STAFF REPORT
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Italy, TEXAS – Hurricane Ida ripped through Louisiana on Aug. 30, leaving a wake of damage in its path.
Lockport is a small town located in Lafourche Parish, Lou. and received a direct hit from the hurricane. Lafourche Parish is a proud Cajun community with deep ties – and needed help.
Major Lee Guidry, a former resident of Lafourche Parish, reached out to Lockport Mayor Edward Rienhardt and Councilman Tyler Detillier to see how his unit could assist.
Reinhardt told Guidry of the lack of power, drinking water shortage, and infrastructure damage.
Guidry immediately mobilized his Civil Air Patrol unit and started Operation Bayou Gladiator.
The gladiators started networking and organizing donations. Guidry praised the community of Italy, “this would not have been possible without the support of the local community.”
Guidry continued, his “cadets log hundreds of volunteer hours a year, and this is why. They have a spirit of service. They help others without expecting recognition.”
While some of his unit orchestrated the callout for donations and established a collection point, the 11th and 12th-grade cadets monitored emergency manager communication and developed plans for delivery.
Freddy Gonzalez, Italy High School band director, accompanied Guidry in the delivery of support items.
The community assembled so much support, it required two trips to deliver. Together the unit gathered and delivered 50 cases of water, 200 sticks of deodorant, 100 bottles of body wash, a pallet of feminine hygiene products, hundreds of batteries, 30 flashlights, 50 gallons of gas, 52 tarps, 200 packs of gum, paper products, and cleaning supplies.
Additionally, the Italy Fire Department gave a heartfelt donation of 40 stuffed teddy bears for the children who just experienced significant trauma and loss.
When asked how the operation started Guidry stated, “You can wait for others to act, or you can find the need.”
Visit www.CAP.News or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.
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