When Anthony (Tony) Weathersbee walked into a veteran job fair hosted by PRIDE Industries in El Paso, Texas, he didn’t expect it to change his life. A U.S. Army veteran, Tony had already held several jobs while hiding his disability acquired while in the service. But it was a conversation with a friend and a bit of encouragement that led him to PRIDE Industries, where he now thrives as an HVAC Technician.
“I didn’t even want to go to the fair that day,” Tony said. “I was working and super busy. But a friend that worked at PRIDE Industries kept telling me I should apply. So, I finally did.”
The Hidden Struggles of Transitioning Veterans
Tony’s journey to PRIDE Industries is a story of perseverance. Inspired by his stepfather, a Vietnam veteran, Tony joined the Army as a dental lab technician. He cross-trained as a dental assistant and combat medic, crafting dental crowns and bridges for fellow soldiers. But a serious injury during jump school at Fort Benning changed everything.
“I hurt my neck, back, and shoulder,” he recalled. “It was the beginning of a long road.”
After his discharge, Tony faced the hidden challenges many veterans know too well, finding meaningful work while managing chronic pain. “I didn’t want to be treated differently,” he said. “So I felt I had to hide my injuries just to get by.”
He held jobs as a truck driver, a police officer, and an oil field worker, rising to safety director, all while managing the lingering effects of his injuries. “It was tough,” he said. “I was in pain, but I kept going. Keeping my injuries a secret.”
Meeting PRIDE Industries at a veteran job fair marked a turning point in Tony’s career journey.
Veteran Job Fair Launches New Mission
Tony was quickly drawn to PRIDE Industries’ mission to support veterans and people with disabilities. “I walked in, and it just felt right,” Tony said. “The structure, the mission, the support for veterans; it reminded me of the military.”
Today, Tony is thriving as an HVAC Technician at PRIDE Industries working at Fort Bliss Army Base in Texas. In this role, he’s been able to apply many of the skills he developed during his military service, such as discipline, adaptability, and teamwork, to excel in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, while earning a competitive wage.
“It’s nice to know that you work for a company that will take care of you and that understands the problems you face, and I see that with a lot of veterans here,” Tony shared. “Some of them have mental health challenges or disabilities but they are able to be open about that and get the support they need.”
For Tony, the reassurance that he no longer has to hide his disabilities has been life changing. He’s found a workplace where his strengths are recognized, his service is honored, and his well-being is prioritized.
Finding Community Among Veterans
Tony found more than a job; he found a community.
“There are a lot of other veterans here,” he said. “It’s nice to work alongside people who understand your experience and know what you’re going through. With so many veterans working here and veterans with disabilities, it feels like a family.”
He also appreciates the understanding that PRIDE Industries offers. “The supervisors are supportive,” he said. “They put you and your family first. If you need help, they’re there for you.”
With natural ambition, Tony is already thinking about what is next. “PRIDE Industries encourages you to move up and grow your career,” he said. “There are programs to help you do that.”
His advice to other veterans seeking sustainable employment?
“Don’t give up. Talk to someone. Ask for help. Find a place like PRIDE Industries that sees your abilities, not your disabilities.”