Veteran Info

The EA Union’s Veteran’s Committee is committed to supporting, honoring, and advocating for employees who have served in the Armed Forces. We strive to foster a respectful and inclusive environment that recognizes the unique experiences of veterans, promotes their professional growth, and strengthens connections within our workplace community. Through service, outreach, and collaboration, we work to ensure veterans’ voices are heard, their needs are understood, and their contributions are celebrated.

Wounded Warrior Project Advocacy Newsletter
Veterans QA guide

Veteran Committee Members:

  • Name: Heather Thompson, Chair
    TVA BU: Transmission
    Branch: US Navy Seabee
    MOS/Rate/Rank: EO2- Equipment Operator Second Class Petty Officer
    Years Served: 4
    Heather has been an active union member for more than eight years and brings over a decade of experience with TVA. She has played a key role in strengthening the Project Control Specialist (PCS) function, including developing the PCS curriculum and helping secure approval of the first jointly endorsed PCS Progression Plan. Within the union, Heather contributes her leadership across multiple committees. She serves as Chair of both the Veterans Committee and the Legislative Committee, where she helps guide efforts that support veterans and advance member priorities at the congressional level. She is also a Champion on the Transmission PIERS Team and has been actively engaged in driving improvements for EA members since 2024. Outside of work, Heather enjoys camping, farm life, and cruising in her self restored 1968 Camaro alongside her husband, Jeremy, who drives his 1969 Chevelle. They share their home with two black labs, a cat, and a horse.

  • Name: Brad A. Dake, Member

    TVA BU: Transmission/Telecom

    Branch: ARMY

    Combat Engineer (Airborne) E-5 SGT

    Years Served: 5.5 yrs

    -Explosive entry, IEDs, and Landmines

    Brad enjoys shooting when he can, spending time on the lake with his family, and watching football in the fall

  • Name : Richard Keeton, Member

    Branch: United States Marines Corps

    Years served: 1994-1998

    MOS/Rate/Rank: 3051 Supply logistics / E-4 Corporal

    Enlisted in the USMC in May of 1994 and was stationed at 2nd AABN BN, Camp Lejeune N.C.

    Currently serving as a member of the Cpl. Conley Detachment #1477 in Sheffield Alabama. He has served as Commandant of the detachment and is the JR. Vice Commandant for the Department of Alabama Marine Corps League, their mission is to help Marines and Navy Corpsmen in our area. He also is the Unit Commander for the Shoals Area Young Marines. In this program they teach Kids 8-18 the fundamentals of leadership, discipline and teamwork.

    Richard Keeton - M&TE - 7422/3081

PIERS

The PIERS Alliance is joint-partnership between TVA and the EA that is built upon the foundational elements of Professionalism, Integrity, Excellence, Relationships and Service (PIERS). These foundational elements represent the standards by which TVA and the EA will work together to ensure accountability, strengthen communication, and jointly seek solutions to continue serving the people of the Valley.

PIERS Alliance Champion Training

PIERS Champions Training will equip PIERS Champions developing relationships, learn about effective and intentional listening, facilitating conversations, and problem solving to resolve conflicts and find solutions.

From TVA today, go to Training and Development/ LMS/ search for "PIERS" or "50011881". Champions are able to self-enroll and choose their preferred session to attend.   Training and Development (tva.gov)

PIERS FAQ

DURS

Designated Union Representatives (DUR) put forth honest effort in the performance of duties. Promotes and encourages an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Provides informational resources and guidance to EA members on relevant TVA policies and Articles of Agreement. Serves as the lead to coordinate with management and affected employees during dispute resolutions. For more information on DURs, please see https://www.tvaea.com/union-representatives.
Next DUR training will be held in 2028.

EA Recruitment Guide

EA Planning Calendar

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