This Veterans Day we want to take a moment to highlight two of our members who served our country and went on to take the leap into joining the Union after their service. Both Local 951’s Salvador Mora and Local 213’s Stephan Fortino can be found working on the 91/ 71 expressway junction that will connect Chino with Corona, CA.
Salvador Mora was a Marine from 2000 to 2004. He was based out of 29 Palms and was active in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Desert Storm. Mora joined fresh out of high school and credits his time in the Marines for setting him up for a successful career as a Carpenter. “I would advise it to any young man looking for direction in his life. It set me up here to work with vigilance and tenacity…it absolutely set me up for the transition and set me up for success.”
Stephen Fortino followed the same path as Salvador. He also joined the Marine Corp fresh out of high school and served for four years. As he was finishing his enlistment his brother, a Union Carpenter with seven years in the trade, recommended the Carpenters Union and taking his advice, he signed up immediately. Fortino saw how proud his brother was of being a Carpenter and how hard he was working, and it struck a chord with him. “The transition was pretty easy, and the benefits part was even better. Being in the military you get free health care medical care dental care… You come to the Union they give you the same thing.” Fortino is coming up on two years in the Union and he loves it.
Mora and Fortino welcome their Brothers and Sisters in arms to consider transitioning into a career with the Carpenters. “To all my veterans out there, I encourage you if you’re looking for a new… career path to become a Union Carpenter; become part of this incredible organization. They take care of the veterans. They take care of us,” says Mora.
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