A GATHERING OF 725 VETERANS WERE HONORED TODAY, SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009 AT THE POW /MIA AND PURPLE HEART LUNCHEON HELD AT THE BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE LOCATED IN BARKSDALE, LA.

CONGRESSMAN JOHN FLEMING WAS THE GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE EVENT.

WE HAD PATRIOTS FROM ALL OVER LOUISIANA,, MISSISSIPPI, TEXAS. OKLAHOMA, AND ARKANSAS IN ATTENDANCE. THE OLDEST MEMBER PRESENT WAS 95 YEARS YOUNG. THE DEPARTMENT OF LOUISIANA WAS WELL REPRESENTED AT THIS EVENT. DEPARTMENT COMMANDER RICHARD GARNER MADE A PRESENTATION OF THE DEPARTMENT'S PATRIOT OF THE YEAR TO PATRIOT JAMES EAMES. 

PURPLE HEART RECEPIENTS WERE GIVEN PURPLE HEART CAPS, COINS AND T-SHIRTS.

LUNCH FOR ALL 725 PARTCIPIENTS TOOK ONLY 13 MINUTES TO SERVE.  WE ENJOYED MEATLOAF, MASHED POTATO'S, PEAS AND CARROTS ALONG WITH A NICE SALAD AND ALL THE TEA YOU COULD DRINK.  EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME.