With Veteran’s Day around the corner, the California labor community is preparing to honor those who have risked their lives to protect our country and the freedoms that define America. Men and women who serve our country in uniform have shown courage defending our nation. Yet far too often a return home is met with a distressing reality: good jobs are few and far between and the services and support they have earned are lacking in their communities. Recent reports have shown veterans often face difficulty finding a job with good wages and decent benefits, particularly younger veterans between 18 and 24 years old. Our veterans deserve the best resources to ensure their transition from military to civilian life is as smooth as possible.
California’s labor unions are taking the lead to ensure our veterans have access to the services they need to secure the best economic future for themselves and their families when they return home. Veterans like Walter Carmier, an IBEW Local 1245 technician, find union jobs provide not only the necessary training to build a career on but also support and brotherhood.
This year on Veteran’s Day, join us at one of the events below. From celebrating veterans who have completed pre-apprenticeship training programs to canned food drives for veterans in need, the California Labor movement is showing our commitment to our Veterans.
• Los Angeles: Join the L.A. County Federation of Labor to honor veterans and those who have graduated from the Building Trades Veterans Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Breakfast begins at 8:30 AM, Program begins at 9:00 AM. RSVP & find more info here.
• Orange County: Orange County unions led by the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA), along with veterans and community leaders, are organizing a Veterans Day community celebration to pay tribute to veterans and their families. Should be an amazing celebration- will be held at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa and will include a food drive for Veterans. More info here.
• Sacramento: The Labor Community in Sacramento has a great volunteer opportunity Saturday after Veteran's Day. Volunteers can help a local American Veteran’s Post with painting the outside of their facility! Details: Saturday, November 14th @ 8am. Address: American Veterans Post 1, 7215 Lindale Drive (off Florin Rd) in Sacramento. Please bring your household painting tools: ladders, brushes, rollers, pans, tarps, etc…Questions or RSVP, please call Greg Larkins @ (916) 208-4734
• Concord: Honoring the women and men who served our country and returned home to continue their service in our communities. Attend the Contra Costa Veterans Day Softball Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11am at Willow Pass Softball Fields, 2748 E Olivera Rd, Concord, CA 94519.
We also have a union made graphic above if you'd like to share on Veteran's Day or leading up to it!
