Vietnam veteran Donald R. Vidrine has announced his candidacy for Evangeline Parish Police Jury in District 6 on the October 12 ballot.
“I, Donald R. Vidrine, am proclaiming my candidacy for Police Jury in District 6 of Evangeline Parish,” Vidrine said in his announcement. “I am a resident of District 6 and have been for 35 years. I am very familiar with the people, the roads, and the drainage concerns of our district. I have been married to Audrey H. Vidrine for nearly 35 years while living in the Reddell-Vidrine area. I presently live on Spring Prairie Rd., which is maintained by our parish government, for nearly 25 years. I have personally witnessed the many problems and concerns in the Spring Prairie area.”
Vidrine’s announcement continued as follows: “I am a Vietnam veteran and received my combat training at the Fort Polk Infantry Training Center. After two years of faithful service to my country, between 1970 and 1972, I was honorably discharged. During my service in Vietnam, I received three medals for meritorious service.”
“I have received my college education through the G.I. Bill majoring in elementary education. I have also served as a substitute teacher in the Evangeline Parish School System.
“I am a proud life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the past 33 years. I have served as an officer on the local, regional, and state levels. I am an advocate for the rights and benefits that our veterans truly earned and deserve. I presently have been serving as a post commander and chief executive officer for the past eight years. During my administration, I have promoted veteran unity and values. I have also promoted patriotism in our parish schools since being elected post commander. Our VFW Post 3803 of Ville Platte is the only VFW post in Evangeline Parish that supports veteran efforts.”
“I also serve as the state chairman for the National Home for Homeless Veteran Orphan Children for the past 13 years. Our home is located in Eaton Rapids, Mich., on 640-acres of land. I was honored with this appointment to represent the State of Louisiana.”
“I am also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans for the past three years serving our wounded disabled veterans.”
“I also serve as an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5048 of Pine Prairie. I have been a member of this organization for the past 33 years serving the poor and needy people in our community.”
“I am also a parishioner and faithful supporter of St. Ann’s Catholic Church serving as a lay minister and a usher captain. I have been president and coordinator for the past 32 years.”
“I am running on the platform for the revival of our two-cent sales tax for the improvement of parish roads and drainage projects. This tax was approved by the voters and taxpayers going back to 1998 and was effective on January 1, 1999. Still, as of today, the process has been moving at a slow pace. Still much of our infrastructure in District 6 is in need of improvements. If elected, I will strive for better accountability of our taxes. I feel taxpayers need to know how they are being spent. I will work with parish and state officials to address the weak economy of our parish, More industry will create more taxes and a higher tax base to provide better services parishwide.”
“To the voters and taxpayers in District 6 of Evangeline Parish, I am not a politician. I believe, with good leadership and hard work, much can be achieved, and, with the support of the people, by the people, and for the people, we can make a great difference in our community. In conclusion, I have served God, my country, and my community for the past 33 years. With your vote and prayers, please elect Donald R. Vidrine on October 12, as the next police jury member in District 6.”
October 18, 2026
