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IOTA — On June 9, 2011, Cpl. Matthew Richard was on a combat operation in Afghanistan’s Helmund Province when he moved his team to safety as he investigated an improvised explosive device.
The IED blew up killing the 21-year-old Marine from Iota.
His parents, Jeff and Alicia, were notified of Matthew’s death at 5:45 a.m. the next day at their home south of Iota.
“We didn’t know what to do,” Jeff said after the four-man team informed them of their son’s death.
In the intervening 10 years the Richard’s have managed their grief and turned each year into remembering their son and honoring his service to the nation.
“Our one and only worry is that Matthew will be forgotten,” states a page on the Corporal Matthew Richard Memorial Foundation website — www.cplmatthewrichard.org.
The site states:
“The Cpl. Matthew Richard Memorial Foundation is formed in an effort to ensure that the sacrifices made by Cpl. Matthew Richard, USMC and all who serve our country with pride: past, present and future — are never forgotten. Matthew often reflected the characteristics of love, compassion, respect and self-discipline in all that he did and with all whom he met. Matthew gave his life demonstrating these very same characteristics as he protected his brothers in Afghanistan. Matthew’s sacrifice represents the same sacrifice thousands of men and women who serve must endure. It is our intention to continue Matthew’s legacy through the mission of this foundation.”
Since Matthew’s death the Richards have held an annual 5K Memorial Walk/Run at Iota. The event held the last weekend in April serves as a fundraiser and reunion, particularly for Marines who served with Matthew.
Alicia estimates about $170,000 has been raised with most of the money helping organizations that assist veterans. Each year a $1,000 scholarship is given to an Iota High School graduate. The foundation also assists with community projects such the building of a community pavilion in Iota. They hold a gumbo for veterans on Veterans Day and Jeff hangs about 140 flags on holidays.
The Richards praise the Iota community for its support.
“We live in a place where we are very patriotic. You know your smaller towns are patriotic. I think that struck them...” Alicia said of Matthew’s combat death.
Jeff and Alicia grew up in Eunice, so they are comfortable with small town living. Jeff is an electrical engineer and writes software. Alicia is an elementary school teacher. They have two other children, Josh, a freelance graphic and social media designer, and Laura, a register nurse.
“He was part of the community’s loss,” she said of Matthew.
Jeff said, “It is really a terrible thing that happened, but it couldn’t have happened in a better place” referring to the outpouring of support.
After they learned of Matthew’s death and the notification team departed, they went to their parents’ to inform them. When they returned home people had arrived to help and support them.
The Richards traveled to Dover Air Force Base where Mathew’s body was returned. He was killed on a Thursday morning and by Saturday night his body was at Dover. The Richards returned home, Matthew’s body followed with a military flight to the Eunice Airport. A caravan escorted the Richards to the airport and back to Iota where the funeral was held a week after he was killed.
“All the emotions are still there,” they said in an interview at their home last week.
They are succeeding in keeping their son’s memory alive in a public way. For instance, a portion of La. 91, the highway that is in front of their house, is the “Corporal Matthew Richard Memorial Highway.”
The memorial designation was launched by Collin Steen, then an eighth grade student in Iota, and guided through the legislature by then state Rep. Jack Montoucet. Steen is now in the Marine Corps.
Matthew had always wanted to serve and when the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks occurred, “He swore that he was going to fight for his country so it would never happened again and he never wavered from that,” Alicia said.
When he was 17 he wanted to join the National Guard, but it was a week before his 18th birthday when Jeff gave his son permission to join the Marine Corps. After graduation from Iota High School, Matthew left for basic training in July 2009.
Matthew was in his second tour in Afghanistan when he was killed. He is one of 2,452 American deaths in what is now the nation’s longest war — it started on Oct. 7, 2001, as a response to the Sept. 11 attacks.
Both said they would likely cry after the interview.
“I can speak his name and I can speak of it without having my breath taken away. There was a time for a couple of years when I couldn’t even mention his name without it being a tremble,” Alicia said.
There are times when they are at events that remind them Matthew is not here.
But, “We made a decision together without speaking out on it. We are not going to let him be forgotten,” Jeff said.
Commendation
narrative
A narrative included with an Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal states: To Corporal Matthew T. Richard, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as fire team leader, 3D Squad, 3D Platoon, Company G, 2D Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 2D Marine Division (Forward) from January 2011 to June 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout the deployment Corporal Richard consistently proved to be a highly courageous and dynamic leader. On 20 March, 3D Squad came under heavy automatic fire from multiple enemy positions, pinning down most of the squad. Without hesitation, he led his team into a canal system and moved to an advantageous position on the enemy flank. He personally silenced one of the hospital positions with precision fire, forced them to withdraw and enabled the rest of his squad to maneuver. On 9 June, he ordered his Marines into covered positions so he could investigate a possible improvised explosive device. During investigation of the site, the device detonated and he was mortally wounded. Corporal Richard’s initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”

