Supplemental Applications Awarded
Compatriots from the Atchafalaya Chapter were on hand at the chapter’s last meeting to congratulate members David Solar, T.J. Blanchard, and Dr. Andre Blanchard on being awarded supplemental ancestry certificates for additional patriots, of whom they are lineal descendants, for their service during the Revolutionary War era. Solar’s ancestor was Pedro Manual Donzel who served as a sergeant in the Louisiana Regiment during the expedition of General Bernardo de Galvez. The Blanchards each received a pair of certificates recognizing the contributions of their ancestors Francois Landry and John Maurice Helfer. Both patriots served in the Acadia Coast militia during the Revolutionary War era.
Chapter Reports Summer Activities (July - September 2022)
The Atchafalaya chapter enjoyed presentations from guest speakers in the months of July, August, and September 2022. To celebrate July 4th, the chapter was treated to a presentation by retired educator, Karen Solar, about non-traditional heroes of the American Revolution as well as little known facts about the revolution.
In August, the chapter listened to a presentation from Terry Mayon, Sr. who compiled the book, Forgotten Warriors of the Tri-City Area. Mr. Mayon was also instrumental in the creation of the Fallen Warriors Memorial in Morgan City.
In September, the chapter was privileged to hear a presentation by Southern District Vice President General and Louisiana Society member, Bradley Hayes, about his experiences as an Army officer in Washington D.C. during the Islamic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
In August, the chapter listened to a presentation from Terry Mayon, Sr. who compiled the book, Forgotten Warriors of the Tri-City Area. Mr. Mayon was also instrumental in the creation of the Fallen Warriors Memorial in Morgan City.
In September, the chapter was privileged to hear a presentation by Southern District Vice President General and Louisiana Society member, Bradley Hayes, about his experiences as an Army officer in Washington D.C. during the Islamic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Chapter Honors Assumption Parish KIA Servicemembers (May 30, 2022)
To honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States, The Atchafalaya Chapter held a Memorial Day ceremony at St. Joseph The Worker Church cemetery in Pierre Part. The ceremony was held next to the final resting place of PFC Alvin Rivere, who was killed in action in Long An province, Vietnam, while serving with the US Army’s 9th Infantry Division, 5th Battalion 60th Infantry, Company A. PFC Rivere served as an infantry indirect fire crewman. To honor all veterans who died while serving, a wreath was laid at his grave. Many of PFC Rivere’s family members, clergy and other members of the community attended the ceremony.
The ceremony also included reading the names of 22 Assumption Parish service members who were killed in action during WWI, WWII, The Korean war, and the Vietnam war.
The Commander of the Domingue-Landry American Legion Post in Pierre Part played Taps at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The ceremony also included reading the names of 22 Assumption Parish service members who were killed in action during WWI, WWII, The Korean war, and the Vietnam war.
The Commander of the Domingue-Landry American Legion Post in Pierre Part played Taps at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Two New Members Inducted at April Meeting (April 6, 2022)
The Atchafalaya Chapter inducted Mr. Roland Pintado and Dr. G. Kevin Kasovich into the SAR during its April 6 meeting. Mr. Pintado, a resident of Pierre Part and retired construction trades professional and part-time law enforcement officer, is a lineal descendant of Claude Broussard who served under General Bernardo de Galvez in Louisiana during the Revolutionary War era.
Dr. Kasovich, a resident of Thibodaux, is an optometrist at Eyecare Associates in Metairie and also serves as a Captain in the U.S. Airforce Reserves. Dr. Kasovich is a lineal descendant of Colonel John Bond, who served in the Mississippi militia during the Revolutionary War era.
In their remarks to their compatriots, both inductees espoused their support for the SAR’s missions in promoting patriotism and the continued teaching of American History.
Dr. Kasovich, a resident of Thibodaux, is an optometrist at Eyecare Associates in Metairie and also serves as a Captain in the U.S. Airforce Reserves. Dr. Kasovich is a lineal descendant of Colonel John Bond, who served in the Mississippi militia during the Revolutionary War era.
In their remarks to their compatriots, both inductees espoused their support for the SAR’s missions in promoting patriotism and the continued teaching of American History.
Brothers Join the Atchafalaya Chapter to Honor Francois Landry (February 2022)
The Atchafalaya Chapter was proud to induct brothers Barry and Timmy Aucoin into the SAR. The brothers are descendants of Francois Landry, who served under General Bernardo de Galvez during the Revolutionary War era. Barry, a retired Information Technology Assistant Director for the Office of Information Technology will serve as the chapter’s treasurer. Timmy, a Production Coordinator for The Mosaic Company, will serve as the chapter’s 2nd vice president. During their induction ceremony, both men spoke about the importance of and their commitment to the organization’s role in promoting patriotism and the continued teaching about the founding of the United States.
