Fundraiser supports Gene Franques, Vietnam veteran left without home or transportation following Hurricane Ida
Published 11:24 am Wednesday, September 15, 2021
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LAPLACE — Vietnam veteran and LaPlace resident Gene Franques faced a brush with death when he sought shelter in his attic above rapidly rising floodwaters the night of August 29. More than two weeks after Hurricane Ida and with no current insurance on his flooded home and car, Franques realizes surviving the storm was only the beginning of the hardships he’ll face.
A GoFundMe has been set up at https://gofund.me/4d812491 to help Franques rebuild his life.
Franques has given back to the community and fellow veterans for many years, according to his friend Amy Ransow, who recently shared the GoFundMe link with L’OBSERVATEUR. She said Franques has been awarded the honor of “Patriot of the Year” by American Legion Post #47, and it hurts her heart to see that he is currently without a home or transportation.
Franques wrote, “I proudly served my country in Vietnam, but I am now unable to survive this devastation without your help. Any and all donations go directly to myself, Gene Franques to help pay for my relocation and restore my home and are greatly appreciated.”
