Vernon Parish Officers Awarded (October 12, 2023)
The Oliver Pollock Chapter recognized three Law Enforcement Officers for their service. Deputy Sandell received the Heroism Medal for saving a life and the Law Enforcment Commendation for putting in overtime during the wildfire outbreaks in SW Louisiana. Deputies Barbee and Harris were awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for providing lifesaving assistance to unresponsive subjects in two separate incidences. Deputies Barbee and Sandell received previous recognition from the Sheriff
Oliver Pollock Chapter Continues Support of Avenue of Flags (May 29, 2023)
Numerous Activities at Chapter Meeting (March 11, 2023)
From left to right, Secretary Billy LeJune, Compatriot Ted Harless and President Russ Godwin, Compatriot Ted Harless and Secretary Billy LeJune placing the 250th Streamer on the Oliver Pollock Chapter Guidon.
New member Compatriot Dr. John Robert Black being presented his certificate as a new Oliver Pollock (LA SAR) member. His ancestor is Patriot John Swint
New member Compatriot Dr. John Robert Black being presented his certificate as a new Oliver Pollock (LA SAR) member. His ancestor is Patriot John Swint
LA SAR President Jeff Nolen, presents the Patriot Medal to Compatriot Ted Harless during the Oliver Pollock Chapter meeting on 3-11-2023. The Patriot Medal is awarded only by a state society. It is the highest award given for service at the state or chapter level. This medal is presented only to individuals and may be received ONLY once. It represents long, faithful and outstanding service at the state and/or chapter level. From left to right, Compatriot Ted Harless and President Jeff Nolen.
Oration Contestent Leianni Reed-Vital from Lake Charles College Prep won the Chapter Oration Contest and will move on to compete at the LASSAR State Oration Contest in April. From left to right, Leianni Reed-Vital and and President Russ Godwin.
Oration Contestent Leianni Reed-Vital from Lake Charles College Prep won the Chapter Oration Contest and will move on to compete at the LASSAR State Oration Contest in April. From left to right, Leianni Reed-Vital and and President Russ Godwin.
Members Participate in Veteran's Day Activities (November 11, 2022)
On Veterans Day, we conducted our final Avenue of Flags event for the year. 2 Members assisted with setup and 3 total participated. Compatriot LeJeune gave a short presentation to visitors on the Gaspee Incident (as part of the SAR 250th Anniversary Campain). Although our Memorial Day event is much larger, the event was a huge success.
Southwest Chapter Participates in Avenue of Flags (May 30, 2022)
Chapter Holds Scheduled Meeting
Southwest Louisiana Chapter Sponsors 38th Annual Avenue of Flags (May 31, 2021)
The Southwest Louisiana Chapter sponsored the 38th annual Avenue of Flags. Over 1090 flags, once used to cover the caskets of American service members, were displayed at the Orange Grove Cemetery in Lake Charles. Master of Ceremonies for the event was Compatriot Ted P. Harless, Jr, Director of the Avenue of Flags.
This year, the family of Eric Session, Louisiana National Guard, presented his casket flag. The flag was carried by members of the Boy Scouts.
Session was a graduate of Lagrange High School in Lake Charles. He served with Company C 3/156th IN in Baghdad, Iraq. He was a member of Crew 3-2 and suffered individual wounds when his vehicle was hit by an IED. Sessions helped his crew members evacuate the burning Bradley. Later, while on another patrol, Sessions was hit by a sniper's bullet and returned to the US for medical attention. Tragically, SSG Sessions in a motorcycle accident in Louisiana.
After the Memorial Day Address, given by BG Thomas Friloux, Director of the Joint Staff or the Louisiana National Guard, a final salute was rendered by the LASSAR Color Guard while a 21 gun salute was offered by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Honor Guard. Taps was played by George McInnis.
As in years past, members of the Fort Atkins Chapter, Children of the American Revolution passed out poppies to those in attendance.
This year, the family of Eric Session, Louisiana National Guard, presented his casket flag. The flag was carried by members of the Boy Scouts.
Session was a graduate of Lagrange High School in Lake Charles. He served with Company C 3/156th IN in Baghdad, Iraq. He was a member of Crew 3-2 and suffered individual wounds when his vehicle was hit by an IED. Sessions helped his crew members evacuate the burning Bradley. Later, while on another patrol, Sessions was hit by a sniper's bullet and returned to the US for medical attention. Tragically, SSG Sessions in a motorcycle accident in Louisiana.
After the Memorial Day Address, given by BG Thomas Friloux, Director of the Joint Staff or the Louisiana National Guard, a final salute was rendered by the LASSAR Color Guard while a 21 gun salute was offered by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Honor Guard. Taps was played by George McInnis.
As in years past, members of the Fort Atkins Chapter, Children of the American Revolution passed out poppies to those in attendance.
Southwest Louisiana Chapter Inducts Local Hero (November 21, 2019)
When a Chapter President has the honor to sponsor a new member into the SAR, it is always a special moment, one that will stay with that Chapter President forever. Yet occasionally there is that one new member whose induction ceremony is just too sublime for words. Such a moment occurred when Mr. Lawrence Boudreaux, a local veteran residing in the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, Louisiana, was recently inducted into the Southwest Louisiana Chapter.
Mr. Boudreaux is a legend in Southwest Louisiana. He is a ninety-seven-year-old World War II Veteran who is one of only two surviving members of the 321st Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 101st Airborne Division who served during the invasion of Europe on D-Day. His journey began when he entered the service from his small hometown of Church Point, Louisiana. He started his military experience at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. From there he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and then traveled to England aboard a Liberty Ship to train for the invasion of Europe. He participated in the Allied landing at Normandy but was wounded on the beach and sent back to England. Once recovered, he re-joined his unit in time to participate in Operation Market Garden (the largest airborne assault in history) by way of a C-47 transport plane and a glider. After this experience, Mr. Boudreaux continued to serve in France in the Ardennes and the Battle of the Bulge. Upon completion of these missions, he and his fellow service members would make their way to Hitler’s second home, the Eagle's Nest. When they arrived at the bombed-out structure, they proceeded to look around and helped themselves to the drink provided from the cellars below and any souvenirs that they could pack away.
Mr. Boudreaux received many honors for his service in World War II, including the Legion of Honor (France's Highest Award), Purple Heart, Bronze Star, the Croix de Guerre with palm, and the Fourragere (1940) from the Kingdom of Belgium. His campaigns include Normandy, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe, and his service has been recounted in various books and even a recent article in The Army Times. The service that PFC Lawrence Boudreaux provided to our nation is why this was such a special moment in the life of the Southwest Louisiana Chapter SAR.
After surviving the perils of World War II, Mr. Boudreaux came back home to Louisiana where he spent the next twenty years as a farmer and the Police Chief of the Welsh Police Department.
When I heard that Mr. Boudreaux might be interested in becoming a member of the SAR, I called the Jennings Veterans Home and made an appointment to meet with him for an interview. I explained to him the mission and purpose of the SAR, and he asked to become a member. The genealogical research began almost immediately. We quickly discovered that Mr. Boudreaux is a direct descendant of Pierre Bergeron, who served with the Pointe Coupee Militia from Pointe Coupee, LA as a Fusileer with the Spanish forces that drove the British from Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
On November 21st, 2019, at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, LA, Mr. Boudreaux was sworn into the Southwest Louisiana Chapter SAR by Librarian General Tony L. Vets. He was then awarded the SAR War Service Medal for his service in World War II by Louisiana Society SAR President Major Bradley T. Hayes, who also wears the War Service medal from his time in Iraq and Afghanistan. In attendance were Mr. Broussard's two daughters, Barbra Broussard and Gertie Buller, plus other family members, as well as Brigadier General Keith Waddell and Major Nicholas Acosta of the Louisiana Army National Guard, French Consul Christian Goudeau, President Jeffery Nolen of the Southwest Louisiana Chapter SAR and additional members of the SAR.
Mr. Boudreaux is a legend in Southwest Louisiana. He is a ninety-seven-year-old World War II Veteran who is one of only two surviving members of the 321st Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 101st Airborne Division who served during the invasion of Europe on D-Day. His journey began when he entered the service from his small hometown of Church Point, Louisiana. He started his military experience at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. From there he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and then traveled to England aboard a Liberty Ship to train for the invasion of Europe. He participated in the Allied landing at Normandy but was wounded on the beach and sent back to England. Once recovered, he re-joined his unit in time to participate in Operation Market Garden (the largest airborne assault in history) by way of a C-47 transport plane and a glider. After this experience, Mr. Boudreaux continued to serve in France in the Ardennes and the Battle of the Bulge. Upon completion of these missions, he and his fellow service members would make their way to Hitler’s second home, the Eagle's Nest. When they arrived at the bombed-out structure, they proceeded to look around and helped themselves to the drink provided from the cellars below and any souvenirs that they could pack away.
