FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Barstow Community College Celebrates 15 Veterans Graduating from Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Ceremony highlights veteran leadership, perseverance, and the power of service beyond the uniform
BARSTOW, Calif. — October 14, 2026 — Barstow Community College (BCC), in partnership with the Inland Empire Electrical Training Center (IEETC) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals 477 and 440, celebrated 15 veterans who completed the second cohort of the Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP), an intensive five-week, 200-hour pre-apprenticeship program preparing veterans for careers in the electrical industry.
The ceremony honored the graduates’ dedication and accomplishments while recognizing the importance of providing veterans with pathways to meaningful civilian careers. Speakers emphasized the value of perseverance, leadership, and strong partnerships in helping veterans transition from military service to the skilled trades.
“VEEP shows what’s possible when education, labor, and our military partners work together,” said Dr. Eva Bagg, Superintendent-President of Barstow Community College. “We are proud to offer those who have served our nation a pathway from service to a meaningful civilian career.”
Founding VEEP member Greg McMurphy highlighted the program’s longstanding vision and Barstow Community College’s role in advancing a model for veteran workforce development that could inspire similar efforts nationwide.
“You are benefiting from Lonnie Stevenson’s vision, which began many years ago. Now, Barstow Community College is showing us a new model—an outstanding model that I hope can be duplicated across the country,” McMurphy said.
Military leaders reinforced the importance of carrying the values of service into civilian careers. Lt. Col. Isaiah Camejo, Base Executive Officer at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, encouraged graduates to lead by example, remain humble as they advance in their apprenticeships, and help other veterans discover the program.
“You are not just technicians, you are leaders. You always have been, and you always will be,” Camejo said.
Col. Steven Chadwick, Garrison Commander at the U.S. Army’s National Training Center at Fort Irwin, reminded graduates that the discipline and commitment developed through military service will continue to serve them in their new profession.
“You have already demonstrated you're willing to do hard work. You did it in uniform. You did it again in this program, and now you're going to be prepared for that same commitment in your new profession,” Chadwick said.
Robert Munoz, a graduate of VEEP’s inaugural cohort, encouraged the new graduates to embrace the uncertainty that comes with starting a new career, trust their preparation, learn from mistakes, and support one another as they move forward.
“Success comes from resilience, leaning on one another, staying open to learning, and continuing to show up—even when the road ahead feels uncertain,” Munoz said.
The five-week program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in electrical safety, tools, and foundational electrical concepts. Graduates have the opportunity to pursue union apprenticeships, gaining additional training and work experience while building long-term careers in the electrical industry.
The second cohort’s graduation reflects Barstow Community College’s continued commitment to supporting veterans, strengthening regional workforce partnerships, and creating career opportunities that allow those who served their country to continue making a difference in their communities.
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About Barstow Community College
Barstow Community College is a public two-year college serving Barstow and surrounding High Desert communities. BCC offers transfer pathways, career education, foundational skills development, and workforce training aligned with regional employment needs. Learn more at www.barstow.edu.
Media Contact:
Amanda Simpson
Barstow Community College
(760) 252-2411, ext. 7348
asimpson@barstow.edu
