As the operating contractor of the Radford and Holston Army Ammunition Plants, the company directed resources to support veterans, combat food insecurity, and advance educational opportunities for students.
"We are members of these communities, and we are committed to continuing to make them great places to live and work,” said John Swift, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. “From collaborating with military resource groups to fostering education for the next generation of leaders, our goal is empowering Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee.”
In 2025, BAE Systems focused heavily on organizations that assist veterans, to include:
- Saint Francis Service Dogs: Virginia’s largest service dog organization, which helps offset training costs to provide service dogs for children and adults, including veterans.
- Mountain Valor: Hosted its second annual Mountain Valor Fest, the company served as the presenting sponsor to help connect veterans with resources and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
- Wreaths Across America: To honor the sacrifices of military personnel, the company increased contributions to the Mountain Home National Veterans Cemetery in Tennessee and the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery to purchase and lay wreaths.
- Fox Den Playground: The company and community celebrated the opening of this new facility at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport. The playground commemorates Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox, a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School.
- Recognizing the need for essential services, the company collaborated with Second Harvest, Vittles for Vets, and Feeding Southwest Virginia. Engagements involved on-site food drives and direct support for programs serving local veterans and neighbors facing food insecurity. Additionally, the team supported Healing Hands Dental Day in Bristol, Tennessee, ensuring veterans received free dental care, including x-rays and extractions.
The company continued to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing funding for programs that foster science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills and workforce readiness:
- Radford University Foundation: Contributions supported Summer STEM Programs, including Summer Bridge, Women in STEM, and Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST). These programs are designed to inspire and educate young students.
- Virginia Tech: A sponsorship of the Friends of Career and Professional Development initiative helped advance institutional goals and bolster the regional workforce pipeline for high demand positions in chemistry, engineering and management.
- Community College Support: The company provided funding to the Northeast State Community College Foundation for student scholarships, faculty development, and campus improvements.
BAE Systems OSI remains steadfast in its support of the Radford and Kingsport regions. OSI has served as the operating contractor of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant since 2012. In 2023, the company secured a contract to continue operating the Holston Army Ammunition Plant for an additional 10 years, under which the OSI team helps to provide a wide range of artillery, indirect, and direct fire capabilities.
Ref: 012/2026