Gov. Gregoire recognizes soldiers in �Helmets to Hardhats� program

For Immediate Release: August 29, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire joined leadership from the Seattle/King County Building and Construction Trades Council at the Seattle Seahawks preseason game against the Oakland Raiders to recognize veterans who are entering the construction industry through the �Helmets to Hardhats� program.

��Helmets to Hardhats� provides a unique entry point for veterans transitioning into the state�s work force,� Gregoire said. �It is an honor to recognize this innovative program for those who have served our country so selflessly. Now it is our turn to serve them by supporting their entry into the building trades construction industry work force.�

Gregoire and the Seattle/King County Building and Construction Trades Council leadership recognized the following apprentices for their participation in �Helmets to Hardhats�:

� Jeff Alvey, U.S. Army National Guard, from Elevator Constructors Local 19
� Eddie Coleman, U.S. Air Force, from Operating Engineers Local 302
� Zed Woolman, U.S. Coast Guard, from Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 528

First Gentleman Mike Gregoire has worked closely with the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council to ensure that the state�s military personnel have the tools and resources to successfully transition from the military to civilian employment through the �Helmets to Hardhats� initiative. In appearances before civic groups throughout the state, Mike has stressed the importance of making sure the skills gained by the men and women who have served in the armed forces not be lost in building a better America.

�Helmets to Hardhats� is a national initiative connecting National Guard, reserve and transitioning, active duty military members to high-quality career education, training and employment opportunities in the construction industry.