Veteran stories: Johnny Garcia

Title

journeyman lineman

military branch:

usmc corporal e-4

Prior roles:

cable splicer for nstar, Truck Driver, Marine

Location:

San Bernardino, Ca

years in the trade:

20+ years

@___socal_lineman___
Title

One thing I would’ve told myself was to try to get in sooner, try to go to a climbing school get my commercial license faster definitely that, understand what i was getting myself into, and dont think about not making it, ever. 

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?

I first considered line work after struggling for years when I got out. I had a class A and was a truck driver. A buddy of mine was doing really good, came to find out he was a ground man, so I wanted in. That's when I first leaned about what a lineman was and when I decided to pursue that career 

How did you get into the trade?

I got in with help from my friend, it took almost 4 yrs, but updating  my resume constantly paid off. Back then, I didn't know about climbing school and got hired with only a commercial license. I was lucky, the guy from HR in the interviews told me his father was a retired Marine Corps Colonel, so I think that helped me get the job
 
Title

 I wish more vets knew how good they could do in this trade, how far they could go, how much easier it would be for them to provide for their families, and most of them would probably like this type of work they’d probably fit right in 

Title

What do you wish more vets knew about opportunities in high voltage work?

Are there specific programs or pathways that helped you transition into the trade?

I would say that knowing someone in the trade really helped me the most they were able to guide me on what to do what I needed. That was my best resource in my case

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

There was a few things that helped me transition from the military into the trade. Long hours, getting yelled at all the time, not willing to give up. Basically, I never wanted to quit. Anyone can have that trait, but for me I think it helped

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

I guess the other thing that the military prepared me for was the hazing. The way you’re treated in the beginning how bad it could be it’s no different in the trade. It’s almost the same thing. Most civilians might not adapt to that as well. Not all of them, but most of them

What surprised you most about the transition from service to this trade?

I think the thing that surprised me the most about the transition was how difficult it was. I had no idea it was gonna be so hard and I really didn’t have no idea it was gonna be so dangerous, but I learned that as I went along. Also there was the pay, I didn't know I was gonna be able to do so well.

What do you wish someone had told you when you first started on the job?

I wish someone would’ve told me how dangerous it was, exactly how hard it was gonna be. All they were worried about was guys were scared to climb, nothing about how dangerous electricity is. Just kind of picked it up after I started and heard all of the horror stories, that's what you have to understand when you wanna get into this trade
Title

We may not be doctors or lawyers, but it’s hard to become a journeyman and don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t do it. Just stay focused on your goal and don’t ever quit

Title

How has this trade helped you in transitioning out of service?

I would say the trade help me after getting out of the service was doing something worth doing, doing something that keeps me grinding, keeps me focused and is well worth the pain, it wasn't for nothing 

How has this career compared to what you expected after leaving the military?

Compared to the military I could’ve never expected doing so well having, so much fun learning all the things that I’ve learned. It’s crazy, the pay don’t compare. You’ll be getting into something that’s not gonna go away for at least a very long time. 

 

You’ll always be valuable knowing what you know
Title

Anyone looking for something better for themselves is gonna thrive in this trade whether it be money or just wanting something more

Title

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before transitioning to this trade, what would it be?

One thing, I would’ve told myself was to try to get in sooner. Try to go to a climbing school and get my commercial license faster definitely that. Understand what I was getting myself into, and don't think about not making it, ever 

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

The advice I would give to vets is probably to use your G.I. bill to get your commercial license and also to get you through climbing school and while you apply. Probably work in an occupation where you’re digging ditches or working with your hands. I would tell them as a vet they have a better chance of finding work through the union before civilian

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

Anyone looking for something better for themselves is gonna thrive in this trade, whether it be money or just wanting something more

 

Someone that doesn’t have a hunger to do something for themself or is lazy is never gonna make it in this trade.


We may not be doctors or lawyers, but it’s hard to become a journeyman and don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t do it. 

 

Just stay focused on your goal and don’t ever quit

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.