Kudzu-like grass causing havoc in Bayou Lafourche
November 21, 2006
Mary Guidry
November 24, 2006
Sola Communications paid tribute to a long-time staffer this week, establishing an award in the Pointe-aux-Chenes’ man’s memory.
A 30-plus-year employee of the telecommunications company, Melvin Ledet died earlier this year.
A ceremony was held Thursday at SolaComm’s Larose office in honor of his service and contribution to the company. Ledet’s friends and family were on hand for the celebration.
“SolaComm is honored that a man of Melvin’s caliber and abilities gave so much to our company and our customers for more than three decades,” said Lyndon James, SolaComm CEO. “Dedicated employees, like Melvin, are the heart and soul of this company. We knew that honoring his service and his life with an annual award for outstanding employees was a fitting tribute.”
Ledet began his career at Bibbins and Rice Service, Inc., on May 4, 1970.
When Sola Communications bought out the company in 1986, Ledet stayed on, working up until his death June 18 of this year. He was 58.
Ledet was an electronic communications and service manager at SolaComm. The international company specializes in telecommunications for the offshore oil and gas and emergency services markets.
Ledet’s flair for electronics first emerged after he graduated from South Terrebonne High School in Bourg in 1965, according to his family.
Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he specialized in installing and maintaining ground radar systems in Vietnam and, for two years, in Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1969.
“He was not only dedicated to his work and to Sola Communications, but Melvin loved what he did and took a lot of pride in his work,” explained Ellen Ledet, Melvin’s wife of 37 years. “He thrived on the challenge of trying to fix a complicated problem and making sure that the new technicians in the company could service the customers to the best of their ability.”
Ellen Ledet says after celebrating Father’s Day with her and their daughter, Rhonda n who Ellen says was a “Daddy’s girl” n Melvin went to play golf. He had a massive heart attack on the course and died instantly.
“He didn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. He wanted to work until he could no longer,” added Ellen. “He put his family and Sola first and never hesitated to do what it took to get the job done. He was proud of that.”
Ledet wore his pride in the company, literally, around his neck. Every day on the job, he wore a pendant on a chain. Today, his wife wears it as a reminder of her husband and the job and company he loved so much, she said.
The inaugural Melvin Ledet Memorial Award was unveiled at Thursday’s ceremony. James said each December, the Sola Communications technician who best promotes the company and excels on the job will be given the award.
Ledet was an active member of Annunziata Catholic Church in Houma for 31 years and was a charter member of the Annunziata Knights of Columbus Council No. 10612 and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Krewe of Terreanians Carnival Club for 20 years.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen Detiveaux Ledet, and one daughter, Rhonda Michele Ledet, who teaches psychology and Latin at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma.
He enjoyed golf, playing cards, working and spending time with his family and friends and was a devoted New Orleans Saints fan.
Sola Communications, LLC, is based in Lafayette, and has offices in Houston and Larose. The company specializes in designing, installing, enhancing and serving telecommunications, antenna and tower and satellite solutions.
The company’s products and services are available worldwide.
