Quinn for Illinois

Benton's Grant Montgomery and Greg McClintock have served their country as U.S. Marines.

Now, both men are among the participants in the Helmets to Hardhats program at Rend Lake College.

"It's a blessing," Montgomery said. "The job market is really tough right now, and this program has fallen into my lap. It has been a true blessing."

"I'm just trying to better myself," McClintock added. "Hopefully, this will result in a really good job."

McClintock and Montgomery were working on their welding skills in the RLC lab Friday morning when Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn visited the campus, promoting the program that trains veterans for good-paying jobs.

"They fought for us — in Iraq, in Afghanistan," Quinn said. "They should not have to fight for a job once they return to the United States."

Helmets to Hardhats is a national initiative which connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military service members with high-quality construction industry training and employment opportunities.

"Rend Lake College is very proud to be a Helmets to Hardhats site, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Plumbers and Pipefitters local and Gov. Quinn's office," RLC president Charley Holstein said.

"It's a great program. It allows these soldiers who have gone and served their country to come back and have an opportunity to get some accelerated training to get out in the workforce."

State Sen. Gary Forby, State Rep. John Bradley and Tom Caliper of Southern Illinois Building Trades were among those who addressed the media and local officials during Friday's visit by the governor.

"Our service people ... if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here, living our lifestyle," Forby said.