Mr. Boudreaux received many honors for his service in World War II, including the Legion of Honor (France's Highest Award), Purple Heart, Bronze Star, the Croix de Guerre with palm, and the Fourragere (1940) from the Kingdom of Belgium. His campaigns include Normandy, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe, and his service has been recounted in various books and even a recent article in The Army Times. The service that PFC Lawrence Boudreaux provided to our nation is why this was such a special moment in the life of the Southwest Louisiana Chapter SAR.
After surviving the perils of World War II, Mr. Boudreaux came back home to Louisiana where he spent the next twenty years as a farmer and the Police Chief of the Welsh Police Department.
When I heard that Mr. Boudreaux might be interested in becoming a member of the SAR, I called the Jennings Veterans Home and made an appointment to meet with him for an interview. I explained to him the mission and purpose of the SAR, and he asked to become a member. The genealogical research began almost immediately. We quickly discovered that Mr. Boudreaux is a direct descendant of Pierre Bergeron, who served with the Pointe Coupee Militia from Pointe Coupee, LA as a Fusileer with the Spanish forces that drove the British from Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
On November 21st, 2019, at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, LA, Mr. Boudreaux was sworn into the Southwest Louisiana Chapter SAR by Librarian General Tony L. Vets. He was then awarded the SAR War Service Medal for his service in World War II by Louisiana Society SAR President Major Bradley T. Hayes, who also wears the War Service medal from his time in Iraq and Afghanistan. In attendance were Mr. Broussard's two daughters, Barbra Broussard and Gertie Buller, plus other family members, as well as Brigadier General Keith Waddell and Major Nicholas Acosta of the Louisiana Army National Guard, French Consul Christian Goudeau, President Jeffery Nolen of the Southwest Louisiana Chapter SAR and additional members of the SAR.
Southwest Louisiana Chapter Meets (September 11, 2019)
SW Louisiana Chapter member Dr Andy Buckley was the guest speaker at the September meeting. Dr Buckley Dr. Andy Buckley spoke on the subject “What the Sons of the American Revolution Have to Say to Our Culture in 2019.” Three key areas of focus were: 1) The Sons of the American Revolution. A national patriotic, historical, and educational organization seeks to fulfill four objectives; 2) The history and ideals of the American Revolution are the foundation of our national identity. Future generations, if unaware of the historic sacrifices that secured our liberty, will fail to value and protect that liberty and freedom will be lost; 3) Americans must restore and practice the vision of our Revolutionary ancestors
After Dr Buckley's presentation, President Jeff Nolen shared his desire to work with the VFW and American Legion to identify high school students for award programs.
Barbara Guillory (DAR registrar) explained genealogical research utilizing the Daughters of the American Revolution data bases for potential members. Mrs. Guillory volunteered to assist any potential SAR member in completion of their application.
Ted Harless spoke about the growth of the Avenue of Flags. The memorial has exceeded 1100 casket flags. The next emphasis will be on Veterans Day, November 11.
After Dr Buckley's presentation, President Jeff Nolen shared his desire to work with the VFW and American Legion to identify high school students for award programs.
Barbara Guillory (DAR registrar) explained genealogical research utilizing the Daughters of the American Revolution data bases for potential members. Mrs. Guillory volunteered to assist any potential SAR member in completion of their application.
Ted Harless spoke about the growth of the Avenue of Flags. The memorial has exceeded 1100 casket flags. The next emphasis will be on Veterans Day, November 11.
Chapter Meets and Reorganizes (June 26, 2019)
The long dormant chapter held a re-organizational meeting with Jeff Nolen calling the meeting to order. Jeff was charged by the Louisiana SAR State President Bradley Hayes to revitalize the Oliver Pollock Chapter. The first order of business was the nomination and election of officers, whose terms will run from June 26, 2019 to September 30, 2020. Andy Buckley, former President and currently VP/awards chairman nominated Jeff Nolen as President, to fill the position vacated by Sam Manuel.
Jeff Nolen nominated Ted Harless, former SAR President and currently President of the SAR Avenue of Flags as Vice President to fill the position vacated by Andy Buckley. Jeff Nolan nominated Andy Buckley to serve as Secretary to fill the position vacated by Steve Carnahan.
President Jeff Nolen suggested the chapter consider adopting a new name reflecting a more diverse geographic area. President Nolen noted he could not determine from discussion with members the identity of Oliver Pollock or why the chapter had been named after him. Neither Brad Mayo nor Ted Harless could add any insight to the reason why the chapter was named for Oliver Pollock.