Larry Callais, CEO at M C Bank & Trust Company, announced that Martin Vasquez has been promoted to vice president and will continue his role as the bank’s compliance officer.
Vasquez is a 1993 graduate of Brother Martin and did his undergraduate work at USL.
He subsequently earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana in 2003.
In 2010, Vasquez completed studies at the Graduate School of Banking, conducted at LSU.
“As federal and state regulatory requirements remain fluid from year to year, M C Bank’s Compliance Department continues to be very important in our daily operations,” Callais said.
“I am confident that Martin will continue to do an outstanding job in that critical area.”

Louisiana lawmakers formally honored Acadian Ambulance’s contributions to the state over the past 50 years earlier this month.
A resolution, which was presented by state Sens. Gerald Boudreaux and Barrow Peacock, was read in both the House of Representatives and Senate.
A portion of the resolution stated, “Whereas, Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc. has been in continuous operation since September 1, 1971, for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for 50 years, through hurricanes, floods, ice storms and, now, a pandemic.
“Whereas, the culture associated with this great state, the relationships established, together with the dedicated service of its employees and with community, healthcare and governmental leaders is the foundation upon which Acadian Ambulance was built, and will enable Acadian to continue serving the citizens of Louisiana for another 50 years and beyond.
“Therefore, be it resolved that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend and congratulate Acadian Companies for 50 years of service to the citizens of Louisiana.”
Following the presentation in each chamber, members of the House and Senate shared comments and remarks on Acadian’s history and contribution to their communities.
Acadian Ambulance Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag said, "I would like to thank Senator Gerald Boudreaux and Representative Jean-Paul Coussan for inviting us to the Capital to recognize our 50th anniversary, along with Senate President Page Cortez and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder for the unique honor and privilege of addressing their members from the podium in each chamber. I was also humbled by the kind remarks for so many members of the Senate and House during the presentation. Without the support of the Senate and the House, we would not be where we are today."
“I think we all have an Acadian story, and those here today are just a small part of the 5,000 employees," said Sen. Fred Mills, who is also a member of Acadian’s board of directors. When these people get up every day, it’s to save lives and protect the health and safety of our public."
Sen. Ronnie Johns and Rep. Ryan Bourriaque both commended Acadian Ambulance’s commitment to the southwest Louisiana region following Hurricanes Laura and Delta in fall 2020.

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

A Franklin 18-year-old has been arrested in connection with the latest in a string of shootings since May in Franklin and Baldwin, arrest reports said.

Franklin
Police Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to five complaints over the most recent 24-hour period and made this arrest:
—Irvyon James, 18, Seventh Street, Franklin, was arrested at 11:30 p.m. Monday on a charge of illegal carrying of a weapon.
James was booked, processed and held on a $1,000 bond.
About 6 p.m. Monday, the Franklin Police Department received multiple calls of shots fired in the area of Willow Street and Fifth Street involving vehicles. Officers arrived and began the investigation.
Deputies with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle in the area of Willow Street and Wall Street. They found a handgun with a high-capacity magazine in the waistband of a passenger.
The subject was then transported to the Franklin Police Department for questioning, and was subsequently arrested.
The Franklin Police Department is asking that if anyone has any information or was a witness to the shooting incident to please call the Franklin Police Department at 337-828-1716. You can remain anonymous.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 49 complaints and made these arrests:
—Cynthia Billiot, 31, Patterson, was arrested at 6:41 a.m. Monday on charges of traffic control signals and driving under suspension. Billiot was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
—Ryan Gary Lamar, 41, Franklin, was arrested at 8:05 a.m. Monday on charges of speeding and driving under suspension.
Lamar was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
—Dominic Campbell, 43, Houma, was arrested at 2:14 p.m. Monday on a charge of driving under suspension.
Campbell was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
—Tordarrell Warren White Jr., 24, New Orleans, was arrested at 3:48 p.m. Monday on charges of introduction of contraband into or out of a penal institution and possession with intent to distribute Schedule III drugs. No bail has been set.
—Raymond Lee Gaspar Jr., 39, Lafayette, was arrested at 6:34 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family.
Bail was set at $18,878.72.
—Justin Joseph Barabin, 33, Jeanerette, was arrested at 9:01 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of angling without a license. No bail has been set.
—Donald Roy Grubbs II, 41, Gibson, was arrested at 9:50 p.m. Monday on charges of driving under suspension, failure to obey traffic control and no insurance.
Grubbs was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
—Tonya Jean Conner, 39, Pierre Part, was arrested at 3:01 a.m. Tuesday on charges of driving under suspension and improper lane usage. Conner was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.

Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported this arrest:
—Gregory Gros, 59, Levee Highway, Pierre Part, was arrested at 12:16 a.m. Tuesday on charges of driving while intoxicated, improper lane usage and driving under suspension.
About 11:34 p.m. Monday, an officer in the area of westbound U.S. 90 observed a vehicle cross over the white fog line several times.
A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and contact was made with the driver, Gros.
During the course of the stop, Gros showed signs of being impaired and was asked to perform a series of field sobriety tests on which he performed poorly.
A computer check showed that Gros’ driver’s license was suspended. Gros was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he provided a breath sample of 0.009G% BAC.
Other substances were suspected in Gros’ impairment, and he consented to another sample. Gros was then booked.

Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Latisha Shankeshia Davis, 40 Pugh Street, Paincourtville, was arrested Monday on charges of prohibition on the possession of firearms by a person against whom a protection order is issued and violation of protective orders.
—Jessica Danielle Huffman, 27, Mill Street, St. James, was arrested Monday on a charge of violation of protective orders.
The arrests resulted from an ongoing domestic dispute at the Pugh Street address.
On Monday, deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate a suspicious call that was reported to the dispatch center.
As a result of this ongoing situation, reciprocal warrants were executed, resulting in the arrests Davis and Huffman.
Both remain incarcerated pending a bond hearing.
—Vincent Vinny Marks, 27, La. 1, Plaquemine, was arrested on a charge of false personation of a police officer.
The arrest resulted from a June 10 incident near Bayou Corne. Following a near collision, all traffic continued on.
An off-duty Assumption Parish deputy was traveling on La. 70 at the time of the incident. At a point following the incident, a vehicle traveling behind the deputy began flashing his headlights continuously. The off-duty deputy turned into a convenience store parking lot and the vehicle behind him also turned and then blocked the deputy in.
The driver of that vehicle presented a badge to the deputy and represented himself as being a police officer.
But the Assumption deputy recognized the individual as being a party to a domestic incident in Pierre Part earlier this year.
An investigation ensued, and deputies determined the violator individual to be Marks and he was not a police officer.
At the completion of the investigation, a warrant was sought for the arrest of Marks.
On Monday, Marks was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. He posted a commercial bond in the amount of $10,000.

St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Luvincent Breckenbridge, 53, Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills, Maryland, was arrested Monday by the Louisiana State Police on charges of following too closely, simple possession of marijuana, and manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs.
—Jodie Goad, 33, Bluff Hill Court, Dalton, Georgia, was arrested Monday by the Louisiana State Police on charges of following too closely, improper lane usage and possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs.
—Janelle Menard, 42, Atchafalaya River Highway, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Monday by the Henderson Police Department on charges of Schedule II drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Hermelimdo Ramos, 33, Morning Side Drive, Dalton, Georgia, was arrested Monday by the Louisiana State Police on charges of possession of Schedule II drugs; possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs; and manufacture, distribution or possession with intent distribute Schedule II drugs.
—Cedrick Senegal, 24, Grand Point Highway, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Monday on charges of criminal conspiracy; resisting an officer; manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs; possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs; manufacture or distribution of Schedule IV drugs; illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a minor; and distribution of drug paraphernalia.