Robin De Haven is no stranger to danger. As an American who served with honor in Iraq he returned home to a difficult economy but the hope for peace. That peace was broken last week as an anti-government terrorist flew a private plane into a building in Austin, Texas. De Haven is credited with the rescue of five people from the burning building. From 9/11 to the Miracle on the Hudson to the Fort Hood shooting, union members continue to represent the best of America.
IUPAT President James Williams is effusive in his praise for a brother in arms and a brother in the workplace saying, “His actions were nothing short of heroic and we're proud to have him in our ranks. A veteran who served in Iraq, the IUPAT was fortunate to bring him aboard through the Helmets to Hardhats program.
Robin's courage and character are a shining inspiration in these hard times. I hope his actions remind us all of what is most dear in our lives, and how important it is to take care of each other. Robin De Haven is a prime example of what a good union man is made of.”
Robin De Haven is a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Texas Local Union 1778/District Council 88.
Helmets to Hardhats is a national program that connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military members with quality career training and employment opportunities within the building and construction industry. The program is designed to ease the difficult passage into civilian life for military families, providing the best career opportunities, pay, and benefits to those who have earned the nation’s support through their years of service.
Helmets to Hardhats is co-sponsored by all fifteen Building and Construction Trades organizations, as well as their employer associations, which together represent about 82,000 contractors. Labor leaders have embraced the program, eager to help military personnel transfer their experience into secure careers within the construction industry.
For more information about Helmets to Hardhats click here
Comments
Hopefully it is better than my days of returning to construction from the military. I got out in 1993 and went to the local Carpenter's Union to get in their apprenticeship program. They had no respect for my prior service. I could provide all my training documentation, yes I said DOCUMENTED, and knew more than many of their journeyman and they told me I would have to start from scratch as a first year apprentice.
I lost all respect for them at that point and thankfully, went to college instead. I can still build a house from the ground up and I don't have to hire a carpenter to do any work around my place.
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