VFW Post 8971 holds annual Service Awards banquet

The VFW Post 8971 held its Awards Night banquet Monday evening honoring community leaders, volunteers, educational leaders, and its very own Veterans. VFW Post 8971 Commander Gene Olivier “fitting” of the month also recognized its Eunice Post 8971 which celebrated its 65th year of existence. “This post was established on Feb. 7, 1950,” said Olivier.
Receiving recognition and service awards were: James M. Bergeron for Law Enforcement of the Year. His supervisor Ricky Leger, Sr. of St. Landry Sheriff Department commended Bergeron for his dedication and hard work with the department. He added, “Bergeron has been with us since 2000. He has served as Investigation officer for the past 10 years and has been involved in at least 15 homicide investigations. He gives his all in everything he does for us.”
Phyllis Vail of the Acadia Fire District 4 was awarded Fireman of the Year. Supervisor Harold Johnson said Vail “is a definite asset and dedicated fire personnel to our department.”
The EMT of the Year award went to Sammy Lamonte.
Receiving recognition as Pre-K Teacher of the Year at St. Edmund Elementary was Tricia Bertrand, a 17-year educator.
Teacher of the Year at Eunice High School, Rebecca “Becky” Sonnier, was recognized.
Also given recognition was Rebecca Berzas of Eunice High, FFA advisor on campus, who volunteers her time along with FFA students, “Our annual Veterans Day program at Eunice High, and also the advisor and its chapter are always helpful to our VFW annual Veterans Day program. Their service and dedication is always appreciated,” added Olivier.
Commander Gene Olivier recognized and honored many veterans for their dedicated service and volunteer work to the post.
Allen Gus Miller, a long-time member of the post, WWII veteran, was recognized for his “never saying No,” when needed,
Olivier said. “He is faithful. His attendance is always there at schools’ flag raising ceremonies, and his many countless hours of service to the post volunteering whenever called upon is always appreciated,” Olivier added.
Harold Gournay, 95, “who may certainly be the oldest of our vets,” said Olivier, “is much commended and deserving of his service to our country.”
VFW Post 8971 awardees recognized were: Donald Gene Young, Donald Estillette, Terry Matte for their hard work and dedication assisting the Post Commander to achieve the all American Post Golden award status. “Without these men and their volunteer hard work hours assisting me with all the necessary paper work, they helped make our post an All American one,” said Olivier.
Both Roger Veillon and Miguel Pousson received honors for their outstanding work and dedication to the post annual Veterans Day program.
Alvin Wilson received honors for his outstanding job as post Honor Guard captain. “He is always available when called upon,” added Olivier.
The Ladies Auxiliary post members were honored and recognized for their hard work, volunteer hours and dedication to the post. Olivier said, “These ladies give it their All. They have done an outstanding job on various post events; Buddy Poppy Day, meetings, banquet night events and much more.”
Some of Eunice Walmart employees were honored for their volunteer hours dedicated to the post. Olivier added, “These Walmart employees volunteer for many of our post socials, banquets, and programs. They prepare food, serve, and go ‘above and beyond’ for our post. They deserve honors tonight.”
A surprise award, presented by VFW Post Comrade Terry Matte, and master of ceremonies, was given to the Post Commander Gene Olivier for his All American Post Commander recognition.
“Our District 7 (Eunice) Post 8971 was the only post ever to receive an All American Golden Post Commander in all its years of existence,” said Matte.
“What an honor for Olivier and our post. And it’s through our Commander’s hard work, dedication, and volunteer hours and his ‘push’ of recognition of our vets and programs, events, ceremonies, Americanism essays for our students, that we are a success today.”
The post also presented two American flags to St. Edmund High coaches Scotty Richard and Thomas David to be displayed at the softball and baseball fields.