Y-12 Blog
Alyssa Gibson is a current Veteran to Engineer intern working in both Waste Management and Piping/Processing Facility Design while earning her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
“What am I going to do when I grow up?”
It is a common phrase uttered by the roughly 200,000 service members who exit the military each year. Transitioning from military service into civilian life is pretty challenging.
Fortunately, CNS has multiple veteran and service member friendly programs to assist during that time, one of those being the Veteran to Engineer Program (VTE). The program is sponsored by Mission Engineering at both Pantex and Y-12 for interested veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces to pursue an engineering degree from an accredited university with the goal of follow on employment with CNS post-graduation.
Alyssa Gibson is a current full-time VTE intern who also serves as a sergeant in the Army National Guard. In her role as a crew chief on a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Gibson assists in search and rescue operations in the region with the Medical Evacuation Unit stationed out of Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport. She has previously served as a combat engineer and deployed with a multinational NATO Task Force to Poland in support of Atlantic Resolve.
Now Gibson is focusing on her long-term goal of becoming an engineer. She currently splits her time in the program working as an engineering intern with Waste Management and Piping/Processing Facility Design while pursuing her mechanical engineering degree at Pellissippi State Community College with future transfer to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
“I was excited to be able to work here in the field I wanted while the Army paid for my schooling using the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to pursue my goal of becoming an engineer, having started over a decade ago, without completely restructuring my life.”
With 12 current program participants between both sites, veterans have a plethora of disciplines from which to choose. “As long as they are actively pursuing an engineering discipline, for example, mechanical, electrical, civil, nuclear, chemical, structural, systems, industrial, software, etc., from an ABET accredited university program and a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, they are eligible,” said Kevin Mattern, Y-12 VTE program manager. “Interns will typically rotate into various areas of the plant and my job is to find an engineering home for them to be value added both personally and to the organization while finishing their degree.”
Mattern continued, “The VTE Program is a huge benefit to CNS, the national security mission, and the veteran. It’s a win/win for everyone. The mission manager gains additional support during the internship period, and the veteran gains experience and skills to be successful post-graduation.”
That is something with which Daniel Sims, piping lead for Y-12’s Piping/Chemical Design, agrees. “Aly is able to handle smaller projects to gain experience in this stage of her career while we’re focused on larger more complicated designs. It’s been great to have her involved, ready to learn, and take on tasks she can manage with a little oversight from us. She is going to do well.”
Gibson said of being in the Veteran to Engineer Program, “It’s an opportunity to pursue my goal of becoming an engineer without completely restructuring my life.”
Working in multiple disciplines has allowed Gibson to see the big picture of how the different pieces of the mission intertwine and work together. “It makes me a more well-rounded person so when I do get to my actual job later on, I’ll be able to complete my work knowing how decisions I make affect others down the line,” Gibson said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come across things here at the plant that relate to stuff I’m learning at school or something suddenly makes sense to the Blackhawk I’m on.”
As a veteran himself, Mattern mentioned, “The military gives you a ton of life experience and skills that don’t necessarily directly translate into civilian life. Having the VTE Program helps veterans during that transition period to figure out where they fit in.”
When asked about her overall experience in the program, Gibson said, “The folks here are great. Everyone here wants to see me succeed, and I’m given a lot of support towards that eventual goal of joining CNS as a full-time engineer.”
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the VTE Program, more information can be found online or by emailing VetsToEngineers@pxy12.doe.gov.
Consolidated Nuclear Security President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Tighe.
Take 5 minutes and learn about Consolidated Nuclear Security’s Richard Tighe, president and chief executive officer. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.
Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Tighe and his younger brother Jim played high school football for a legendary Iowa coach — their father Dick Tighe, whose career included more than 400 wins during 63 uninterrupted seasons.
Teamwork and football were familiar themes in the Tighe (pronounced “tie”) household in Webster City, Iowa. That “Friday night lights” culture of the small Midwestern town helped shape Tighe’s leadership philosophy.
“Everybody plays a part on the team,” he said. “In football, you might have to wait until your senior year to play, but the contributions you make to the team while you wait your turn are important.”
In his first few months as president and CEO, Tighe has been busy meeting National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Production Office and CNS leadership teams; local, state, and national elected officials representing the West Texas and East Tennessee areas; NNSA leadership; and site and laboratory directors from across the Nuclear Security Enterprise.
Tighe is taking advantage of the extensive knowledge of the CNS team.
“There is tremendous knowledge and experience at both sites; by working to be inclusive, I’m able to use this to the best advantage in informing decisions,” he said. “I’m new to CNS, but even the most experienced person at Pantex or Y-12 can’t be an expert in all aspects of our work or the sites. Getting input from other people helps all of us take advantage of the full expertise available.”
Before joining CNS, Tighe served in roles with Bechtel and Lockheed Martin, and he is no stranger to the Nuclear Security Enterprise, having spent more than a decade at the Nevada National Security Site. Tighe was also a postdoctoral fellow in the Nuclear Science Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California.
