I am mission success: Kristen R.
If there’s one thing that Kristen R. values, it is safeguarding the security of our nation. She spent over two decades carrying out national security missions around the world as a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy.
The missions and values at Y‑12 are not altogether different from the military. “Military is very focused on securing freedoms that we as Americans experience. You are also taught in the military that every person’s role is valuable for the mission,” Kristen said.
Her service in the U.S. Navy equipped her well to join the workforce at Y‑12. “My military experience helps me connect with people. I’m already trained to stay calm, ask questions, and respond appropriately,” she said. These tactics aid her in her job in the Emergency Management organization. They also come into play with her role as secretary in the CNS affinity group Serving our Servicemembers (SOS).
Kristen values the opportunities for connection within SOS for both veterans and employees who do not have military backgrounds. She is responsible for adding in the group’s new members, coordinating monthly meetings and volunteer events, and supporting communication with members (and their families) during deployments. “Employees who are well taken care of are productive and that is what we want to bring to Y‑12.”
How has working for CNS changed or reinforced your thoughts on our mission?
I was in the military for over 20 years. I was fortunate enough to be part of the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, expanding my knowledge of Y‑12 and seeing different areas of Safeguards and Security. I have always believed in doing work for the greater good of our nation and working here at CNS gives me the opportunity to continue doing so. It is vitally important to do our part to complete the bigger picture!
What task lets you know you are helping achieve the CNS mission? How/why does that task let you know you are working toward the mission?
I am the secretary of Serving Our Servicemembers (SOS) and put together our monthly meetings. Y‑12 has a Veteran initiative and utilizes the SkillBridge program as well as word of mouth. Part of what we discuss in our meeting is how we can recruit other veterans and/or spouses. We also let them know there are resources available and no one is alone.
Give an example when teamwork has helped you in your role.
We cannot keep the site safe without working as a team! It is nice to know you can reach out to anyone and either get an answer or be directed to the right answer. Working with the SOS group, we have been able to support different organizations and give folks a space to interact with like‑minded people.
What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex or Y‑12?
Though you might not see how you fit into the big picture right off the bat, just know we cannot supply our military without you. Put your best foot forward every day.
What is your favorite outside‑of‑work activity and why?
Family time is very important. My husband, children, and I love to explore Tennessee and see what it has to offer. Makes the area feel more like home. If we are not outdoors, we are traveling to see family.