You notice it first in their faces — the likeness that links a grandfather, father, and son. But just beneath the resemblance is a stronger tie that was forged in the trades: a shared ethic defined by hard work and anchored in safety. For Bruce (grandfather), BJ (father), and Bruce (son), that bond has become their family legacy at Y‑12.
The foundation
More than 25 years ago, the elder Bruce made a choice that would shape his family’s future when he joined the local Ironworkers Union. The trades gave him stability, financial footing, and a path that would ultimately intertwine his work with those he loves. Over the last 9 years on the UPF Project, he has modeled what it means to contribute to something bigger than oneself and now serves as an ironworker steward.
“My family is why I do this,” Bruce said. “I’ve been blessed to see my son and grandson grow in their careers here at Y‑12, and I’m extremely proud of them.”
He carries that same sentiment into mentorship. “A journeyman’s key responsibility is to teach the apprentices on his or her site. I drive the safety point home to them just as much as I have with my family.”
His counsel is simple yet enduring: “Always be honest and true to yourself. Bring honor to yourself and those who came before you, then pass it on to the next.”
The fortitude
Watching his father’s example, BJ became an ironworker and joined the UPF Project in 2018. Today, he works for Y‑12 Construction and participates on the Craft Safety Team.
For BJ, working safely was never in question, but rather, it was born from a crisis when a persistent headache revealed Stage 4 glioblastoma — an aggressive brain cancer — and a seizure exposed its progression. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy followed and then, remarkably, a remission that has held for over 11 years.
“I didn’t really like going to the hospital then, so I would rather avoid it now,” he said with a smile, adding, “I feel like I’ve put my family through enough, so I work carefully because I want to go home to my wife and kids.”
BJ draws pride from Y‑12’s contributions to modern nuclear medicine. “It is amazing to know that nuclear medicine is produced here and helps keep the community and my family safe.”
From the work ethic his dad instilled in him, BJ understands the opportunity he’s been presented. “Growing up, we saw kids who went without. Working here gives me the opportunity to provide a better life for my wife and kids.”
His message to his crew is the same one he hopes his son keeps close: “While you work, always keep your family in the back of your mind. Think about how they would feel if you didn’t come home. I’ve made it this far; I want to see my kids grow up.”
The future
Breaking from ironworker tradition is about the only thing the youngest Bruce has done differently. A carpenter at 18, he loves learning and working safely beside his dad and papaw, and as a history buff, working on a historic project makes Y‑12 Bruce’s dream job.
Before coming to work at the Y-12 site, Bruce’s father’s illness drove him to be mature and responsible at a young age.
“I had to be ready to step up and help the family,” Bruce said.
When his dad felt well enough, the family found strength in nature as they visited waterfalls and explored caves, weaving resilience into their bond. Through seeing his dad fight his illness and his grandfather build both a home and a career, Bruce learned that safe, steadfast work provides for a family. “We never went without, and I want to be able to provide for my family that way — Y‑12 allows us that. To my papaw and my dad, I say, ‘Thank you, and I love you.’”
Across the three chapters of their story, a single theme continues: safety is not a rule to follow; it’s a promise to one another. In every lesson taught, every careful step taken on a job site, and every night they return home, their intertwined determination and perseverance stem from a deep‑seated pride in family. That pride is the legacy they are crafting at Y‑12.