From time to time, this column will feature an area person who deserves recognition. This issue will focus on Leon “Bubby” Minvielle, Jr., a native and lifelong resident of New Iberia, who is one of the most patriotic, respected, and public-spirited individuals in Acadiana. Since he was born on the 4th of July, he was labeled as a “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Mr. Minvielle is 92 years young, a widower, still quite active, and stands out as living legend – – a life replete with honorable achievements.

Our subject takes great pride in his military service to our country. He entered WW-2 as a private in August, 1941, and a year later was commissioned as 2nd Lt. He was assigned to the 31st Armored Regiment, 7th Armored Division, as Personnel Officer. Later, when the Division was streamlined, he was promoted to 1st Lt. and Adjutant of the 31st Tank Battalion. Having been assigned to the 7th Armored Division, Leon was in the thick of the battle under General George Patton’s 3rd Army across France. They fought the Germans from St. Lo to Metz, and on into St. Vith, Belgium, where the U.S. units fought courageously in the bloody “Battle of the Bulge.”

While leading his column in a war zone, Lt. Minvielle said an Army jeep pulled up directly in front of his half-track and ran over a land mine. The jeep was blown into smithereens and Minvielle’s vehicle received such a blast it knocked him out cold and bruised. The medics quickly revived the Lieutenant, bandaged his cuts and bruises, and he gallantly continued leading his men into the midst of the conflict. Minvielle agonized that some of his buddies were killed or maimed in the vicious struggle. His many decorations include four Major Campaign Battle Stars, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. He was promoted to Captain in the reserves and also served as President of the Seventh Armored Division Assn. (1984-1985).

Advertisement

The Statue of Liberty stands out as something special to Leon. He said, “While our ship was leaving New York Harbor for war in 1942,  a strange feeling came over me. I was deeply saddened to be leaving my home and my country. But, when we returned at the end of the conflict, I spotted the statue and was overcome with happiness and joy.”

Bubby has a unique record of service and leadership in a variety of civic, social, business, and educational organizations –– unfortunately they are too numerous to mention. Highlights, however, include his term of office as District Lt. Governor of Kiwanis International, 10 years service on the Iberia Parish School Board, member of the State School Board Assn., member of the Iberia Parish Housing Authority for 9 years, and presided as President of the Iberia Parish United Fund Assn.

Minvielle served as President of the Alumni Association of Southwestern La. Institute, five years on the University’s athletic council, was drive chairman of the Iberia Parish T.B. Assn., king and grand marshal of area festivities,  a cub scout master, President of the Ancient Order of Creole Gourmets, and honored as Admiral of the Teche.

He excelled as a banker. He retired as president of People’s National Bank in 1981, is a charter member and past president of Southwestern La. Chapter of National Assn. of Bank Audit Control and Operations, and served on the board of directors of the Louisiana Bankers Assn.

Bubby is a graduate of St. Peter’s College, New Iberia, received his B.A. degree from SLI, Lafayette, and is a graduate of the School of Banking of the South at LSU. His loving wife, Irene Voorhies, expired in 2001 after a close-knit, beloved marriage of 59 years. They parented four adult children, namely: Leon III, and Mary Pesson of New Iberia, Steven of Morgan City, and Amy Collins of Lexington, Ky. “I am blessed,” he said, “that all my children check up on me on a daily basis.

I treasure their love and affection, and I’m proud of them all.”

Leon “Bubby” Minvielle, Jr. manages his daily routine with vim, vigor and courage. We thank him for all his contributions, and congratulate him on his lifetime achievements. He is someone special -- we wish him well.

If you should hear the booming of cannons and the crack of rifles on the upcoming weekend of Nov. 7th and 8th, please don’t be alarmed -- we’re not being attacked. It’s the Shadows’ Annual Civil War encampment and reenactment. The whole family, young and old, will find these activities very interesting and educational.

According to Cathy Schramm, Shadows’ Curator of Education, re-enactors will recreate historic life to enhance visitors’ understanding of the past. Demonstrators will include information about Calvary, flags, uniforms, dance and topics about life in general during the war years. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions and observe all the activities on the historic grounds.

A range of topics includes Calvary, music, weapons, munitions, and health. Site hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A schedule of events, admission costs, etc., may be obtained from the Shadows –- call (337) 369-6446.

This is one event you don’t want to miss.

 

From all indications, New Iberia native George Rodrigue is still making great strides as an American artist. An extra large Blue Dog painting, appraised at $300,000 was donated by Rodrigue and Houston philanthropist Don Sanders to the Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas. A story and photo of the donation ceremony appeared in the Austin American Statesman newspaper on Oct. 3. Rodrigue, Sanders, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry are shown in the photo along with the painting.

After thanking the donors, Gov. Perry added, “The Blue Dog image has brightened many a day for me, and I’m glad we can extend this experience to Dell Children’s.” The clipping was sent to us by Catherine Morange of Austin. She is a long time friend and UCLA classmate of my wife, Helen. Thanks Cathy.

Bye, bye