Travis Air Force Base, CA – During the weekend of April 25th and 26th, the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee proudly took part in the 2026 Wings Over Solano Open House and Air Show at Travis Air Force Base, bringing together Union members, Veterans, and the community for a weekend centered on service, outreach, and connection.
Held at one of Northern California’s premier aviation events, Wings Over Solano once again delivered an unforgettable experience featuring world-class aerial demonstrations, including performances by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, as well as static aircraft displays and interactive exhibits. But beyond the roar of jet engines and the spectacle in the sky, the event created a powerful platform for meaningful engagement on the ground.
Representing Veterans, Strengthening Pathways
Throughout the weekend, members of the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee and other IBEW volunteers staffed a booth dedicated to sharing information about Union careers, apprenticeship opportunities, and pathways available to transitioning service members and their families.
Committee volunteers connected with hundreds of attendees ranging from Active-Duty personnel, Reservists, and Veterans to students, families, and curious members of the public, highlighting the value of skilled trades and the long-term careers available through IBEW 1245.
IBEW 1245 Executive Board Member Alvin Dayoan, attending his first ever air show, reflected on the experience:
“Wings Over Solano did not disappoint and exceeded my expectations… Our IBEW Local 1245 booth also had a great turnout. Many people from the public came by to introduce themselves and see what we were about, and our Veterans Committee did an excellent job engaging and sharing resources… It was an amazing experience, and I’m thankful to our Veterans Committee for being there to support our troops.”
Volunteer Jen Threlfall also emphasized the positive interactions with the community throughout the weekend:
“It was a great event and I enjoyed speaking with the members of the community who engaged by stopping by to ask questions.”
Building Partnerships and Supporting Transitioning Service Members
A major focus throughout the weekend was connecting with Active-Duty service members and helping them better understand the opportunities available after military service.
Veterans Committee Member and Air Force Veteran Rafael Burgos spoke about the importance of those conversations and the potential for future collaboration:
“I was able to reach out and talk to several Airmen about the different potential career opportunities with the IBEW 1245 signatory companies. We were also able to talk to members of other locals and spoke of potential partnerships we could have to benefit current and past service members. I really enjoyed my time working alongside our Committee members, sharing memories and stories.”
Those interactions reflected one of the Veterans Committee’s core goals: helping bridge the gap between military service and long-term Union careers while strengthening relationships across the labor movement and Veteran community alike.
Building Visibility and Breaking Barriers
For many volunteers, the event was about more than outreach, it was about representation.
Veteran’s Committee Co-Chair and Marine Corps Veteran Kaycee King emphasized the importance of visibility and impact:
“Representing our Union as a Veteran and a woman provides visibility. It helps bridge the gap in inequality for people of all ages; if we can inspire one person, then the time served has been well worth it.”
That spirit of inclusion and opportunity was felt across the booth, where conversations ranged from apprenticeship programs to personal stories of transition from military service into Union careers.
Camaraderie and Connection
Beyond public engagement, the weekend reinforced the strength of the committee itself. Volunteers spent time together outside the booth, meeting for breakfast, sharing stories, and building deeper connections.
Veterans Committee member Eva Schauffler described the experience:
“One of my favorite parts of the weekend was the camaraderie and teamwork… By Day 2 everything felt smooth and natural, everyone seemed dialed in and working together seamlessly. I truly loved connecting with the committee and seeing everyone’s passion for supporting Veterans and our Union brothers and sisters.”
IBEW 1245 Executive Board and Veterans Committee Member, and Marine Corps Veteran Steve Ramirez echoed that sentiment:
“Being there with my own family of 1245 brothers and sisters and fellow Veterans Committee members made for a special day. I’m already looking forward to the next one.”
Engaging the Community in New Ways
Volunteers also brought forward thoughtful ideas to expand the committee’s presence at future events, ranging from interactive booth features to creative outreach strategies.
Volunteer Joe Steinmetz suggested increasing engagement through interactive elements:
“Maybe a cutout for photos or games like cornhole… something that gets people involved and creates a lasting connection.”
Schauffler added ideas such as QR-enabled resources, practical engagement tools like sunscreen stations, and visual displays that help explain the electrical grid and Union work.
These suggestions reflect the committee’s ongoing commitment to evolving its outreach and maximizing its impact in the communities it serves.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Wings Over Solano Air Show marked another successful step forward for the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee, demonstrating not only the strength of its mission, but the passion of the members who bring it to life.
The Veterans Committee extends its sincere appreciation to Business Manager and Navy Veteran Bob Dean and the IBEW 1245 Executive Board for their ongoing support and encouragement and to all volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to making the weekend a success:
Alvin Dayoan, Brock Navarro, Eva Schauffler, Jen Threlfall, Joe Steinmetz, Kaycee King, Rafael Burgos, Steve Ramirez, Todd Kadota, and Tyler Hodges.
Their efforts helped showcase the opportunities within IBEW 1245, support fellow Veterans and transitioning service members, and strengthen ties with the broader community and labor movement.
IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee Chair, Mike Tilden