Prairie Extends a Hand to Returning Vets

Prairie's Peter Poulos joins Major General Dennis Celletti of the Illinois Army National Guard in signing the Helmets to Hardhats proclamation.

From left: Lieut Jack Stultz of the Army Reserve joined Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson and Sec. of State Jesse White at the public signing ceremonies. Michael Yauger of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters served as emcee.

The Prairie team accepted vets' applications at a job fair hosted by Teamsters Joint Council 25 that morning.

Congresswoman Halvorson looks sharp in a Prairie hardhat.

Men and women who have served their country overseas have a wealth of skills that can benefit the construction industry. On Wednesday, August 5, Prairie Material signed a proclamation supporting the Helmets to Hardhats program, a new employment partnership among construction companies, the U.S. Army Reserve and the National Guard.

Before a live audience hosted by Teamsters Joint Council 25 in Chicago, Prairie joined other top employers in supporting the program, which will offer job opportunities for returning vets.

“We have a duty to those who have fought to protect our freedoms,” stated Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, who opened the ceremonies at Teamster City. Vets coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan “should not have to fight for a job in the Land of Lincoln,” the governor affirmed.

Thanking the governor and the wide circle of government and labor leaders on hand to launch the program, Lieutenant Jack Stultz of the Army Reserve smiled broadly and said, “It’s a great day to be a soldier.”

“Our warrior citizens have many strengths to offer you,” Stultz told the companies who accepted vets’ applications at a job fair earlier that day. “We encourage you to leverage the talents and confidence our volunteer soldiers have gained through military service.”

“We’re looking forward to meeting vets whose skills may match our needs,” said Prairie Vice President Peter Poulos. “This is a great opportunity for everyone involved, especially as we look ahead to the federally funded infrastructure projects and possibly, the 2016 Olympics.”

For details on Helmets to Hardhats and Prairie’s participation in the program, contact Poulos at 708.458.0400 or ppoulos@prairie.com.