Post 77 nominates officers, plans Rayne Memorial Day program

RAYNE - Following a most successful Legion Centennial Celebration in March, the regular meeting schedule was attended for the April meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion.
As in years past, legionnaires were nominated for election which is held every May meeting.
As directed by Commander David Simon, the following legionnaires were nominated: Commander David Simon, 1st Vice Ray Olinger, 2nd Vice Robley Moroux, 3rd Vice John Quebodeaux, Financial Officer Lorriane Shelton Gaines, Junior past Commander Gene Comeaux, Adjutant Brady Menard, Historian open, Chaplain Robert Comeaux, Service Officer open, Judge Advocate Shane Mouton, Sgt.-at-Arms Andrew Habetz, Color Bearers Wilson LeDoux and Harold Arceneaux, and Advisors to Commander will be selected by the Commander once elections are complete.
Nominations will be held once again during the May meeting just prior to the election. New officers will be installed during the annual July installation meeting/banquet.
Chairman Ray Olinger announced plans for the annual Memorial Day Program slated Sunday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at the Legion Home. All veterans and family members of deceased veterans are invited to attend. Veterans who have passed on since last Memorial Day will be recognized. Additional information will be reported during the May meeting.
Olinger also gave a report of the 2019 Boys State Program slated in the summer months for high school juniors. Noted were two packets delivered to Rayne High School for prospective attendees.
It was also announced the orientation meeting for Boys and Girls State will again be held at the local Legion Home on June 6 at 5 p.m. prior to the summer program.
Olinger gave the membership report of 137 paid up members of the 173 roster. He urged all legionnaires to pay their dues before the May deadline.
Simon thanked all the legionnaires and volunteers for their assistance and help during the Legion Centennial Celebration held in March. He noted the day was very successful and Post 77 welcomed a number of visitors despite having a number of other events the same weekend.
He also gave a brief outline of the 7th District Spring Conference held March 24 in Alexandria.
In addition, info was given for the Summer Conference planned June 6-9 in Alexandria. Post 77 will have five votes by delegates to be selected during the May meeting.
Simon also announced two projects presently underway at the War Veterans Home in Jennings, expansion of the Alzheimer’s unit and a new cemetery to be built directly behind the War Veterans Home. Additional information of the projects will be given as progress continues.
Simon reported of the recent weekend musical entertainment and events held at the Legion Home, in addition to a number of events planned in the coming weeks, including Louisiana Knights on April 5 and Ronnie Matthews on April 13.
Following the maintenance report including projects and repairs recently completed at the Legion Home, it was noted the air conditioner in the kitchen area was replaced.
Legionnaires were reminded of the free insurance benefit available to all legionnaires in the amounts of $1,000 and $5,000. Please contact the American Legion locally or online for additional information.
The commander also reminded everyone that food and beverages are still available for purchase with an expanding menu at the Legion Home during normal bar hours. Call 334-4774 to place your pick-up orders.
Also continuing at the Legion Home is Cadillac and Domino games between 4 p.m. until closing every Thursday.
“Thirsty Thursday” drink specials will also be available from 7 p.m. till. All domestic beers are $1.50 a bottle.
With no further business to come before the Post, the meeting was adjourned and a meal was served by the Legion cooks.