallas to meet about what we would be doing interviewing, a tall Texan man but the “secret mission” got me, maybe I can then tell you every- raised. I reported for duty in the her. Dog Battery Orderly Room and appeared. I chose him to go to The couple dated for six so I signed up for a four year thing.” Dog Battery to work in the sup- hitch in the ASA. As Reber was fi nishing his was immediately hired.” months and were married on ply room. Oct. 20, 1956 and Bradley kept “I later learned that the ASA tour in Phu Bai, he requested About two weeks later Brad- ley received a letter from bat- “That afternoon I went back every letter that she ever wrote was clothed, fed and housed by and was approved to go to Bad to the barracks and found this Aibling, Germany for his next talion headquarters request- to him! the US Army. but our real boss- ing a person to type and keep same Texan man in the eight- The couple has a daughter, Ju- es were NSA and CIA. assignment. man squad room where I stayed. Reber’s fi rst Bird Dog fl ight service records for Dog Battery. lie Bradley Hormell (Tommy) of Reber’s next hitch was at Fort He was unpacking his duffl e bag Eunice, two grandchildren, and experience was in Vung Tau. He Bradley said, “I was sent there Jackson, South Carolina for ba- after about six months and I and came out with a picture of three great-grandchildren. sic training. He added, “While added, “Vung Tau is a beautiful was promoted to corporal. Part a beautiful girl. I fi gured it was I was training, the FBI was beach resort area and I thought back in Mobile investigating my it would not hurt to spend three background. I think they inter- days there after working 12-on viewed everyone who ever knew and 12-off for 13 months. On my me. “Four years later when I second day in Vung Tau I went returned to Mobile after my up with an Air Force captain in service, everyone thought I had a Bird Dog aircraft. We located been in prison. a target and fi red his wing rock- Reber and his group of re- ets to mark the area and he cruits graduated from Fort called in some F-100s for an air Devens where very few people strike. It impressed me. As soon in the United States had ever as I got back to Phu Bai, I went heard of Vietnam. Reber said, to the CO and told him, “Yes, “Almost all of my class had re- I will stay in Vietnam and go quested assignments through- to this air section assignment. out Europe but I requested to go That Bird Dog fl ight really got Honoring our nation’s to Vietnam. Mostly because my me excited.”  father was a WW-2 veteran and Reber served in the 146th Avi- bravest for their belonged to the Veterans of For- ation for the next two years and eign Wars (VFW) and I wanted three months. He was awarded VETERANS! to join as well. No one in my 42 Air Medals and a Bronze class was sent to Europe, they Star, but the biggest reward of all went with me to Vietnam. all was that he found his wife, The war was just beginning to Thuy. ramp up big time.” Reber and Thuy married 51 IRON HORSE SALES & SERVICE Reber’s fi rst 13 months was years ago in Saigon. spent in Phu Bai which was just Reber serves as commander of LAS SALES, LLC. DBA south of the DMZ line between the VFW Post 8971 in Eunice. the North and the South. His   # #337-457-9000 job there was to copy Morse   code transmitted by the North