Southern Nuclear was honored by the US Navy Reserve during a ceremony on June 20, at the Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va., for its exceptional support of America’s citizen sailors. The company was one of 39 civilian employers from across the nation that received this prestigious award.
Nominations were made by Navy Reserve sailors who also have other employment. Southern Nuclear was nominated by David Hart, Shift Support Supervisor in Training at Vogtle 3 and 4.
Jeff Gasser, Executive Vice President of Operational Readiness and Site Integration for Vogtle 3 and 4, accepted the award on behalf of Southern Nuclear from Vice Admiral Robin R. Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve.
Currently, 10 percent of the Southern Company system’s 26,000 employees are veterans or serve in the National Guard or Reserve. Veterans account for 14 percent of the system’s new hires this year. At Vogtle 3 and 4, 36 percent of the hires have served in the armed forces.
“Employer support is critical to the Navy Reserve mission,” said Vice Admiral Braun. “Since 9/11, more than 70,000 Reserve sailors have been mobilized and served around the world – many for multiple tours. In fact, in any given month nearly 25 percent of our Navy Reserve force is deployed globally. The magnitude of support for the employee by the employer is truly remarkable. This is our opportunity to thank these outstanding patriots for their support.”
[mappress] Press Release, June 24, 2014; Image: Southern Company