New Line Life Podcast: Powering the U.S. Military
Listen to the Episode
For our Fourth of July episode of the Line Life Podcast, we are celebrating those who dedicate their lives to service, not only in the line trade but also through the U.S. military. Our guest, SSG Christopher Garrett, discusses the opportunities available to lineworkers through the U.S. Army Reserve and active-duty in the 249th Engineer Battalion or Prime Power.
He traveled from Fort Belvoir in Virginia to Kansas City for the International Lineman's Rodeo Week to support the competitors and teams in the military division and create awareness about the training and work opportunities available through Prime Power.
To learn more, you can stop by their booth at the 2025 International Lineman's Expo, visit their website or listen to Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of our Veterans in the Line Trade series on Podbean. You can also read a story called Veterans in the Line Trade, which explores opportunities for military veterans to become trained as lineworkers.
Thank you for tuning in to the Line Life Podcast, and Happy Fourth of July to lineworkers and your families!
Tune in to the Veterans in the Line Trade Series: Part 1
After serving the country in the military, veterans are exploring careers in the line trade. With their dedication, perseverance and strong work ethic, they can often be successful as lineworkers, where they can continue to serve their communities by keeping the lights and power on for customers.
This episode highlights two employees of Duke Energy, which has won several awards for its support and employment of veterans. The company currently employs 2,000 military veterans, and this episode highlights interviews with Tyler Klemas, senior business development specialist and U.S. Marine veteran, and Troy Ross, an underground network specialist who served in the U.S. Army.
Listen to Part 2 of the Series
Part 2 of our Veterans in the Line Trade podcast episode shines the spotlight on Southeast Lineman Training Center (SLTC) in Georgia. T&D World Field Editor Amy Fischbach first talks with Jared Anders of SLTC followed by Joey Abdou, a recent Marine veteran who is now working in the line trade.
Check Out Part 3 of the Veterans in the Line Trade Series
The third and final part of the Veterans in the Line Trade series features an interview with Jonathan Harmon, executive director of the UWUA Power For America Training Trust Fund in Charlotte, Michigan. He describes the opportunities for military veterans in the utility industry, what makes them successful in the trades, and how they can get trained for civilian careers at the training center.
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