“Coming back to NNSA is like coming back to my roots,” he said. “It takes me back to my foundation in nuclear physics, which helps me understand the mission of both sites and how it fits into the broader Nuclear Security Enterprise.”
What daily task lets you know you’re helping achieve the CNS mission? How/why does that task let you know you’re working toward the mission?
No two days have been the same, so far. Meeting and talking to employees during tours and all hands meetings helps me to put their work in the context of the bigger picture of our mission.
How does patriotism factor into your life?
Patriotism becomes most meaningful to me when I think of the role the U.S. plays with our allies and adversaries around the world. It’s rewarding to be involved with such an important purpose and mission.
What one thing would your coworkers be surprised to know about you?
When I was a postdoctoral fellow in the Nuclear Science Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, I was the lead investigator for the work involved in the discovery of Sb 105 (antimony 105), a nuclear isotope along the proton drip line that has implications for nucleosynthesis. I proposed and planned the experiment, analyzed the data, and wrote the journal article.
What’s your favorite outside of work activity?
When we lived in Maryland, my daughters were involved in high school sports and also played on travel teams. My wife and I enjoyed traveling to their games and tournaments. My daughters and I had a tradition of running in a Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving. While I seldom run in 5Ks or other races these days, I typically run four times each week. I also really enjoy watching college football, particularly watching and attending Notre Dame games.
Y-12’s Thomas Duncan (left) and Donnie Walker are members of the Special Government Employee program.
Safety plays an important role in daily operations at Y-12 and employees’ commitment to creating a safe workplace is evident. As a result of this long-term focus on safety, Y-12 has once again received the Voluntary Protection Program’s (VPP) Star of Excellence Award from the Department of Energy, which is the VPP program’s highest achievement level.
The VPP promotes safety and health excellence through cooperative efforts among labor, management, and government at DOE contractor sites. Star of Excellence Award winners must achieve injury/illness incidence rates and lost workday injury/illness rates of at least 75% below the Bureau of Labor Statistics national average, meet annual DOE VPP goals, and demonstrate strong involvement in the Voluntary Protection Program’s Participants’ Association, VPP mentoring, and outreach.
“It is such an honor to be recognized by DOE Headquarters,” said Gina Fitzmaurice, Y-12 Safety and Industrial Hygiene technical advisor. “Y-12 works hard to achieve performance excellence, especially in the areas of health and safety. This effort is demonstrated by labor and management throughout the year as evident in our full dedication, total commitment, and employee engagement.”
To participate in the VPP, employers must submit an application to OSHA and undergo a rigorous on-site evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. VPP participants are reevaluated every three to five years to remain in the program. But who is in charge of completing the site evaluations? Enter a group of people known as Special Government Employees. Y-12’s Donnie Walker and Thomas Duncan are two of its members.
Special Government Employees
The VPP Special Government Employee Program was established to allow industry employees to work alongside OSHA, particularly during on site evaluations. Not only does this innovative program benefit OSHA by supplementing its on-site evaluation teams, but it gives the government an opportunity to work together and share views and ideas.
“SGEs play an important role in safety and the labor management relationship,” explained Fitzmaurice. “Their commitment to excellence is demonstrated by their willingness to take on the additional role as an SGE. The relationships that SGEs develop with the OSHA team are valuable to the industry as a whole and the role they play is vital in providing advice and recommendations for VPP assessments.”
Becoming a VPP SGE is no easy feat, and having two SGEs on staff gives Y-12 a leg up when it comes to safety knowledge. Only qualified volunteers from VPP sites are eligible to participate in the SGE program and must be approved by OSHA. After submitting an application and completing the required training, these volunteers are sworn in as SGEs and are approved to assist OSHA.
As Atomic Trades and Labor Council Health and Safety Representative, Thomas Duncan recently completed the three-day SGE course and is now ready to serve when requested.
“The experience gained from the three-day course provided me with the opportunity to network with other facilities and share safety best practices,” said Duncan. “The knowledge gained will also help improve our safety programs here at the Y-12 site for both the collective bargaining employees and management.”
Donnie Walker, who has been a member of the VPP SGE program since 2015, also values the information he gains through working with others in the safety industry.
“SGEs help OSHA fill the need to evaluate existing VPP companies and others who desire to be a part of OSHA's most coveted safety program,” explained Walker, SGE and chief health and safety officer for the International Guards Union of America. “The role offers an abundance of opportunity, such as the experience evaluating other safety programs, collaboration with safety professionals throughout the United States, and insight into other companies’ best practices.”
Walker also serves as an instructor in the SGE program.
“I feel teaching the SGE class has given me a considerable amount of confidence. As a veteran SGE now, I have learned how important collaboration is in the safety industry and now have contacts and friends in the safety business from coast to coast,” said Walker.
