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With a 300-year military presence and one of the largest concentrations of bases in the U.S., San Antonio is home to many veterans supported by strong community ties. However, for the 200,000 men and women in the U.S. who transition to civilian life every year, the process can be a challenge. As we celebrate veterans this week, it is a time for us to consider how we support these veterans as they enter civilian life.
While veterans bring their skills to a wide range of industries, some find construction a fantastic fit for their interests and capabilities. As a result, veterans are a vital segment of the construction workforce. Veterans, now Skanska USA Building team members in San Antonio, Carlos Alvarez, Ron Johnson, and Raul Garcia, all went straight out of high school into the military. What they didn’t know was where it would take them.
Labor solutions
These men will tell you that key attributes you learn in the military, no matter the branch, carry over into construction. Leadership, work ethic, conflict management and teamwork are all common themes. In fact, nearly 13% of all veterans enter the construction industry after completing their service. That said, with an abundant labor shortage in many industries, veterans are oftentimes an untapped resource overlooked by business owners because they may have atypical or alternative experiences.
Each of the following men who eventually landed their careers with Skanska had a different path, but they all feel construction is an industry where military veterans can find a viable and successful civilian career.
Experience at any age
Carlos Alvarez took the winding path to construction. Before graduating high school, he knew he wanted to get into architecture. Still, he was recruited by the Army and served in the combat arms armor unit for three years and 11 years in the Texas Army National Guard, deploying to Iraq as a vehicle commander. While serving in the National Guard, he became a store manager for Burberry, and after returning from Iraq, he decided to enroll in college, receiving his degree in construction management. At the age of 31, Alvarez interned at Parsons Engineering and Construction, then served as a field engineer at Skanska and now is the environmental, health and safety director.
“While a 31-year-old intern, clients would look at me and not believe that this ‘old guy’ was the intern,” said Alvarez. “My military experience prepared me for the orderly nature of construction; there is a process and ranks, which complements my training. Plus, I must ensure my people are safe every day, very similar to the military.”
Team leaders
Ron Johnson had no desire to go to college, so he went straight into the Marine Corps after high school. Deployed to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Iraq, he worked in a Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team and Infantry unit 2nd Battalion 1st Marine Division. After four years of active duty, he began working as a construction laborer with a family friend and soon decided he did not want to labor for the rest of his days and pursued a career in construction. He took advantage of the GI Bill, receiving his bachelor’s degree in construction science from Texas A&M University, but he was able to intern with Skanska in 2011 and has worked for the company ever since, now serving as a superintendent.
“I knew I wanted to be out in the field because I could interact with more people,” said Johnson. “The job is high stress with high stakes, much like the military. Plus, I get to use the leadership and quick decision-making skills I gathered in the military to quickly solve problems and keep the projects on target.”
Grit and determination
Raul Garcia served four years in the Marine Corps as a combat engineer, doing everything from construction to demolition, including disarming landmines while being deployed. Eventually, Garcia taught combat engineering at Quantico and when he left active duty, he obtained a degree in construction management, working from Las Vegas to Saudi Arabia. Now, he is a Skanska superintendent.
“Construction is a natural progression for many of us who are coming out of the military,” Garcia said. “Both are careers where a strong work ethic, discipline, time management and teamwork are highly valued. When I see a resume with military experience, I know they have the grit and determination to do something greater than themselves.”
Transferrable skills
Regardless of age or rank, military veterans have transferrable skills that benefit construction companies and many other industries. As highly adaptable team players, they are often skilled in multiple areas and exude leadership qualities, having a natural capacity to take direction and lead when needed.
Veterans in our community are of great value, and we recognize the significant impact they can have on the success of organizations throughout San Antonio. It is an honor to work with these men and the other veterans in our office, and it’s my hope for all organizations to take a hard look at veterans entering civilian life. Their experience is far from traditional, but their worth is second to none.
As we honor our veterans, let us remember the sacrifices they’ve made and continue to support them as they bring their talents and dedication into the workforce.