Chapter Members Honor Those Who Gave All (May 31, 2021)
To honor the men and women who gave their lives in defense of the United States, the Atchafalaya Chapter held a Memorial Day ceremony at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church cemetery in Plattenville. In addition to Atchafalaya chapter members, the ceremony was attended by clergy and members of the public. The ceremony included presentation of colors, prayers, and patriotic readings. The cemetery in which the ceremony was held contains the remains of many soldiers who served during the Revolutionary War era under General Bernado de Galvez. The associated church parish dates to the Spanish regime in Louisiana.
Fire Safety Medal Awarded to Chief Breaux (May 10, 2021)
The Atchafalaya Chapter was privileged to honor Don Breaux, Chief of Pierre Part Fire and Rescue, with the SAR’s Fire Safety Medal. Mr. Breaux has been a leader within the organization for 39 years and continues to serve as Chief after 38 years. Chief Breaux became a first responder in 1982 and an EMT in 1984 and has responded to several thousand emergencies in his career. He said that the most difficult situations that he has encountered are those that dealt with children. As is common with most great leaders, Chief Breaux credits the organization’s success to the team of people with whom he works.
Chapter Presents Bronze Good Citizenship Medal (February 24, 2021)
Leo Grizzaffi, Hayes Bailly, and Randall Domingue represented the Atchafalaya Chapter in awarding Rylie Theriot the SAR’s Good Citizenship medal on February 25, 2021. Rylie, a senior at Central Catholic High School in Morgan City, has accepted an appointment to West Point where she plans to pursue a career as a JAG officer in the U.S. Army. Rylie will also play softball for the Black Knights. Rylie is known as someone who possess tremendous leadership skills and mental toughness as a student and athlete. Her principal, Pete Boudreaux, said that Rylie is the type of person that "you would want to share a foxhole with."
Chapter Learns About Jean Rodrigue and the Rodrigue Family (February 24, 2021)
Compatriots from the Atchafalaya Chapter attended the Pierre Part-Belle River Genealogical Society meeting in Pierre Part to hear an excellent presentation from T. J. Blanchard (2nd from right) about the Rodrigue family who migrated from Portugal to Canada and finally to Louisiana. In addition to serving as the president of the PPBRGS, T. J. serves the SAR’s Atchafalaya Chapter as the registrar, historian, and genealogist. T. J. and his son, Dr. Andre’ Blanchard, who serves as the Atchafalaya Chapter’s director-at-large, are lineal descendants of Jean Rodrigue, who served under General Bernardo de Galvez at the battles of Manchac and Baton Rouge during the Revolutionary War era.
Organizing President Awarded (February 13, 2021)
Founder and past president of the Atchafalaya Chapter, David Solar, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by his compatriots at the Chapter’s February 3, 2021, meeting. Solar was presented the award because of his tenacity and persistence while working diligently to establish the new Chapter.
Solar had been a member of the General Philemon Thomas Chapter for about five years when he said that he and compatriot Leo Grizzaffi,Sr. recognized a few members of the Chapter were from St. Mary and Lafourche Parishes.
Although his and Grizzaffi’s Patriot Ancestor served under General Washington, they recognized that those parishes surrounding St. Mary were probably rich with descendants of Patriots who served under General Galvez. Solar was encouraged and assisted by Grizzaffi and the two began the process of organizing the new chapter.
Solar, recognized as congenial and outgoing by his compatriots, continues to work diligently to recruit new members and ensure that the Chapter is successful in accomplishing its mission.
Solar had been a member of the General Philemon Thomas Chapter for about five years when he said that he and compatriot Leo Grizzaffi,Sr. recognized a few members of the Chapter were from St. Mary and Lafourche Parishes.
Although his and Grizzaffi’s Patriot Ancestor served under General Washington, they recognized that those parishes surrounding St. Mary were probably rich with descendants of Patriots who served under General Galvez. Solar was encouraged and assisted by Grizzaffi and the two began the process of organizing the new chapter.
Solar, recognized as congenial and outgoing by his compatriots, continues to work diligently to recruit new members and ensure that the Chapter is successful in accomplishing its mission.
Chapter President Speaks to Kiwanis (January 6, 2021)
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Randall Domingue, representing the Atchafalaya Chapter, spoke to the Houma Kiwanis Club on January 6, 2021. The presentation covered the missions and values of the SAR along with specific information about how the organization supports youth, veterans, law enforcement officials and first responders. The presentation also included information about past U.S. Presidents, Medal of Honor recipients, Supreme Court Justices and other prominent citizens who were members of the SAR.
Information about some of the Atchafalaya Chapter member’s Patriot ancestors was presented to the audience. The attendees were given some history about General Bernardo De Galvez and the men who served under his command, many of whom have lineal descendants in the Atchafalaya Chapter’s area of operations. |