“Working men and women like these are the foundation of this country and certainly of our Company. Seeing all of you here gives me a renewed sense of faith in our future. We are proud to honor you today,” Buker said. Award pins were given to those with 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service. The group represented more than 3300 years of work with U.S. Sugar. A special presentation was given to Cobb P. Lyman in recognition of more than 45 years of dedicated service. He received a service pin adorned with a ruby, sapphire and four diamonds. The number of jewels is commensurate with an individual’s years of employment. Lyman began his career at U.S. Sugar in October of 1959, working in the Drainage department (known today as Field Construction) as a helper where he loaded dynamite for construction projects. After a few years, he transferred to the Agriculture department, where he did a little bit of everything during harvest and plant activities. Since 1979, he has worked primarily as a road grader operator. His favorite job assignments include grading the pad for the southern-most sugar warehouse, grading the cap on Cane Field and the new practice field for the Clewiston High School football team, and grading the Hendry County Fair Grounds. According to Lyman, he was blessed to have come to work at U.S. Sugar and has enjoyed his career with the Company. He lived on the farms and raised his family there. Lyman is an equipment specialist for U.S. Sugar’s Farm Area 2. In addition to Lyman’s 45 years of service, nine employees were honored for 40+ years of service: Edward Brown, Freddie Burtis, Johnnie L. Coleman, Andrew Guy, Kenneth “Butch” Jones, Frank Moody, Reuben Molton, James H. Rhodes, Jr., and Claudius A. Smith. The 40-year pins contained a ruby, sapphire and three diamonds. “We hope to make this an annual event,” said Fred Dyess, Jr., Human Resources Manager.
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