“I am proud to be part of an organization that understands the value that veterans add – in our company and in our communities,” said Tina Morton, Entergy’s Veterans Employee Resource Group president and senior project manager, nuclear. “Our VERG team is an important part of instilling the knowledge to others that we (veterans) are assets in leadership, display adaptability to change, have diverse perspectives, are problem solvers, and have a strong work ethic and integrity – all of which are necessary for success.”

Entergy continues to meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs. The VERG is an employee-led group committed to supporting the unique needs of veterans, active-duty military and their families.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire and retain veterans. Awardees must have a veteran organization or resource group – like Entergy’s Veterans Employee Resource Group – a leadership program, dedicated human resources professionals, and pay differential and tuition assistance program.

To learn more about our military hiring efforts and how we support veterans, visit the .

As a senior project manager in the projects department, Morton oversees station projects such as license renewals and machinery and equipment upgrades. She also serves as the chair of Entergy’s Veterans Employee Resource Group.

During her time in the Navy, she became the first woman to earn the title of a SeaBee Combat Warfare Specialist, a title awarded to members after demonstrating, “superior proficiency in naval heritage and doctrine, command and control, hazardous material/hazardous waste, environmental safety, supply & logistics, communications and communications security, weapons, general military tactics, safety, basic first aid, civil engineer support equipment and chemical, biological and radiological warfare,” as stated by the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum’s website. Their motto is a Latin phrase that translates to “Seabees can do—we build, we fight.”

Morton joined the military in 1982 and retired in 2008 with the rate as a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Engineering Aide.

“I joined the military to serve my country and do my part,” said Morton. “Being from a small town, I also knew I would be able to expand my travel opportunities and be assisted in my goal of a college degree.”

Since she wanted to become an architect, she chose her branch of service because they had draftsman and civil construction opportunities.

“The phrase ‘can do’ means having resilience, focus and drive while being tough and resourceful,” she said. “Seabees are well known for being resourceful and tenacious. If you want something accomplished, assign a Seabee.”

Morton explained her commitment to supporting Entergy’s Veterans Employee Resource Group as well as her local Veterans.

“I have been serving as my local American Legion Post Commander for three years,” she said. “I am inspired by my local community and Veterans.”

Morton, being a disabled Veteran herself, also advocates for disabled Veterans and has a message she wants to share.

“I work to educate others that not all medical conditions or disabilities can be seen,” she said. “Everyone has their challenges in life.”

Entergy thanks all our Veterans for their service.

Learn more about Entergy Nuclear by visiting����and follow on X/Twitter.

��

#MeetThePros

The award recognizes the company’s commitment to recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans. It’s also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our military recruiting and outreach team and our Veterans Employee Resource Group.

The award is the highest level of recognition for employers committed to veteran careers. It is awarded to companies who demonstrate the importance of prioritizing and encouraging successful veteran hiring and retention. Companies were evaluated on veteran hiring and retention, and providing veteran-specific resources, leadership��programming, dedicated human resources, and compensation and tuition assistance programs.

The program is part of the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program, the only veterans hiring award at the federal level, is administered by the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service. Although the program won’t officially launch until 2019, the Department of Labor conducted a limited program demonstration this year. Entergy was one of only 239 recipients of the award and one of only six large employers recognized at the platinum level during the demonstration year.

. To learn more about the award, .

�� �� ��NEW ORLEANS – A series exploring the challenges facing veterans who are transitioning out of the military is airing on Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
�� �� ��“Louisiana Veterans Coming Home” is part of a weekly news program, “Louisiana: The State We’re In.” Entergy’s support is highlighted .
The series is part of “,” a national campaign that builds on public media’s strengths to address the needs of veterans in local communities.
�� �� ��“Entergy cares deeply about veterans and the issues affecting their lives, since they are a vital part of the Entergy family and the communities we serve,” said Chad Cooper, chair of Entergy’s employee resource group for veterans. “As a sponsor of this program, we can help raise awareness about their challenges and work together to find solutions.”
�� �� ��ERGs are employee-led organizations that support demographic engagement in areas such as mentoring, onboarding and employee networking as well as assisting the business in recruiting, retention and employee development. ERGs support Entergy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
�� �� ��Entergy’s Veterans Employee Resource Group, established in mid-2015, consists of more than 200 members who are military veterans; reservists; employees currently serving on active duty, and non-military Entergy employees. The group contributes to the company’s commitment of recruiting and hiring veterans and active-duty military��and provides a voice for veterans and active-duty employees.
�� �� ��Entergy recently received the Louisiana 2016 Pro Patria Award from the Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve organization. Entergy was selected from 2,400 nominees for promoting supportive work environments for members of the National Guard and Reserve.
�� �� ��Information on the “Coming Home” campaign’s website explains that readjusting to civilian life can present significant stress for the roughly 2.5 million service members transitioning out of the military: “For many veterans, the transition is filled with complicated and confusing challenges. Some feel isolated and alone. Some struggle to find or hold a job. Many say they feel like they just don’t fit in. Finding and connecting with the right support and services can be overwhelming.”
�� �� ��Veterans, including those currently serving as reservists and on active duty, make up nearly 10 percent of Entergy’s workforce in Louisiana and 14 percent companywide. The company has been recognized nationally for its support of military service members. Entergy was a finalist��for the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve.
�� �� ��Entergy will support Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s plans to feature veterans’ stories once a month on “Louisiana: The State We’re In” through August 2017. Check ��and learn more about the “Louisiana Veterans Coming Home” project.
�� �� �����ϳԹ��� is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 10,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $11.5 billion and more than 13,000 employees.

