The Heroes Issue

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JULY 2018 | VOL. 12 � ISSUE 7 | POVHOUMA.COM

B R A N D

DISCOVERY E V E R Y T H I N G S TA R T S W I T H Y O U R B R A N D .

W H O YO U A R E . W H O YO U WA N T TO B E C O M E . A N D M O R E I M P O R TA N T L Y , W H AT YOUR CUSTOMERS THINK. WE’LL ANSWER ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS AS WE DEVELOP A L OG O O N T H E WAY TO S O L I D I F Y I N G YO U R BRAND IDENTITY.

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CONTENTS |

JULY 2018 � VOLUME 12 � ISSUE 7

CONT HOME + LIVING

Page 26

FOOD + FUN

Page 38

MIND + BODY

Page 64

14 POV PICK

34 POV PICK

52 POV PICK

16 CHATEAU CHIC

36 HOMETOWN HERO

54 HOMETOWN HERO

22 THE OBSERVER

38 DARE-ING TO HELP

56 THE MEASURE OF LIFE

42 HOMETOWN HERO

62 HOMETOWN HERO

26 A FAMILY CALLED TO SERVE

44 OH SNAP

30 HOMETOWN HERO

46 BON APPETITE

64 THE DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN

Handmade Bags and Purses Paradise Found

In the Blink of an Eye

24 HOMETOWN HERO André Danos

The Whipple Family

Capt. Arthur delaHoussaye

Hawaiian Delight Burger HPD K-9 Unit

LaShana Cooks shares her passion and purpose.

Capt. John Tinsley

Dulac, the Beautiful Blackberry Pie

48 HOMETOWN HERO HPDMotorcycle Unit

Sand Volleyball Linton Doucet

Narcotics Detective Paul Thibodeaux measures his moments.

The Black Sheep

A breakdown of the war on drugs.

72 HOMETOWN HERO Air Med

74 WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Four Tips to Stay Fit While on Vacation

75 YOUR DAILY APPLE July 2018 4 povhouma.com

The Ins and Outs of Gout

ENTS EXTRAS

ON THE COVER

WORD, YA HEARD QUINTESSENTIAL 1. of the pure and essential essence of something 2. of or relating to the most perfect embodiment of something

WORD ON THE STREET “He won the award for being the most quintessential basketball player this season.”

“She embodies the quintessential spirit of someone who serves their community.”

Page 80

08 EDITOR’S NOTE Honoring our Heroes

10 INTERVUE Say What?

66 UNDER THE SCOPE

Page 64 Members of the TPSD SWAT and Narcotics team pause between training exercises.

Read more on page 64.

VISIT US ONLINE: povhouma.com

Photos: Misty Leigh McElroy

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76 RENDEZVOUS

Where you need to be around town

tinyurl.com/povnewsletter

80 SCENE IN

Look at ol’ so ‘n’ so!

82 THE ART OF SMART

It’s not an article it’s a smarticle.

83 LOOK TWICE

Sponsored by Synergy Bank

July 2018 5 povhouma.com

What summer movie are you most looking forward to seeing?

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing EDITORIAL

Bonnie Rushing EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mary Downer Ditch MANAGING EDITOR Drew Miller STAFF WRITER Sicario 2: Day of the Soldado ADVERTISING

Terry Trahan Jr. SALES MANAGER Harold Cancienne Michelle Hansen Jamie Mazerac Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot Linda Ponti�f

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Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Creative: graphics@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

Call or visit me first for a complimentary protection review.

Brian Mustin 985-240-8598 12807 Highway 90, Ste. 101 Luling brianmustin1@allstate.com Copyright ©2017 Rushing Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of editorial and/or graphic content is strictly prohibited.

Business address: 6160 West Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 985.868.7515

Insurance and discounts subject to terms, qualifications and availability.

Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co. Northbrook, IL. Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Ins. Co. & Allstate Assurance Co. Northbrook, IL; and American Heritage Life Insurance Co., Jacksonville, FL. Securities offered

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Point of Vue magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. The opinions expressed in Point of Vue magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Rushing Media, our employees or any of our advertisers. No employee or family member(s) of employees of Rushing Media are permitted to partake in any contests, giveaways or sweepstakes.

July 2018 6 povhouma.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE |

MARY DOWNER DITCH � MANAGING EDITOR OF POV

HONORING OUR HEROES What is the definition of a hero?

For the simplest answer, let’s ask dear Mr. Webster. The dictionary defines a hero as 1. A mythological or legendary figure of divine descent endowed with great strength; 2. An illustrious warrior; 3. A person admired for achievements and noble qualities; 4. A person who shows great courage.

Most of us would be happy to call in sick to work for a little cold. For Paul Thibodeaux, not even two double lung transplants could stop him from continuing his work on the Thibodaux Police Department’s Narcotics team. Follow Paul’s incredible journey beginning on page 56.

What is my definition of a hero?

While I know “hero” is the word given to figures such as Hercules or Achilles, a hero in my mind’s eye is someone just a little more humble than that. Growing up in a military household, I believe a hero is an individual of service, to his country or his community. A hero is someone who believes in, defends and fights for our rights and freedoms. A hero is someone who often times puts the lives of others before his or her own. A hero is someone to whom we owe a debt of gratitude, but for one reason or another, we might never have the chance. In this issue, we recognize and honor our heroes.

We begin by introducing you to the Whipple family of Houma. Gary and Patricia Whipple raised a beautiful family of three sons and one daughter. Major General Whipple and his three sons all joined our military forces to serve our country. Each decided to join a separate branch and has carved out his own distinguished career.

Learn about the military life of the Whipple family on page 26.

When gazing into the eyes of our youth, you never know whose life you are going to impact next. Despite her awards for her service, Deputy LaShana Cooks’ favorite part of her job is her work with the DARE program. Read more about LaShana’s kindness and compassion towards others on page 38.

In late May, a photographer and I were invited to tag along on a SWAT training exercise and given the opportunity to thank the individuals who provide us with the safety we often take for granted. There is a war being fought on the streets of our community and across the country as law enforcement teams battle an opioid crisis. For their safety, their identities are concealed. Read more about the darkness that is taking over our streets and the dawn that is coming on page 64.

We also honor our hometown heroes in this edition with a special section dedicated to our heroes. In these eight profiles, we honor our fallen military and living veterans, two unique police divisions, our local medical air response team, and our volunteer firefighters. Special thanks to the advertisers featured on these pages that support our hometown heroes; please give them your support in return.

There are so many more heroes in our communities than we could ever honor within the pages of a single issue.

We hope to provide you with a snapshot of the brave men and women who place their lives on the line, all in the call of duty. For your service and the service of others like you, we recognize, honor and salute you. POV

July 2018 8 povhouma.com

A LIFETIME OF BETTER VISION

C ATA R A C T S WHAT ARE CATARACTS? A cataract is a clouding of the lens which SCATTERS LIGHT as it enters the eye. Cataracts are common with age and can occur in one or both eyes. Generally people begin needing cataract surgery in their 50’s and 60’s.

WHEN IS SURGERY NEEDED? Since cataracts develop slowly, you may not need surgery right away. Dr. D tends to be VERY CONSERVATIVE when making recommendations for cataract surgery.

We can avoid surgery and use other means to improve your vision, such as glasses with special coatings to minimize glare.

CATARACT SURGERY The procedure is a VERY ADVANCED outpatient procedure. The clouded lens is removed and is replaced by an artificial lens. There are no stiches, needles or patches needed. We will remove the cataract, one eye at a time, using an instrument called PHACO. The eye will heal rapidly in most cases so you can get back to your normal routine right away.

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INTERVUE |

SAY WHAT?

WHO IS YOUR HERO AND WHY?

CAMRYN | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR “My Hero would have to be my Grandma. She is the strongest person I know. She’s been a rock for our family through so many hard times, and she continues to be an amazing role model for all of us.”

HOLLY | LEGAL SECRETARY

“HERO” – Someone who performs acts of kindness or helps others rediscover themselves without anything in return is a Hero. God is my Hero. He is my rock and can help get me get through anything in life. My dad is my Hero as well. No matter what happens in life, whatever that may be, he always finds a way to fix it.”

