Refusal to register keeps one vet off monument board

For nearly 10 years, Thibodaux’s Concerned Veterans of Louisiana Chapter has continued its fight for a “fallen heroes” monument in Lafourche Parish.

“We need someplace where you can visually see the names of the people who have fought for our country’s safety and our parish’s safety,” said Tommy Tabor, chapter vice-commander.

Finally, his battle is over.

The Lafourche Parish Council is in the process of appointing parish veterans, law enforcement officers and firemen to a Heroes Monument Board.

Vietnam veteran Eddie Tabor, a native of Thibodaux, is among those seeking a spot on the board. But he’s got a slight dilemma: he’s not a registered voter in Lafourche.

At age 18, Eddie Tabor did his civic duty – registering to vote and enlisting to fight for the U.S. But since he returned injured from the war, the Thibodaux man, now age 59, hasn’t once voted.

Although he hasn’t verified the information with the parish’s Registrar of Voters office, Eddie Tabor is likely no longer listed among eligible voters. And the only requirement to be appointed to the board – other than previous military or rescue service – is to be a registered voter in Lafourche Parish, proving residence.

In response, Eddie Tabor counters, “I have a driver’s license for that (proving his residency). I don’t want to register to vote … I shouldn’t have to just to be on a veterans’ committee.

His cousin, Tommy Tabor, intends to seek a position on the board. He fears cousin Eddie’s stubbornness and refusal to accept change will hold him back.

“I would love for him to be on the board. We have been through so much and we know what the veterans need,” Tommy Tabor said. “Eddie would be a great asset to the board.”

Like many Americans, Eddie Tabor isn’t happy with some state and federal missteps. But it’s actually the voting booth itself that has kept him away.

The Thibodaux man explained that the closed in polling booth brings back too many painful memories of his time spent fighting in Vietnam.

“The small space is just too much for me,” he said. “And I see how people talk about America and they don’t know the sacrifices we made to make America what it is today. And a lot of times it takes the government too long to respond in trying times and disastrous situations.”

Eddie Tabor shares a disorder many veterans endure – post-traumatic stress disorder. And like many veterans, he’s had to look elsewhere for help since the closing of the Veteran’s Hospital in New Orleans post-2005. It’s one more in his growing list of frustrations with the government’s missteps. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t have a V.A. in New Orleans, two years after Hurricane Katrina,” he said.

Tommy Tabor understands his cousins growing exasperation, but tries to keep a positive outlook.

“I can understand [Eddie’s] rationalization to a certain point, but there has to be some give an take,” he said. “He doesn’t have to vote, all he has to do is register.”

According to the Lafourche Parish Registrar of Voters’ office, someone who fails to vote for at least two major elections is dropped from the polls automatically.

Whether Eddie Tabor registers or not, the Lafourche Parish Council is set to appoint members to the Hero’s Monument Board. The vote was delayed at the last council meeting to find a replacement for Eddie Tabor.

“I am going to be on the council with or without him,” Tommy Tabor said. “I want him there, but I don’t think it’s up there on [Eddie’s] list of priorities to change his mind and go register.”

The board will consist of five veterans, two firemen and two law enforcement officers.

A proposed monument designed by the Concerned Veterans of Louisiana, Inc. – estimated to cost $250,000 – will require three acres of land. The site includes walkways leading to three combined monuments: one for military veterans, one for fallen fire fighters, and one for fallen police.

The monument is estimated to cost $250,000 and would sit on three acres of land. The veterans chapter has not acquired land for the project, but they are looking for property near northern Thibodaux.

The council has adopted the concept of erecting a monument. The next step is seating the board to work out the details.