Veterans Day Spotlight: Anthony Perretta, Defense Nuclear Security

How do you support NNSA?

I and my Defense Nuclear Security teammates ensure that our NNSA field sites have all the physical security support required to protect our nation’s nuclear materials. We provide security analysis support as an additional measure to assist the great work our sites accomplish in implementing their physical security.

What is your personal background, and how has that shaped you and your approach to your career? 

My Christian faith has a large influence in my life. During my teen years, I attended a small local church and became a regular attender because of the congregation’s great care and compassion. Even though I lived in the greater Denver metropolitan area, my church had a small-town feel. The large support group at my church was key in mentoring me into the man I am today. By the time I joined the U.S. Marines, married my wife and had two beautiful daughters, I was better prepared to encounter the challenges that life brings us, including those in NNSA.

What did you study in school and how did it impact you personally and professionally?

I studied American History at the University of Colorado in Boulder, but I had an early interest as a child in how our country became so exceptional and gave us a heritage of liberty. This interest led me to public service, first in the U.S. Marines and thereafter as a federal civil servant. Serving our nation now in NNSA and being a part of keeping our nuclear weapons complex strong and secure is a by-product of my belief that, at its core, the United States is special and needed in the world.

What led you to a career in nuclear security?

I began my career in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where I gradually specialized in high-risk assets such as chemical, radiological, and biological holdings. When I realized an opportunity to help secure the U.S. nuclear weapons complex, I knew this was a continuation of my career to help secure some of our country’s most important assets.

What is the best part about your job?

As a security analyst, I interact with the entire NNSA complex, thus meeting people at our headquarters and field sites is the most enjoyable part of my job. While doing my job is challenging, I am amazed by the diversity of ideas that others bring in solving problems. It encourages me to ask: “how did you think of that?”

What is your proudest accomplishment while supporting NNSA? 

Having the honor of being the Master of Ceremony for the Nuclear Physical Security Summit, an event with close to 100 nuclear physical security government leaders.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

Being a Coloradoan, I have climbed 27 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains… I have another 26 to go!

What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in nuclear security? 

Join the military. Though not a requirement, many of our team members are veterans. The culture and backbone of nuclear security stem from the experiences many of our nuclear security professionals gained while in the military (both good and bad times). You will appreciate and have a deeper understanding of the efforts to protect and defend our nuclear arsenal when you know the men and women who are on post daily doing the hard and long work of keeping us safe.

Who is someone that inspires you and why? 

My wife Jenny is a great inspiration. Her steadfast, loving and kind demeanor in supporting my career makes an impression on me daily. She is directly responsible for my ability to continue to support NNSA and drives me to be my best daily.

How do you plan to commemorate Veterans Day?

I send many messages to friends who have served in the U.S. Marines. The birthday of the Corps is November 10th, which always lands close to Veteran’s Day. I also spend the entire day with my wife. Deploying for months or a year at a time makes you think of the sacrifice families have given to defend our country. I honor that sacrifice by giving all of Veterans Day to my wife.