PORT ALLEN — A Port Allen police officer stepped to the microphone at Wednesday's council meeting and offered to help a fellow veteran struggling to clean up his property. Later that same evening, the officer was promoted to Corporal.

Theodore Melancon, a veteran who neighbors say served in the Korean War, addressed the council about his property, which has been the subject of cleanup concerns. Melancon explained he had spent all of Christmas week hospitalized with a kidney infection and other health issues, derailing his cleanup efforts.

Melancon told the council he had served as a Boy Scout leader, Scoutmaster, Explorer leader, and Knight of Columbus member, but had no family help available.

"Everything I've done... no help," he said.

Council members agreed to give him 45 additional days before considering formal condemnation proceedings. Then Juneau approached the microphone.

"I'm actually a member of a veterans motorcycle group. And we are all about veterans helping veterans," Juneau said. "I've already reached out to my brothers and sisters of this group. And I'm waiting to hear back, see if we can get some guys to come help this gentleman."

Council members responded warmly.

"Got you some help," one said as the homeowner left the podium.

Councilwoman Charlene Gordon, who made the motion approving Juneau's promotion, thanked him for volunteering.

"I do appreciate you stepping up to helping, because you didn't have to do that," Gordon said.

Later in the meeting, Officer Rushing Juneau was promoted to Corporal. Chief Mitch Mitchell praised him for consistently going "the extra mile" for citizens.

"Once again, as y'all seen for y'allself, how helpful he is, not only with our police department, he'll go the extra mile to help our citizens out," Mitchell told the council.

The help is already underway. Organizers report yard cleanup has begun, with a roofer and mechanic assessing needed repairs. A group that helps veterans is working to get a new roof put on at no cost to the homeowner, and a dumpster has been delivered for debris removal.

Joey Stein has offered to inspect the roof, and Caleb Kleinpeter contacted the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on Melancon's behalf.

Several groups are coordinating the effort, with a cleanup day scheduled for Saturday, January 24 at 10 a.m. A fund has been established to support Melancon directly at spotfund.com/story/e915421e-b4d7-42b7-9440-8d4e0b8d813f?SFID=HelpAVeteranMrMelancon. Community members have offered additional assistance, including electrical work.

Melancon has asked that volunteers not show up unannounced and wait for the scheduled cleanup date. Those interested in helping can join the Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/719129041041235 or find the cleanup event at facebook.com/share/1CPNqzEFYu/.