As Georgians say "thank you" to veterans across the state this Veterans Day, Georgia Power is recognizing the nearly one in 10 employees companywide who have served in the U.S. military. Veterans from every branch of the armed forces have transitioned their military skills and play key roles on the front lines of power delivery in Georgia, serving in positions such as linemen and power plant personnel. Additionally, a third of the workforce of the new nuclear units at Plant Vogtle near Augusta is comprised of veterans.

Georgia Power is a leading employer for veterans, with programs for servicemen and women at all levels, including the company's Military Veterans in Power (MVP) employee resource group. MVP brings together company executives and veterans to help those who have served transition to the civilian workforce while also focusing on charitable activities with other organizations that support veterans and their families across the state. 

"Today, we express our gratitude to the brave men and women who have given selflessly to protect the freedoms that we hold so dear," said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "We are proud to be a company that attracts the best and brightest from the United States Armed Forces. These men and women strengthen the fabric of our company as we serve our customers and communities every day."   

Mission: Hurricane Matthew 

Nowhere is the parallel between front line service in the military and at Georgia Power more pronounced than in storm restoration. Following Hurricane Matthew in October, one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the Georgia coast, veterans were in the field as part of Georgia Power teams restoring power to hundreds of thousands of customers in dangerous conditions. 

James Laird, currently a Georgia Power lineman and safety specialist, was an infantryman in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1994 to 1999 and Tennessee National Guard from 2000 to 2004. 

"With Hurricane Matthew, there was a lot of damage and work that needed to be done," said Laird. "We all had a sense of pride about our jobs and when we finished getting the lights back on, there was a huge sense of accomplishment. I've always had a calling to serve, and working here, in many ways, is about serving." 

Programs, partnerships and accolades 

Georgia Power's parent company, Southern Company, is a founding partner of the Troops to Energy Jobs program, a recruiting source that links veterans to job openings in the energy industry, and actively recruits members of the Navy as a Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program partner. Through this program, Georgia Power has been able to transition veterans directly from military bases including Fort Stewart near Savannah to positions within the company. Southern Company is consistently recognized for its veterans programs, including being named to G.I. Jobs' annual Top 100 Military Friendly Employer® listing and as a "Best for Vets Employer" by Military Times EDGE for multiple years.