Charles Saucier

Charles Eberle “Chuck” Saucier was born in New Orleans on August 29, 1936. He died peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2011 surrounded by his family after an 11 month struggle with Glioblastoma. He died in the Palliative Care Unit of the VA Medical Center. He was 74 years old. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 53 years, Irene “Renie” Saucier; son, Dr. Craig Saucier and wife Triche of Baton Rouge; daughter, Carrie Saucier Luckey and husband Bill of Dallas, Texas; son, Scott Saucier and wife Suzzan of Little Elm, Texas. He is survived by 8 grandchildren. In 1954 he graduated from St. Paul’s School, Covington. In 1958 he graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Journalism and a commission in the United States Air Force. In early 1959, he entered the Air Force, and during his 20 year career in Public Affairs, held assignments in Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Korea, Washington D.C., Naples, Italy, California, Bangkok, Thailand, and Louisiana. Following retirement from the military, he joined the staff at Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) and worked in a variety of positions, including Director of Public Affairs, Registrar, and Director of Continuing Education. He retired from LSUA after 20 years. Chuck has been active in a number of social, civic, and religious organizations. He has held leadership positions in the Central Louisiana Chapter of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana, the Central Louisiana Advertising Club, the Friends of the Alexandria Zoo (FOTAZ), the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, the Air Force Association, the United Way of Central Louisiana, the American Red Cross, the South Alexandria Rotary Club, and the Central Louisiana Division of the March of Dimes. He was a Life Member of the Military Officers Association of America and has served as Central Louisiana Chapter Treasurer, Vice President, President, Louisiana State Vice President, and a six year term as a member of the National Board of Directors. He was appointed as a member of Governor Jindal’s Transition Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs and was a member of the Retiree Council at Ft. Polk. As a Board Member of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, he served as Vice President for Military Affairs, and chaired the Military Affairs Committee for four years. Since 2003, he has arranged the “military” session for the Central Louisiana Leadership Class, a program of LSU at Alexandria where students and staff members are brought to Fort Polk for a day long view of activities on the post. Chuck was active in the planning of the annual Salute to Military Families in Alexandria, providing an area for military members and their families to watch the Mardi Gras parade. On their return from Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was active in the planning for the Welcome Home Celebration for the 2nd ACR, held in downtown Leesville. Chuck’s continued support for the military and for those still serving was important to him. Since 1991, he was an active member of the Louisiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, serving as Area Chairman and State Director of Public Affairs. He was on the Board of Directors of the Central Louisiana Division of the March of Dimes. He also served on the Boards of Directors of Cenlabration, FOTAZ, and the Central Louisiana Chapter of the American Heart Association, the Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum at Camp Beauregard in Pineville. He chaired the Catholic Pastoral Council at Edwards Air Force Base, California, St. Martin of Tours Parish at England Air Force Base, and St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Alexandria. He is a member of St. Rita Parish and has served as co-chairman of the Stewardship Administration and Pastoral Commission at St. Rita Church in Alexandria. Chuck received many awards and citations during his military and civilian careers, but one that he was most proud of was the Louisiana National Guard Distinguished Civilian Service Medal. In 1963, when assigned to the Office of Aerospace Research in Washington D.C., one of Chuck’s photographs was published in an issue of the National Geographic. Chuck loved his family, his country, and his God. He will be sadly missed.