TERRY | SALES MANAGER

“While I am blessed to have many heroes, the one I’d like to recognize is the late Dr. Charlie Bush, who taught me the importance of attitude in life. Dr. Bush was my 11th grade Bible teacher. At the top of every quiz and test, he would have us write a memorized quote that reminded us that “we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day” and that “life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” Years later, I still think about these words daily, and they continue to influence the person I strive to be.”

REID | STUDENT

“A hero is someone like Iron Man even though he may not always make the best decisions. Dr. Strange is more of a magician than a hero. A hero is a person who is always looking out for the little guy.”

SARAH | NANNY

“My hero is Dr. Emily Bugeaud. Day in and day out, Dr. Bugeaud works effortlessly to save lives, and she does it with a huge heart. Dr. Bugeaud is an amazing role model not only in the medical community but also at home. She has taught me how to be a successful, fun-loving person!”

July 2018 10 povhouma.com

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For emergencies, call 911. View current wait times at ochsner.org/ER.

For all other appointments, call 985.537.CARE (2273) or schedule online at ochsner.org/appointments. *According to CMS’ Hospital Compare database

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4608 Highway 1 | Raceland | LA

HOME + LIVING

POV PICK | 14

Handmade Bags and Purses

CHATEAU CHIC | 16 Paradise Found

THE OBSERVER | 22 In the Blink of an Eye

HOMETOWN HERO | 24 André Danos

A FAMILY CALLED TO SERVE | 26 The Whipple Family

HOMETOWN HERO | 30 Capt. Arthur delaHoussaye

July 2018 12 povhouma.com

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HOME + LIVING |

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HOME + LIVING |

CHATEAU CHIC

PARADISE FOUND

BY MARY DOWNER DITCH | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

1

Purchased from the original homeowners in 2006, this custom built home was move-in ready.

With beautiful brick and wooden floors throughout the home, built-in custom cabinetry and appliances in the kitchen and a swimming pool, the homeowners were thrilled with their new home.

However, when the refrigerator went out, and its replacement wasn’t going to fit in the original space, the homeowners used this minor remodel as an excuse to jump start a major renovation.

Insisting upon using local vendors, suppliers and craftsmen, the homeowners partnered with Rob Hamilton Construction and began what ended up being a three year renovation to make the house

into their dream home. The final floor plan provided for four bedrooms, four full baths and two half baths, all under the original roof. The only additional square footage added was the enclosed garage. In the kitchen, all new marble countertops and backsplashes were added. The master bath was completely gutted and refitted with a custom marble shower, soaking tub and custom cabinetry, all within the existing footprint.

A full set of stairs was installed in the living room for direct access to the attic. The second story space was converted into an activity room by recapturing attic storage with better utilization of the space and the addition of a half bath.

July 2018 16 povhouma.com

2

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3

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“The renovation stemmed

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from a series of ‘might-aswells’ as in ‘well, if we are making this change we might as well adjust this too.’ It just snowballed from there.”

4

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The original back wall of the home was entirely knocked out and the original outdoor patio enclosed, converting the space into a sunroom with adjoining change room, full bath and loft bedroom.

A set of 16-foot sliding glass doors leads to a newly created patio area adjacent to the fully renovated and upgraded swimming pool.

The homeowners decided to enclose the space with screen to be able to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

The final product is the homeowners’ paradise found. The formal yet relaxed interior transitions into fun and casual outside. The homeowners love the feeling of openness that was created in the home, making it the perfect space to relax and enjoy time spent with family. POV July 2018 20 povhouma.com

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I started out writing about Fortnite. If you’re reading this wondering “What is Fortnite?”, consider yourself blessed. It can also be assumed you don’t have a boy aged 8–28 in your home.

Because if you do, you would know about the video game that has taken over the world.

Fortnite has become the fourletter-word that has more than four letters.

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But another four-letter word has crept in over the past few months. I don’t know when it started or how it crept in, but it wakes me early in the morning. And it keeps me awake at night — It’s fear.

Admitting fear brings with it a vulnerability that feels like maybe it’s too much to admit on the pages of a magazine where most readers don’t even know the real me. They know the one they read about once a month.

If I told you how many times people pass by my crew of kids while we are out and about and say something along the lines of “enjoy them, time flies” you wouldn’t believe it. There’s something about toting half a dozen kids around town that makes people feel compelled to speak to you whether you want to be spoken to or not. If you don’t believe me, I’ll let you borrow my kids and try it for a day to see what happens. You’ll feel what it’s like to mother a half dozen, and I’ll call it a vacation. I want to tell the helpful strangers who give unsolicited advice about “enjoying them” that I’m trying my hardest.

The busyness is real. The jumping from one activity to another has worn me down and stolen the peace of long, lazy days and seemingly endless time. We are constantly cutting back, saying no and scheduling family time. Ten years ago, family time happened every single minute of every single day. When people said “blink and it’ll be over,” I was the one guilty of blinking and hoping their words would come true. And they did.

I don’t have a pack of toddlers holding onto me, pressing into me, leaning hard into my personal space. I only have one kid

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left in the single digits. She’s 8 going on 18, and my heart stops to think that in 10 years, she’ll be the last straggler of this wearisome crew that has called my house their home.

The fear feels like this: Have I done enough? Have I used every minute with them to pour into their hearts and help shape their soul? Has busyness replaced the beauty of time together?

When I see their faces, I see the passing of time. I want to shake the mamma of 10 years ago who kept blinking in hopes that time would go a little faster and tell her to hold them tighter and longer, that one day, they would be 13 and not crawling in your lap begging for another bedtime story.

So what will the 10-years-from-now version of me tell the today me? It might sound like something a client at work told me a few weeks ago. In her early ‘70s and still grieving the loss of a daughter over 20 years ago, she looked me in the eye and looked around our business and said, “You know none of this matters, right?”

“Yes ma’m,” I said. My tear-filled eyes matched her own. How could she have known that it’s the fear that has crept in?

I fight the fear with this one truth: God made me their mamma. He’s going to help me be the best one I can possibly be. POV Note: Out of respect for his privacy, our one-year-old foster baby is not pictured, but he’s in all of our hearts.

July 2018 23 povhouma.com

ANDRE’ DANOS

L A F O U R C H E F I R E D I S T R I C T # 1 VO L U N T E E R F I R E F I G H T E R

BY DREW MILLER | PHOTO SUBMITTED

Many first responders are often dealt difficult and timely situations while out in the field. These situations are often a matter of life or death. Fortunately, we have numerous local men and women whose bravery, quick, rational thinking, and efficiency save countless lives in our area. One such hero is Raceland native and Lafourche Fire District #1 Volunteers (LFD1V) firefighter, Andre’ Danos.

In the early morning of December 2, 2017, the LFD1V received a dispatch for a single motor vehicle accident that occurred when a car struck a tree, causing it to ignite. Because of the dense, prevalent fog, response from the other volunteers was slowed. Thankfully, Andre’, who was first on the scene, arrived at the crash site within two minutes of receiving the call because of how close the accident was to his home.

With one occupant already being out the vehicle when he arrived, the six-year-volunteer firefighter courageously rushed to the burning car and successfully pulled out the other two passengers before they became engulfed in the flames.

“These occupants could not have exited the vehicle without Andre’s assistance due to the nature of their injuries. If not for the efforts of Andre’ Danos, these occupants would have sustained severe burns that could have possibly resulted in their death,” the LFD1V says.

The Louisiana Fire Chief’s Association recognized Andre’ lifesaving efforts and awarded him the Edgar LeJuene Award for Heroism at their 2018 banquet.

“Andre’ Danos is a true asset to have on our team. He is always eager to increase his knowledge and learn new skills for firefighting and rescue operations.

Andre’ is a true leader that leads by example,” the LFD1V says. “On scene, he will roll up his sleeves and get right in the middle of the action. He doesn’t stop until the task at hand is complete. Andre’ is a true role model for his fellow volunteers and his kids. It is an honor and privilege to have Andre’ on our team.” POV

July 2018 24 povhouma.com

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BY MARY DOWNER DITCH | PHOTOS SUBMITTED

On a quiet street in Houma stands a sturdy brick home, not unlike others on the same street. But a few telltale signs alert the watchful eye to the presence of a military family. On a pole by the street flies Old Glory, her stoic stars and stripes floating high above, playing tag with the faint breeze in the evening sky. In the window facing the street hangs another type of flag, this one steeping in the tradition dating back to World War I, proudly showcasing three blue stars, each one representing a son in the service to his country. This is the home of the Whipple family.

In 1958, Gary Whipple enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard to avoid the imminent draft. He knew the odds

were against him, so he completed basic training and served six months on active duty. He returned to Houma to the 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Charlie Company, known as the Black Sheep.

Education remained a priority, so he dually enrolled at Nicholls State University, where he later earned a bachelor’s degree in social science education in 1946.

Gary pursued a master’s degree in counselor education to teach social studies courses at local schools and to participate in Louisiana’s 256th Infantry Brigade.

In the ’70s, Mr. Gary joined the staff at Nicholls and completed his doctorate in psychology while climbing the military

ladder. He soon fell in love with Patricia Hernandez, and the couple married in 1973. Over the years their family grew to include three sons, Cory, Gary Joe, and Brant, and a daughter, Trisha.

Gary continued to rise through the ranks, serving his country with such positions as commanding the 256th Infantry Brigade in Houma, serving on the Bold Shift Task Force and serving as Commander of Force Command, allowing him to travel around the country. In 1993 he was promoted to major general, the highest rank he could earn as a part-time officer. Gary relinquished his command in 1995 after serving 38 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard.

July 2018 26 povhouma.com

“I started from humble beginnings, persevered and stayed with it,” smiles Gary, reflecting on his years of service.

The General is now 77 but speaks of his time in the military with energy and laughter. When we begin to speak about his sons and their decisions to serve their country, the smile on his face reaches his eyes. This is a father that would be proud of his children no matter their career choice, but the fact they all followed in his footsteps boosts his pride a few notches. His children joined three different branches, the Navy, Army and Air Force, all active duty. But each carved out his own path in a unique way.

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“My son Cory was bound and determined to join the Navy.

He went to Tulane. He flew Naval aircraft and served 24 years on active duty. He was a Lieutenant Commander when he retired,” shares Gary. “The Navy served him well.

He learned to fly, and now he flies airplanes for FedEx.” “My second son, Gary Joe, decided he wanted to be in the Army. He joined ROTC at LSU. I gave the commencement speech for his ROTC… I bet he just loved that,” laughs Gary.

“He has served in Afghanistan in several tours. He is now a Lieutenant Colonel and Director of Intelligence for the U.S. Army/Louisiana National Guard.”

“My youngest son Brant graduated from LSU then went to Loyola Law School. He joined the Air Force after law school, going in as a Lieutenant,” says Gary. “He has lived all over, including Japan and Hawaii.”

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His sons echo their father’s statements of pride for their country. They admit that while the military wasn’t their first career choice as teenagers, they are all proud of the paths they have chosen.

“My dad never one time in my life even encouraged me to join the military,” laughs Major Brant Whipple. “In fact I think he thought I was just going to go to law school and join a firm or the District Attorney’s office. I don’t believe he ever saw the military in my future. I sure didn’t!”

Brant shares that most of his friends just assume the reason

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he is in the Air Force is because of his family. But truth be told, he had no interest in the military until his third year of law school when a few recruiters from the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG Corps) stopped by to visit with the law students. The JAG Corps is a branch of the military concerned with military justice and military law.

“They starting saying that I could be in a courtroom right away, litigating,” recalls Brant. “I thought ‘That’s awesome. That’s what I want to do.’”

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Brant planned for the career to perhaps be short lived, going in on active duty, serving his four years and getting the experience he needed to work for the United States District Attorney’s Office. He then figured he would join the National Guard and make a career out of that like his father.

“So much for four years,” Brant laughs. “I’m ten and a half years in now. I will retire with the Air Force at this point.”

July 2018 28 povhouma.com

ISN’T PERFECT b u t YOUR HAIR & NAILS CAN BE. His older brother Gary Joe shares a very similar story. He accepted a music scholarship to LSU, with a military life far from his mind. One weekend while at the family fishing camp in Toledo Bend, Gary Joe, Cory and Gary were watching “Apocalypse Now” and began talking about the military. Gary Joe decided to step foot into the ROTC office back at LSU and give it a try.

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“I went to LSU to pursue music not military,” shares Gary Joe, “but I realized I wanted more than being a struggling musician. So after that weekend, I just decided to see what it was all about.”

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Gary Joe was awarded a full scholarship with room and board at LSU thorough ROTC. It satisfied his requirements for basic training and a few other things. He contracted to be a commissioned officer his junior year. He changed his major from music to political science. The day he graduated from LSU was the day he received his commission and went on active duty. He now serves in the Active Guard Reserve at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans.

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“It was a calling,” says Gary Joe. “Once I got involved, I felt this was what I had to do. I enjoy it so much.

And here I am 21 years later.”

“I couldn’t be happier that they decided to join,” shares the retired General of his officer children. “I don’t think I ever thought they would all be in the military, but they make me proud.” POV

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CAPTAIN ARTHUR JOSEPH DELAHOUSSAYE U N I T E D

S TAT E S

M A R I N E

C O R P S

BY DREW MILLER

Captain Arthur Joseph delaHoussaye volunteered for the United States Marine Corps soon after graduation from USL in 1964. In 1965, after starting his pilot training in Pensacola, Florida, Arthur was transferred to Meridian, Mississippi. There, he married Mary Agnes Hardy. They had two children: local business owner and ophthalmologist Dr. A.J. delaHoussaye (Dr. D) and his sister, Monique Breaux.

After Arthur received his pilot wings in Kingsville, Texas, the delaHoussaye family moved to Cherry Point, North Carolina. At Cherry Point, Arthur trained in the F-4B Phantom jet. He was then deployed to Vietnam on October 15, 1967. He flew 89 missions, which totaled just over 91 hours, during his service as a Marine pilot.

Arthur’s exceptional bravery in one particular mission led him to be awarded the highest honor a pilot in the military can receive, the Distinguished Flying Cross. While in route to an objective, Arthur and his wingman received an emergency request to help a platoon-sized unit of Marines who were severely outnumbered on the ground. Vietnam forces on the ground managed to damage the jet of Arthur’s wing-

man, injured his co-pilot, and forced them to abort the mission with their antiaircraft fire. With just his jet in the mission, the courageous young pilot still continued to navigate through the antiaircraft barrage to successfully complete 11 bombing runs over the area, which silenced the enemy and saved the Marines trapped on the ground.

“I’m really proud of him. I think that says a lot about his spirit because I’m sure there was a lot of radio chatter at the time that said, ‘Abort, abort, abort.’ He chose to stay in the fight,” Dr. D says.

On January, 30, 1968, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese People’s Army of Vietnam launched the Tet Offensive against the United States Armed Forces.

Unfortunately, Arthur was killed during these series of surprise attacks during the early morning hours of January 31, 1968. He died when the bunker he was taking shelter in was directly hit by a rocket.

“It takes a special person ... to say, ‘I’ll sacrifice everything I need to, including my life, for my fellow countrymen and for what I believe in,’” Dr. D says. POV

July 2018 30 povhouma.com

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FOOD + FUN

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HOMETOWN HERO | 36 HPD K-9 Unit

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LaShana Cooks shares her passion and purpose

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July 2018 32 povhouma.com

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K-9 UNIT

COREY DUPLANTIS AND FALKO JEFF LIRETTE AND GUNNER H O U M A

P O L I C E

D E PA RT M E N T

BY MARY DITCH | PHOTO BY SHIRA LAFONT

K-9’s are a very unique part of police work. The Houma Police Department’s dogs, Gunner, a Belgian Malinois, and Falko, a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, are dual-purpose dogs both nationally certified in narcotics detection as well as patrol functions, such as handler protection and suspect apprehension.

“Our dogs do more narcotics detection than anything else because of the growing narcotics issue we are having throughout the country,” Jeff explains. “If people are hiding drugs in their vehicles, hotel rooms, or in their luggage, they often deny consent to search.

If the K-9 detects the drugs, we can then search on probable cause. Having a dog is just another level to be able to combat the narcotics war around here.”

Falko was granted to the Houma Police Department in 2013 by K9s4COPs, a Houston-based foundation that donates dogs to different agencies around the country. Corey spent two months in Houston training to work with his new partner. HPD was the first organization in Louisiana to receive a dog from the foundation.

Jeff has worked in narcotics his entire 22 years with the police force. He describes having the dog by his side as another tool in his tool belt to complete the work that must be done.

“It’s fun but demanding,” Jeff shares. “The training is constant, for both of us. We train about 16 hours a month, just formal training. We train together [with other police departments] every Tuesday. When we have down time, we take the dogs and we work with them several times a week. You want to be sure that when the dog hits, and if you’re going to be searching someone’s stuff, you’re confident there’s a reason.”

Outside of their daily police work, the dogs and handlers enjoy participating in community events. They enjoy going into area schools and allowing the children to see what the dogs do.

“It’s a great way to familiarize the children with our work,” said Jeff. “It helps to make us more approachable. We try to effect the community in a positive way.” POV

July 2018 36 povhouma.com

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July 2018 38 povhouma.com

BY DREW MILLER | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

During basketball games at South Lafourche High School, the cheerleaders on the sideline perform a routine every time their home team makes a free throw. The odd-numbered squad can’t be made whole until they are joined by their key member, detail officer, local hero, and inspiration, Deputy LaShana Cooks. Although she is wearing a different uniform than the rest of the South Lafourche cheerleaders, she still positively impacts their team and the entire Lafourche Parish community.

LaShana’s compassion, kindness, and service for others can be traced back to her time growing up in New Orleans. Her grandmother and great grandmother, who both always thought of others, instilled their values into her.

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“I always saw them help…If someone came into eat, she’ll [her grandmother] feed them. It didn’t matter who. If you come, she’ll feed you,” LaShana says.

In her early 20s, she decided to serve her country by joining the United States Army. After three and a half years of service, she started a family with her first husband and became a house wife for six years. She later tried an array of jobs that included being a cashier, store manager, substitute teacher, etc. For brief period she had to leave work to take care of her ill father. After, she tried out home health for a few months before joining the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO). On September 23, 2010, LaShana started her now acclaimed law enforcement career.

While working for the communications department of the LPSO, she helped assist three kids that found an elderly woman trapped in a hot car in July of 2014. Under extreme pressure and circumstances, LaShana was able to calm the boy that called 911 down, input the important information, and dispatch a deputy who freed the woman from the scorching heat and saved her life. She and the kids who were first on the scene all received recognition from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.

At the 2014 Lafourche Parish Pride Awards, LaShana, her sergeant, and two other deputies were awarded for their discovery of a domestic disturbance while on foot patrol in a Lafourche neighborhood. Around midnight, on a night in February of that year, the four officers were on foot patrol in the community to make sure that everyone was safe, and kids were inside. While observing the neighborhood, they heard a woman scream. They then knocked on the door, entered, and discovered the domestic abuse. Although LaShana has been awarded for her merit while in the field and in communications, it’s her valued work in the youth program, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), which she is most proud of.

“Essentially, the DARE program helps kids with every day crisis, everyday situations. Most people look at the DARE program and say, ‘Oh, you’re just teaching kids how to stay away from drugs.’ It’s not

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just that,” LaShana, who has been teaching the DARE program since 2014, says. “We teach kids how to look for signs of stress, how to deal with stress. We teach them about pressure and peer pressure.

We teach them that with every decision they make, there will always be a consequence, no matter what…”

She travels to many Lafourche schools for the program. Her busy schedule has her often teaching seven schools in a three-day timespan.

Although she has many students to keep track of, the caring deputy still strives to make a special bond with each young heart she comes across.

“I tell them I follow them… I tell them when they leave fifth grade [the grade the DARE ends before it returns for a refresher course in eight grade], that’s not going to be the last time they see me. If they get into sports, go to dances, or something like that, you’re going to see me… they see me in Walmart or wherever, they run and give me a hug…”

Rather it be by keeping up with the latest fashion trends and popular dances, cheering her students on at sporting events, or supporting her students battling depression by getting a purple semicolon (symbol for Project Semicolon, the organization dedicated to the prevention of suicide) tattooed on her forearm, LaShana shows her students that she’s there with them and for them, which they have shown for her in return.

LaShana’s current focus is taking care of her own health. She has been diagnosed with Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS), a rare medical condition that causes a person’s native accent to change, sounding as if it’s from another country of origin. It can be triggered by head trauma, migraines, developmental problems, or even a stroke. The first time LaShana showed symptoms of this illness was in February of 2015 and it later returned in April of this year. She is currently getting treated for her migraines, which are getting under control. Next, she will have to see a therapist to learn how to destress. If that doesn’t work, her doctor will look and see if she had a stroke that did not register. Her students have shown their love and support for their teacher over the years as she battles this uncommon disease.

“When they found out that it happened again to me, they started crying. They had to actually put their eyes on me and talk to me to make sure I was okay,” she says.

Also having eight combined children and stepchildren with her husband, Calvin Cooks Sr., LaShana believes her students are her children as well. If it’s by either getting food and clean clothes to a local family in need or staying until the early hours of the morning with a boy who just lost his father, LaShana’s love for her community and students knows no bounds. POV

July 2018 40 povhouma.com

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CAPTAIN JOHN TINSLEY U N I T E D

S TAT E S

A R M Y

BY MARY DITCH | PHOTO SUBMITTED

John Tinsley graduated from Vandebilt Catholic High School in 1998 and was commissioned in August 2002 after graduation from Florida State University.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was then later assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment at Fort Myer, Virginia, as a member of the “Old Guard” in 2004. In 2006 he was deployed to Iraq as a member of Multi-National Corps-Iraq. He began the Special Forces Qualifications Course in January 2007, earning the coveted “Green Beret” in January 2009.

Captain Tinsley died August 12, 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment in support of the Global War on Terror and first deployment to Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd

Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alpha team commander.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, second award, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab. John is survived by his wife, Emily, and daughter, Isabella, of Fayetteville, North Carolina; mother Debra, and father John Tinsley and brother Paul Tinsley all of Jacksonville, Florida. John is laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. POV

July 2018 42 povhouma.com

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July 2018 44 povhouma.com

DULAC, THE BEAUTIFUL

July 2018 45 povhouma.com

Not quite amber waves of grain, but the spacious skies of Dulac make way for a setting sun and a hint of a sundog in the distance.

FOOD + FUN | BON APPETIT

RIPE ON THE VINE Blackberry vines are full and plentiful as the summer drags on. Although they are considered fruit, they are much closer to peaches and almonds in nutritional value than other berries in comparison. An antioxidant rich fruit, blackberries contain vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. Look for fruits in the store or on the vine that are shiny and firm. Blackberries also freeze

well, so no need to worry if you pick more than needed.

Blackberry pie is a delightful way to enjoy your harvest.

Being slightly less sweet than other fruits, you will need to add sugar to help sweeten the recipe. Serve your pie warm, with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream! POV

BLACKBERRY PIE Directions

Ingredients • 2 rolled piecrusts (You can use refrigerated. If making from scratch, use a double recipe.)

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place a piecrust in the bottom of a standard pie pan.

3. In a bowl, mix the berries, sugar, flour, salt and lemon juice and

(thawed if frozen)

4. Roll out the second crust and cut strips to make a lattice top,

berries are very sour add an extra 1/2 cup of sugar)

5. With a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, brush a light coating

• 6 cups fresh or frozen blackberries • 1 cup granulated sugar (if your • • • • •

1/4 cup all purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt juice of 1/2 of a fresh lemon 2 tbsp cold butter 1 tbsp beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp water

place in crust. weaving the strips together. of the egg wash over your crust. Cut away any long strips of piecrust and crimp the edges or press around the edge with a fork to seal the crusts together.

