Graduates reflect on their experience

After a year of rigorous coursework, team projects and visits to DOE and DOD sites, 23 participants have completed the 30th class of the Weapon Intern Program.

Family, friends and coworkers gathered in Steve Schiff Auditorium at Sandia New Mexico to celebrate the Class of 2025 during a graduation ceremony Aug. 21.

“Now it is time to put what you learned into practice,” John Hogan, co-founder of the Weapon Intern Program told graduates. “You must be as skilled as a spinal surgeon. You cannot make a mistake.”

John launched the first Weapon Intern Program class in October 1998 and served as the program’s lead instructor. He held senior roles at both Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories, as well as in the U.S. Army. He continues to serve as a senior mentor for the program and was the keynote speaker at this year’s ceremony.

“I love this program, and I love this class every year,” he said. John reflected on the challenges of starting the program, which originally spanned two years. Remarkably, the classes are still held in the same space as when the program began 27 years ago.

John noted that many people don’t understand the vital role deterrence plays in national security.

“We all pay for fire insurance, and we hope we never use it,” he said. “Think of yourselves as insurance policy makers for the ultimate security of the United States. When the unthinkable happens, people will be grateful we have this insurance policy in our pocket — a powerful negotiating tool.”

Key connections

Brad Boswell also addressed this year’s graduates in his role as director of Sandia’s nuclear deterrence modernization programs. He said participants leave the program with more than technical knowledge.

“The contacts you make across NNSA and the DOD during the Weapon Intern Program are critically important,” said Brad, who is now associate Laboratories director for nuclear deterrence modernization and stockpile systems.

Brad praised this year’s class projects as particularly strong and relevant to current challenges faced by the nation.

“What you applied was top notch,” he said.

Brad also acknowledged the sacrifices of the participants’ families who supported their loved ones during this yearlong commitment. Many temporarily relocate or travel extensively to participate in the program.

Leadership recognition

U.S. Air Force Maj. Megan Olson received the 2025 Weapon Intern Program Leadership Award and was selected by her classmates to speak on their behalf at the ceremony.

“Be bold. Break the mold of the past 34 years. Do not accept the status quo and remember, it is not about you. It is about protecting your family, protecting the communities we live in and protecting our country,” she said. “No matter what uniform you wear when you come to work each day, give your best. Our warfighters deserve it and our country needs it.

Madison McGrann, from Sandia California, was named the Class of 2025’s Distinguished Graduate.

Graduate reflections

In the final days of the program, two participants reflected on their experiences, bookending a journey that began with a class visit to the historic Trinity Site near Alamogordo.

Abby Kerber, a mechanical engineer at the Kansas City National Security Campus, temporarily relocated to Albuquerque for the program. She said gaining a DOD perspective was especially valuable.

“As a production agency, we don’t often interact with the final customers, let alone the servicewomen and men who are responsible for these systems every day,” Abby said. “Understanding what’s important to them and how their systems work through nuclear certification, fielding and mission planning has been very insightful.”

She added that she’s seen personal growth in her classmates and colleagues as they’ve operated outside their comfort zones.

“The group really supports each other and cheers on everyone’s wins,” she said. “It’s been great to see people achieve their goals.”

Zeke Villarreal, who works in nuclear safety at Sandia, said he created new connections through the program and deepened his understanding of the broader nuclear enterprise.

“I’ve gained a much fuller picture of the nuclear enterprise, past and present,” Zeke said. “I particularly enjoyed getting to understand the culture at each site and seeing what the mission means to our partners in the DOD. I see the larger picture of what we do and why.”

Program milestones

With this graduating class, more than 600 participants have completed the Weapon Intern Program since its inception. The 2025 class included participants from Sandia, the Kansas City National Security Campus, Y-12, NNSA, the Savannah River Site, Pantex, the U.S. Air Force, Navy Strategic Systems Programs and the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. All graduates have now returned to their home sites.

Labs Director Laura McGill closed the ceremony with words of encouragement.

“You get to serve the nation in ways many will never know, but we will,” she said. “Go off and do the critical work that will help to secure our nation.”