Georgia Power salutes its veterans

In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, many employees across the state of Georgia will take time this weekend to thank and recognize the brave men and women who willingly serve and sacrifice in the U.S. Armed Forces to protect our liberties and freedoms.

To celebrate this special holiday, Georgia Power asked two veterans – Michael Bozydaj, operations team leader at Plant Bowen, and John Blankenship, maintenance specialist at Plant Bowen – what Veterans Day means to them.

 

“Twenty years in the military, I felt like I was always part of a family, and since I’ve been here, I’ve been part of a family.”

Michael Bozydaj

Bozydaj served in the United States Navy for 20 years as Petty Office First Class, Independent Hospital Dutry Corpsman. His tour of duty took him around the world to Okinawa, Japan, Kuwait, Iraq, Romania and Bulgaria, in addition to several years spent stationed at Naval Hospitals around the United States.

 

“When times get tough and we get in the ditches, there’s always going to be somebody that has your back.”

John Blankenship

Meanwhile, Blankenship served in the United States Marine Corps for more than 5 years as a Sergeant, Helicopter Airframe Mechanic. He primarily worked on Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight transport helicopters while stationed at the Marine Corps New River Air Station in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Over 11 percent of Georgia Power new hires are veterans, and over 8.5 percent of the company workforce is comprised of veterans. Bozydaj and Blankenship are just two of these many teammates who once volunteered to serve their country, and now dedicate themselves to serving the people of Georgia each day. We are thankful for their service and proud to have them on our team.

Georgia Power and Southern Company have a long-standing tradition of being a top military-friendly employer. Veterans from every branch of the armed forces add extraordinary value to the company each day by utilizing the skills, discipline and determination they learned in the military.

They are encouraged to join the Military Veterans in Power (MVP) employee resource group, which is dedicated to their career success.