Soldiers enjoying Southern hospitality, food of Abbeville

All this week a group of men and women from all over the United States have been enjoying Abbeville - especially the food.
Just over 120 soldiers from as far away as California are in Abbeville this week and next week to take part in the military operation called “Cajun Care 2014.” The soldiers, 90 percent reserves, are spending their two weeks in Abbeville operating a make-shift medical clinic at the old Heritage Nursing Home in Abbeville.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. doctors, dentists, optometrists, nurses, dressed in military uniform, have been seeing Vermilion Parish residents for free.
When their daily mission is done, usually around 6 p.m., they head back to their sleeping quarters at the Chris Crusta Airport in Abbeville. The soldiers are scattered throughout the airport, sleeping on cots. Some can be found in the VFW Hall, Lions Club Building behind the National Guard Armory, while others are in the hangars at the airport.
After a long day of providing medical care, some soldiers have taken in the sights and food of Abbeville.
Some of the first places they ate at were Shucks, Richard’s and Dupuy’s Restaurants in Abbeville. Many have tried seafood such as crawfish, crabs, oysters, fried fish, gumbo and alligator.
Cajun Care 2014 Officer-in-Charge Air National Guard Lt. Col. Jamie Ruffing is from California. Being in Cajun Country for two weeks, Lt. Col. Ruffing wanted to get a taste of Cajun food.
“After we clean up, many are going to Abbeville restaurants,” said Lt. Col. Ruffing. “We are learning about Cajun cultures. They have made it to Shucks and Dupuis and tried many Cajun delicacies.”
While the seafood dishes were great, one of the best things she ate, thus far, was the bread pudding from Shucks, she said. Next on her list of things to eat is boiled crawfish at Richard’s.
“We are trying it all,” said Lt. Col. Ruffing.
When they are not eating, they are meeting the people of Abbeville and enjoying their stay. Lt. Col. Ruffing said the soldiers have quickly become part of the Abbeville community.
“We have made some really great friends,” she said. “They come over and stop to see how we are doing. Abbeville has become our community and we enjoy giving back to our community.”
Lt. Col Ruffing praised Abbeville General Hospital for all of the help they have offered. She also thanked Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza and police chief Tony Hardy, Military Museum Director Chrystal Mouton for everything they have done to make their stay enjoyable.
“Everyone has greeted us and paved the way, so we can do this,” she added. “The community has really come together to support us. It is nice.
“They are supporting us and we are supporting the community. It has been Southern hospitality.”