Paul L. Guidry Sr.

Paul L. Guidry Sr. for his exemplary service to the United States with the U. S. Travel Service and the International Trade Association. Born in 1926 in Reserve, LA, Paul L. Guidry Sr. was the son of Edwin J. Guidry and Eva Graugnard of Terre Haute Plantation. After serving during WWII in the U. S. Army 8th Service Command, Paul pursued his passion for international culture and languages becoming proficient in Spanish, German and French (both Parisian and Cajun) . He later added Italian to his repertoire. Paul's schooling included colleges in the U. S., Switzerland, Mexico City and Puebla, Mexico. Initially working for Eastern Airlines as regional sales manager for Mexico and Central America, Paul later joined the U. S. Department of Commerce as Regional Director of the U. S. Travel Service at Mexico City. In 1969 he was posted to Paris, France. Paul returned to Louisiana in 1985 as District Director of Foreign Commercial Service in New Orleans. His final assignment was Regional Director of the Western Hemisphere for the International Trade Association in New Orleans. Paul's passion for people and culture, mastery of five languages and his love of life made him well-respected in the international community.

He developed many award-winning and innovative programs that improved America's image in foreign countries and garnered honors for him around the world. Paul especially enjoyed promoting his beloved Louisiana. Paul was known as a builder of bridges between peoples. Paul Guidry passed away in 2008 and his wife Myrtis (Merle) Williams Guidry died in 2020. They had five sons and two daughters.