Mike Wade Gunnels of Magnolia, deceased, was drafted into the army in 1970 and served honorably for over 39 years, from June 1971 to February 1972. He earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, and Air Medal as a door gunner with a helicopter medical evacuation unit in Vietnam. Continuing his service with the Louisiana National Guard, he participated in every state emergency involving Blackhawk or Huey helicopters from 1988 to 2010, including hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Gustav, Rita, and numerous wildfires in Louisiana and California. He received the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Humanitarian Service Medal, Louisiana Cross of Merit, and California Commendation Medal. In one week during 2005, he airlifted 482 Hurricane Katrina evacuees, rescuing 144 people using a rescue hoist without harm to medics or patients.