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Ambulance awards ceremony scheduled for Lafayette, La.

Copyright 2006 Capital City Press
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By The Advocate (Louisiana)

LAFAYETTE, La. — Acadian Ambulance’s invitation-only annual luncheon at the Lafayette Convention Center added another attention-getter to an already strong lineup for the Friday event.

Acadian Ambulance already had a strong draw, with Gov. Kathleen Blanco running the ceremonies and former President George H.W. Bush serving as keynote speaker, but current President George W. Bush is making a virtual appearance as well.

The son of the former president will introduce his father via a special video message recorded at the White House.

The elder Bush is expected to pay tribute to the men and women of Acadian Ambulance and report on the effort he co-chaired with former President Clinton to raise money for people devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Acadian Ambulance drew praise from several quarters for the work done in the wake of the hurricanes in 2005, including the James O. Page Leadership award from the Journal of Emergency Medical Services and the Bernard A. Goldhirsch Courage Award by Inc. Magazine.

Acadian CEO Richard Zuchslag also received honorable mention for Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award following the storms.

Past keynote speakers for Acadian’s annual luncheon include U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona, Gen. Wesley Clark and actor William Shatner.