Veteran stories: Michael Martinez Jr

Title

Lineman/Foreman for Big Country Electric Coop

military branch:

USMC _ Sergeant E-5/ USA Boxing Team

Location:

Snyder, Texas

years in the trade:

15 years working construction and troubling

@unknown_user_anakin
Title

the hard work, the camaraderie, and the challenge reminded me of the Marines. That experience pushed me to continue in this trade, and I’ve never regretted that decision.

Title

Stories in the trade

This Veterans Day, we hand the mic to those who’ve served, traded their uniforms for hard hats, and now keep the lights on for all of us

NOMINATE A CREW MEMBER

Tell us what to cover next

What made you consider high voltage work after leaving the military?

When I left the Marine Corps, I struggled to find my place in civilian life. I missed the structure, brotherhood, and sense of purpose that came with the military. Eventually, I found linework—one of the few careers that offered a similar environment built on teamwork and discipline. 

 

I was honestly not even looking into doing linework, but it kind of fell into my lap. I was collecting the GI Bill, which is a grant given to veterans. I had graduated from the college I was attending, and I had to find a summer gig. The college had just opened up a program for linemen, and my counselor told me to try it out since I like to train and stay active. Well, I went through the course, and a hundred climbs later I graduated and was offered a job at Big Country Electric Coop. I became a coop boy and have been here ever since. 

 

I wish I could have been able to go contracting now that I look back at it because there are so many different aspects to linework, and being at a coop has limited me. But nonetheless, I don't regret my decision. I got my journeyman certification here, and I am grateful to be able to serve the community here in West Texas.
Title

Advice for others leaving the military: Transitioning out of the military can be tough, but linework can fill that void. It’s one of the closest things to the brotherhood you’ll find outside the service

Title

How did you get into the trade?

I had went to college and got my associates of Arts and I was collecting my GI Bill from the military. I was getting ready to transfer to Texas Tech, but I needed a summer gig so I could keep getting my GI Bill check. 

 

At my college, they had barely started a lineman program and the counselor told me to give it a try since I was kind of athletic. She told me just to do it and get paid and when its over then I can transfer. Well I did the 12-week program and graduated. The following day I was offered a job at Big Country Electric and 15 years later here I am. 

 

It has been one of the greatest challenges of my life and I enjoy every aspect of it. It has been a test of willpower and mindset. You have something new to learn everyday and its cool being around a bunch of men who are on the same mission as you. 

What skills from your military service transferred directly to high voltage work?

I feel like learning how to watch out for my peers and the structure the military has is what has helped me the most in linework. I also became efficient in reading maps and learning direction and reading land structures and points. And it's funny because the military also taught me to have thick skin. In this industry, you better have thick skin and not get caught up in your emotions. The old timers will be in your rear end if you weren't pulling your weight. They weed out the weak for sure. My time in the Marines, I spent mostly on the boxing team, and when we were getting ready for a fight, we would train hell or high water no matter the weather conditions. In a way, I feel like that helped me to endure the harsh weather that we get here in Texas. It's almost like a mind game, and you have to be willing to take on any weather condition to get the lights back on. Extreme heat and cold will test your willpower for sure.
Title

The Marine Corps instilled honor, courage, and commitment—values that fit perfectly with linework. This trade demands discipline, reliability, and the ability to stay calm in tough conditions

Title

What's one thing the military prepared you for in this work that civilians might struggle with?

The Marine Corps instilled honor, courage, and commitment—values that fit perfectly with linework. This trade demands discipline, reliability, and the ability to stay calm in tough conditions. You have to think critically, work hard, and always have your teammates' backs. 

 

The weather can be rough, the hours long, but the sense of purpose makes it all worthwhile. Being a Marine was a very prideful job, and I feel like being a lineman fills that void that was missing for the couple of years after I got out. I think that most people who enlist in the military have a sense of feeling to serve others. 

 

At the coop I am at, we have quite a few former military people here, and they tell me the same thing. They just enjoy serving people in whatever manner that is.
Title

Transitioning out of the military can be tough, but linework can fill that void. It’s one of the closest things to the brotherhood you’ll find outside the service

Title

What kind of person thrives in this work? What kind of person doesn't?

The people who succeed in linework are open-minded, hardworking, and willing to learn every day. This industry demands effort and dedication—there's no room for laziness or ego. You must be ready to listen, take advice, and constantly improve your skills.

 

 Every day brings new challenges, and there's always something different to learn, whether it's technical knowledge or hands-on experience. To really succeed, stay humble, adaptable, and focused. Work hard, play hard, and take pride in your craft. At the end of the day, nothing beats the feeling of going home knowing you gave an honest day's work. 

 

Overall, linework has been one of the toughest challenges I have ever faced. I was a boxer since I was 8 years old and hung up the gloves when I was 36. This trade will definitely bring out the best in you or it will expose your character. My main focus in teaching the young guys are the rules that are going to keep them alive or not get hurt. 

 

Safety is a huge concern to me, and I couldn't possibly think of what would happen if one of the guys got hurt or didn't make it home. You have to be vigilant at all times and have the discipline to follow proper protocols. 

 

My advice to anyone getting in the field would be to wear your proper PPE, cover up and learn your potentials. You are always one decision away from changing your life, man. Be smart and keep your head on a swivel.

What advice would you give to vets considering high voltage work?

Transitioning out of the military can be tough, but linework can fill that void. It's one of the closest things to the brotherhood you'll find outside the service. You'll be surrounded by people who depend on one another and take pride in their work. 

 

If you're looking for challenge, camaraderie, and a career that keeps you outdoors, this is the place to be. Just be ready to put in the effort, stay humble, and never stop learning. 

 

And as far as getting into linework, I would say jump on any opportunity you get. You don't have to go to some technical college to become a good lineman or get into the field. I know a lot of employers prefer that, but "on the job" learning is probably one of the best ways to learn and you're getting paid. But if you want to get that certificate and build up your resume, then there are good schools that teach and help you get the ball rolling in your career.

we’re opening the floor to the folks who do the work

⚡ Features of real workers in the trade 
⚡ Craft features 

⚡ Tips for the trade

Just real experiences, real lessons learned, and real advice from people who do this work every day.

We want to hear from you

NOMINATE A CREW MEMBER

Tell us what to cover next

We're High Voltage Industries

High Voltage Industries started because the most dangerous and essential work in America is also the most invisible. You put your lives on the line every single day and people don't even know what you do. 

 

We're here to share your stories and honor the sacrifices you make so people can flip a switch every day. And we make gear for those who literally risk their lives to keep the world running.

This is your story

Working in conditions others won't face, taking risks others can’t even imagine, solving problems others can't understand, carrying responsibility others can't handle. The grid doesn't maintain itself.

 

We're telling that story.