6. Dot with butter and sprinkle with one tablespoon of granulated sugar before baking.

7. Bake 50-55 minutes until golden and bubbly. If your crust starts to get too brown, cover it with aluminum foil while it bakes.

July 2018 46 povhouma.com

FUN FACTS

YOUR

ADVENTURE

• In 1776, the year the Declaration of Independence was voted on, issued, and signed, there were only around 2.5 million people living in the United States.

• Although Independence Day is July 4th, the Declaration of Independence wasn’t officially signed until August 2nd.

• Independence from British rule was formally declared on July 2, 1776—a date John Adams said, “will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America.”

• Fifty-six people signed the Declaration. Nine of the 56 died before the American Revolution ended in 1783.

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MOTORCYCLE UNIT

ANDREE PICOU AND JEFF JACKSON H O U M A

P O L I C E

D E PA RT M E N T

BY MARY DITCH | PHOTO BY SHIRA LAFONT

Throwing around a one thousand pound metal beast while maneuvering through Houma traffic is no easy feat. But for Patrolman First Class Andree Picou and Patrolman Frist Class Jeff Jackson, it’s all part of the job.

Andree and Jeff make up the motorcycle unit of the Houma Police Department. The unit is responsible for covert traffic enforcement, escorts and also participates in community events. One of the toughest certifications to achieve, each officer must pass a rigorous two week program where they learn to ride, pursue and control in traffic situations.

For Andree, becoming a part of the motorcycle unit was just the next step to take within the traffic division. A 16-year-veteran of the police force, with five years in the motorcycle unit, she is very proud of her current assignment.

“Being on a motorcycle is a huge accomplishment cause not everyone can do it,” says Andree. “It’s very strenuous two week program to be certified. I didn’t think it would be something I could do, and I did.”

Being a part of the police force is very important to Jeff, a ten and a half year veteran of the police force, with two years in the motorcycle division.

“It’s the dynamics of the job that I love,” Jeff explains.

“Every day is different. You never know what call is going to come in. The camaraderie and the brotherhood here is amazing.”

“We are a close, tight knit family,” shares Andree.

“We are here more than we are with our families.

Being able to make a difference in the community, being able to help where you might have thought you couldn’t – it’s not all about making arrests, it’s about helping people with their problems.” POV

July 2018 48 povhouma.com

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MIND + BODY

POV PICK | 52 Sand Volleyball

HOMETOWN HERO | 54 Linton Doucet

THE MEASURE OF LIFE | 56

Narcotics Detective Paul Thibodeaux measures his moments.

HOMETOWN HERO | 62 The Black Sheep

THE DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN | 64 A breakdown of the war on drugs.

WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE | 74 Four Tips to Stay Fit While on Vacation

YOUR DAILY APPLE | 75 The Ins and Outs of Gout

July 2018 50 povhouma.com

FUN FACTS July is National

Hot Dog Month.

VERSATILE

Here are a few facts to enjoy while munching on America’s favorite summer delicacy.

• According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume close to 150 million hotdogs for the July 4th holiday.

AND

• In 2017, Joey Chestnut broke his own world record of eating 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes when he ate 72 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

• In 2014, a hot dog was sold for $169 in Seattle.

• Japan’s Shizuoka Meat Producers prepared the world’s largest hot dog, which stretched to 196.85 feet.

• A recent study by the Netflights says people in New York City collectively eat 1,003 hot dogs every minute.

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FUN FACTS

Inspirations Unique gifts for unique people

• The month of July holds many titles that include: National Blueberry Month, National Anti-Boredom Month, National Cellphone Courtesy Month, National Ice Cream Month, etc.

• July also holds some very unique days which include: World UFO Day (July 2), Compliment Your Mirror Day (July 3), International Kissing Day (July 6), Barbershop Music Appreciation Day (July 13), Be a Dork Day (July 15), Cow Appreciation Day (July 15), National Junk Food Day (July 21), etc.

• The birth flower for July is a water lily and the birthstone is ruby.

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• The Tour de Donut takes place in Illinois during July.

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LINTON DOUCET U N I T E D

S AT E S

N AV Y

STORY AND PHOTO BY CASEY GISCLAIR

Golden Meadow native Linton Doucet sits at the entrance of the South Lafourche Veteran’s Memorial Park in Galliano on a warm, sunny day in mid-June.

And the memories just start coming to him – just like they always do.

“Most of the men who got killed were 18 and 19 years old,” Linton said while navigating his group of three through the Trail of Tears section of the park which honors locals who died in action.

“They’re in heaven now,” he said, wiping his brow on the humid day. “Gone too soon.”

Linton is a local military historian. He can recite the battle stories of local veterans off the top of his head with amazing accuracy for a man who is now 86. His work for veterans is well-known. He’s the President of the Veteran’s Memorial Park and his persistence was one of the driving forces behind the park’s existence.

But what many don’t know is that Linton’s drive to honor local fighters is deep-rooted, because he,

himself, had his turn abroad. Linton is a three-term Korean War veteran who served in the United States Navy. Through his time in battle, Linton said he saw the world – both the good and the bad of it.

His last deployment was at the Korean Armistice Agreement, which ceased fire between the quarreling nations.

Linton tells stories of what it was like to be abroad, saying he often thought of friends and family back home, not knowing if he’d ever see them again.

“When you’re seeing the devastation around you, you never know what might happen,” Linton said.

“You never know if you might be next.”

“Freedom is not Free” is a moniker that Linton often re-states during his work to help recognize local veterans. He said he worked so hard to help get the park opened because he wanted the younger generation to understand that the world we live in today is that way because of the sacrifices of others – some who even gave their lives in battle. POV

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BY DREW MILLER | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

We often look towards numbers to define our lives: What GPA did I graduate with?, How much is my salary?, What is the square footage of my house?, How many cars do I own?, How many social media followers do I have?, etc.

Fortunately, for most of us, many of the numbers we seek to enhance deal with material possessions and not our actual wellbeing or mortality. Many have not had to ask: Will I live past the age the doctors told me?, What percent are my lungs functioning at?, What’s the odds of me surviving a double lung transplant?, How many months will it take me to recover?, etc.

Time, odds, and percentages are numbers Chauvin native and over 15-year law enforcement officer, Paul Thibodeaux, has had to improve for his health and survival. His self-motivation, family support, and love for his profession and life itself, help him persevere through the bleakest numbers.

Twelve – The age specialists told Paul and his family he wouldn’t live past.

He was born with cystic fibrosis–a genetic disease that causes an excessive buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. The disease is degenerative–causing lung infections and limiting the capability to breathe over time.

Paul received his first procedure at just two-days-old, when the disease caused a blockage in his intestine. The doctors performed an ileostomy, a surgical opening of the belly, on the young infant to clear the buildup.

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“My parents decided they would let me do whatever a normal kid would do.

So my doctors think letting me run around and play spots and all actually kept me healthier as a kid,” Paul says.

Living beyond 12-years-old, Paul stayed active in his teen years by joining the football and track teams at South Terrebonne High School. Although his lungs were only functioning at around 60% and he frequently coughed, he was still able to be productive in both sports.

Law enforcement always interested Paul. After a few years in college, he decided to take a semester off to see if he would like being an officer. He then joined the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office where he found his true calling.

“I was stuck…I love what I do. I can honestly say I love coming to work [now working for Thibodaux Police Department]. I love my job, the Narcotics Detective says.

One hundred and eight – The weight Paul, who is usually around 165 pounds, was at just before his first double lung transplant.

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Because cystic fibrosis is a degenerative disease, it continued to weaken his lungs overtime. Not only did it get so bad for the then 32-year-old Paul that he was at 108 pounds, but also his lungs only had about 17% functionality.

July 2018 58 povhouma.com

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He also had to breathe from oxygen tanks for 24 hours a day while waiting for a donor, so he can receive his transplant.

He describes his thoughts before his surgery as a “weird combo.” He felt terrified to go under the knife but also happy because he knew he needed the procedure to survive.

“It’s scary because there’s a good possibility you’re not going to survive the surgery or you can reject the organ right after surgery,” Paul says. “They tell you the numbers and they’re not that great, especially for lungs. Lungs have the worst success rate because everything you breathe in from the atmosphere goes straight into that new organ.”

