GRID Alternatives’ Troops to Solar initiative once again provided an outlet for veterans to learn valuable skills in a fast growing industry. After a successful Independence Day launch in July, GRID IE held a second large-scale Troops to Solar event on November 14 in Moreno Valley celebrating Veterans Day. The event featured supporters from across the Inland Empire joining up with veterans to install solar systems on four Habitat for Humanity homes.
Army Veteran Corrie Evans volunteered for the event, spending his weekend with others who served our country. Corrie’s military experience included a three-year overseas deployment from 2000 to 2003 as a light-wheel mechanic. After Corrie left the Army, finding a job became somewhat problematic. “I was unhappy with my job options. It didn’t matter if it was a warehouse job or construction, I just struggled to find my way,” he said. “I moved from job to job until finally attending trade school classes. That is when I saw a PennySaver ad for GRID Alternatives.”
Corrie brought the ad to class and inquired about GRID. “My instructor knew all about GRID Alternatives and encouraged me to attend a volunteer orientation session,” Corrie revealed. “So I completed the initial classroom training and began installing solar systems with GRID starting in February 2015. Since then I have volunteered across the Inland Empire from Desert Hot Springs to Corona. I have over 200 volunteer hours and even attended the Team Leader training.”
Ultimately, Corrie found his way and employment niche in solar. “I finally found an industry where I could build a career. After a short time, my volunteer efforts with GRID caught the eye of a local solar contractor and I now have a job I enjoy,” Corrie declared. “Without GRID, I would not be working now.”
Providing opportunities to veterans like Corrie is exactly what Troops to Solar is designed to accomplish and is now a program you can also support financially. GRID IE is participating in Give Big San Bernardino and is asking for your support. Please visit GRID’s Give Big site and donate today so veterans like Corrie can get the experience necessary to succeed in an industry that appreciates passionate, dedicated individuals.