As we observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11, we’d like to shine a light on one of our own: Ray Watkins, a System Transmission Crew lineworker A based at Potomac Edison’s Williamsport Service Center.

Ray serves in the West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) as a battalion master gunner for the 1^st/201^st Field Artillery Battalion.

“My primary responsibilities are developing and managing the Battalion Commander’s Field Artillery Certification and Qualification Program,” said Ray. “I develop training plans, lead consolidated training events, develop written and physical tests for individuals and howitzer crews, and provide the commander and staff with expert advice.”

For the past year, Ray was on long-term orders with the national guard while working as a Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) analyst.

Ray, far right, and several other master gunners.

“The WVARNG is the home of the U.S. Army’s CIP Battalion,” Ray said. “The Headquarters Department of the Army assigns critical assets to be assessed for vulnerabilities relating to infrastructure, logistics, physical and cyber security. The assessment team travels to the site, conducts an assessment and provides a report based on their matrices.”

Ray, a 15-year employee, said his job at FirstEnergy is a perfect fit for his military duties. Because of the knowledge gained through his career as a distribution and transmission lineworker, he was asked to join the Army assessment team and critique its training, assessment process and report writing.

“I also trained the existing analysts and provided a training program for future analysts. I was able to do so and to establish an agreement between Potomac Edison and the West Virginia Army Guard Critical Protection Battalion to use a few Potomac Edison facilities and subject matter experts for the training. I want to thank Potomac Edison leadership, specifically Wayne Rummel [general manager, Regional Operations Services] for making this possible,” said Ray.

Ray is also pleased with FirstEnergy’s military program.

“The entire Potomac Edison and FirstEnergy team has been extremely understanding and supportive of my military service. I have had two one-year activations since starting with Potomac Edison in 2006, and they have gone above and beyond,” he said. “I’m proud to work for a company like FirstEnergy/Potomac Edison.”

Between his job, military duties and family, Ray also volunteers at the Winchester Temporary Thermal Shelter in Winchester, Va. The organization provides a safe, temporary, overnight, cold-weather shelter for the homeless at host sites in Winchester, Frederick and Clarke counties in Virginia. He also spends free time hiking and enjoying the outdoors with his family.

“Veterans Day for me is a time to honor the sacrifices of my fellow brothers and sisters at arms,” Ray said. “It’s a time to acknowledge those who put their lives on the line to serve our country. All of us, especially myself, are lucky to have people like them in our lives.”

Ray and his family take time for a photo during a mountain hike. Ray, second from right with (l.-r.): front, wife, Heather; and daughters, Olivia and Cora; back, brother-in-law, Alex; brother-in-law and Army veteran, Sean; and sister-in-law, Maggie.

FirstEnergy’s Military Program

Our company supports employees during periods of military service – beyond what many other companies provide. For example, for military-service-related leaves of absence, our company pays the difference between the employee’s regular FirstEnergy base salary and the military’s base wages.

About Veterans Day

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Fighting ceased when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect in the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month.