Chapter Pictures Taken in 2023Chapter hears Speach on Constitution and Inducts New Member (November 18, 2023)President Mike Lee presented Judge Shannon Gremillion with a Certificate of Appreciation for his talk about the history of the U.S. Constitution. Paul Birinyi, M.D., was inducted into the chapter. Pictured with President Mike Lee, Aubrey Birinyi, and first-line sponsor Brent Morock. Chapter Honors Namesake Patriot (October 21, 2023)Prior to the October meeting, Dr. Enemund Meullion Chapter and LASSAR Ladies Auxiliary members met at Meullion's grave in Rapides Cemetery for the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony. President Mike Lee awarded K. Michael Sawrie a Certificate of Appreciation for presiding over the September meeting. Chapter Hears Talk on PTSD and Presents Awards (September 16, 2023)Acting Chapter President Mike Sawrie presented Kelley Pears, PhD, with a Certificate of Appreciation and a LASSAR mug for his talk about PTSD. City of Pineville Police Chief Darrell Basco introduced Patrolman First Class (PFC) Codiak Thompson, Basco's recommendation for the Law Enforcement Commendation Award. Sawrie presented the award to Thompson. Pictured: Basco, Thompson, and Sawrie. Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion introduced Sgt. Bobby Branton, one of two recipients of the Law Enforcement Commendation Award. Gremillion next introduced Officer (Ofc.) Samuel Terrell. Branton and Terrell both received the Law Enforcement Commendation Award. Sawrie also awarded Terrell with the Life Saving Award. Pictured: Branton, Terrell, and Gremillion. Sawrie presented Darrell Poole, PhD, with the Military Service Medal. Member Receives Certificate (July 15, 2023)Dr. Enemund Meullion Chapter President Mike Lee presented Compatriot Charles Riddle III a Certificate of Appreciation for his presentation on the history of Avoyelles Parish. Riddle was also given a jar of fig and lemon preserves made by Pat Ryan. From left to right: Pat Ryan, Charles Riddle III, and Chapter President Mike Lee. Chapter Hears of the Exploits of Deborah Sampson (May 27, 2023)Deborah Sampson, portrayed by Katherine "Sue" Lee of the Loyalty Chapter DAR, told the chapter her life story at the May 27th Dr. Enemund Meullion Chapter meeting. Sampson disguised herself as a man named Robert Shurtliff to serve in the Continental Army in the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment from May 1782 to October 1783. She was assigned to Captain George Webb’s Company of Light Infantry at West Point, New York. For over two years, Sampson's true identity remained undiscovered. She left a bullet in her shoulder that she received in a skirmish with Loyalists. Another time she was shot in the thigh and then extracted the bullet herself. While on a mission to Philadelphia, she fell ill with a high fever and passed out. While unconscious, the doctor discovered Shurtliff was a woman. Sampson was honorably discharged and received a pension for her military service from her native state of Massachusetts. She also went on a lecture tour across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. Her husband Benjamin Gannet successfully petitioned Congress for a pension four years after Sampson's death.
Numerous Awards Presented (March 18, 2023)President J. Michael Lee presented the LA Historic Sites District Manager Ray Berthelot from the Office of State Parks with a Certificate of Appreciation for his discussion of various sites in the Louisiana State Parks system. President J. Michael Lee awarded Alexandria Firefighter Capt Greg Derbonne the Fire Safety Commendation Medal and the Life-Saving Medal for his public service. Chapter members were also recognized. Compatriot Benjamin Vets shared his entry for the Americanism Poster Contest. The chapter voted to declare his poster the winner at the chapter level. Chaplain Clyde Neck received a Certificate of Appreciation for the preservation of the Hypolite Bordelon House and for his work at the La Commission Des Avoyelles. Secretary/Registrar Brent Morock was presented with the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal for his service to the chapter. Poole Discusses the Crossing and Officers Installed (January 21, 2023)Compatriot Darrell Poole, Ph.D., was the guest speaker at the January meeting. Poole received a Certificate of Appreciation for his presentation on George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. LASSAR President Jeff Nolen installed the 2023 Dr. Enemund Meullion Chapter Officers. From left: President J. Michael Lee, Vice President J. Eric Irby, Secretary/Registrar Brent Morock, and LASSAR President Jeff Nolen. Not present: Chaplain Clyde Neck and Treasurer Carlos Mayeux, Jr. | ||