FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 3, 2006
RELEASE CONTACT: Lewis Lowe
985-369-7770

Melancon Campaign Hosts Community Dinner in Thibodaux

Thibodaux, La..- Congressman Charlie Melancon hosted his third community dinner in Thibodaux on Monday night. The dinner, hosted at the Protector Firehouse, was a chance for Thibodaux and South Assumption voters to meet and listen to Congressman Melancon talk about issues and answer questions from the audience.

Over 175 people attended the standing room only event and were treated to jambalaya and cole slaw. Congressman Melancon addressed some of the most important issues facing Louisiana and the nation. Topics discussed included coastal restoration, helping our veterans, offshore oil royalty sharing, and immigration reform.

"We have to do everything we can to help our veterans coming home from overseas," Melancon said. "They deserve a hero's welcome and America has the obligation to honor them after they leave active duty."

On display at the dinner was a Purple Heart awarded to Jessie Oubre of Vacherie. Mr. Oubre was awarded the Medal after he returned from World War II but he never received it. Just this year, Congressman Melancon's office was able to help Mr. Oubre get the Purple Heart he should have received over 60 years ago.

In his first term, Melancon has been a strong supporter of our troops and veterans. He has fought cuts in Veterans' benefits and sponsored legislation that would have started a prosthetic limb program for wounded veterans.

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Jimmy Brazan Jessie Oubre and Charlie pose with Mr. Oubre's World War II Purple Heart	Congressman Melancon talks to a supporter in Thibodaux
Charlie addresses the crowd at the Thibodaux Community Dinner	Packed House for a community dinner in Thibodaux