After the eight-hour surgery (May 30, 2015) that left Paul with a vertical scar down the middle of his chest and a little over two-week stay in the Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans, he started his recovery process. Three weeks after his surgery, he started walking two miles a day along the levee behind the hospital. Twelve weeks after his surgery, he was able to lift weights to get back in shape. He returned to work just eight months after the surgery.

Two — The number of people that had two successful double lung transplants at Ochsner. Paul was one of those two.

July 2018 59 povhouma.com

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In January of 2017, a virus caused Paul’s health to drastically decline once again.

“You thought you were all good then all of a sudden you get hit with something like that,” he says on becoming ill again. “Nothing they did helped; It kept dropping. It’s very hard to go through.

You just see yourself going down and down and down.”

During his heart echo test, in the summer of that year, complications arose during the procedure when the port in his chest (placed in for a process called photopheresis) was compromised.

That leaked air into his chest, which collapsed both of his lungs.

Doctors were forced to put in emergency chest tubes. That incident put the young police officer in the ICU for two days.

After his tests, he went to the top of the donor list, which still had him waiting for five weeks. While waiting, his lung function went down to 12%, and he had to breathe from oxygen tanks once again.

He couldn’t sit down and watch TV without being out of breath.

“You feel like you’re suffocating and you’re in a room full of oxygen,” he says.

Eighty-six – The percent Paul’s lungs are currently functioning.

On August 2, 2017, surgeons completed a second successful double lung transplant on him, this time by a horizontal incision across his chest. He returned to the force just around six months after his procedure.

Being extremely self-motivated since he was a child, the now 35-year-old Paul works out six days a week by lifting weights and doing CrossFit. Thanks to his determination, positivity, and desire to stay active, he’s the healthiest he has ever been.

“You got to think positive and have faith,” Paul says for anyone going through recovery. “Whenever it’s time to recover, you got to do it. Nobody is going to do it for you.” POV

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July 2018 61 povhouma.com

THE BLACK SHEEP

L O U I S I A N A

A R M Y

N AT I O N A L

G U A R D

STORY AND PHOTO BY MARY DITCH

On January 6, 2005, a roadside bomb decimated a Bradley fighting vehicle during a patrol outside of Baghdad. Half a world away, along our quiet bayous, the ground shook as members of our community fell to their knees, learning of their loved ones’ fates. The explosion claimed the lives of six men on active duty from the Louisiana National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Charlie Company of Houma, known as the Black Sheep.

Sgt. 1st Class Kurt Comeaux of Raceland, Staff Sgt. Christopher Babin of Houma, Sgt. Bradley Bergeron of Chauvin, Sgt. Huey Fassbender III of LaPlace, Sgt. Armand “Luke” Frickey of Houma, Sgt. Warren Murphy of Marerro and Sgt. Kenneth Vonronn, a medic from the New York National Guard, gave their lives

to our country that day. Their deaths are noted as the largest single-day loss of life for Louisiana troops since the Korean War. “Dedicated Louisiana soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, but never so many one day,” Gov. Kathleen Blanco said in a statement to press when word of the deaths reached Louisiana.

Two other soldiers from the Black Sheep were also killed in Iraq in the months that followed. Sgt. Paul Heltzel of Baton Rouge was killed March 15, 2005 and Sgt. 1st Class Peter Hahn of Kenner was killed on May 25, 2005.

By the end of the combat tour, the Black Sheep had lost eight of their own. Let us never forget their sacrifice for our freedom. POV

July 2018 62 povhouma.com

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The Darkness before the

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dawn

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It’s 4 a.m. in Terrebonne Parish. They always say it’s the darkest before the dawn.

It’s in the darkness of this particular night that the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office has called SWAT and Narcotics together for a joint mission. Through carefully gathered research and surveillance by other officers, the team has determined that inside this home, nestled inconspicuously in a quiet neighborhood, is where two of their targets are sleeping. The team has carefully reviewed their points of entry to be able to take the occupants of the home by surprise, rather than force. The well-trained team moves quietly into place. The signal is given and the home is breached.

A “flash bang” device is detonated and the team moves in.

The targeted individuals are apprehended by the team with minimal issues. SWAT clears the home and Narcotics begins their work. The home is swept, top to bottom. Everything is bagged, weighed and logged, to serve as evidence before the courts. Tonight’s mission was a success. Drugs, weapons and dangerous individuals have been removed from our community. But this is just the beginning of the war.

Terrebonne Parish had 53 fatal overdoses in 2017, with more than half of those directly attributable to opioids. In Lafourche Parish there were 15 opioid deaths that year.

The fatalities, however, are like the visible tip of a much larger iceberg. The true number of people actually using opioids and other drugs cannot be truthfully estimated. Numbers are only charted when something goes wrong.

Local hospital statistics show steady increases in the number of people who present with a drug overdose, either in voluntary visit, those instances where they are dropped off by friends, or transported in an ambulance. And the numbers are climbing.

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At Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center those numbers rose from 89 to 108 from 2016 to 2017, with 61 emergency room presentations during the first four months of 2018. At Ochsner St. Anne in Raceland the number rose from 22 in 2016 to 33 in 2017. For the first four months of 2018, 17 people ended up in the emergency room.

Terrebonne General Medical Center stats show that from February through December of last year there were 83 presentments of overdose in the emergency department, with 44 between January and April of this year. Thibodaux Regional Medical Center’s numbers rose from 12 to 16 between 2015 and 2016, to 19 in 2017. TRMC was the only local hospital to show a slump this year, with only three emergency room presentments for unintentional overdose through May 2018.

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Managed

chaos Two divisions of the Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office work closely together to wage a calculated war on the drugs and violence it bring to our streets. SWAT and Narcotics divisions take to the streets every day in an effort to keep the bad guys at bay.

Their identities might not ever be known and that is for their own safety. These unknown heroes willingly go after the worst of criminals that have begun to take over our streets.

SWAT does, but it’s a big portion of it. Now that doesn’t leave the other situations out… but often the reason that an individual is running from officers or barracked in a building stems from a form of drug abuse.”

“Controlled confusion. Managed chaos,” says Stephen Bergeron, a captain with TPSO on SWAT, describing the scene at a forced entry. “We go in from multiple different angles. It forces them to pause and it gives us a window of opportunity to get in and make sure things are as safe as possible, not only for us, but also for the people inside. A lot of times you find there are small kids in there, family members, elderly; we have to be able to ensure safety for everyone.”

The planning and preparations can take hours to plan, or it can take days to plan. Geography has a lot to do with it. Depending on if the home is in a residential neighborhood, city-type environment versus the rural down the bayou area – its two different game plans for the teams. But every part of the operation has a plan. Admittedly, it doesn’t always go as planned but everything that they can come up with that may happen, there’s a plan of action ready for that, to include worst case scenarios. The SWAT team does have advanced medically trained individuals that are attached to the team, wearing the same uniform, ready if something would happen.

There’s a lot of planning on the investigation side of the events that require a SWAT type entry. Once the judge signs off on the papers that allow TPSO to do what needs to be done, then the tactical side begins. Major Terry Daigre, Narcotics Commander, often brings in Captain Timothy Soignet and Stephen to work out how things might need to go.

“Terry lets us know the something is coming down the pipe,” explains Stephen, “and we work together to make a plan that covers every base. Sometimes it can go this way, and sometimes it can go that way. We have been ready to go at 4 in the morning before and an hour before go time, Terry shut it down. It wasn’t right.”

“Preparations are made with Narcotics and SWAT working together,” explains Terry. “We are two separate elements of the investigation though. Narcotics investigations are not all that

Depending on the size and type of structure, SWAT can utilize anywhere from a 6-man to a 15-man operation. “We’ve done multiple 6-man entries,” explains Terry. “Some of the smaller

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evolving Over the years, the equipment the teams used has evolved.

But so has the weaponry of the enemy on the streets.

“We are a lot more advanced safety equipment wise than other equipment,” says Terry, “but the bad guy’s weaponry is far more advanced as well. Everybody has rounds that can penetrate through armor these days.”

“The streets are evolving and they are evolving very fast,” says Tim. “People often comment that the police officers are looking more like military, but quite frankly the equipment that the military offers is the equipment that is keeping our officers safe.”

TPSO owns an armored personnel carrier, referred to as the Bearcat, which is 50 caliber protection. Officers are also all equipped with Narcan, or the injectable drug called Naloxone that serves as a temporary antidote for an overdose, blocking or even reversing opioid effects.

“I personally wanted the Narcan for our officers first as well,” says Terry. “We get exposed to the same drugs and I want to be able to save my guys. Accidental exposure to law enforce-

ment is a little more prevalent than people think.”

The drugs on the street are more dangerous now as well. The tops culprits are meth, heroin and fentanyl. The introduction of fentanyl has increased the stakes for law enforcement in other ways. The drug is so powerful that inadvertent contact while making arrests or assisting with an overdose case can cause illness or even death.

“Someone is holding a bag, no matter the size, a gram to a pound, of a fine white powder,” explains Terry of a seizure of drugs on the scene. “Depending on where that comes from, how its been processed, how its been cut up…. that’s four different things that it could be, just by my looking at it.

I have no clue. Cocaine can be cut up that fine, meth can also be very fine. Heroin in its purest form is bright white; fentanyl as well. Because of the hazards of the things that are out there now, I don’t allow field-testing anymore. Bag it up, seal it, and send it to a controlled environment with a scientist and a lab.”

The criminals on the streets are constant evolving. As one

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is placed behind bars, two pop up in his place. Substances are finding their way into our community by way of China, Mexico and other countries. As the product increases in prevalence on the streets, the price goes down. And as the use increases, so does the violence.

But rest assured, our law enforcement agencies are there.

“We all know that there is a lot of risk to what we do,” says Terry, “but we also all signed up for this. A good portion of the tactical team are military veterans. The Sheriff stands firmly behind us when it comes to training and classes. We have a mandatory amount of hours that we train per month for tactical purposes.

We push and push for the best so that when these things end in tactical force, we are ready for it.” POV

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When seconds count, the crew onboard an Air Med helicopter is prepared to safely transport medical emergencies to the nearest hospital or center of care.

Air Med, an Acadian Company, was founded in 1981 in Lafayette. At the time, our area was not served by air ambulance at all. Acadian was fielding many requests for offshore helicopters to go help get injured oilfield workers so an air ambulance service made practical sense.

Air Med now flies 8 helicopters every single day in Louisiana and part of Texas. Locally, we have a station in Houma. Air Med transports patients in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and the entire Gulf of Mexico. Their twin-engine instrument flight rated helicopters allow the medical teams to fly in weather where traditional helicopters cannot. Two pilots, a flight nurse and a flight paramedic man each response mission.

“We get assigned out about 7000 times a year,” explains Marc Creswell, Operations Manager for Air Med Services. “We do an auto launch, meaning even

though there’s not enough information at the time of the call to determine of the patient needs air transport, we’ll launch with the info we have. When first responders gets there, they can let is know if the helicopter is or isn’t needed. We are always going ahead of time to save time. Each moment matters.”

The crew on-board is also specially prepared to handle any emergency. “The flight paramedics do have a lot more education for critical patients beyond that of a regular ambulance crew,” shares Marc. “They also do training quarterly and annually that the FAA requires.”

Over the years, technology has proven to be a lifesaver for patients in their most critical moments. “For example, way back when we were not able to do 12-lead EKGs,” says Marc. “Now not only can we do them, but we can transmit via satellite to the hospital.

So on the scene of a call, we can satellite uplink the information and the physician can see exactly what’s going on with the patient.” POV

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WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE |

BY THIBODAUX REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

FOUR TIPS TO STAY FIT WHILE ON VACATION Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the outdoors and take your longawaited vacation. You don’t have to derail your fitness goals while enjoying your vacation. Use these tips to keep your fitness routine on track:

calories and work your full body while on vacation.

Walk Instead of Drive Pack comfortable walking shoes and sightsee on foot. Try to book your accommodations in an area that’s centrally located near restaurants and entertainment venues. Walking during vacation burns calories and keeps you active throughout the day.

Book a Hotel with a Fitness Center or Gym Nearby An easy way to motivate yourself to work out during vacation is to have easy access to a fitness center.

Try to book accommodations with a fitness center or near a gym. You can complete an early morning or late-night workout that won’t disrupt your vacation plans and will give you a boost of energy.

Plan Active Activities Plan your vacation with a good balance of relaxing and active activities. You can start your morning relaxing on the beach, then plan to take an afternoon hike. You can play sports on the beach, go for swim, take a fun tour and participate in a variety of fun activities that will keep you active each day.

Take the Stairs Instead of the Elevator Commit to taking the stairs at your hotel and entertainment venues.

This is a quick way to burn extra

For more information contact the Fitness Center of Thibodaux Regional at 985-493-4950.

July 2018 74 povhouma.com

YOUR DAILY APPLE |

BY SOUTH LOUISIANA MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

THE INS AND OUTS OF GOUT and whole grains and staying wellhydrated can help to keep your symptoms at bay.

Gout can be a pain in the butt—or in this case, the foot! Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body which collects in joints and causes pain, swelling and soreness. This discomfort can be especially noticeable in the big toe.

#3 Healthy habits

If you’re someone who has gout, you don’t have to resign yourself to a lifetime of unpredictable pain and discomfort. Dr. Price, Internal Medicine physician at SLMA, has four tips to help you manage your gout symptoms.

#1 Talk to your doctor If you suffer from one or more symptoms of gout, it’s important you talk with your doctor about your treatment options. If you have a particularly severe case of gout, your doctor may recommend you visit a rheumatologist for more specialized care.

#2 Be mindful of what you eat Your diet can sometimes contribute to gout development and flare-ups. Reducing your consumption of seafood, red meats and alcohol may help reduce your symptoms and make your gout more manageable. Likewise, eating more fruits, vegetables

Being overweight increases your risk of developing gout. Introducing healthy habits like mindful eating, regular exercise and quitting smoking can not only help to improve your overall health but also help you to lose weight, reducing your number of gout attacks and lessening the amount of stress on your joints.

#4 Handle with care Gout episodes can lead to intense discomfort, swelling and pain. Taking the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain medicine may help to alleviate some of your pain; however, it’s important to avoid aspirin as it can exacerbate your gout episode.

You can also try cold therapy by placing an ice pack directly on the painful joint to help decrease both inflammation and pain, and if possible, elevate your feet using pillows.

Most importantly—don’t let gout keep you down! If you’re suffering from gout symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor to learn more about your treatment options.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Price, or another member of our team, please call 985.262.1639.

RECEIVE HIGHER QUALITY CARE THROUGH MEDICAL EDUCATION AT A REDUCED COST We provide more than just quality care at a lower cost—our commitment to medical education creates knowledgeable, future healthcare providers in our communities.

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ESS ELLN FW YEARS O

SOUTH LOUISIANA MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

UNDER THE SCOPE |

BY JOHN DOUCET

HOT TOWNS: SUMMER

IN THE CITY It’s been over five decades since the song “Summer in the City” by the Lovin’ Spoonful reached #1 on the Billboard charts. And with no need for concessions to climate change or global warming, cities in the summer are still hot after all those years. Summer is the time when the earth, rotating on its tilted axis, points the Northern Hemisphere toward the sun and contrives to give it bad sun burn. Even when you’re lucky enough to get momentary SPFs by standing in the shadow of a city skyscraper waiting for the little illuminated man on a dark “Don’t Walk” sign to turn from red to green, the cast iron sewer covers and the asphalt streets and concrete sidewalks still contrive to deliver a burning reminder of the hot season in America.

In official summer last month, I found myself spending time in not one, not two, but three hot towns: Houma, Thibodaux, and Chicago.

Enhanced by sipping tall, steeping cups of Starbucks coffee multiple times in each of these cities, I fell into deep thought and came to realize the many hidden similarities between them. For instance: Just as Bayou Terrebonne flows through Houma and Bayou Lafourche flows through Thibodaux, the Chicago River flows through Chicago. And, through both natural and man-made constructions, all three waterways share flow with the Mississippi River.

