This Veterans Day, we’re celebrating two outstanding members who have served our country.
Kayle Witzman
Kayle is a DC 82 painter and a former member of the Army National Guard, where she served for 8 years. She also served in the Army Reserves for 3 years. What brought her to the union finishing trades were the safer working conditions, benefits, better pay, and community.
Her self-discipline, integrity, and problem-solving are all skills she gained in the military. Today, these attributes help her stand out during hiring processes. Kayle’s military service has helped her become a stronger worker not only in the physical sense, but also with mental strength. She mentions that it’s essential to stay resilient as a woman in the trades, where there are still old biases against women doing skilled labor.
Two recent projects she’s especially proud of are a geometric mural and an outdoor basketball court, using her skills to increase the recreational and visual appeal of her community.
“Some benefits DC 82 offers to veterans is Helmets to Hardhats which is a nonprofit that helps veterans and transitioning military find employment,” said Kayle. “There are also scholarship opportunities, and veterans can use their G.I. Bill during their apprenticeship.” Members should be aware of these benefits and should reach out to the hall with any questions or to get involved.
William Bond
William is an industrial painter for Local 61, DC 82. He has recently finished the gold bus line last year, a project he’s very proud of.
Before joining the union finishing trades, William served in the Marine Corps for 8 years, including serving in Iraq in 2003. After he retired from the military, he didn’t know what was next, but got a job painting houses. That’s when a friend in the union told him about the union. “I never looked back,” he said.
“I enjoy my job because I see all the ugly in the world, and taking something ugly and giving it a new and beautiful look brings me joy,” William shared. The Marine Corps helped him understand how to deal with chaos in a high-stress, demanding environment by keeping an inner calm. Today, he brings that calm to the job site.
William enjoys the camaraderie and order that come with being a part of DC 82. He enjoys working as part of a team and having a sense of purpose in his life.