It is through programs like the DOE-VPP and SGE that Y-12 shows its commitment to go beyond mere compliance with DOE safety regulations and consistently strive for performance excellence. Employees are Y-12’s greatest asset and creating a work environment that is protective of employee safety and health, while encouraging employee involvement and management commitment, is of upmost importance.
Y-12’s 2022 DOE VPP Star of Excellence award
Meet George Haynes, deputy chief information security officer at Y-12, who plays a key role in the security and strategic defense of our network and systems.
All views and opinions are the employee’s and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.
While cybersecurity is frequently regarded as the act of protecting a network of information and systems from theft or damage, a key element of its definition and study is acknowledging how people factor into its defense and practice.
Many information theft cases are a result of human error due to negligence or lack of cybersecurity awareness. It’s important to recognize the impact we all have in safekeeping our technology.
As a key expert, leader, and direct support to the site, Y-12’s George Haynes is integral to the strategic development and operations of CNS's Cybersecurity programs.
By ensuring that our interconnected network of information, systems, and people are protected in the digital landscape, Haynes focuses on CNS's daily cybersecurity defense posture in analyzing risk balanced security measures and forming strategies against cyber threats.
What daily task lets you know you are helping achieve the CNS mission?
My daily tasks of understanding threats, improving cybersecurity architecture, accomplishing cybersecurity workforce plans, increasing effectiveness of enterprise risk management, and stimulating collaboration across organizations are key to achieving optimal protection and defense.
Are you doing what you envisioned as a young adult? If so, describe how you got here.
My professional background is in global military operations in the air, space, and cyber domains at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. From working across military services, government agencies, and international partnerships, the goal is the same as Pantex and Y-12: effective mission accomplishment. As a young adult, I wanted to be an architect, but I took a turn toward technology; once I started that path, I soon found my passion.
What CNS principle drives you to be successful?
For me, it’s set high standards. Well executed standards apply to how we accomplish work, account for responsibilities, and achieve as a team by delivering value to the staff and organization to reach mission outcomes.
What work advice would you offer someone who is starting work at Y-12?
First, fully understand your role, your responsibilities, and the outcome expected from your efforts. Next, communicate often with your manager and team on status, barriers, and ability to deliver. Finally, never leave a meeting or team discussion with questions on what is expected and what responsibilities you are assigned.
What one thing would your coworkers be surprised to know about you?
I used to do gymnastics in college as a hobby.
A recent 34-member Tactical Response Force 100 class included 25 trainees from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
A recent Tactical Response Force (TRF) 100 class included a few locals and a contingent far away from home.
The Central Training Facility (CTF) graduated 25 Los Alamos National Laboratory personnel from the TRF-100 course, which is the Department of Energy National Training Center’s standard basic training course for the security police officer upon entry into the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) protective force community. Y-12’s CTF is certified to teach the National Training Center’s TRF-100 curriculum to anyone in the DOE system.
“This the first time we’ve done a large class from outside the Oak Ridge valley,” said CTF Manager Jim Hoffman. “It’s not uncommon to get a call from other sites asking if they can send folks to one of our classes, but it’s usually like one, two, or three students.”
The reason for the influx of Los Alamos students is because of the growth at the New Mexico site, and the National Nuclear Security Administration asked if the CTF could help. “They [Los Alamos] are going through expansion and needed additional classes to meet their needs,” Hoffman said.
The possibility of training a cadre of Los Alamos security police officers seemed unlikely until a shift occurred in the CTF's summer schedule. “When that happened, we’re able to do it,” Hoffman said. “We could help them out.”
The 34-member class also included three attendees from Sandia National Laboratories’ campus in Livermore, California, three from the Oak Ridge Federal Building Protective Force, two from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and one new CTF range instructor.
The seven-week course focused on handgun and rifle training, defensive tactics (hand-to-hand combat), and basic DOE tactics, such as bomb and building searches, despondent employees, direct threats, and more. In addition, students completed a prerequisite web-based course prior to TRF-100 training.
“It’s very difficult to conduct large classes for others,” said Capt. Lynn Bales, lead instructor. “You try to put a spin on the classes relating to individual sites. That is tough when you are training folks from outside your site. Los Alamos did provide an instructor, who we could lean on during the course.”
Adding to the degree of difficulty was the inexperience of the trainees. “The class dynamic was different for this one,” Bales said. “We had students with no previous law-enforcement or military backgrounds. They’re just starting their careers. We typically don’t see that. The instructors earned their pay with this class.”
The students put in a lot of effort, too. For the course, students had to achieve passing academic and shooting grades. The average academic score was 387.92 out of a possible 400. In firearms, the passing score is 320 out of a possible 400 and this class had a 367 average.
“The students worked very hard and had a 100-percent pass rate,” Hoffman said. “The CTF instructors are really good at what they do and they worked additional hours with the trainees to ensure a high passing rate.”