Andy Buckley, retired college instructor, identified Oliver Pollock as one of three key financiers of the American Revolutionary War, the others being Hyman Solomon and Robert Morris. US historians recognize these three historical figures as the primary financiers of the American cause. Each gave vast personal financial fortunes to the cause, in addition to selling bonds and other securities to European banks. Pollock, Morris, and Solomon all died in poverty, due to their sacrifices. Oliver Pollack was appointed by the Continental Congress in 1777 as "commercial agent of the United States at New Orleans", making him the representative of the colonies in the Deep South and west. He used his vast fortune, earned as a New Orleans merchant, to finance American colonial operations in the west, and the campaign of George Rogers Clark in Illinois. He served as Governor Galvez’s aide-de-camp during the Spanish campaign against the British. Galvez and the Spanish troops, fighting with the Americans, defeated the British in the future states of Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.
Brad Mayo, a 50 year member suggested “Southwest Louisiana Sons of the American Revolution Chapter.” After thorough discussion, the membership voted unanimously to change the name to appeal to the five parish geographic area.
Jeff Nolen nominated Ted Harless, former SAR President and currently President of the SAR Avenue of Flags as Vice President to fill the position vacated by Andy Buckley. Jeff Nolan nominated Andy Buckley to serve as Secretary to fill the position vacated by Steve Carnahan.
President Jeff Nolen suggested the chapter consider adopting a new name reflecting a more diverse geographic area. President Nolen noted he could not determine from discussion with members the identity of Oliver Pollock or why the chapter had been named after him. Neither Brad Mayo nor Ted Harless could add any insight to the reason why the chapter was named for Oliver Pollock.
Andy Buckley, retired college instructor, identified Oliver Pollock as one of three key financiers of the American Revolutionary War, the others being Hyman Solomon and Robert Morris. US historians recognize these three historical figures as the primary financiers of the American cause. Each gave vast personal financial fortunes to the cause, in addition to selling bonds and other securities to European banks. Pollock, Morris, and Solomon all died in poverty, due to their sacrifices. Oliver Pollack was appointed by the Continental Congress in 1777 as "commercial agent of the United States at New Orleans", making him the representative of the colonies in the Deep South and west. He used his vast fortune, earned as a New Orleans merchant, to finance American colonial operations in the west, and the campaign of George Rogers Clark in Illinois. He served as Governor Galvez’s aide-de-camp during the Spanish campaign against the British. Galvez and the Spanish troops, fighting with the Americans, defeated the British in the future states of Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.
Brad Mayo, a 50 year member suggested “Southwest Louisiana Sons of the American Revolution Chapter.” After thorough discussion, the membership voted unanimously to change the name to appeal to the five parish geographic area.
Alfred Cochran Recognized by the Sons of the American Revolution (February 26, 2014)
The Sons of the American Revolution, Oliver Pollack Chapter, Lake Charles recognized Alfred Cochran, Captain U.S. Army Engineer (Retired) for casket flags to be given the Avenue of Flags in memory of his three veteran ancestors. Cochran is a descendant of Samuel S. Lewis who served in the War of 1812, Payton’s Company Indiana Militia and in the Texas Revolution in the Army of the Republic of Texas; William Alfred Cochran, Sr. who served in the War Between the States CSA, 13th Texas Calvary, Company H; and Asa W. Cooley who served in the War Between the States, CSA, 6th Mississippi Infantry Regiment Company C. Cooley was captured at Battle of Vicksburg and served in a Federal Prisoner of War Camp.
The ceremony was held at City Hall Wednesday, February 26 in the office of Mayor Randy Roach, who is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Participating in the presentation of recognition certificates was Dr. Andy Buckley, President, Mike Brown, Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Haynes, outgoing President and State Vice President, Ted Harless, Director SRA Avenue of Flags, Mayor Randy Roach, Allen Breaux, and Belvin Fontenot.
The ceremony was held at City Hall Wednesday, February 26 in the office of Mayor Randy Roach, who is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Participating in the presentation of recognition certificates was Dr. Andy Buckley, President, Mike Brown, Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Haynes, outgoing President and State Vice President, Ted Harless, Director SRA Avenue of Flags, Mayor Randy Roach, Allen Breaux, and Belvin Fontenot.
Roy Stephen Brown, Jr Honored at Avenue of Flags (May 27, 2013)
The Oliver Pollock Chapter hosted the 30th annual Avenue of Flags. Nearly 900 flags, once used to cover the caskets of American service members, were displayed at the Orange Grove Cemetery in Lake Charles. Master of Ceremonies for the event was Compatriot Ted P. Harless, Jr, Director of the Avenue of Flags.
