Alonso Garcia graduated from the first VIP class held at Camp Pendelton. He was active duty for four years and then four years in the Reserves. Speaking about transitioning out of the military, Garcia said, "on my last deployment to Afghanistan, I had a couple of really close calls and that was a real eye-opener for me. I am the only son in my family. I felt it was time to settle down. I was getting out in 2013, the start of the military drawdown. A friend of mine from Local 211 in Houston told me about the program."
Garcia, who just turned 28, completed his apprenticeship and is out as a pipefitter journeyman with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 286 in Austin TX. When asked about the UA VIP program, Garcia stated, "I cannot speak enough about the program. I will always be grateful. I can't thank the UA enough for what they've done. I think a lot of the problems that veterans face once they get out has to do with having nothing to do. The VIP program gives you unique skill sets so that you are set up for a lifelong career. You can provide for your family. It gives you everything you need.”
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