Legion Post 77 meets

By LISA S. SOILEAUX

Assistant Editor

Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, paid tribute to two young lawmen during Tuesday’s monthly meeting held at the Legion Home on Jan. 6, 2009.

Honored as this year’s Outstanding Young Law Officers were Detective Allen J. “Noochie” Credeur, Jr. of the Rayne Police Department and Deputy Timothy J. Leleux of the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Credeur is a three-year member of the local police staff, presently holding the rank of detective since 2007. He is the son of Marilynn and Allen Credeur, Sr. of Rayne, a graduate of Rayne High School, and was awarded as the “Hardest Worker” at the Police Academy. In addition, Credeur was previously honored by the Legion as the Young Fireman of the Year. He was introduced by Rayne Police Chief Carroll Stelly.

Leleux is a three-year member of the Sheriff’s Office and presently holds the position of patrolman. He is a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Police Academy, and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Pat Leleux of Crowley.

Each honoree was announced by Post 77 Americanism Chairman Rodney J. Trahan and presented their award by Post 77 Commander Pete Melancon.

During the business portion of the meeting, updates were given on the completion of repairs from damages sustained by Hurricane Gustave, both inside and out.

Reminders were also given concerning the following upcoming events:

- 7th District Oratorical Contest on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m. at the Legion Home including eight parishes.

- State Oratorical Contest on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. at the Legion Home.

- Outstanding Firefighters to be honored during the Feb. 3rd Legion meeting.

- Mid-Winter Conference on Jan. 16-18 in Alexandria.

Under committee reports, Ray Olinger reported on 265 memberships were paid up as of the start of the meeting.

Service Officer Al Leger noted that mileage has increased to 41.5 cents per mile. He also reported of the St. Bernaed and Cameron offices have bee closed due to budget retraints by the governor due to displacement of the recent hurricanes.

Leger also noted that the Federal VA Regional Offices of Gretna and Loyola have combined at the Poydras location, and that the plans are in the works for the new VA Hospital in New Orleans.

With no other business to come before the membership, Legionnaires and guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the Legion cooks.