“I’m on a new path, and I’m excited to see where it leads.”

Carlos grew up in Southern California, navigating a childhood that took him from the small town of Hayward to Mexico and back again. “It was an eventful time,” he says, recalling the blend of experiences that marked his early years. This sense of adventure and the desire for something more structured led Carlos to enlist in the U.S. Army immediately after high school.

“I knew I needed discipline, and the military was going to provide that,” Carlos reflects on his decision to join. His Army career spanned over four years, starting as an infantryman and later transitioning to a role that few experience—a military horseman in the Caisson Platoon at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. “Being around horses, learning something completely new, and participating in military funerals—it was a beautiful experience,” Carlos says. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Life in the Caisson Platoon was demanding. Carlos’s days began early, often at 4:30 a.m., filled with tasks ranging from grooming horses to meticulously polishing over 600 pieces of brass. “We wanted to make sure we represented the Army at the highest standard,” he explains. The work was tough, but it was meaningful, particularly the ceremonial duty of conducting military funerals. “We took very good care of these horses because, at the end of the day, it was about honoring the service members.”

As his time in the Army drew to a close, Carlos faced the often daunting task of transitioning to civilian life. Unlike many, Carlos had a supportive network that made the transition smoother. After moving back to California and spending time with family, he began exploring his next steps. “I was like a leaf in the wind,” Carlos admits, acknowledging the uncertainty he felt about his future. That uncertainty led him to Workshops for Warriors.

Carlos found Workshops for Warriors through a straightforward Google search. “It was one of the first schools that came up,” he says. From the moment he arrived, Carlos felt he had made the right choice. The energy of the staff, particularly an instructor named Randall, resonated with him. “You give me 100%, I’ll give you 200%,” Carlos recalls Randall saying. “You could tell he meant it—the energy was real.”

The sense of camaraderie Carlos found at Workshops for Warriors was reminiscent of the brotherhood he had experienced in the military. Being surrounded by fellow veterans who shared a common language and sense of humor made the environment feel familiar and supportive. “We all understand each other,” Carlos notes, emphasizing the unique bond that veterans share.

Now, Carlos sees a future for himself in the manufacturing industry. “I’m on a new path, and I’m excited to see where it leads,” he says, looking forward to the opportunities ahead. Workshops for Warriors has given him the tools to build a stable, fulfilling career, and perhaps even a family. “I’d like to start a family and build a future,” Carlos shares, envisioning a life filled with purpose and stability.

For Carlos, Workshops for Warriors has been more than just a place to learn new skills—it’s been a place to find direction and community. His journey from military horseman to aspiring tradesman underscores the transformative power of education and the importance of a supportive network. As Carlos continues to build his future, his story serves as a reminder of the resilience and potential that veterans bring to the civilian workforce.