When Simulator Specialist Brett Turner signed up for his first volunteer shift at the Louisiana Old Governor’s Mansion earlier this year, he didn’t expect it to become a regular part of his life. But since February, Turner has become one of the organization’s most dedicated volunteers. His commitment recently earned praise from Louisiana Old Governor’s Mansion Executive Director Dr. Sinella Aghasi.
Aghasi said Turner has “gone above and beyond,” supporting tours, special events and helping strengthen the mansion’s operations. “His consistency and energy make a visible difference,” she shared.
Turner discovered the volunteer opportunities with the Old Governor’s Mansion through Entergy’s Community Connectors program and quickly found purpose in giving back. “This community was welcoming when I moved here from Florida,” he said. “I was raised that it’s the right thing to pay back that kindness, and volunteering has been my avenue.”
He supports a variety of volunteer activities, from food banks to historical sites and local cleanup efforts. But at Louisiana Old Governor’s Mansion, it’s the quieter, human moments that resonate most. He recalls watching three generations of a family share their own Louisiana history during a tour. It was a meaningful moment that showed how community ties can strengthen across time. “Being even a small part of that foundation brings great pride,” Turner said.
At River Bend Station, Turner serves as senior simulator support specialist, a role he’s held for four years. He enjoys problem solving and the chance to help instructors develop operators. Turner also takes pride in preparing the simulator for each major refueling and maintenance outage. From modeling plant upgrades to testing simulator equipment, he values the role’s impact on River Bend’s performance.
Still, Turner says giving back to the community remains one of the most fulfilling parts of his career. Whether he’s supporting a tour at the Old Governor’s Mansion or lending a hand at a local River Bend event, he sees volunteerism as a way to strengthen the place he now calls home.
