Myra Miller
An article with a photo of Robert “Bobby” Latiolais of Eunice printed in The Eunice News in 1967, read, “Robert Latiolais back stateside. USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42, March 1 - Robert L. Latiolais, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Latiolais of 800 N. Fourth St., Eunice, La., has returned to Mayport, Fla., from combat duty off the coast of North Vietnam, aboard the attack aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“As a member of the FDR, he assisted in the launching of over 7,000 combat and combat support missions against North Vietnamese Military combat targets.
“The carrier, named for the 32nd President of the United States, traveled over 94,000 miles since leaving Mayport in June of 1966. That distance is equal to approximately four trips around the world, following the line of the equator.
“During her deployment with the Seventh Fleet, the FDR also visited the ports of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Subic Bay, Philippines; Yokosuka, Japan; and the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong.”
Latiolais stopped by The Eunice News Tuesday, with military photos in his hand and a large bounded book, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA-42, Vietnam 1966-1967. Latiolais is pictured in the book.
Latiolais, born July 28, 1946, to the late Edmond and Elda Guillory Latiolais of Eunice. He is a 1964 graduate of St. Edmund High School. “I actually had my high school diploma handed to me in April of 1964,” said Latiolais. In April of 1964. Latiolais enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
Latiolais served as active and in-active duty from1964 to 1973. In 1964, Latiolais attended boot camp in San Diego, California, and remained there for three months. Then he went off to schooling in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Naval Air Station Base.
His next post was at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba. He was stationed at the Leeward Point side of the base in the crash crew, from January 1965 until December 1965.
After another post at Mayport, Florida Naval Base, Latiolais left in June 1966 for Vietnam.
Latiolais was stationed on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA-42 (Carrier V-Heavy Attack), Vietnam in 1966 and remained for seven months. Latiolais added, “There were U.S. Navy war games with Great Britain during this time. It was to get the Battle E, which meant The Gold E Battle Efficiency, a training for Vietnam. Latiolais also recalled, “I flew out on a sea mail plane and landed on an aircraft carrier.” Latiolais was CE2- a second class petty officer, in the VI Division, “My duties entailed spotting of aircrafts on flight deck.”
Latiolais returned home with honorable service medals, some include: National Service Defense Medal, Vietnam Service medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Cross of Galantry with Palm.
Latiolais is the father of two daughters, Jessica Latiolais and Jennifer Latiolais, and is a member of the VFW Post 8971, American Legion Post 129 and DAV.
Latiolais retired with 20 years as an operating engineer of a Pipeliner Union, out of Lake Charles.
Latiolais said, “I had a cousin, older than me, who served in the Navy. We were close, he was actually raised with me. I wanted to be like him, and I wanted to join the Navy. My only regret is that I did not retire in the service.”
Ceremony
The annual Veteran’s Day program will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the VFW Post 8971 on U.S. 190 east of Eunice.
The Post members and officers invite all veterans, families and children to attend. “This year our program is scheduled on Saturday, and children are out of school. We do encourage and invite children to attend with their parents,” said Terry Matte, quartermaster of the post.
A free gumbo will be served. There will also be disposal of flags and guest speakers will be part of the program. Some guest speakers confirmed are state Rep. Phillip DeVillier, Chief of Police Randy Fontenot and St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux.