Council News

By: Jaime Smith, Marketing & Communications Director

December 22, 2023

What do you think of when you hear the word home? It could include comfort, community, a place to rest and recover from the world. For our brave soldiers who are injured in battle, home may not mean the same thing. Community involvement is an important component of our Union. Carpenters are always ready to stand up and give back so all our communities and the people within them can lead happy and healthy lives. That is why our partnership with Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors works so well. When we discovered Sergeant Anesi Tu’ufuli aka “Maverick” was getting a home in the San Antonio area, we jumped at the opportunity to take part.

On December 12, 2023, Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors organized a frame signing event as a testament to the success of this collective effort. We are excited to share some highlights from the Frame Signing Event. In the spirit of camaraderie and unity, sponsors, supporters, and friends came together to sign well-wishes on the frame of Maverick's future home prior to sheetrock installation. Our entire Austin team showed support and provided supplies as well as set-up and took down the event. There was an undeniable sense of hope and gratitude, a poignant reminder of the power of community involvement and the impact we can make when we rally together for a cause.

Mario Vargas, a 20-year Union member of Local 429 and contractor building the home also attended along with his business partner. Vargas started his career with Turner Construction Company and has worked with various companies on a multitude of projects which has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the construction trade. A few years ago, Mario started his own business working on both residential and commercial projects. When he was invited to work on this project, he was very proud to accept.

Maverick's fortitude in the face of adversity has been a source of inspiration for us all. Despite the challenges that life has thrown at him, he has never lost his fighting spirit. The frame signing event was not just a celebration of a home being built, but a salute to Maverick's resilience and courage.

We feel privileged to be part of this incredible project in collaboration with Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors. Our continued partnership is testament to our shared mission to support our veterans and provide them with a place they can proudly call home. We look forward to more such collaborative initiatives.

There were many other memorable moments during the frame signing event. We had the opportunity to stand alongside other dedicated supporters of Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors and witness firsthand their passion for giving back to our veterans. It was truly a collaborative effort, with everyone bringing their unique skills and talents to the table.

As we move forward with the construction of Maverick's home, we carry with us the memories of this significant event, a symbol of unity and compassion. It is a reminder that when we work together towards a common goal, there is nothing that can stop us from making a positive impact in the lives of others. Together, let's continue to build America and change lives for the better.

For more information on Maverick’s story visit: https://support.jah4ww.com/event/deck-the-home/

For more information about Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors visit: https://homesforwoundedwarriors.com/

If you or someone you know are interested in joining the Union, please contact your local representative, or stop by your local union office.

Visit https://www.centralsouthcarpenters.org/Locals for Local Union contact information.