Veterans honored
Published 12:09 am Saturday, July 11, 2015
- Lionel Tampalin, Reserve, Navy; Gillespie Ocmand, Mt. Airy, Army; Oscar Jacob, Garyville, Marine Corp.; Larry Bourgeois Sr., Reserve, Navy, Korean War Veteran; Albert Bourgeois, Garyville, Navy Retired.
RESERVE — Parish President Natalie Robottom and the Parish Council hosted the 10th Annual Veterans Luncheon and the 15th Annual Independence Day Celebration June 3.
More than 450 veterans and their spouses enjoyed the luncheon in the Louisiana Army National Guard Readiness Center in Reserve. The annual event paid homage to veterans and service members with a video tribute during the lunch.
Harold Stanton, LaPlace, Army; David Cook, Reserve, Army and Robert Taylor Sr., Reserve, Air Force.
St. John the Recreation summer campers designed coasters for each attendee to utilize and take home as a keepsake.
Dr. Calvin Moret, a renowned Tuskegee Airmen, was the keynote speaker. Moret is the last surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen in Louisiana.
The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of black pilots who fought in World War II and were the first pilots in the United States military.
In 2007, he received the Congressional Gold Medal at the White House and is now the subject of the documentary “Airman: the Extraordinary Life of Calvin G. Moret.”
During his speech, he spoke of his unique experiences as an Airman, answered questions from veterans and shared his view on patriotism.
“When asked to serve, there was no hesitation,” Moret said. “It was what you wanted to do, protect and uphold the values of your country, even when others doubted you.”
