BOISE, Idaho — A growing number of Idaho construction workers say the building trades have become a pathway from uncertainty to stability — and for one Iraq War veteran, the union route became a life-altering second chance. Private First Class Ryan Cullenward, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, says joining the carpenters union allowed him to rebuild the structure of his life just as he helps build some of the region’s largest projects.
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Cullenward enlisted in the Marine Corps almost immediately after high school, driven by the events of 9/11.
“Like, all right, well, it's time for me to do that. So the second I could, I joined the delayed entry program. And then about 10 days after graduating high school, I was on my way. That was June 2003,” he said.
He served four years and deployed to Iraq, earning the Bronze Star for heroism. But returning home was far more complicated than leaving.
“Strange. Very different. That's a lot slower pace, you know… It was just different,” Cullenward said, describing the challenge of adjusting to civilian life.
It wasn’t until moving to Idaho that he found a sense of direction and support — this time through the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. Through the union, he says he gained not only training and steady work, but also security that had felt out of reach.
“I bought a house, a new truck, married, kid on the way, everything has been substantially better knowing that you have someone helping to ensure that you're getting treated fairly… making sure that you have a pension to fall back on… So it's all around been amazing,” Cullenward said.
Today, he works on Micron’s massive semiconductor expansion in Boise — one of the largest and most advanced construction sites in the state’s history.
“It's very different… definitely the biggest job I've ever been on… It's a great project and knowing it's going to be around for a long time,” he said.
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Union leaders say his journey reflects what many workers experience once they enter a structured apprenticeship program: mentorship, stability, and long-term opportunity.
“The benefits are training, structure, a brotherhood, first and foremost… good wages, benefits, and working conditions… and retire with dignity,” said Gil Ruxette of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.
Idaho has seen increased demand for skilled labor as tech, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects continue accelerating. The Micron expansion alone is expected to support thousands of jobs, creating long-term opportunities for union and non-union trades alike.
Veterans, in particular, have been a strong fit for these careers due to their discipline, problem-solving ability, and comfort with fast-paced environments. Programs across the region — from Helmets to Hardhats to union apprenticeship pathways — have been actively recruiting former service members to meet labor shortages.
For Cullenward, the combination of structure, predictable income, and a sense of teamwork echoes the environment he once thrived in. He hopes others in his situation consider construction as a next step.
“You know, find out what you can… get in touch with the representative. They'll show you the right way,” he said.
As Idaho continues to grow, leaders in the trades say more veterans are likely to find the same stability and pride in the state’s booming construction industry.
Originally reported by Riley Shoemaker in kivitv.
