IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee members (L – R Josh Loubet, Brock Navarro, Tali Kavapalu, Aubrey Carr, Steve Ramirez, Kaycee King, Mike Tilden, Rafael Burgos, Neil Norris, Eva Schauffler.
Vacaville, CA – For the members of the IBEW Local 1245 Veterans Committee, the commitment to service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It continues through the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, the strength of organized labor, and a shared responsibility to ensure that no Veteran is left behind.
That commitment was on full display on October 21st, 2026, as Committee members gathered at the IBEW 1245 Union Hall in Vacaville for their fourth-quarter in-person meeting. The six-hour gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the Committee’s accomplishments, strengthen relationships, discuss ongoing initiatives, and establish priorities for the year ahead.
But perhaps the most meaningful moment of the day wasn’t found on the meeting agenda.
What began as an opening roundtable evolved into a deeply personal conversation about mental health, the challenges Veterans face, and the importance of looking out for one another. Participation was entirely voluntary, yet every Committee member in attendance chose to share their own experiences and perspectives.
For Veterans Committee Chair Mike Tilden, the moment captured something far more significant than any individual accomplishment.
“One of the things that made me most proud during this meeting wasn’t something we accomplished on the agenda. It was watching every single person in the room voluntarily open up during a deeply personal conversation about mental health,” Tilden shared. “Nobody was asked or expected to share, but everyone chose to. To me, that speaks volumes about the trust, compassion, and sense of belonging we’ve built within this Committee. We talk a lot about leaving no Veteran behind, but moments like that remind me that it’s more than a mission statement. It’s a commitment we’re making to one another, every single day.”
For many Veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life can bring challenges that aren’t always visible to those around them. The Committee’s conversation served as a reminder that strength isn’t measured solely by the ability to endure hardship, but also by the willingness to seek support, extend compassion, and stand alongside others when they need it most.
It was a powerful demonstration of the community the Veterans Committee is working to build, one rooted not only in shared military experiences, but in trust, understanding, and genuine care for one another.
Building on a Foundation of Service
Since its establishment in 2024, the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee has continued to expand its presence throughout the Union’s jurisdiction, participating in Veterans stand downs, military and community outreach events, career development opportunities, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families.
During the quarterly meeting, members reflected on those efforts and discussed opportunities to build upon their accomplishments.
The Committee received an update from Brother Brock Navarro on its growing partnership with Operation Care & Comfort, an organization dedicated to supporting military personnel, Veterans, and their families. Members also discussed upcoming outreach opportunities in Nevada, including participation in the Reno Veterans Day Parade and other community events headed up by Brother Tali Kavapalu with support from Brother Josh Loubet, as well as a potential Veterans outreach presence at the Festival of the Americas Powwow planned for October 2027 and being spearheaded by Sister Aubrey Carr.
These efforts reflect the Committee’s commitment to reaching Veterans wherever they are, strengthening relationships across communities, and connecting those who have served with meaningful resources and opportunities.
Developing Resources and Strengthening the Labor Movement
Another major focus of the meeting was the continued development of a Veterans Guide and Field Manual, initiatives intended to provide practical information, resources, and guidance to Veterans throughout IBEW 1245’s diverse membership.
By developing resources that can serve members across different employers, classifications, and geographic regions, the Committee hopes to establish lasting tools that will continue benefiting Veterans for years to come.
Members also discussed the emerging California Federation of Labor Union Veterans Council, an initiative bringing together union Veterans from across the state to strengthen their collective voice within the labor movement.
The Council presents opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, civic engagement, and the development of stronger connections between Veterans and organized labor.
For the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee, these initiatives reflect a broader vision: ensuring that Veterans are not only recognized for their past service, but empowered to continue making meaningful contributions to their unions, workplaces, and communities.
Leadership, Accountability, and Looking Ahead
As part of the meeting, Committee members also reviewed their bylaws and discussed the responsibilities and expectations of Committee leadership.
The discussion reaffirmed the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the principles established when the Committee was formed. With no challenges to the existing officer positions, the current leadership team will continue serving as the Committee moves into 2027.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss preparations for the second annual IBEW 1245 Veterans Gala, scheduled for November 14th, 2026 in Vacaville.
Building on the success of the inaugural event, the Gala is being organized by Committee Co-Chair Kaycee King with support from her assembled subcommittee of Veterans Committee Members Eva Schauffler, Rafael Burgos, Neil Norris, Steve Ramirez, and others will once again bring together Veterans, union leaders, community partners, and supporters to recognize military service, celebrate the contributions of Veterans within the labor movement, and reinforce the importance of solidarity.
As the Committee approaches another year of service, its members remain focused on expanding outreach, strengthening partnerships, developing meaningful resources, and creating opportunities for Veterans to remain connected and engaged.
More Than a Committee
While the day’s discussions covered a wide range of initiatives and organizational priorities, the meeting’s most lasting impact may have been the reminder of why the Committee exists in the first place.
For Veterans accustomed to serving others, finding a community where they can speak openly, be heard without judgment, and rely on one another is itself a powerful form of support.
The IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee is working to build something that lasts beyond individual events, leadership positions, or any single generation of Veterans. It’s building a network of solidarity and service, grounded in the belief that the bonds formed through military service can continue to strengthen the labor movement and the communities it represents.
And as the Committee looks toward 2027, its members carry forward a mission that is both simple and profound:
Leave No Veteran Behind.
- The IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee