Military close to her heart

By SUE ELLEN ROSS

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – The family of Larix and Lester Firmin, Jr. is very United States Military-oriented.

Lester, who is the Post Commander of LaPlace VFW Post 3337 and Post Commander of the American Legion Post 383, served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War; his daughter Eileen Coleman just retired from the U.S. Navy; his son-in-law David Coleman, Sr. also retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief; and his grandson David Coleman, Jr. is now serving in Iraq with the United States Marines.

Son Andre resides in Houston, TX and the couple has seven grandchildren.

Larix is the matriarch of the family and she supports them all, especially by participating in the LaPlace VFW Ladies Auxiliary in many capacities. She has been a member since 1991.

Larix is currently treasurer of the organization, a position she has held for the past five years. Before that time, she served as president for five years.

“It was no surprise I joined the VFW Ladies Auxiliary,” she said. “My family has a long history in the military.”

Her weekly calendar is very full, to say the least.

Larix is chairman of 11 volunteer endeavors that are sponsored by the Auxiliary. Those are the #Community Program; Americanism Program; Cancer Program, Youth Program; Patriot’s Contest; POW Program; PAC Program; Buddy Poppy Sales; gifts sent to the VFW National Home in Michigan; visits and gifts to the VA Hospital in New Orleans. She also heads the Auxiliary’s Publicity Committee.

The organization also adopted her grandson’s Marine Unit serving in Iraq. David and his fellow-soldiers will be receiving holiday gifts.

The LaPlace VFW Ladies Auxiliary received a special award last year from the State Level VFW Auxiliary for raising $2,000 for Cancer Aid and Research, the largest amount of money donated statewide. The plaque was presented during the VFW State Convention in Lafayette, LA.

As one of the ways to raise those funds, the Auxiliary spent long hours preparing for their annual sweets sale at LaPlace’s Andouille Festival.

This year’s sale was also a huge success. Larix credits a three-day baking session by Auxiliary co-members Patsy Baudier, Audry Rodriguez and Elise Edler for the large amount of goodies sold. Added to other fundraising projects, the group has almost reached last year’s goal. “All of this has paid off,” said Larix. “We are close to $2,000 again this year for the Cancer Aid and Research.”

The Americanism program is presented to St. John Schools, and it reflects Loyalty Day, which is celebrated May 1. This year, Larix visited LaPlace Elementary School and St. Joan of Arc School.

When school begins each year, Larix visits with the children, explaining the use of the flag and introducing the contests involved in the celebration of Loyalty Day. For older students, an essay contest is offered; the subject is, ‘What Loyalty Day Means to Me.’ Younger students can participate in a flag-coloring contest.Ladies Auxiliary has become a way of life for Firmin.

The LaPlace resident offers a word of advice to those who think volunteering is a worthwhile effort, but may be busy with other things in their life. “Many of our volunteers work regular jobs and they still find time,” she said. “You can do it.”