Army veteran Sgt. 1st Class Jules Lefeaux’s easy-going southern gentlemen’s drawl can erupt into a loud, piping command with a precision that was honed by his time in the military.
He developed those skills while training at the height of the Vietnam War, earning him the title of “expert” in weaponry and combat. But these days, he uses those skills to be on target in proclaiming the Catholic faith.
Lefeaux recently spoke about the sacrifices veterans make at a recent program honoring veterans at Holy Family School in Port Allen that was attended by more than 400 veterans, teachers, students and parents. Lefeaux began his education at Holy Family in 1949, the year the school opened its doors, and was an honor roll student.
Lefeaux’s sacrifices began when he received a draft letter in 1966. He went to New Orleans for a physical exam and was sent to Fort Dix in New Jersey for basic training where he endured a bitterly cold winter and the biggest sacrifice of leaving his new bride, Patricia.
The couple was only able to speak by phone once a week, but Patricia frequently sent Lefeaux letters and their marriage has lasted 55 years.
Lefeaux demonstrated to the students the loud bellicose voice a drill sergeant wearing a “Smokey the Bear hat” used when the trainees stepped off the bus.
“He yelled, ‘What are you troopers doing walking in my area? You run here for the next four months!’ ” exclaimed Lefeaux.
"He’s truly a remarkable man with very strong faith."
Holy Family principal Alise Ashford
In the intense physical training, Lefeaux ran a mile before breakfast and from 4 to 8 miles daily. Pushups, sit-ups and crawling were ordered frequently.
He could do 60 pushups at the end of four months and run 8 miles in combat boots, carrying an assault rifle and backpack.
The soldiers also had to take 14 vaccinations in two days.
Lefeaux quickly proved his expertise at handling weapons and hand-to-hand combat. When he was promoted to sergeant, he was issued a Jeep that had a nine-foot cannon on the back.
“They told me your job is to take this Jeep and shoot at Russian tanks (target practice) in a field half a mile away,” said Lefeaux.
Training on the tanks damaged Lefeaux’s hearing and he was not able to go to Vietnam. Instead, he was sent to Germany, where he showed his finesse in the payroll office. His wife went with him to Germany.
He told the students to be thankful for the sacrifices of veterans, which help allow them to live in peace and enjoy many freedoms.
“His stories of his life including his time here, his faith formation as a young boy, his marriage to his wife Patricia, and his time serving in the U.S. Army was very well received by both staff and students. Most of us were in tears at the end of his speech. He’s truly a remarkable man with very strong faith – which he gives credit to for making it through to where he is now in his life. He received a standing ovation and all were thrilled to have him with us that day,” said Holy Family principal Alise Ashford.
All of Lefeaux’s experiences strengthened his leadership skills. A graduate of Catholic High School in Baton Rouge and LSU, he served as a chief financial officer for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, supervisor of business services at the West Baton Rouge School System, assistant director of LSU facility maintenance, CEO of a top-rated credit union and Brusly town clerk. He retired in 2006 after inheriting a 200-acre farm.
Lefeaux also learned to boldly proclaim the Catholic faith. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was one of the lectors for the daily Masses celebrated by Bishop Michael G. Duca that are broadcast by Catholic Life Television. He also teaches sixth-grade religious education at St. John the Baptist Church in Brusly and serves as chaplain of the Honor Guard, offering prayers at veterans’ funerals, all of which he said has been substantially rewarding.
When speaking to the St. John congregation to recruit new catechists Lefeaux told them about the time during a classroom lesson when the textbook asked, “Who is the person who brings you closest to God?”
“I suggested, ‘Is it (St. John pastor) Father Matt (Lorrain)? The bishop? Your parents? Talk it over and let me know,’ ” Lefeaux said.
They looked a bit puzzled and after five minutes a popular young lady stood up and said, ‘Mr. Lefeaux, you are the person who brings us closest to God.’
“I was astonished. I knew right then that teaching them religion was my ticket to heaven,” said Lefeaux.