This year, the family of Roy Stephen Brown, Jr, United States Coast Guard, presented his casket flag. The flag was carried by members of the Boy Scout Troop 22, who was escorted by the LASSAR Color Guard. The flag was raise to a stirring performance of “Glory to Glory”, sung by Cheri Derouen.
Brown was born in Picher, Oklahoma and had lived in Lake Charles since 1936. During World War II, he served in the United States Coast Guard on the U.S.S. Huron, which was assigned to convoy duty between the United States and Africa. His duties included serving as the leading signalman as well as operating the U.S. Post Office on board the ship which was later assigned as the Flagship of the United States Navy Sonar Base in Key West, Florida.
After the eulogy, presented by Jay Buehner, and Memorial Day Address, given by Commander Will E. Watson, USCG, a final salute was rendered by the LASSAR Color Guard while a 21 gun salute and Taps was played by American Legion Post 1.
As in years past, members of the Fort Atkins Chapter, Children of the American Revolution passed out poppies to those in attendance.
This year, the family of Roy Stephen Brown, Jr, United States Coast Guard, presented his casket flag. The flag was carried by members of the Boy Scout Troop 22, who was escorted by the LASSAR Color Guard. The flag was raise to a stirring performance of “Glory to Glory”, sung by Cheri Derouen.
Brown was born in Picher, Oklahoma and had lived in Lake Charles since 1936. During World War II, he served in the United States Coast Guard on the U.S.S. Huron, which was assigned to convoy duty between the United States and Africa. His duties included serving as the leading signalman as well as operating the U.S. Post Office on board the ship which was later assigned as the Flagship of the United States Navy Sonar Base in Key West, Florida.
After the eulogy, presented by Jay Buehner, and Memorial Day Address, given by Commander Will E. Watson, USCG, a final salute was rendered by the LASSAR Color Guard while a 21 gun salute and Taps was played by American Legion Post 1.
As in years past, members of the Fort Atkins Chapter, Children of the American Revolution passed out poppies to those in attendance.
Chapter Inducts Two New Members (November 17, 2012)
At a meeting at Pats of Henderson, the Oliver Pollock Chapter inducted two new membmers, William Ross and Aaron Carnahan.
Ross is a descendant of William Scott, who served in Samuel Martin’s Troops, 3rd Regiment, Light Dragoons.
Carnahan is a descendant of Adam Carnahan, who served as a Private under Capts Patrick Jack, John Hodge, and Col Arthur Buchanan in the PA Militia during the Revolutionary War.
Ross is a descendant of William Scott, who served in Samuel Martin’s Troops, 3rd Regiment, Light Dragoons.
Carnahan is a descendant of Adam Carnahan, who served as a Private under Capts Patrick Jack, John Hodge, and Col Arthur Buchanan in the PA Militia during the Revolutionary War.
Oliver Pollock Chapter particiates in Avenue of Flags (May 28, 2012)
The Oliver Pollock Chapter participated in the annual Avenue of Flags event. Over 842 flags, once used to cover the caskets of American service members, were displayed at the Orange Grove Cemetery in Lake Charles. Bishop Glen Provost, LASSAR Chaplain, provided the invocation, while chapter member and Avenue of Flags Director Ted Harless served as Master of Ceremonies. Members of the Fort Atkins Chapter, Children of the American Revolution passed out poppies to the hundreds in attendance. The service was completed with a 21 gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”
History
In 1927 twelve members at-large of the Louisiana society met in Lake Charles and organized the Oliver Pollock Chapter. Regular meetings were held quarterly until 1931 and the chapter became inactive during the Great Depression.
In the late 1950’s interest was rekindle and with the assistance of the DAR. Members attempted to reorganize and were told that the name Oliver Pollock could not be reused, so the “new” chapter was chartered as the Calcasieu Chapter on October 17, 1959 with State President Herbert Parker installing Claudius Augustus Mayo as Chapter President. Later the name Oliver Pollock was approved and the name restored.
In the late 1950’s interest was rekindle and with the assistance of the DAR. Members attempted to reorganize and were told that the name Oliver Pollock could not be reused, so the “new” chapter was chartered as the Calcasieu Chapter on October 17, 1959 with State President Herbert Parker installing Claudius Augustus Mayo as Chapter President. Later the name Oliver Pollock was approved and the name restored.
In 1984, the Oliver Pollock chapter began a Lake Charles tradition known as the Avenue of Flags. On Memorial Day, the chapter and volunteers from other organizations line the street and entrance to historic Orange Grove / Graceland Cemetery with over 700 donated casket flags, making this the largest display of memorial flags between Florida and the West Coast.