EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Michael Barrios, a 7-year U.S. Army veteran, said the trades field is a great landing spot for military members retiring from their service who may be uncertain of what’s next.
“The process, transitioning from the military into civilian life, as many veterans know, is challenging for sure, because there’s so much uncertainty about what’s next. In the military, you’re used to getting told pretty much every single thing that’s going to happen that day or the next day, even months to come,” Barrios said. “It makes me feel very relieved. It takes the pressure off my shoulders coming out of the military because of the uncertainty, since this career feels like it is set in stone and I have a clear path. I can go and do multiple things.”
Barrios was awarded the $7,500 Veterans Welding Scholarship by First Light Credit Union so he can continue his education at the Sun City Welding Academy.
While on active duty and stationed at Fort Bliss, Barrios completed the academy’s Career Skills Program, an entry-level program, through a grant he was awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense…