State Legislators Join Teamster Veterans to Support Helmets to Hardhats Efforts

Hundreds of Teamster union members and military veterans joined California legislators and city leaders today in Long Beach, Calif. in a show of support for the Helmets to Hardhats program.

Helmets to Hardhats is a national, nonprofit program that connects military servicemembers to quality career opportunities in the building and construction trades. The Teamsters union, along with America’s 14 other building and construction trade organizations and over 80,000 employers work with representatives from the program to connect National Guard, Reservists, transitioning active duty and retired military veterans to jobs that provide family-supporting wages and benefits in the construction industry. The Teamsters and the State of California are among the program’s most avid supporters.

“Teamsters have supported and served in America's Armed Forces for over a century. The sons and daughters of America’s working class have never shied when it comes to serving in the military of this great nation of ours,” said Jim Santangelo, Teamsters International Vice President and President of Teamsters Joint Council 42. “Now that the task has turned into rebuilding our shattered economy, we are proud to announce our support and assistance to our returning sons and daughters.”

At the meeting, Santangelo stated that the union would not only depend on volunteers to ensure the success of the Helmets to Hardhats program, but would call on elected officials in the state and federal government for support. Political leaders in attendance expressed their staunch support.

“I applaud the Teamsters for supporting the Helmets to Hardhats program for our veterans coming home from their service to our country,” said California Assemblyman Ed Hernandez, (D – 57th District).

“This is a great program which will provide tremendous assistance for our service men and women,” said City of La Puente Mayor Louie Lujan.

With countless Americans feeling the crunch of the declining economy, the Helmets to Hardhats program will help military veterans put the skills they acquired serving our country to good use in the building and construction trades.

“By joining hands and rolling up our sleeves, we can help our returning veterans overcome the challenging prospect of finding a job in this economy,” said Teamsters Helmets to Hardhats International Coordinator Mike Yauger. “With the support of Joint Council 42, we can make sure none of California’s veterans will have to tackle this challenge alone.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.