My brothers and sisters on this upcoming Labor day

With Labor Day just a few days away, it's interesting to consider the connection between military service and union membership. Both military service and union involvement share common values such as solidarity, teamwork, and a commitment to protecting and advocating for a larger group.

In the military, there's a strong emphasis on camaraderie, loyalty, and mutual support, which are also foundational principles in union organizations. Union members, much like military personnel, often fight for the rights and well-being of their peers, standing together to ensure fair treatment and protection.

Furthermore, many veterans, like me, find union jobs appealing because of the structure, sense of purpose, and collective bargaining that unions offer, which can be somewhat like the disciplined and mission-driven environment that we experienced in the military. Additionally, unions have historically been strong advocates for veterans' rights, helping to secure benefits and job protections for those of us who have served.

The shared experiences of service, whether in the military or as part of a union, foster a sense of duty to others and a belief in standing up for what's right, whether that's defending a country or fighting for fair labor practices. As a veteran I salute my brothers and sister on Labor Day weekend.