The Coushatta Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7287 and Auxiliary recognized local first responders and students Friday night at their annual Awards Banquet.  The honorees and family members crowded into the Red River Community Center for the event.

The first responders honored included Charlie Hendrix, the EMT of the Year.  He is employed by Red River EMS.  His nomination statement said, “Hendrix has been with RR EMS for four years.  He is a very important part of the Red River Ambulance Service team and is outstanding in his field.  He justly deserves to be called EMT of the Year.”

The Firefighter of the Year was Captain Jeff Gibson.  His nomination statement read, “Gibson is EMT certified and he works part time for RR EMS as an EMT.  He continues to get more certifications and schooling to be able to better serve his community.”

Deputy Patrick “Kody” Wiggins was named 911 Dispatcher of the year.  He was nominated by his supervisor Lt. Joshua Adams.  The nomination statement read, “Deputy Wiggins serves his community with the utmost compassion and kindness to those he encounters.  He is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed whether it be training, filling in on a shift vacancy, or simply helping out a friend in need.  Deputy Wiggins does not mind going the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy and well taken care of.”

The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year was Detective Sargent Heath Tingle.  Captain David Hensley nominated Tingle.  The nomination statement said, “Tingle trains and mentors new detectives that are assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division.  His dedication to the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Department and his service to the citizens of Red River Parish is highly commendable.”

The Teacher of the Year was Amanda Cason of Riverdale Academy.  Her Principal, Dr. Hunter Brown submitted her nomination.  It read, “Mrs. Cason was selected by her peers for her positive attitude and her love of the subject she teaches, which is math.  Fellow faculty members say that Cason makes learning fun, while holding students accountable.  Her students love her class, even thought she teaches a difficult subject.”

Three students were honored for their winning entries in VFW Patriotic Essay Contests.  William Bamburg submitted the top Patriot’s Pen essay from Red River Academic Academy.  From Magnolia Bend Academy’s Coushatta campus, the top essay was submitted by Jon Tate Weems.  Weems’ entry was selected as the top Post 7287 entry for the year and it was forwarded to district competition.

The Voice of Democracy audio essay winner was Brooklyn Johnson of Magnolia Bend Academy.  She attends the Coushatta campus and her entry was selected by the Post to advance to district competition.

Local VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 annually present awards to the top first responders and students who enter the various Americanism competitions.  Honorees and their families are treated to a catered banquet dinner.  The 2023 honorees were recognized on Friday, February 9^th.