-30-

��

Mark was a sergeant for the United States Marine Corps. He served from 2004-09 in the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, which was an��infantry��battalion.

Other than a few months of initial training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Hale served his entire military commitment with the Army’s 87^th in Vietnam from September 1966 to January 1968. Ronnie held the rank of Specialist E5 at the time of his discharge and joined Gulf States Utilities in February 1968.

I was able to see a lot of beautiful scenery that I’ve never had a chance to go back to. I was stationed in Germany for 17 months and traveled to several areas in the U.S., including California and San Antonio, Texas. Being in the military gave me the chance to meet a lot of different people and hear a lot of different languages.

Each day over the next week, an Entergy employee will share their photo and memories of serving in the military.

These proud men and women not only help us power life today, but they also powered our country when duty called.

You can help��us celebrate their accomplishments and their service by sharing these stories on your social channels to show your support of the brave men and women that proudly serve our country.

Our��eighth��employee profile spotlights Michael Caster, a senior security supervisor at Waterford 3 Nuclear Generating Station in Killona, Louisiana.

Caster served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 11 years as an infantryman and sniper team leader/employment officer. He joined Entergy in 2002.

Why he joined the service
I joined because I had wanted to since I was a child. My parents were friends with some Vietnam veterans, and I remembered listening to their stories when I was actually supposed to be in bed. I watched World War II movies with my father on Sundays, and there was just something enticing about doing something that would benefit everyone, not just me.��

I’m not the only one in my family who has served. My family tree shows that my family has been involved in every war the United States has fought.

Currently, my oldest son is going to Mississippi State as part of the ROTC program. Prior to that, he joined the 19th Special Forces as an intel analyst.

The most challenging thing about being deployed
The most challenging thing about being deployed was being away from my family. However, the most challenging thing about coming home was being away from my brothers-in-arms. I missed the comradery that we built while protecting and serving.

His proudest moment while serving
In 2004 while in Iraq, my unit rescued a KBR contractor who was captured by a group of insurgents. Seeing his face when he realized he was safe and secure is hard to describe. It was a very happy moment, indeed.��

Final thoughts
We who serve now or previously served are always being thanked for our service. True service requires no thanks, as that’s not why we did it. It’s nice to be appreciated for our sacrifices, but we would do all again…even if we knew we would never be thanked.��

Each day over the next week, an Entergy employee will share their photo and memories of serving in the military.

These proud men and women not only help us power life today, but they also powered our country when duty called.

You can help��us celebrate their accomplishments and their service by sharing these stories on your social channels to show your support of the brave men and women that proudly serve our country.

Our seventh��employee profile spotlights Michael Wright, an electrical maintenance superintendent at Indian Point ���ϳԹ��� Center in Buchanan,��New York.��

Wright served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years and the New York Army National Guard for 17 years, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He began working at Indian Point ���ϳԹ��� Center in 1992.

Left: Wright in Afghanistan in 2008. Right: Wright’s daughter in Afghanistan in 2012.��

Why he joined the service
I joined the Navy out of a desire to serve. I did not come from a military family, but I had the good fortune to be born American. Serving in the military was a way to show my appreciation.

The most challenging thing about being in the Navy
The most challenging thing I faced during my time in the Navy was separation from my family, particularly after my daughter was born. That is the main reason that I left when I did. I am very thankful for those that continue to serve even with families that they have to leave at the pier.

His proudest moment while serving
I have experienced several proud moments while serving, including: marching in a ticker tape parade in Dallas after the first Gulf War, receiving my Dolphins (the Submarine Warfare Insignia) when I became submarine-qualified, graduating from U.S. Navy Scuba School and having the privilege of leading two incredible teams, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

Two of his children are proud to serve in the military
My son wanted to be in the military and a U.S. Army Ranger from a very young age.��He used to jump out of our minivan and yell, “Airborne!” when he was five.�� I believe he always felt duty bound as I did. He is a Corporal currently on active duty with the 1/75^th Ranger Regiment stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia.

