RADFORD, Va. (WFXR) — BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. (OSI) has announced support of several organizations in the Southwest Virginia region with investments including resources for veteran programs, working with food security programs, and education and STEM programs, and more.
BAE Systems has been the operating contractor of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford since 2012.
“Supporting local organizations is core to our team culture,” said John Swift, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. “We take great pride in identifying meaningful ways for us to connect with our community. Our community investments and volunteer support happen at all levels of our organization, whether it’s working with military organizations, providing food donations, advancing educational opportunities, or helping with community-focused projects.”
They also contributed to Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin by laying wreaths “in honor of the sacrifices men and women in uniform have made for the country.”
In 2024, the company supported several key organizations in the community, including:
- Mountain Valor supports the veteran community by providing tools, connections, and resources. This year, BAE Systems contributed to the first-ever Mountain Valor Fest event, which featured over 40 different resources for veterans and their families, and a memorial service in honor of 9/11 and the country’s promise to never forget.
- Second Harvest, Vittles for Vets, and Feeding Southwest Virginia do incredible work for those facing food scarcity, with several programs specifically serving local veterans. This year, BAE Systems worked with these organizations to support veterans and their families in the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia regions.
In support of education, the OSI team contributed to local community and state colleges and their efforts to serve people in their educational journeys including:
- Radford University Summer Bridge: a Women in STEM program that hosts a week-long residential experience for high school students interested in science, technology, and mathematics fields of study.
- New River Community College Education Foundation and its expanding Instrumentation and Control Automation program.
- Mountain Empire Community College Foundation programs are designed to offer scholarships, faculty and staff development and recognition, cultural programs and events, campus improvements, educational programs, and other project funding.