Proud Veteran, Proud Union Member

JOURNAL: ISSUE 2 - 2016

Editor’s Note: Apprentices are the lifeblood of our Union and the industry. For decades, BAC has been focusing on the value of developing a skilled workforce for tomorrow through its quality training programs. That's why the BAC Executive Board asked editors of the Journal to revive the "Apprentice Profile" section featuring an apprentice whose craft skills, hard work, and commitment to the Union demonstrate that our future is in good hands, the "Best Hands in the Business."

APPRENTICE PROFILE:
 

Turel McKinney

Local 2 New York/Vermont

Brother Turel McKinney in uniform.

Turel McKinney had no clue what a construction job would look like when he applied for the Helmets to Hardhats program at a veterans' job fair in 2014 after serving in the New York Army National Guard for nine years. "I didn't have any construction skills, but I needed to make a living and provide for my family, so I applied and got in touch with BAC Local 2 New York/Vermont Secretary-Treasurer Pat Tirino," Brother McKinney recalls. "Pat and I talked over the phone almost every day about BAC training programs, work opportunities and the union benefits. When a project was lined up, I got my first job working on a residential building."

Tirino describes Brother McKinney as a dedicated, open-minded, and hard-working young man. "He sat in our training class just one day after he submitted his application. I was glad to see how eager and determined he was to learn," describes Tirino. "Brother McKinney has been in cross training and outperformed in many crafts especially in bricklaying and restoration. Now a third-year apprentice, he is also in our supervisor training program, a contractor program that develops project supervisors through a twelve-curricular-step training." Brother McKinney's employer, DeBrino Caulking is very pleased with his initiative and commitment to continue his development."

From left, Local 2 NY/VT Vice Chairman Kevin Potter, Secretary-Treasurer Pat Tirino, third-year apprentice Turel McKinney, and Instructor Matt Zink. 

Brother McKinney understands how crucial union apprenticeship training is to the construction industry. In 2014 when Troy City Council asked the public to submit comments on a resolution requesting contractors and subcontractors on city construction projects of $250,000 or more provide apprenticeship training, Brother McKinney spoke up. He testified in front of the Council citing his personal experience with the union apprenticeship program. "It was a good fight," says Local 2 NY/VT President Bob Mantello. "Brother McKinney was the only apprentice who testified at the public hearing and we are very proud of him." Eventually the fight was successful – the Council approved the resolution after the public hearing. 

Though construction work is different than military service, Brother McKinney, who fought in the Iraq War and acted as a safety sergeant in the Army, perceives the industry as tough and dangerous. "Construction is not easy work. It requires skills training and team building. I don't mind working hard, but there were moments on the jobsite – for example, working on a scaffold high above the ground – but fortunately I have my team. It helps when a brother or sister working alongside is always looking out for you. We look out for each other." Brother McKinney adds further appreciation for the Union's safety training courses, "Our safety classes are very helpful. They help me build a habit of staying safe at work."

Now with a two-year-old daughter, Brother McKinney appreciates everything the Union has provided for him – craft skills, paychecks, workplace health and safety training, health insurance – using his own words, "a unique career and decent life." Through the Helmets to Hardhats program, he was able to successfully transition back to civilian life with a career in the building and construction industry. "It definitely changed my life. I am learning the skills and building a career as well as having good health insurance that my family needs," says Brother McKinney. "There is nothing can beat that. I am a proud veteran; I am a proud union member."

Fighting for his country and providing for his family – Brother McKinney is just one of tens of thousands veterans who are making efforts to survive and thrive. And BAC is always there for them, providing the assistance the veterans need the most – the topnotch skills to build a career and the dignity to make a decent living.

If you are a veteran and would like to stay in touch about BAC's efforts for veterans, please text BACVETS to 877877.