In honor of the 250th BIrthday of the United States Army and Flag Day, KVPI wanted to share this story about our very own Tony Rozas' Great Great Uncle who served in World War I
Corporal Josien Ardoin Story
Josien Ardoin was born on August 5, 1897, in Church Point, La. The eldest of 10 siblings, he moved with his family to Chataignier, La, and became sweet potato farmers. In early 1917 he left home to serve his country in the US Army during World War I. As part of the 2nd Division, soldiers who spoke French, under the command of the famous Commander General John J Pershing, fought in two important battles, the battle of Delleaux, and the battle of Soissons, where, Josien was wounded (mustard gassed in France by German troops), in July 1918, and was transferred to an Army hospital in Cheyenne WY, where doctors there predicted that he was likely to die within three months as a result of his injuries!
Against those odds, Josien returned home to his family in Chataignier a few months later. He was awarded a PURPLE HEART for his valiant service to our Country, in the two battles where, over 11,200 soldiers lost their lives. His desire to serve led him immediately to begin to serve his community, while also caring for his large family. After working in the fields and at the local Rozas grocery store, he earned a position as the Manager of the Opelousas Production Credit Association, serving Evangeline Parish farmers. In this position he served over 30 years successfully serving the community, and eventually moving his office to Ville Platte, La, in 1946.
Devoted to community service, he was elected to the Evangeline Parish Police Jury where he continued to serve for over 20 years. His leadership skills and business prowess led to his election as President of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury, where he served for over 12 years (1940 - 1952). Recognizing the importance of education in the community, he partnered with the Evangeline School Board, the Sacred Heart School Board, and his fellow Police Jury members to improve accessibility to books and research avenues. In 1948, along with Monsignor Irving A Deblanc, the Evangeline Parish Library was officially established in Ville Platte; this was a major accomplishment providing public library books free to all citizens of the parish, which prior to this had been limited to residents who could afford the hefty fee!
An avid outdoorsman, Josien continued promoting educating the community in fishing, hunting and camping activities throughout the area. As President of the Ville Platte Rotary Club, he engaged State Legislators to support Parish residents Caroline, Dorman, AG Lawton, and JD Lafleur, which led to the establishment of the Louisiana State Arboretum in 1961. He continued to serve and promote the Rotary Club from the 1950’s and throughout the remainder of his life!
Josien Ardoin lived a full life in service to his country, state, community and was the same kind and loving man to his entire family! He fostered the importance of education to his children.
Josien Ardoin died on November 16, 1989, at 92 years of age! He is Resting in Peace at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Cemetery in Chataignier, La.
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