“Better than honor and glory, and History’s iron pen, was the thought of duty done and the love of his fellow-men.” – Richard Watson Gilder
On Saturday, January 11th, 2025, four members of the IBEW 1245 Veteran’s Committee gathered at the B.T. Collins Reserve Center in Sacramento to meet with Program Director Sergeant M. Jose Avila. The group discussed the plan for the day and prepared to participate in a California National Guard job fair specifically designed to reach Veterans and National Guard members seeking employment or improved opportunities.
The mission of the IBEW 1245 Veteran’s Committee is unambiguous: “Leave no Veteran behind! Our motivation is clear: welcome all Veterans seeking job opportunities in the electrical industry by organizing them into the IBEW family. To help Veterans transition back into the workforce by providing resources, education, tools, and the necessary skills to be successful upon returning to civilian life. To assist returning Veterans in finding not just a job but a career with good union wages and benefits. Our cause is to provide human security and dignity for returning Veterans who have volunteered and made sacrifices to serve our great nation.”
Business Representative Mike Tilden speaking to Army National Guardsmen.
Assistant Business Manager Mark MauMau, Business Representative Mike Tilden, Brother Steve Ramirez from PG&E, and Brother Rafael Burgos from SMUD volunteered their time to uphold this mission. They spoke to hundreds of National Guard members interested in the myriad opportunities the IBEW offers.
Reflecting on the day, Brother Steve Ramirez, a PG&E Cable Splicer in the Bay Area, shared, “When I separated from USMC Active Duty, just about 30 years ago, there weren’t many (if any) Veteran-specific job fairs. I had never even heard of IBEW at that time. Events like this would’ve helped me out a lot. I look forward to participating in more functions to help Veterans, and it’s an honor to represent IBEW 1245 in this capacity.”
Arriving early, the team quickly set up a booth that stood out among the other participants at the fair. “It was fortuitous that we ended up setting up alongside our Brothers from IBEW Local 340,” said Business Rep Mike Tilden. “We had the opportunity to partner with them in discussing the opportunities available as we work to light a path to the middle class for Veterans seeking opportunities outside of military service. I feel as though it was just yesterday I was in their shoes, and I know what it feels like to have no idea what’s next in life. These opportunities to educate these men and women are extremely valuable to them and us.”
Throughout the day, the team spoke to hundreds of National Guard members, many of whom had never heard of the IBEW. Attendees received literature, had their questions answered, and left their contact information, eager to explore the possibilities their futures could hold.
Rafael Burgos, Facilities Stationary Engineer II at SMUD, reflected on a conversation with a young Private First Class: “The look of eagerness and excitement the young man showed was contagious. I am proud to be part of this Veterans Committee, proud to be part of our Local, and blessed to be associated with my Brothers and Sisters of IBEW 1245.”
Left to Right: Rafael Burgos (Facilities Stationary Engineer II from SMUD), Mark MauMau, and Steve Ramirez (Cable Splicer from PG&E) in the IBEW 1245 booth.
Mark MauMau, whose tireless work and enthusiasm have driven the Veterans Committee’s success since its inception, summarized the day: “The highlights of the day for me were answering questions and sharing material about the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and how working in a union can enhance their lives with great wages, healthcare, and pensions. I was surprised at how little the public understands where and who provides electricity for the rest of society. A young Private who had fallen on hard times asked if we could provide a pathway to a job immediately, as he had to take a temporary job at McDonald’s and was desperate to find a job with better benefits for his young family. It’s a great feeling to share from my own experiences with young Veterans and see their eyes light up at the opportunities available in the electrical industry.”
The day concluded with a debrief and a discussion about the future of the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee. While still in its infancy, the committee’s participation in events like this helps it gain direction, build enthusiasm, and fulfill its mission. The commitment and passion demonstrated by its members ensure a bright future for both the committee and the Veterans it serves.
– Mike Tilden, IBEW 1245 Business Representative