Mike Johnson

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., hosted the “Spirit of Louisiana” Community Awards Ceremony in Bossier City last week, honoring Congressional Commendation recipients from Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District.

“This is something we look forward to every year, the Spirit of Louisiana Awards. And so, we gave it to some very fitting recipients, people who have contributed so much to their local communities and to the state and the nation in so many ways,” Johnson said. “And one of the great joys of being the Representative for Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District is that we have the greatest people in the world, so many worthy recipients of awards like this.”

This year’s local recipients included:

Allen

Barbara Savant: dedicated to helping local businesses and driving economic development as the Executive Director of the Kinder Chamber of Commerce

Beauregard

Patty Wilkin: established and leads the Sew Caring Prayer Quilt Ministry to provide hand-sewn prayer quilts to those in need

Harold Lester: 99-year-old U.S. Navy World War II veteran

Calcasieu

Sheriff Stitch Guillory, Chief Deputy Gene Pittman, and the Southwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force: dedication to eliminating human trafficking, ensuring justice to perpetrators, and providing support to victims

Vernon