At Pinnacle Career Institute, we’re proud to celebrate Veterans Day by honoring the men and women who have served in our nation’s military, and who continue to serve others by training the next generation of skilled trade professionals.This year, we’re spotlighting two incredible veteran instructors, Edgar Gonzalez and Blaine Pettipiece, whose journeys from Army service to teaching at a trade school show how discipline, teamwork, and integrity carry over into successful careers after the military.

From Army Logistics to Guiding Future Technicians: Edgar Gonzalez

GWO Instructor Edgar Gonzalez proudly serves in the U.S. Army as an 88H and 88U, managing logistics and equipment transportation. For Edgar, joining the military was both a calling and an act of gratitude.

    “My family and I came from Mexico. My older brother served in the Army as well. For both of us, it was a way to give thanks to the U.S.,” he said.

Through his service, Edgar developed a strong foundation of discipline, standards, and respect, qualities that now define his teaching at PCI.

    “The service has given me standards, boundaries, discipline, and respect.”

After returning from a stateside deployment, Edgar learned about a bilingual GWO instructor opening through a friend and quickly discovered his new passion: teaching.

    “By far, teaching Spanish technicians has been the best part! I struggled learning because English is my second language. Now I have the opportunity to teach Spanish techs in their first language.”

The discipline and structure of the military play a central role in his classroom approach.

    “They need to understand how serious and dangerous this job can be out in the field. The discipline the Army gave me, I pass on to them.”

Edgar’s lessons extend beyond technical training. He emphasizes safety, teamwork, and accountability, the same principles that keep soldiers and technicians alike alive on the job.

    “Those traits could save someone’s life.”

When reflecting on Veterans Day, Edgar said:

    “It reminds me that all my fellow veterans, regardless of branch, are brothers in arms. Veterans have paved our path, and not everyone really sees it.”

His advice to other service members considering career training after the military is simple and sincere.

    “Do it! It was by far the best job I ever had.”

From Military Mechanic to Wind Energy Mentor: Blaine Pettipiece

Wind Energy Instructor Blaine Pettipiece served in the U.S. Army from 2005 to 2013 as both a 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic and a 19D Cavalry Scout.

    “I joined the military on a whim because it seemed fun and demanding,” he recalled. “But it gave me structure and discipline, which I needed at that age.”

Those early lessons in discipline, adaptability, and resilience would later help Blaine thrive in the skilled trades.

    “My service definitely shaped who I am today. Facing challenges in the Army taught me how to adapt and overcome, skills that helped me as a wind tech in the field.”

After his military service, Blaine’s career path took a turn when a VA doctor encouraged him to find a safer and more sustainable line of work.

    “I’d always been fascinated by wind turbines, seeing them in Missouri and overseas while in the Army. I Googled wind technician training programs in Missouri, found Pinnacle Career Institute, and enrolled the next day.”

That decision launched a new chapter in his life and career. After years in the field, Blaine transitioned into teaching to share his expertise and help others build rewarding careers after leaving the military.

    “I quickly fell in love with being able to pass on my experience and knowledge to the future of the industry.”

He often sees the same qualities that helped him succeed in the Army come alive in his students.

    “Being a successful student in wind energy requires discipline, integrity, hard work, resilience, and motivation, just like in the military.”

For Blaine, Veterans Day is a time for reflection.

    “It’s a day to reflect on where I come from, what I’ve seen and done, and my fellow veterans, regardless of branch or when they served.”

His advice to fellow veterans exploring trade school programs or skilled trades training is direct and encouraging.

    “Do it! The trades will always be needed, and we need properly trained and educated people to fill those in-demand roles. You’ll learn valuable skills, have camaraderie with your crew, and contribute to something great.”

Continuing the Mission: From Service to Skilled Trades

At Pinnacle Career Institute, we know that the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, but it also opens the door to new purpose and opportunity. Veterans like Edgar and Blaine remind us that the same qualities that make great soldiers (discipline, teamwork, leadership, and dedication) also make exceptional skilled trade professionals.

Their stories are proof that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It transforms into mentorship, teaching, and building a stronger future for others.

This Veterans Day, we thank all who have served and all who continue to make a difference in the classroom, the field, and beyond.