In honor of Veterans Day, we take the time to spotlight two of our teammates who have served our country with great honor and distinction.
Deborah Boyd dedicated 28 years to the United States Air Force as a master sergeant – a commitment that showcases her unwavering spirit of service. Just 17 days after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Boyd was sent to Washington, D.C. to help coordinate the deployment of troops.
In 2018, Boyd joined LG&E and KU after working in the healthcare industry. She acknowledges her ability to stay calm in tense situations is one great skill she picked up from her service. “Energy is very similar to the military; you have to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Safety is a large factor in the energy industry just as it is in the military.”
In addition to her day-to-day role with LG&E and KU, Boyd also serves as vice president of Armed Forces Energy Partners, LG&E and KU’s business resource group for veterans in Kentucky. Through AFEP, Boyd has met many other colleagues who also served their nation before transitioning to the energy industry.
David Gavula served in the United States Army for 11 years, embodying dedication and resilience. His military career included multiple significant deployments, from a pivotal mission in Kosovo in early 2003 to a challenging 13-month deployment to Iraq, where he participated in a combat parachute assault, followed by another 13 months in Afghanistan. Each experience shaped his leadership skills and equipped him with invaluable tools for his future career. “I would categorize the skills acquired in the military as invaluable and integral to who I am and how I operate daily,” shared Gavula.
Upon retiring from the Army, he returned to the classroom, enrolling at the University of South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history followed by a master’s in management from Excelsior University.
Gavula joined our Rhode Island utility in 2013 as a supervisor for contractor oversight in gas operations before advancing to his current position managing gas construction.
“At any level of the organization, veterans bring valuable skills that will help them be successful. The work ethic, discipline, problem-solving skills and experiences they have make them ideal team members in this environment.”
Gavula views the Veterans business resource group in Rhode Island as a place of comradery and learning, adding his own advice to those who have also served. “I would encourage them to be open about their service and share their story with others to break down barriers and reduce stereotyping.”
We salute Deborah Boyd, David Gavula and all the servicemen and servicewomen who continue to serve our communities through their work at PPL Corporation and our affiliate companies. Your dedication and commitment to excellence are an inspiration to all of us.
