Terrebonne Patriots Inc. is a nonprofit that consists solely of volunteers who work to honor veterans and military service personnel.

We asked the group's president, Danny Picou, and vice president, Karen Collins to answer a few questions about the services it provides and how people can help. Their edited answers follow.

1. What specific services do you provide?

We host Houma-Terrebonne's Independence Day Celebration, which consists of a memorial dedicated to veterans and all service personnel. Then our festival consists of live entertainment by the Houma-Terrebonne Community Band, the New Orleans Marine band and a different local band each year. We have food and craft booths, kids' activities and military equipment on display. We also host an annual fishing trip with the assistance of local charter fisherman and sponsors. We are working on organizing a monthly support group for local veterans.

2. Tell us a short story that illustrates how your services have helped others.

Written by one of our veterans:

"My name is Charlie Dalgo, but the veteran community calls me "Cookie." I served with the 101st Airborne Division from 2004-2008.

"My wife, Mary, and I have been married for 17 years. We have three kids -- Carlie, 14, Peyton, 8, and Skylar, 6 -- and I also have a service dog named Marshall. We live in Luling, in St. Charles Parish.

"I am very grateful to Terrebonne Patriots for putting on this fishing trip for the veterans. This trip to me is more than just a hook and pole; it’s about the camaraderie with other veterans. It seems every time I get around other veterans, I either gather information that will help me or I offer information that will help them. With that said, I always enjoy a fishing trip that is fun and relaxing with my fellow brothers. It is truly amazing to see all the support from the community pitching in. I would like to say on behalf all the veterans attending the fishing trip 2017, thank you and God bless.”

3. What is your annual budget? Where does the money come from?

Between the Independence Day Celebration and our fishing weekend, our organization spends an average of $80,000 each year.

In the past, we have received grants from BP, Terrebonne Parish government and the Houma Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. None of these grants are available any longer.

We depend solely on donations from businesses and individuals. With the economy in its current condition, our businesses that normally make donations haven't been able to donate as in the past. We understand everyone is hurting. This leaves Terrebonne Patriots hurting as well.

As far as fundraisers, we sell food at our Independence Day Celebration, and we charge a minimal fee for craft booths and such.

For the first time, we're inviting the public to buy tickets, bring their boats and join us for the fishing tournament May 20 at the Pointe-aux-Chenes Marina. Tickets are $10. Tickets are combination rodeo and raffle tickets with a chance to win several great prizes. Call Danny Picou at 637-0156 for information.

4. What is your organization's greatest need?

We meet the first Monday of each month. Our small organization is all volunteers. We'd welcome any and all energetic newcomers. Call Danny at 637-0156 or Karen at 870-5905 for information.

Donations are also needed. We have sponsorship forms available.

We are looking for large tents to use during our Independence Day Celebration, which this year is scheduled for Saturday, July 1, and our Fishing Weekend on Saturday, May 20.

We also make goody bags for our veterans consisting of snacks, drinks and promotional items with local businesses' logos on them. Anyone looking to donate items, please call Karen.

5. Does your group need volunteers? What specific activities are available for volunteers? How can they sign up?

We welcome volunteers. Join us at our monthly meetings to learn who we are and what we do. For the time and place of our meetings, call either Danny or Karen at the numbers we've given. Students can earn service hours by helping with children's kids activities at the Independence Day Celebration.

6. What is the greatest reward volunteers receive in exchange for their time?

You're thanking veterans for their service, and they're thanking you for acknowledging them.