��My daughter was a bit of a surprise. She spent a year in college and told me she wanted to enlist. She was a little disenchanted with what she saw at college – she felt so many college students were completely disconnected from the war. She refused to be one of them. She currently is a Sergeant with the Alabama National guard. She went to Afghanistan in 2012, and is continuing her education using the G.I. bill to get her master’s degree in sociology from Mississippi State.����

A proud Wright with his son who just received his Ranger Scroll and Tan Beret.��

Final thoughts
I am very proud of all three of my children and what they have accomplished in life. A quote from Walter Schirra Sr. (the father of Mercury astronaut Wally Schirra) really sums up how I feel, “You don’t raise heroes you raise sons (and daughters).�� And if you treat them like sons (and daughters), they’ll turn out to be heroes, even if it is just in your own eyes.”

Rock Ingram

I was a sergeant in the Army for 11 years. My most memorable experience is of a 203 millimeter rocket whistling while it was in the air. The whistle is unignorable when the rocket has been shot at you. Set in motion by the dreadful sound, 30 miles south of Baghdad and 7,000 miles from home as Senior Radar Operator, I asked myself silently, “How did I get here?” I answered myself, “Because you wanted the Army to pay for your engineering education so your parents wouldn’t have to.”

People unselfishly serve for various reasons. As for me, I have an education to die for and an unshakeable desire to succeed. I’d like others to know that success is a result of intentional effort and unintended opportunity. Finally, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

Wilbert Corley

I’m a veteran of the US Army Reserve. I served eight years as a Specialist as a Combat Engineer and a Motor Transport Operator. I trained at Ft. Leonard in Missouri and later transferred to the 296^th Transportation Unit in Brookhaven, MS. I really enjoyed being a member of this unit.

As a member of the 296^th Unit, I was deployed to Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia. Upon receipt of active duty orders, I was required to ensure my paperwork was complete and in order for family affairs should something happen to me while deployed. This was a very intense time for me, because I started thinking of what could happen to me over there. At the time, I was a young husband and father of three young sons, Marcus, Maurice and Wilbert Jr. Wilbert Jr. was a special needs child who was totally dependent on someone to care for him. My wife had to rely on my family to help with my kids while I was away. They did a wonderful��job, and I am very grateful for their support … especially my brother for stepping up to be there for my boys.

There are a lot of memories I will never forget from my six-and-a-half month deployment, but the most memorable would have to be the sirens that went off, mostly in evenings. The sirens warned the camp of incoming SCUD missiles. These were followed by the sounds of Patriot missiles taking off to intercept the SCUD missiles. I could never get used to those; I was always on alert and required to have my gas mask and mop suit nearby in case I needed them.

On Jan. 16, 1991, I was at work along with my teammates when the air strikes began against Iraq. We‘d always hear the Air Force performing their daily missions but on this particular night, the jets were taking off like never before. We weren’t sure but assumed because of this activity the war had begun. The next day we joined our unit on a Marine base and began running missions.

I will never forget the day we landed in Georgia on April 12, 1991. I was glad to be back on U.S. soil and very glad to see my family.

It was an honor to serve my country, and I am proud to be a Veteran!

Each day over the next week, an Entergy employee will share their photo and memories of serving in the military.

These proud men and women not only help us power life today, but they also powered our country when duty called.

You can help��us celebrate their accomplishments and their service by sharing these stories on your social channels to show your support of the brave men and women that proudly serve our country.

Our fifth employee profile spotlights Amber Rodriguez, a��maintenance coordinator at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Mississippi.��

Rodriguez served in the Navy as a nuclear electronics technician for 8 years. She joined Entergy in 2014.��

Rodriguez and crew during a Suez Canal transit in 2011.��

Why she joined the service
My grandfather is a Navy vet and encouraged me to join. He, along with my desire to travel the world, is why I signed up.����

The most challenging thing about being deployed
Being a mom in the military isn’t easy. It was especially rough when I left my son behind for my second deployment. My husband was extremely supportive throughout my deployment. He frequently emailed me photos and videos and sent me care packages and video called me when I made it back to port.

Her proudest moment while serving
My proudest moment was becoming one of two nukes at my command to qualify for the Information Dominance Warfare pin. ��

She met her husband in the Navy
My best friend was stationed on the USS Enterprise CVN 65 with my husband (Erick Rodriguez) and she introduced us at my birthday party. We hit it off right away and married 3 years later. I believe that having a spouse that understands and relates to a military lifestyle is huge benefit.

She appreciated the opportunity for adventure
Exploring foreign ports was an amazing experience. Not to mention all the other things I experienced because of the Navy: I’ve jumped off an aircraft elevator into the Indian Ocean, skied in Dubai, rode a camel and explored (and subsequently fell in love with) Paris.

The Navy empowered her
Being a Navy nuke was a unique experience and empowering as a woman. I was the only girl in my A school class, one of about 10 girls in my prototype class and one of about 15 girls in my division on board both air craft carriers.

��