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As cities are often famously known by their tall buildings, these three cities are similar in architectural fame as well. Chicago has the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. Houma has Government Tower, formerly known as the Terrebonne Bank and Trust tower. And Thibodaux has Ellender Residence Hall, formerly known as the “new girls’ dorm” at Nicholls.

All three cities are also innovative in their use of public water resources.

Chicago has a Navy Pier, Thibodaux has a bayou weir, and Houma has a distributor of beer.

The historical origins of each town also bear striking similarities. Each city was founded atop river swampland in the 1830s. Chicago is named after “shikaakwa,” a Native American word for the wild leeks that grew in the swamp between the Chicago and Illinois Rivers. As most of us know, Houma is named after the Choctaw-Houma word for “red.” And Thibodaux was at one time called “Chacahoula North” by one or more civically proud persons who once lived in the village of Chacahoula, which is named with the Choctaw word for “beloved home.”

Despite these striking similarities in big things and big ideas, there

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are striking differences between the cities with regard to food. First, there is no potted meat on the supermarket shelves in Chicago like there is here in the cities of PoV country. This is disturbing to me. What are Chicagoans going to eat when the power’s out during a hurricane? Second, all the pizza makers seem to forget to sauce the crust before spreading meat and cheese. You can claim this as a mistake in your order and return it to the kitchen, but they’ll just make a replacement the same exact way. (I know; I’ve tried.) And, most importantly, is the issue with bread.

Every restaurant that I visited in Chicago served their bread hard and cool and with frozen butter. Having been born and raised in the shadows of the world-famous, historic Dufrene’s Bakery in downtown Golden Meadow, that’s a literally a hard spread to swallow. Chicago’s got nothing on us as far as that’s concerned.

What it does have on us, however, is about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit. That, and a nearly continuous lake breeze.

Those two things made waiting in long lines, dodging five million pedestrians, and eating inverted pizza tolerable this summer in that city.

Here in PoV country, take heart.

Before long, the earth will come to its senses again and point the Northern Hemisphere away from the sun, giving us a break from the burning heat. Just like our other two seasons—Crawfish and Mardi Gras—summer, too, will subside. And, like the song has told us now for 56 years, “despite the heat it’ll be alright” in the summer in the city. POV

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WINE& SPIRITS 6-8 PM

JULY 6

RENDEZVOUS |

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AROUND TOWN

Houma-Terrebonne Community Band’s Patriotic Concert July 1, 2 p.m.

For only $5, celebrate Independence day by enjoying an impressive array of patriotic songs from the HoumaTerrebonne Community Band.

Where: Houma Christian School, Houma

Who Let the Dogs Out July 21, 6-10 p.m.

Hosted by Hail Mary Rescue, this fundraiser will feature music by DJ Music Time, complimentary finger food, cash bar, and a silent auction. Being a kid-friendly event, there will also be facepainting and games for the young ones to enjoy. Purchasable online, advance tickets are $15. At the door, tickets are $20 and kids age 13 and under get in for free. All the proceeds go to helping shelter animals.

Where: Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium, Thibodaux Contact: hailmaryrescue.com

Summer Fun Kids Day

JULY 13

July 28, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Let Freedom Ring Festival July 4, 12-9:30 p.m.

JULY 20

JULY 27

RSVP TO EVENTS ON

& FOLLOW US FOR MORE

DETAILS

6307 WEST PARK AVENUE HOUMA, LA 70364

This free event, co-sponsored by the City of Thibodaux, Lorio Foundation, and Tiger Battalion & Company Inc., will offer live music, delicious food, a bike parade, a live auction, and of course, a fireworks display.

Where: Peltier Park, Thibodaux

VC Theatre Summer Production July 5-7, 7 p.m. & July 8, 2 p.m.

Disney classics come to life on stage as part of the exciting kickoff of VC Theatre’s 2018-19 season! Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty KIDS will be presented together. Both plays are thirty minutes each with one fifteenminute intermission in between. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

Where: Vandebilt Catholic Theatre Annex, 215 S. Hollywood Road, Houma Contact: vandebiltcatholictheatre.com, 985.876.2551.

Bring the kids to enjoy this indoor festival, presented by Synergy Bank, that will include live entertainment, a large indoor playground, and fun, informative exhibits.

The entry fee is $5 and free for children under age 2.

Where: Houma-Terebonne Civic Center, Houma Contact: houmaciviccenter.com

Pack the Bus School Supply Drive July 1-31

Help support local schools and children by donating to Synergy Bank and United Way of South Louisiana’s coordinated school supply drive. While all supply donations are appreciated, some of the most needs items are colors, pencils, color pencils, scissors, loose leaf paper, spiral notebooks, binders, glue, glue sticks, rulers, construction paper, pencil bags, and schoolbags.

Where: An updated list of donation sites and partners can be found online.

Contact: banksynergy.com or achampagne@uwsla.com

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SCENE IN |

LOOK AT OL’ SO ‘N’ SO!

10TH ANNUAL BUBBA DOVE FISHING RODEO Fishing enthusiasts cast a line in early June at the annual fishing rodeo to benefit the Gordon “Bubba” Dove Jr. Foundation.

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today!

THE ART OF SMART |

IT’S NOT AN ARTICLE, IT’S A SMARTICLE

1 President Abraham Lincoln signed the first income tax bill on July 1, 1862. Also on this day, what federal office was established by an Act of Congress?

Federal Bureau of Investigation A Bureau of Internal Revenue B

C O�fice of the Attorney General D O�fice of International A�fairs

2 Born on July 2, 1908, who was the first African American to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court?

Frederick Douglas A John Lewis B

C Daniel James Jr. D Thurgood Marshall

3 On July 10, 1973, what nation gained their independence after 250 years under British rule?

The Bahamas A Jamaica B

C Haiti D Cuba

4 The fall of the Bastille (July 14, 1789) occurred at the beginning of which country’s revolution?

Russia A United States of America B

C Cuba D France

5 The U.S Patent Office first opened on July 31, 1790. The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins, who created a new way for making pearlash and potash.

Which two Founding Fathers and Presidents of the United States signed the patent?

Benjamin Franklin & Alexander Hamilton A John Adams and Patrick Henry B

C George Washington and Thomas Je�ferson D James Madison and John Jay

6 On July 2 of what year did President Lyndon B. Johnson sign the Civil Rights Act? 1960 A 1971 B

C 1964 D 1968

7 What American novelist and short-story writer was born on July 4, 1804? His notable works include: The House of the Seven Gables, The Blithedale Romance, and The Scarlet Letter.

C William Faulkner D Nathaniel Hawthorne

1) B, 2) D, 3) A, 4) D, 5) C, 6) C, 7) D, 8) C

Mark Twain A Ernest Hemingway B

HOW DID YOU DO?

8 Canada Day, a national holiday in Canada is July 1.

What is Canada’s biggest export?

Bacon A Maple Syrup B

C Mineral Fuels D Whiskey July 2018 82 povhouma.com

# Correct 7-8 3-6 1-2 0

IQ 160 110 50 3

Your Score: Top of the Class You Get a Gold Star Did You Even Try? Oh Come On!

LOOK TWICE |

WIN A $50

COURTESY OF SYNERGY BANK

GIFT CARD

Find the six differences in this photo from our feature on page 40. Drop off your answers along with your name and daytime contact number at the PoV office, 6160 W. Park Ave., Houma. Stuck at the office? Fax it, 985.873.9009, or email it to us, looktwice@povhouma.com.

A winner will be picked by random drawing July 16.

The winner will receive a $50 Visa® gift card courtesy of Synergy Bank.

Congratulations to Sunny Portier for winning last month’s contest.

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CONTEST 1 Removed Fan 2 Removed magazines on table 3 Changed the clock color 4 Added a dog 5 Added a cat 6 Removed the painting

Please donate new school supplies to help Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish students thrive and excel!

Drop off your donation to any Synergy Bank location. /BayouPackTheBus

July 2018 83 povhouma.com

July 2018 84 povhouma.com