The document discusses several ways that veterans in the Teche Area of Louisiana are honored and supported. It describes an annual Veterans Day tribute event held in New Iberia. It also discusses the Wounded War Heroes organization that provides therapeutic fishing outings for veterans with PTSD and thanks the many volunteers who support this event. Finally, it mentions that veterans regularly meet for breakfast at Victor's Cafeteria, where they receive gifts like quilts showing appreciation for their service.

1. Valor — great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle — is a word
often associated with military veterans. They are appreciated by most U.S.
citizens who recognize the centuries of historical significance to obtain and
preserve the freedoms experienced by residents and visitors to the nation
often called America — even though the United States is only a part of the two
continents sharing the same word.
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” Nov. 11, 1919, the first
anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926
for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning
in 1938. It is not the only day of the year when veterans are recognized and
applauded. As more of the “Greatest Generation” fade away, those who
fought in World War II, a concerted effort to remember the sacrifice of men
and women as well as their families stateside, has brought a fluid awareness
of patriotic pride and appreciation for military service.

2. Anyone who has been a Boy or Girl Scout is familiar with the meaning behind,
“Scout’s Honor.” So, too, is the code of military honor going beyond the ranks
of active members of the Armed Services. It is a respect for one another that
is instilled during basic training and lasts a lifetime. Whether or not someone
has served, the respect is heartfelt by those who understand the
responsibilities of the military in times of war and peace — though often in a
fast-paced world, stopping to pay homage takes a back seat to other
activities.
Today at 6 p.m. the Iberia Veterans Association will again be honoring
Veteran’s Day with a patriotic tribute at Bouligny Plaza in downtown New
Iberia. One of several veteran organizations in the Teche Area, the faithful few
maintain a regular calendar of events including programs for Armed Forces,
Memorial, Flag Day, 4th of July, Purple Heart & POW-MIA Day, Patriot and
Pearl Harbor Days.
The group’s efforts to erect a fallen heroes monument and veteran memorial
bricks has not materialized but is an ongoing focus for the organization.
Although spear headed by the IVA, the memorial is intended to be
comprehensive to include all military branches as well as other veteran
organizations.
Honoring Veterans
During the recent Louisiana State University versus the University of Alabama
football game, four LSU graduates were inducted into the Hall of Honor for
LSU Distinguished Military Alumni including Jeanerette resident retired U.S.
Army Lt. Col. Robert L. Freshley Sr. The induction ceremony took place on
the morning of Nov. 3 at the LSU War Memorial on the Parade Ground and
the honorees were introduced to the Tiger Stadium crowd during the pre-

3. game activities later that night. A luncheon was held the day before with
keynote speaker Rear Admiral Craig A. Clapperton, Deputy Director for Future
Operations, U.S. Cyber Command. Congressman Garret N. Graves was
guest speaker at a dinner Thursday evening, a fitting tribute to honored
veterans.
The past four years, a group of veterans and non-veterans have taken the
lead in supporting retired and active military experiencing post traumatic
stress disorder. David Defelice learned of the Wounded War Heroes
organization and joined their efforts to support veterans working through an
assortment of challenges following their service to the nation. Founded to
show appreciation to men and women who have been wounded while in
combat, the members provide therapeutic outdoor experiences with the sole
purpose to show veterans they are not forgotten.
Each year Collette “Coots” Foret, the Louisiana coordinator, sends personal
invitations to a select group of veterans with PTSD to spend the weekend at
Cypremort Point fishing and fellowshipping with other veterans and
nonmilitary volunteers.
“I would like to thank those who first jumped on the bandwagon with me that
made the WWH Fishing Weekend a success. My wife, Susan, Tommy and
Arlene Granger as cochairs, Troy Green, master chef, Austin Green and Mitch
Romero, sous chefs, and Don Naquin, Casey and Neil Carret, weigh
masters,” Defelice said. “In addition to these volunteers, it would be hard to
hold a fishing tournament without boat captains. The great fishermen in and
around Vermilion Bay include Michael Defelice, Malcolm Migues, Keith
Delahoussaye, Mark and Check Duhon, T-Blu Landry, Kao Khamphilavong,
Clay Peltier, Andre and Rene St. Upery and George Segura. Also, thanks to
Dan Doerle for supplying our veterans with bait shrimp.”

4. Defelice sent out a special thanks to all who made donations covering
expenses to this special event including Mark Patout and the Shea family who
were extremely generous for donating their hospitality and camps to these fine
veterans. The tournament is held annually in August, though dates may vary
in 2019.
More than Coffee
Gathering of veterans is a regular occurrence at Victor’s Cafeteria every
Wednesday morning for breakfast. A fluctuating number that has dwindled in
the past, has grown to as many as 30 veterans from all branches and war
times, the majority now being from the Vietnam conflict. John Aldridge,
commandant for the American Legion Post 4 said they don’t sit around talking
about the war but might discuss politics, as well as number of mutual
interests. The bond between military veterans is one that cannot be duplicated
or imitated, an unspoken understanding bridges age, race and rank among
veterans.
Physical wounds can heal easily, however the minds of some Vietnam
veterans are scared not from battles across the sea but rather returning home
to the hatred of stateside residents who disapproved of the military
intervention in that nation. With the decrease in the number of World War II
veterans, the elders are now from the Korean War and Vietnam. Although
negative sentiment toward these soldiers have softened through the years,
continued affirmation and appreciation for their call to duty will only set them
free with time to heal these emotional scars.
Covering veterans with warmth takes a materialistic approach with several
groups in the Teche Area. The knitting members of First United Methodist
Church often contribute afghans to veterans and the Beribees Quilting group

5. annually give handmade quilts to selected soldiers who served in active duty.
This year the group went above and beyond by making special “Quilts of
Valor” for the regular breakfast bunch at Victor’s. More than 25 quilts have
been constructed for this year’s recipients.
From time to time, the National Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution honoring veterans committee picks up the tab for the retired
soldiers eating at Victor’s. With such gifts of appreciation, is it any wonder
their numbers have grown throughout 2018?
Keeping Track of Veterans
Locating Teche Area veterans is no simple task. Vonda Banks, the new
assistance counselor with the Louisiana Department of Veterans
Administration said unless someone has come in for assistance for any
number of issues, they don’t have a record of former service men and women.
A veteran herself, Banks said since she started working in July at the New
Iberia branch of the state office, she has been unable to identify all of the
different veteran groups in the area. She requested that anyone in charge of a
support group through the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War Posts
or any other organization catering to veterans to contact her at the West
Pershing Street office or call 373-0001.
Banks also said veterans often confuse the state office with the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. The LDVA is a resource for veterans but they
are not linked into the national military database and therefore are unable to
search those records. They work in cooperation with other divisions of state
and federal government to assist veterans, but they are a state and not
federal agency. For more information or assistance as a veteran, contact
Banks.