Adoni, Marine Corps Veteran, Machining Graduate
“Just the fact of having something [Machining] that not only ignited that passion that I had for other stuff but also made it more real and gave me this opportunity.”
Adoni’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and triumph—a story that exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and the opportunities provided by Workshops for Warriors.
Growing up in Landers, California, Adoni’s childhood was anything but easy. “I grew up extremely poor. Didn’t have any water, didn’t have electricity, none of that stuff.” he shared. Life in the high desert was challenging, and the hardships he faced at home shaped his tenacity.
Adoni’s path to the military was almost accidental. After bouncing between jobs and feeling stuck, he accompanied a friend to a Marine Corps recruiting event. “I told the recruiter, ‘Look, I’m not doing anything. You don’t have to lie to me. Just tell me the truth. I know it’s gonna suck…’ and he didn’t lie to me. A week later, I was in boot camp,” Adoni recounted. That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable 20-year career in the Marine Corps.
Adoni served primarily as an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Specialist, later becoming a Warrant Officer—a technical expert in his field. His responsibilities were immense, from managing emergency airfield services to leading recovery missions and deployments. He described his role with pride: “We could set up a much smaller footprint and still have the same capability. It was like creating a runway anywhere.” Adoni’s service took him across the globe, from Jerusalem to Mozambique, and included three combat tours, including the invasion of Iraq.
Yet, even for someone as accomplished as Adoni, transitioning to civilian life was daunting. “When you’re in [the military], you’re part of a team, and you always have a mission,” he explained. “When you get out, that’s all gone. There’s no one pushing you, no incentive to go do anything.” After earning degrees in game art and web design, Adoni struggled to find meaningful work, especially as the tech industry faced widespread layoffs.
It was during this uncertain time that Adoni discovered Workshops for Warriors. Intrigued by the blend of design and programming involved in CNC machining, he decided to enroll. The program offered more than just technical training—it reignited his passion for creation and provided the community and structure he had missed since leaving the military. “When I saw the place and looked into what CNC machining was, I thought, ‘It’s like 3D design, but with programming and actually creating a product. It’s ridiculous how perfectly it all works together.”
At Workshops for Warriors, Adoni found a renewed sense of purpose. The program equipped him with in-demand skills and certifications that opened doors to new opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
After completing his training at Workshops for Warriors, he has accepted a teaching assistant position in our machining program. Adoni shares that he loves teaching, as it allows him to combine his technical expertise and artistic inclinations while giving back to others. His story serves as an inspiration to veterans and transitioning service members, showing that it’s never too late to pursue new opportunities, reinvent themselves, and achieve their goals.
Adoni’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of organizations like Workshops for Warriors. For those looking to build a future in manufacturing and find a community that understands the unique challenges of military life, Workshops for Warriors offers a pathway to success. As Adoni’s experience shows, sometimes, all it takes is one step to change your life.
