Service took center stage at the TVA Veterans Association luncheon Oct. 30 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Celebrating the group’s 50th anniversary, speakers highlighted the mission of service that Veterans bring to their roles at TVA.
“Veterans have been a part of TVA since the beginning,” said Kevin Baker, President of the TVA Veterans Association and a Veteran of the U.S. Army. “In 1959, almost 60% of our workforce was Veterans.”
Today, about 20% of TVA’s workforce is made up of Veterans.
In FY 2025, TVA earned recognition as a Military Friendly Top 10 Employer and Military Spouse Friendly Employer. The enterprise is also a 5-Star Employer in the 2025 VETS Indexes, which recognizes organizations that do the most to hire, retain, promote and support Veterans.
The TVA Veterans Association promotes camaraderie and support for Veterans and serves as an advocate for Veterans and their families. The association also connects Veterans to volunteer opportunities.
Heather Thompson, now a project control specialist in Transmission, operated heavy machinery in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion from 2003 to 2007.
She joined TVA in 2015.
“I appreciate that TVA does appreciate what we gave. It’s nice that TVA takes the time to put on such a special event,” Heather said.
Mickey Blackburn, a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, was active with the Veterans Association when he worked at Johnsonville.
“It was good at Johnsonville. We had strong membership there,” said Mickey, who is now a chapter president for the TVA Retirees Association. “TVA has always been Veteran-based. Just six months after coming out of the military, I was with TVA.”
The program began with a presentation of colors and a video featuring interviews with some of TVA’s Veteran workforce.
Kevin welcomed to the podium Senior Vice President of Generation Allen Clare, one of the executive sponsors of the association and a Veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Allen noted the Veterans Association is TVA’s oldest employee organization and its most active. Members participate in a variety of service opportunities, such as recently building a ramp for a disabled Veteran.
“It was a simple act but it carried a powerful message that service never ends,” Allen said. “We continue to look out for each other and for others in the community who are in need.”
President and CEO Don Moul reflected on the duties Veterans have taken on in their lives.
During their military service, they protected the nation and defended the freedoms of others. As part of TVA’s workforce, they operate and build the plants and assets that power ongoing regional growth. They help protect people and communities from devastating flooding and assist those in need.
“You drive all of these essential activities forward, day after day, from the start of your career to the end – that’s incredibly rare. That’s who you are. That’s what you deliver to TVA. That’s why your service and our TVA mission will always endure,” Don said.
Retired Lt. General Keith Huber shared the keynote address. He currently serves as the senior advisor for Veterans and Leadership Initiatives and as distinguished visiting professor at Middle Tennessee State University, where he helps Veterans access benefits and transition from military service to civilian life.
TVA Veterans Association co-sponsor Doug Keeling, Vice President of Power Service Shops and Regional Maintenance, recognized Kathy Black, Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. President, and Barbie Perdue, TVA Event Management Associate, for their support of the Veterans Association and coordination of the annual luncheon.
The event included time to visit and socialize, with special gifts from the Veterans Association and Power Service Shops.
