A Song of Service

Sometimes stories are difficult to put into words. For Veterans, whose stories are often marked by sacrifice, resilience and service, songwriting offers a powerful way to preserve and share those experiences.

This year, in recognition of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country, TVA partnered with Operation Song to create a special video tribute honoring Veterans. The project highlights the personal experiences, resilience and lasting impact of military service through an original song crafted from Veterans' own stories. And more often than not, the Veterans described their work at TVA as an extension of that service.

"The situations we come up against at TVA require us to keep a mindset of adapt and overcome," said Shawn Bogner, who works in reliability operations.

Operation Song, a Nashville-based nonprofit, pairs Veterans, active duty military members, first responders and their families with professional songwriters. Together, they transform life experiences into songs that celebrate service, foster understanding and support healing through the power of storytelling and the vulnerability it requires.

The organization works with accomplished songwriters whose credits include chart-topping songs recorded by some of the music industry's most recognizable artists. By combining world-class songwriting talent with authentic stories from those who served, Operation Song helps ensure those experiences are preserved and shared in a meaningful, lasting way.

For this project, a group of TVA employee Veterans representing several branches of the military came together to share their stories. Through interviews and heartfelt conversations, they reflected on their experiences in uniform and the values that continue to shape their work today. The resulting song serves as both a tribute and a reminder that every veteran has a story worth telling and a legacy worth honoring.

The Veterans of TVA bring a wealth of experience, courage and determination to the organization. While their journeys and backgrounds may differ, they remain united by a shared commitment to service and purpose.

"We come from different places and different backgrounds, but we're all here at TVA," said retiree Susan Crawford.