Starting fresh after military service isn’t easy. Many veterans are seeking new identities and careers that build on the knowledge, camaraderie, and reliability of their service. Through new or strengthened skills like welding, a sense of purpose is restored.
Trish Fliss
Senior Media Lead, American Welding Society
For many veterans, the most difficult mission begins after military service ends. The structure and camaraderie that defined everyday life suddenly disappears, replaced by the challenge of finding a new civilian identity, career, and a sense of direction. Welding can help, and a new organization in Rochester, New York, does just that.
“We created Forged By Valor, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to train veterans who are transitioning from active duty or looking for a stepping stone to a better life,” says Scott Quick, cofounder and executive director of Forged By Valor, welding instructor, and former sergeant with the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Rediscovering drive
In July, Forged By Valor graduated its first cohort of veterans, who completed an immersive 800-hour (20-week) welding course. Students learned MIG, TIG and Stick welding, fabrication, oxyfuel and plasma cutting, blueprint reading, and metallurgy.
Forged By Valor, a welding program to train veterans, has graduated its first cohort. Shown are (L-R) founder Scott Quick, Julio Torres, Ashley Salato, Doug Vaag, Alexander “AJ” Claus, and Ryan Kuscsik.
“We gave them the skills and knowledge necessary to become attractive to local industry,” says Ben Corke, Forged By Valor cofounder, Director of Operations, and former Marine Corps aviation ordinance technician and American Welding Society (AWS)-Certified Welding Inspector. “We see veterans as a good resource with a proven work ethic that just need upskilling.”
After serving five years as a basic infantry rifleman in the Marine Corps, Ryan Kuscsik worked in commercial and industrial plumbing for seven years, but not for the pay he wanted. Now he’s set his sights on joining the boilermakers or plumbers and pipefitters union.
“I learned that I really enjoy Stick welding, as well as TIG welding on stainless steel,” he says. “With those skills, plus my plumbing background and maturity, I’ll make a good apprentice.”
Alexander “AJ” Claus medically retired from the Marine Corps due to diabetes, and he struggled with the loss of purpose and lack of brotherhood. Forged By Valor helped him find both — and hopefully a job with a large defense, space, energy, and process industry contractor.
“We’re all here to start fresh and rebuild our future,” Claus said. “I’m glad to call the other veterans in this program my brothers and sisters. Welding has been extraordinarily good for me. I have been somewhat of a natural, and I like working with my hands.”
It takes a team
Veterans understand the value of individuals focused on assignments, solving problems, and working as a team to accomplish a mission. So does Mike Krupnicki, past President of the AWS. He founded the Rochester Arc + Flame Center, a school for welding, smithing, glass, and jewelry, and more than 20,000 people have come through the school. Quick and Corke met there while taking a welding program, worked there as instructors, and approached Krupnicki with their dream of founding a school for veterans. Wanting to help former students and support veterans, he made space available.
“As AWS President, I traveled to 35 states, and every community needed welders,” said Krupnicki. “If we want to be able to defend ourselves as a nation, we need welders out there building ships, tanks, and jets. If we want to onshore manufacturing, we need more welding professionals, and everyone has to do their part.”
Global support
Welding leader ESAB also answered the call, equipping Forged By Valor’s six welding booths with the machines and PPE they would need to teach all welding processes.
(L-R) ESAB supported Forged by Valor founders Scott Quick and Ben Corke with the machines necessary train veterans in all welding processes. Shop dog Charlie “Bear” Quick lends a paw for anyone in the school that needs additional support.
“Our Future Fabricators initiative invests in the people and programs that move the welding industry forward,” says Elena Yakovleva, Director, Marketing & Commercial Activation, ESAB. “We know how welding can transform lives, and especially those of the veterans that served our country.”
Program graduate AJ Claus summarizes the impact of the support from Rochester Arc+Flame and ESAB, saying, “They have given us a chance to make a difference in this world.”
To explore careers in the welding industry, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org/career-resources.
