Dave is Puerto Rican but born and raised in Springfield. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and unlike a lot of his friends who ended up in gangs and in trouble, he was fortunate to connect with a teacher who got him involved with the Carpenters Union. Joining right after high school, Dave has been a carpenter for twenty-four years and is now married with five kids. He owns his own home in Springfield and his oldest child is in the Air National Guards. Dave is also a part-time instructor for the union.
Being a part of helping our members become better prepared for the changing economy gives me pride. As a journey-level carpenter being able to help apprentices and see them become journey-level and in some cases foremen and supervisors gives me a strong sense of pride.
Journey-level Carpenter, member since 1994, union Steward, union executive board member