Big Sandy Power Plant has been a staple in the community of Lousia, Ky., providing jobs and reliable generation for eastern Kentucky for more than 60 years.

Since the plant first went online in 1963, significant changes have occurred, from generation fuel sources to game-changing technology upgrades. But a few things remain unchanged. Namely, the steam seen billowing from the top of the giant concrete cooling   tower – evidence of the 295MW gas-fueled power being generated there – and inside the building where one can find evidence of the friendships that were forged in what has always been a tight-knit community.

Many of those brought on board to run the plant, arrived as young men fresh out the military. Over the years, dozens of men who have served our county have also served Kentucky Power customers as dedicated employees who keep the fires burning and power flowing into homes and business across eastern Kentucky. For more than 20 years, those who served in the military are joined by other retirees to celebrate the plant’s annual Veterans Day program.

This year, third graders from Louisa East Elementary School opened the program by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing several patriotic songs. Plant Manager, and 40-year employee, David Mell, said the “Louisa kids were the stars.”

 “This week’s event was a slice of being an American. Small town spirit is the backbone of this country,” he said. “This is an important event we have here at this plant recognizing all these veterans every year. We thank the school kids and their teachers for joining us. You can’t ask for anything better.”

About a dozen plant retiree veterans were in attendance. Mell introduced Lewis (Dan) VanSickle, 89, to those who didn’t already know him, of which there were very few. VanSickle served in the Marines from 1955-1959 and worked at the plant for 30 years, starting his career with Kentucky Power the year the plant was built. During construction, Vansickle worked as a laborer pouring the concrete for the giant cooling tower.

Another veteran retiree, Shannon (Shag) Preece, who served in the Army from 1964-1967, said he was told to come to plant when got of the service and get a job there.

“And I did,” Preece said. “It took me about a year to get on, but I was able to use the electrical training I received in the Army when I got here. We had good people we worked with, and we learned a lot from them. It turned out to be a good career.”

Preece, who worked at the plant from 1968-1999, said one of the most challenging chapters in his long career was the shift in computer technology and work that became increasingly digital. The good part was the job security, he said.

“We’ll always need electricity, which is what I told my wife when she asked if I thought I’d ever get laid off.”

The best part about working at the plant, Preece said, was the reason he comes to all the Veterans Day celebrations.

“I come back because of the guys I worked with. We were just like a big family,” Preece said. “When you retire, you miss it. So, we come back to visit and we enjoy seeing each other.”

Veterans in Attendance at Big Sandy Plant’s Annual Veterans Day Event