AIKEN, S.C. – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) and Centerra joined together to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces during this year’s Veterans Day celebration. The event brought employees, leaders and veteran representatives together to recognize the courage, commitment and sacrifices of those who have worn the nation’s uniform.
This year’s event featured a keynote address from Retired U.S. Army Captain Florent “Flo” Groberg, a Medal of Honor recipient whose remarkable story of bravery, resilience, and leadership set the tone for the ceremony.
A graduate of the University of Maryland, Groberg earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice, and a master’s degree in Intelligence with a specialization in Intelligence Management. After completing his distinguished military career in the U.S. Army, Groberg transitioned into the private sector, where he led high performing teams at LinkedIn and Boeing. Today, he serves as the head of Microsoft Azure’s Global Government Mission.
“Thank you, SRNS, for the vital work you do,” said Groberg. “While many may not fully grasp the significance of your contributions, your efforts are deeply appreciated. What you do matters immensely, not just for our nation’s security, but for global stability.”
The celebration event began with a moving presentation of colors by the Midland Valley High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC), whose precision and professionalism set the tone of honor for the event. Their participation served as a reminder that the spirit of service continues to thrive among the next generation.
The program highlighted the strong veteran community across both organizations, featuring remarks from leadership, acknowledgments of employee veterans and a shared moment of appreciation for their service.
“As a veteran, I know firsthand the weight of service and the pride that comes with it. Veterans Day gives us the opportunity to honor all who have stood watch for our country and to recognize the families who stood behind them,” said Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Dawkins and SRNS Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. “To the veterans across our Site, thank you for your courage, resilience and continued dedication to the mission.”
Centerra-SRS General Manager Mark Bolton said, “At Centerra-SRS, we honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our Nation with unwavering dedication, not only on Veterans Day but every day. Approximately 50% of our workforce are veterans. Their sacrifices and commitment to our freedoms and democracy are an inspiration to all. They are still serving their country by protecting the national security interests at the SRS. We are deeply grateful for their service and remain steadfast in supporting veterans at the Site and within our communities.”
SRNS continues to demonstrate its commitment to those who have served by fostering a strong and visible veteran presence. Today, approximately 700 SRNS employees identify as veterans, representing 12% of the workforce. Many of these individuals hold key leadership roles, with veterans making up 21% of SRNS leaders who guide teams and major projects across the Site.
Furthering this commitment, SRNS established the Disabled Veteran Enhancement Opportunities program in October 2024 to increase employment prospects for self-identified disabled veterans. This strategy prioritizes interview-worthy candidates, boosting their chances of securing positions at SRS. Since its inception, nearly 725 disabled veteran applicants have been reviewed under the new process.
Beyond employment, SRNS actively supports veterans through ongoing initiatives and partnerships with organizations that provide valuable resources. SRNS recently established a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of War and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring our Heroes (HOH) program to ensure transitioning service members are informed about career opportunities at SRNS. Several HOH participants have gone on to receive full-service offers at the end of their assignments.
“Veterans Day holds a special significance for SRNS and Centerra, serving as a moment to pause and reflect on the freedoms that service members have protected for generations,” said Dawkins. “It’s a day to honor the courage of those who stepped forward when the nation called, and to recognize the resilience, strength and unwavering dedication that define the veteran community. For the Savannah River Site, whose mission is deeply connected to national security, this day carries an even deeper meaning, underscoring the link between military service and the missions that drive our work.”
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.
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