By ROBIN SHANNON

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – Armed with enough provisions to feed the city of New Orleans, members of the Louisiana National Guard braved the sweltering heat Friday to hand out much needed supplies to thankful residents of St. John Parish trying to recover from the carnage wrought by Hurricane Gustav.

Troops from the 236th Combat Communications Squadron out of Hammond spent the better part of Friday morning and afternoon shelling out food, water and ice in the retail parking lot next to the parish building in LaPlace. Tim Jeandron, commander of the LaPlace group, said his men and women processed well over 1,000 cars from 7 to 11 a.m., and that was only the first half of the day.

“I think everyone was just pleased to have something to take back to their homes,” said Jeandron. “The line moved very quickly and everyone seemed very patient and cordial.”

Jeandron estimated that in the first few hours the distribution center was open, his troops handed out 1,500 meals ready to eat, 1,300 cases of water and 20 tons of ice from a row of 18-wheelers parked in the lot.

In addition to the half dozen guard members, representatives from the St. John Council came out to help with the distribution along with Sherry Hubbard, wife of Parish President Bill Hubbard.

“This has become part of my job now,” said Hubbard. “Bill can’t be everywhere at once, so it is my responsibility to pitch in too.”

Despite the heavy traffic volume and long line of vehicles, which wrapped around the parking lot and out onto Airline Highway, cars seemed to be whizzing through the line at a fairly brisk pace. Other than a complete lack of electricity, most of the residents in line Friday said they seemed to weather the storm fairly well.

“There are a ton of leaves and branches in the yard, but otherwise the house was ok,” said Joetta Matt of LaPlace. “I’m just hoping to get some ice so that we have something cold to drink.”

Paul Douroux, who was also desperately waiting for a sack or two of ice, said he felt grateful that his West Lakeview Drive home only suffered some minor roof damage.

“A big section of shingles got blown away, that’s all,” Dourmoux said. “It’s just rough going without any power.”

The same was true for Robin Campbell, who said she came home to a powerless house full of spoiled food.

“We had been staying in a hotel, but we ran out of money,” said Campbell, who was looking for whatever she could get. “I’m just trying to stay comfortable.”

Virtually all of the residents in line Friday said they sought shelter from Gustav on higher ground in parts north and west of Southeast Louisiana. The few that did stay for the storm said they might think twice next time.

“We rode it out in Belle Terre and it was one of the scariest moments of my life,” said James Hester who was in line trying to get some food. “The wind seemed like it was never going to let up. I’m just glad that we escaped with only a little roof damage.”

In addition to the distribution center in LaPlace, St. John Public Information Officer Buddy Boe said the supply depots set up in the Winn Dixie parking lot near Belle Terre Boulevard and at Regala Park in Reserve also enjoyed a steady flow of traffic.

“I think the whole parish came out for food and water,” said Boe. “I’m glad we could get the supplies to the people so efficiently.”