Staff Report
Dale Sittig accepts the Eunice Rotary Club’s 2018 Citizen of the Year Award, presented to him by John Pucheu, chairman of the club’s Citizen of the Year committee.
The Rotary Club was founded in 1924 and has given the Citizen of the Year award since 1942.
Sittig was nominated by Marsha Larson and Heather Fontenot. Larson and Fontenot wrote a letter of nomination listing the numerous things Sittig has done, including his years of political service, the time he spends volunteering as master of ceremonies or as an auctioneer for organizations, the times he has volunteered and dedication to both Eunice High and St. Edmund. He has served on the board of EHS Alumni Association and he is known as the voice of the Blue Jays.
Pucheu added, “Dale Sittig has served as a member of the legislature, years as a Public Service Commissioiner. However, we are not recognizing Dale as Citizen of the year because of his political achievements. His services in political and public life are well known, but what caught our attention is something he has done that catches attention of anyone who drives down U.S. Highway 190 east and passes Mount Calvary Cemetery on a windy day, when all the flags are moving in the breeze.”
An emotional Sittig accepted his plaque award from Pucheu, and said, “Thank you. I’m very honored! I really appreciate it.”
What prompted Sittig to start the flag project, was as he said, “I served as a pall bearer for a funeral in Crowley and I noticed, and this caught my attention, were many flags in the cemetery. After seeing this, I came home and thought, this would be great to see in Eunice. I contacted Robert Feucht for help. What started with 4 flags has grown to now 484. I enjoy doing this, placing the flags out. Some summer days can become hot, but I still enjoy it.”
The following is the nomination letter written by Marsha Larson and Heather Fontenot: “Dear Rotarians: This letter is to nominate Clifton Dale Sittig for the 2018 Citizen of the Year Award. He was born and raised in the Eunice area and has lived there all of his life. He is one of ninechildren. Dale has been married to Celine for 56 years. They have four children and eight grandchildren.
“He is a graduate of Eunice High School and attended McNeese State University. As a devout catholic, he is an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Church but also volunteers his time and talents to St. Thomas More.
“Through the years, Dale has always been a great supporter of his community on a personal and professional level. Most recently, he has transformed Mt. Calvary Cemetery with flags at the gravesite of veterans. Although he himself is not a veteran, he felt compelled to honor them in a special way after seeing a similar idea in another town. Now people of all ages are in awe of the 484 beautiful flags waving as they travel down Highway 190 just east of town. He does not get paid for his services, only for the supplies.
“He was instrumental in obtaining lightning for LSUE’s Bengal Stadium and lighting for football and baseball fields at Eunice High School and St. Edmund’s during his time as Public Service Commissioner
“Dale can be found at local events serving as master of ceremonies or auctioneer, all at no cost to the organization. He has helped various organizations, charities, and families in need. From 2004-2009 he served as a board member for the Eunice High School Alumni Association. On Friday nights in the fall, he is the announcer of St. Edmund’s football games. He currently serves on the St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers Committee.
“In the early years of his professional life, Dale was in the oil industry. He eventually began farming. In 1983 he began his political career serving as Louisiana state representative serving until 1995. He was then elected as state Public Service commissioner and served until 2008 when he was appointed by the governor as the executive director of the Louisiana Offshore Terminal Authority until his retirement in 2016.
“As an active member of the community, he has received several awards. While he was farming, he was selected as Eunice’s Young Farmer of the Year. Dale was most recently awarded the Evangeline Area Council of Boy Scouts of America City of Eunice Distinguished Citizen in 2016. He was awarded St. Edmund’s Booster of the Year and is still an active member.
“When Dale is not serving his community, he can be found hunting, playing Mississippi Stud, or working in his yard. Dale’s biggest joy is spending time with his family. He also enjoys time at his camp and playing with his two dogs (Cricket and Petite).
“When interviewing people in town, a common thread that everyone mentioned is that he has never turned anyone down that came requesting help. He never says “no.” If he sees anyone walking, he pulls over and offers them a ride. He also finds time to visit the sick and elderly. It doesn’t matter what sort of problem someone has, he always tries to be a part of the solution.
“In conclusion, Dale was always looked at growing up as the “baby boy” of his family. He took that role and molded himself into a community leader. He treats his community as his family.
“The last words out of his mouth when leaving a room are always, “Call me if you need anything.”
This man exemplifies a community leader and is well deserving of this award.
Sincerely, Marsha Larson and Heather Fontenot.
Past recipients include: Charles Feucht (2017); Kimberly Russell (2016); Jerica Guillory (2015); Doris Stagg (2014); Donna Baltakis (2013); Ginny Moody (2012); Robin D. Parker (2011); Alma B. Reed (2010); Bill Thompson (2009); Jeanne McManus (2008); Harry Reed (2006), Dr. Bill Nunez (2005), Susan G. Gaspard (2004), Pamela P. Quirk (2003), Norma Jean Miller (2002), Billy O’Donnell (2001), Mickey Guillory (2000), Lynn LeJeune (1999), Father Jules Arceneaux (1998), Georgie Manuel (1997), Pat Dossman and Dwight Jodon as co-recipients (1996), Clarence Guillory (1995), Janet Marcantel (1994), Jerry Hoffpauir (1993), Dr. Jack Miller (1992), Curtis Joubert (1991), Marc Savoy (1990), Deacon Marius Soileau (1989), Ivan Miller (1988), Charles Seale (1987), Dr. Rodney Landreneau Jr. (1986), Tom Voinche, Jr. (1985), J. Nilas Young (1984), Karl DeRouen (1983), Johnny Bourque (1982), John I. Reed (1981), Gil Young (1980), Cliff Broussard, Jr. (1979), Joe Nagata (1978), Fred McClain (1977), J.E. “Boo” LeDoux (1976), Johnnie Wasmuth (1975), Lorita McManus (1974), Dr. Tom LaHaye (1973), P. J. Baker (1972), Harvey Gil (1971), Joe Doucet (1970), Wilson Moosa (1969), Dr. Bernard Fruge (1968), Dudley Guillory (1967), “Andy” Jackson (1966), Leon Tujague Sr. (1965), Mary LaHaye (1964), Grady Lowe (1963), Stewart Rozas (1961), Matt Fruge, Sr. (1960), Connie Larson (1959), Mitch Ashy (1958), Jack Eaton (1957), Eugene Picou (1956), Gladney Manuel (1955), Matt Vernon (1954), O.A. LaHaye (1953), Claudia Morton (1951), Dr. J. J. Stagg (1950), Tom Verges (1949), Ernest Russell (1948), Monsignor A. A. Martel (1947), “Cubbie” Parrott (1946), Clint Mornhinveg (1945), Chester Derbes (1944), J.C. Keller Sr. (1943) and Dr. Harry Jenkins (1942). The Club chose not to present the award in 1952, 1962 and 2007.