On March 8th, former Jackson Parish resident Gloria Gueydan was awarded the prestigious Public Service Commendation Medal for her service in the 528 Engineer Battalion, Family Readiness Group.

The Public Service Commendation Medal is the fourth-highest public service decoration that the United States Department of the Army can bestow upon a civilian.

225th Engineer Brigade Commander, Colonel Saint of the Louisiana Training Center in Pineville, LA, commented on Gueydan’s service to the National Guard. 

“Gloria Gueydan served exceptional, meritorious public service and support of the 528th Engineer Battalion within the 225th Engineer Brigade,” said Colonel Saint.  “Providing unwavering support and assistance to soldiers and their families through her sustained commitment to the family readiness group, she played a vital role in strengthening morale, readiness, and resiliency across the military community. Her professionalism, dedication, and timeless advocacy for the military families reflect great credit upon herself and embody the highest traditions of public service and support of the Louisiana Army National Guard.”

Gloria Gueydan’s volunteer service to the military has spanned over 60 years. She first volunteered when her husband, Warren Dare Gueydan, was the company commander of the Arkansas Army National Guard unit in De Queen, AR, during the Vietnam War.

Then in 1990, she volunteered with A company of the 199th Louisiana Army National Guard unit located in Jonesboro, LA, during Desert Storm mobilization.  She became active again in 2009 and has continued to volunteer in various capacities to the present.