The day the Twin Towers came down I felt something change inside of me. I didn’t know exactly what it was, but I felt a duty to serve and protect my country.
In the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks, I went to my local Marine Corps recruiter to enlist. Being 13 years old, they obviously couldn’t take me. However, over the next five years the feelings I had about serving my country remained strong. When I turned 18, I got a call from that same recruiter. Without hesitation, I said, ‘Yes!”. Finally, I was going to be a Marine.
Serving my country and protecting our freedoms was one of the most profound experiences of my life. It also gifted me a band of brothers whom I fought on the lines with. That kinship helped me realize that no matter what career path I chose after my Tour of Duty ended, it was going to be one that gave me not only sense of purpose, but a crew of people I would proudly call my brothers and sisters. It’s that very mindset that led me to become a Dockbuilder in Local 1556.
After returning home and officially in Reserve status, I knew I had to integrate myself back into civilian life and get a job. After hearing about the need for trade show carpenter at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, I signed up for a five-day orientation to learn more. Those five days changed the trajectory of my life, as it was in the orientation that I ended up speaking with a Local 1556 Dockbuilder instructor, Lou Rioux, who introduced me to the idea of becoming a dockbuilder. I didn’t know anything about driving piles or installing heavy timbers, but when he told me that the brotherhood in the Local was a lot like the Marines, I knew then and there that I wanted to become a union dockbuilder.
Not having any real construction experience, I was grateful for the training that was provided to me at the Carpenters Training Center. The instructors taught me all the skills needed to become a successful dockbuilder and member in the union.
Sometimes things take a little longer than expected. Midway through my apprenticeship I was called again to defend our country in Afghanistan. Thankfully, our union is very supportive of members in the military who get deployed to serve our country, so they allowed me to freeze my dues while overseas between 2011 and 2012. When I finished my service, I immediately resumed my apprenticeship.
When I finally journeyed out, I quickly proved myself on the jobsites and rose to success, eventually working my way to becoming a General Foreman. It’s incredible. The union has provided so much for me and my family. I am forever grateful. From the top-of-the-line health insurance that my family has access to, the retirement benefits, being in the union and deciding to go down the path of being a dockbuilder is one of the best decisions I ever made.
It’s a lucrative career for me. Wanting to share the wealth, so to speak, I even convinced some of my fellow military brothers to join the union when their tours ended.
On this Veterans Day, I want to express my gratitude for the dedication of those who have served in our armed forces, just like I have. I encourage all military members to consider becoming a part of the New York City Carpenters Union. It’s an incredible opportunity for both civilians and veterans looking to support themselves and their families.
Daniel Carvajal, Local 1556
