Local pharmacists

recognized

Ricky Guidry, RPh, of Apothecary Alley in Lake Charles and Candace Chelette, PharmD, of Genoa Healthcare in Iowa, La., were installed as directors-at-large of the Louisiana Pharmacists Association during its recent convention at L’Auberge Casino Rsort.

Jo Ann Gibbs, PharmD, of Byrd Regional Hospital in Leesville was named the central region director for the association, as well.

VA Clinic to be
renamed for Fournet

U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins presented a signed copy of the bill to rename the Lake Charles VA Clinic to The Douglas Fournet Department of Veterans Affair Clinic during a visit to the area on Aug. 21.

The bill was presented to associate attorney Cooper Fournet at the law office of Hoffoss Devall.

Douglas Fournet, the only individual from Southwest Louisiana to be awarded the Medal of Honor, was a U.S. Army first lieutenant who gave his life in the Vietnam War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970 for charging into danger to cut the control wires on an enemy mine. He lost his life acting as a human shield for other soldiers.

“We feel very fortunate to now have a facility in our area where Doug’s story will continue to live on and inspire others, but most importantly, where veterans can receive quality medical care to repay them for their sacrifices for our country,” said Cooper Fournet on behalf of the Fournet family.

Williams elected 
to office of PIA

JENNINGS — Jennings businessman Charlie Williams has been elected as president-elect for the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana (PIA).

Williams was elected and installed as president-elect during PIA’s 76th annual convention in Point Clear, Ala.

Williams is a 1978 graduate of Louisiana Tech University in economic and finance with an emphasis in insurance. After graduating, he began working for Daly Williams Agency, Inc. in Jennings with his father. In 1979, Williams began buying his way into ownership.

He has served two terms on the board of directors from 1984 to 1990. In 2014, he came back on the board to fill a one-year unfulfilled term and then ran for his third full term the following year. He currently serves as PIA of Louisiana secretary/treasurer.

He was awarded the PIA of Louisiana Agent of the Year in 2004.

Williams has also been radio and internet broadcasting the Jennings Bulldogs football teams for 32 year.

He has three children and twin grandchildren. His wife, Dana, is the chief executive officer of the Jennings American Legion Hospital.

Young D.A.R.E.

officer of year

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Lees Young was presented with the 2019 D.A.R.E. Office of the Year Award for her continued hard work and dedication to the Louisiana D.A.R.E. program.

Young was chosen out of a number of nominees throughout the state. She has been employed at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office since 1991 and has been a D.A.R.E. officer for the last 18 years.

During her time as a D.A.R.E. officer she has been taught the program to fifth- and seventh-grade students at schools in Calcasieu Parish. The D.A.R.E. program educates students about violence, bullying, alcohol and drugs and allows our deputies to build positive relationships with the students.

“Sgt. Young is a hard-working deputy who is committed to the future of the youth in our parish,” said Sheriff Tony Mancuso.