Local VFW post celebrates 75 years of service to vets

By: ELIZABETH WEST
Staff Reporter

The oldest veterans group in Evangeline Parish, Vidrine/Aucoin VFW Post 3803, celebrated 75 years of continual service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars this past Saturday. Saturday’s event remembered the service of past and present veterans of Post 3803 since its beginning in 1940.
Guest speaker, Chief Master Sergeant Linus Jordan, gave a heartfelt thank you to our veterans. “Two people have put their lives on the line for others. We praise one, hopefully, Jesus, and appreciate the other, our soldiers,” said Jordan during his speech.
Veterans in attendance for the celebration ranged from WWII to Vietnam-era. State Commander Mitch Cota gave a special welcome home to the veterans of the Vietnam War. “It is long overdue,” Cota said. “This should have been done a long time ago, welcome home.”
As the celebration continued, Cota presented a certificate to VFW Post 3803 commander Donald Vidrine, to commemorate the 75th anniversary. “Seventy-five years is a very big achievement,” he said.
Post 3803 Commander Donald Vidrine said it is important to remember these veterans as the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam approaches. An event to honor Vietnam vets is scheduled to take place at the Alexandria Best Western on June 27.
VFW members of Post 3803 enjoyed being able to catch up with one another over lunch that had been provided for them.
Darell Ardoin, Korean combat veteran, said, “The reason why the VFW is such a good thing is because it keeps you in touch with all the veterans and their families.”
Ardoin also appreciates the work the VFW does for those who have been injured during service.
“We get together with the state commander and they come visit us at our post. While they are here they help with claims of disability if someone has been injured in service,” says Ardoin.
Alvin Soileau, who served in the Pacific Island with the Navy during WWII, said “The VFW is special because I can’t drive and they bring me to the VA Hospital in Pineville.”
Vidrine said the VFW is important to veterans for several reasons. “The VFW helps secure the rights and benefits of our veterans from WWII on,” he said. “The VFW helps the veterans of the community with things like money to pay for their medicine.”
WWII veteran Mayner Fontenot said what the VFW does for children is something that he enjoys.
“The VFW sponsors one student to go to state and compete in a history competition.” Fontenot said, explaining the process. “Students write on history and then send it in to the VFW. Individuals at the VFW choose the best and that student goes to state. The student also receives awards from the VFW.
Some in attendance shared a little about their time overseas.
Ed Buys, who served in the Army during WWII, recalls, “After the war ended, I had to stay in Germany. It was my duty to make sure the fighting remained stopped. I ended up having to stay there for 5 years but my wife and children did get to come meet me.”