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IBEW Local 1245 Veterans Gala at the Rowland Freedom Center in Vacaville, Calif. on November 7, 2025.
Vacaville, November 7, 2025– Under the soft glow of aircraft hangar lights and surrounded by historic displays of military and aviation history, more than a hundred Veterans, Members, families, guests, and supporters gathered for the inaugural IBEW 1245 Veterans Gala at the Rowland Freedom Center. The event marked a milestone moment for Local 1245, the first official celebration dedicated to honoring the service, sacrifice, and continuing contributions of its Veterans.
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the military color guard was unable to attend the opening ceremonies. In lieu of a color guard, the evening began with an invitation for attendees to pause and reflect on the history of the American flag, the most enduring symbol of our nation:
“The American flag was born from struggle and hope. The flag as we know it first flew in 1777, a symbol of defiance against tyranny and a beacon of liberty for generations to come. Its stripes remind us of the original thirteen colonies who risked everything for independence. Its stars, fifty bright points of light, represent unity among diversity. Over the centuries, it has flown in peace and in battle, carried by Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians who believed in the ideals it represents and were willing to make unimaginable sacrifices to protect and defend those ideals. When we rise to honor the flag, we’re not just saluting fabric, we’re paying respect to the men and women who carried it forward, to the freedoms it protects, and to the sacrifices made to keep it waving over a land of opportunity and hope.”
As guests stood for the National Anthem, a sense of unity filled the room. The ceremony then transitioned to the POW/MIA Table presentation, delivered by Veterans Committee Member Kaycee King in a moving tribute that reminded everyone of the men and women still missing from our ranks. The room fell silent as she directed attention toward a single empty chair, a powerful moment of reflection and gratitude.
Afterward, Veterans Committee Chair Mike Tilden took the podium and shared a recorded video message from IBEW Ninth District Vice President Dave Reaves, who praised Local 1245 for its commitment to creating meaningful pathways for Veterans.
Tilden then spoke passionately about the committee’s mission: “This effort began as a simple idea to bring our Veterans together, to share our stories, and to find new ways to serve. Our goal is to build something that lasts far longer than any of us.”
He went on to draw parallels between the work ethic of IBEW Members and the grit of those who served in uniform, highlighting the bravery of Members who face storms, fires, and extreme conditions to keep communities safe.
“That same spirit of service,” he said, “is what unites Veterans and tradespeople alike.”
Business Manager Bob Dean followed with remarks underscoring the deep bond between the labor movement and military service.
“Our Veterans come to this union already understanding mission, teamwork, and accountability,” Dean said. “Those same values make our workforce strong, and they remind us that solidarity isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life.”
The evening’s Guest of Honor, Kyle Kaiser, an IBEW Local 1547 Organizer, Founder of VIPER Transitions, and former U.S. Army Airborne Soldier, inspired the crowd with his story of turning hardship into purpose. He spoke about his mission to guide Veterans into successful careers in the skilled trades, not just as workers, but as leaders and mentors.
“The IBEW is more than a job,” Kaiser said. “It’s a brotherhood. It’s where Veterans rediscover the camaraderie, the pride, and the purpose they’ve been missing since leaving the service.”
The Veterans Committee presented Brother Kaiser with a token of their gratitude for all he’s done for the Veteran community, a flag-draped bald eagle with the inscription *Kyle Kaiser* *Founder, VIPER Transitions* *Army Airborne Veteran* *Visionary Mentor Trailblazing Pathways from Service to Trades* “With deep gratitude from your Brothers and Sisters of IBEW Local 1245” – Inaugural Veterans Gala 2025
As dinner concluded, the evening transitioned into a ceremonial cake-cutting, a cherished military tradition symbolizing the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Kaycee King led the ceremony, joined by Bob Dean and Kyle Kaiser, as they cut the cake before an applauding audience.
“This is what tonight is about,” Tilden said. “Honoring those who’ve led the way and empowering those who are just beginning their journey in our Brotherhood.”
Dean then offered a few words of advice to the Members in attendance:
“Keep showing up. Keep learning. And remember that every generation of IBEW members, like every generation of Veterans, stands on the shoulders of those who came before.”
The symbolic passing of the first slice of cake from Dean to Kaiser drew smiles and emotion throughout the room, a tangible reminder of our continued duty to share knowledge and empower future generations.
The night ended with fellowship, networking, and camaraderie, while a silent photo slideshow of IBEW 1245 Veterans past and present looped on a nearby screen. Tables buzzed with conversation, stories, and plans for the future of the committee, while many guests hit the dance floor as IBEW 1245 Member Ruben Lopez excelled in his role as DJ, entertaining the crowd with track after track of old-school favorites.
“This is just the beginning,” Tilden said in closing. “We have big plans, from outreach at stand-down events to partnerships with mentorship programs that connect Veterans with apprenticeships and job opportunities, to creating Veteran Stewards throughout the ranks of our Membership. When we change even one life, it makes every late night and early morning worth it, because that one life is one more Veteran who doesn’t have to wonder where he’s going to sleep that night, one more Veteran who doesn’t have to choose between buying groceries and getting medicine for his wife, and one more Veteran whose kid gets to step onto a baseball field next spring with a glove that fits, a bat that’s his, and a parent who’s proud, not just to have a job, but to have dignity.”
As the inaugural Gala came to a close, it was clear that the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee had accomplished far more than hosting an event, it had planted the roots of a new tradition, one built on honor, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of those who continue to serve long after the uniform comes off.
– The IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee
Want to Get Involved?
Members interested in joining or supporting the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee can contact them at veterans@ibew1245.com or reach out directly to Committee Chair Mike Tilden.