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IBEW Local 441

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Douglas M. Chappell, Bus. Mgr.
309 N. Rampart, Suite M
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 792-0061
www.ibewoc.com

Local 441 Reaches Out to Returning Soldiers

Local 441 Business Representatives Ernie Oviedo, C. J. Johnson, and Doug Mangione, all being proud Marine Corps veterans, had a great opportunity to participate in job fairs at the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. The Marine For Life Program and the Transition Assistance Program of the Marine Corps hold these fairs regularly to help Marines leaving active duty to find employment. Local 441 believes that we all have a responsibility to help these fine young men and women, who have given so much, to successfully transition back into the civilian world.

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The response at our table was overwhelming. Marines from all over the country, who had never thought of a career in electrical construction, were very enthusiastic about what the IBEW and Local 441 had to offer. Other participants included police departments, security companies and defense contractors. Our table, however, had such a great response from the Marines that the staff sergeant in charge asked if we could "please come back." He said he was impressed that the troops kept coming back to us, bringing other Marines to listen to the opportunities available to them in all parts of the country. We told them how to get in touch with not only other IBEW locals, but with all of the other building trade unions as well.

We had an opportunity to connect with Dan Lozano, a retired Marine now representing Helmets to Hardhats, which is sponsored by the National Building and Construction Trades Council. Dan stated that the new National Building Trades President, Mark Ayers (formerly the Construction & Maint. Dept. Director for the IBEW International), is planning to get the Helmets to Hardhats program up and running again and will need the support of building trade locals nationwide.

This experience at Camp Pendleton was very rewarding, and we felt it was well worth our time and effort to give these men and woman some hope and encouragement for a productive career. Local 441 believes that Helmets to Hardhats, the Marine for Life Program and other assistance programs within the military, are so worthwhile for our returning soldiers and sailors, that we will continue our outreach on a regular basis.

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