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On Thursday, Nov. 9, the AmSty plant in St. James Parish held a ceremony to honor its employees who have served in the military.

The ceremony featured a Color Guard march and pledge of allegiance from St. Amant High School’s ROTC program, as well as speeches from St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne, St. James High School Principal Shane Kliebert, St. James Sheriff’s Office Col. Sid Berthelot, State Senator Ed Price and Sr. OPS Manager Amir Anderson. 

Ena Theriot, AmSty’s human resources specialist, hosted the ceremony.

“We have seven veteran employees,” Theriot said. “We’re basically just recognizing them. We’ll give them plaques and a pin set in a box.”

The gifts were presented by the Executive Director for Nicholls State University Lisa Kliebert. As the gifts were presented to the veterans, Theriot announced their military positions and how long they served.

Originally, the United States Coast Guard was set to fly over the river at the end of the ceremony, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they were unable to do so.

“They were on a mission last night and they can’t fly for more than six hours,” Theriot said. “They couldn’t make it. They apologize, but they did save a life!”

According to Theriot, this celebration of AmSty’s veteran employees will return in the coming years.

“I’m new to the plant, I’ve been here a year,” Theriot said. “I plan on doing this every year. I feel very passionate about this.”