In honor of Veterans Day, we want to highlight one of our members, Abel Alvarado, a glazier and National Guardsman.
Abel was inspired to serve his country as a young child after witnessing the tragic event of 9/11. As an adult, he joined the National Guard, an experience that has been both exciting and challenging, but one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
After meeting a union business representative at a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) event, Abel became a glazier with District Council 21. His experience in the National Guard taught him discipline, loyalty, respect, and willingness to learn, values that have served him well in his union glazing career.
He’s built a career that he enjoys; he gets to do something different every day, and has proven to expand his experience and knowledge within the trade. At the end of a job, he gets to see the final building, knowing that he played a part in its creation.
Abel’s union membership not only provides great benefits like a pension, but also a sense of unity and teamwork, similar to his experience in the military. DC 21 works in the best interest of all their members regardless of position or trade, and Abel knows that the union has his back.
His advice for other veterans? “Just do it. If construction is your interest, you’ll learn everything you need to know through the apprenticeship program and on-the-job training. The opportunities speak for themselves—it’s simply a good job opportunity for the better.”
We thank Abel—and all our members who have served—for their commitment to both our country and our union family. 🇺🇸
