Helmets to Hardhats Connects Veterans with BAC Careers
Helmets to Hardhats’ spokesman Jack Gilchrest updated the Executive Council on the program’s progress at its June meeting. Now in its third year, the program has a proven track record of successfully connecting those in the National Guard, Reserves, and veterans with building trades unions. This is one way BAC helps ensure that those who bravely served all of us have access to a solid career with fair wages and benefits when they leave the military. Anthony Bonarrigo is just one example of a veteran who made the successful transition from active duty in the U.S. Navy to a promising career as a member of Local 5 Ohio of the Northern Ohio Administrative District Council.
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When preparing to leave the Navy, my main concern was finding a job that would allow me to support my family. I liked the idea of creating a design, constructing it with my own hands and then being able to see the finished product. I decided to look into the Bricklayers Union in my area.
I visited Mr. Dvorak [Jim Dvorak, organizer for the Northern Ohio Administrative District Council] and he told me about Helmets to Hardhats when he found out I was from the military. He was very excited and said that he wanted to take in one Helmets to Hardhats candidate per year and I’d be the first one. I registered with the program and was immediately accepted into [Local 5 Ohio ] and I am now working for Crest [Masonry].
After serving in the military, I wanted to be part of something else that I could be proud of. My union membership has allowed me to do that. Even though I had a tough childhood, I was smart enough to make the right decisions at critical times in my life to get me where I am today. I thank the military and my union for providing me with positive opportunities and the chance to have a second family. |
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