Vacaville – On Wednesday, April 15th, the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee gathered at the Hall in Vacaville for its 2026 Q2 In-Person meeting, continuing the momentum built over the past year and sharpening its focus on what comes next: impact.
Framed by the theme “From Momentum to Impact,” the meeting reflected a clear evolution for the Committee. What began as an idea to start bringing together Veterans within our Brotherhood has grown into something more structured, more intentional, and increasingly influential in helping Veterans transition into meaningful careers in the electrical industry.
Throughout the day, discussion centered on execution: expanding outreach, strengthening partnerships, and creating real pathways for transitioning service members. Updates included new opportunities to engage directly with separating military personnel through the Travis Air Force Base Employer Spotlight program, collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), and continued progress within PG&E’s Power Pathways program.
The Committee also explored ways to deepen its impact beyond employment through mental health awareness, peer support, and community-based service opportunities such as Veterans Last Patrol, Saluting Branches, and Wreaths Across America. These efforts reflect a broader commitment not just to helping Veterans find work, but to ensuring they find connection, camaraderie, purpose, and support, as well as ensuring that their stories are told.
A highlight of the meeting was a presentation from Julie DeMaria of Operation: Care and Comfort, who shared opportunities to support active-duty service members and Veterans through community engagement programs, including the organization’s Tickets for Troops initiative, along with various volunteer opportunities and events that bring Veterans together.
The meeting wasn’t just about planning, it was about participation. Members stepped forward to take ownership of key initiatives, from outreach events like the Wings Over Solano Travis Air Force Base Open House and Air Show to long-term efforts such as developing a Veterans Field Manual, expanding Committee leadership, outreach to employers, and forming a subcommittee dedicated to ensuring the success of the second annual IBEW 1235 Veterans Gala on November 14th, 2026.
But the most meaningful moment of the day came just before breaking for chow, when the Committee paused to recognize one of its own.
Mike Saner was honored for his upcoming retirement after ten years of service in the United States Marine Corps and an extraordinary forty-one year career as a member of the IBEW.
Surrounded by fellow Committee members, Saner was presented with a commemorative plaque recognizing his “faithful and distinguished service to our nation and to his Brothers and Sisters of IBEW 1245,” and for living the values of “honor, courage, and commitment—both in uniform and in the field.”
Those who know Saner understand that his legacy is not defined by years alone, but by how he carried himself throughout them, consistently, quietly, and with a deep sense of responsibility to those around him. His presence within the Committee has reflected the very mission it strives to uphold: taking care of one another long after military service ends.
As the meeting concluded, one message was clear: the work of the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee is far from finished. With the volume of ideas and level of engagement seen in these meetings, this effort is positioned to create a lasting impact for generations to come.
With growing partnerships, expanding outreach, and a renewed commitment to action, the Committee continues to build something lasting while upholding the core value that no Veteran should have to navigate the transition to civilian life alone.
– The IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee
Are you a Veteran? Let us know, here: https://ibew1245.com/are-you-a-veteran-let-us-know/