• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

Click to join our weekly e-newsletter

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices

Skills training program led to White House trip

August 21, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Patrick Pinnone was wrapping up a five-year stint in the U.S. Marines when he heard about a training program offered by Home Builders Institute (HBI) — an educational arm of American Home Builders.

It was exactly what he was looking for, as he prepared to make the transition to civilian life.

But, there was a problem.

Patrick Pinnone, of Dade City, back row, left, was invited to attend an event in Washington D.C., after completing an HBI training program. Others pictured are Gustavo Ramirez-Rodriguez, back row right; and front row, from left, Cullen Clebe; Greg Ugalde, NAHB Chairman of the Board; and Champagne Smith. (Courtesy of National Association of Home Builders)

The program wasn’t being offered at Camp Lejeune, the Marine base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he was stationed.

It was available at Fort Bragg, an Army base just west of Fayetteville, North Carolina, two hours away from his chain of command.

Pinnone was not dissuaded.

“I had to jump through hoops to get my chain of command to approve it,” he recalled.

But, he was persistent and gained approval — and became the first Marine to complete the HBI training.

And, the efforts he put forth during training led to an invitation for a trip to the White House.

He went to the nation’s capital to attend a follow-up ceremony to the July 2018 Pledge to America’s Workers.

That pledge was signed by President Donald Trump and many trade organizations, including the National Association of Home Builders and its workforce development arm, HBI, to show their commitment to create new jobs through apprenticeships, training programs, continuing education and so on.

Pinnone, who lives in Dade City, enjoyed the event.

“It was surreal. I never expected I would ever get a chance to go into the White House,” he said, adding he couldn’t believe he was in the same room as numerous top-ranking government officials, including the president and Vice President Mike Pence.

The president was there for the ceremony, but left quickly after it ended. Pence stayed longer, circulating around the room to shake hands and pose for photos.

Pinnone said he also was impressed by HBI’s training program.

He said students in the program learned skills required for residential construction work, including carpentry, foundations, siding, painting, roofing and drywall.

After finishing the HBI program, he picked up three jobs — including one with Lyle Bleachers Inc., which builds bleachers for gymnasiums and athletic fields throughout Florida.

David Lyle, president of Lyle Bleachers Inc., said the HBI training served Pinnone well.

“I think it definitely prepared him for working in our field, which is a construction-type industry,” Lyle said.

He applauded HBI’s efforts and said he’d like to see an increase in such programs.

“We need hands-on skilled laborers in this country,” Lyle said.

Pinnone said the value of the experience went beyond the skills he learned through the training.

His main takeaway? “The initiative you put out, will pay off in the end,” Pinnone said.

Pinnone, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, is now enrolled at Saint Leo University, where he is studying accounting.

Published August 21, 2019

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Coloring Contest

Download and Color

Search

The Recap Presents…

Sponsored Content

Brunch Spots in Pasco County Worth Waking Up For

July 5, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Searching for a new brunch spot in Pasco County to add to your favorites list? Whether you’re in the mood for something … [Read More...] about Brunch Spots in Pasco County Worth Waking Up For

Toni Hedstrom Gets Creative for Buyers and Sellers

June 28, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Toni Hedstrom, a Lutz resident for 13 years and real estate agent for Compass Realty, is always looking to be creative, … [Read More...] about Toni Hedstrom Gets Creative for Buyers and Sellers

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

07/05/2022 – Read with a furry friend

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, in partnership with Pasco County Animal Services, will host a “Tale for Tail Reading Session” on July 5 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., for ages 5 and older. Participants can bring their own book or borrow one from the library to practice their reading skills with an adoptable furry friend. Registration and liability waiver are required. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 07/05/2022 – Read with a furry friend

07/06/2022 – Cribbage club

Weekly Cribbage Club meetings are every Wednesday at 6 p.m., at the Wilderness Lake clubhouse, 21326 Wilderness Lake Blvd. in Land O' Lakes. The club is currently playing informally, but is looking to join the ACC cribbage organization. For more information/questions call 732-322-7103, or email . … [Read More...] about 07/06/2022 – Cribbage club

07/06/2022 – Fire Rescue safety

The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., will host a free K-5 Summer Reading program on July 6 at 10:30 a.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade. Firefighters and rescue team members from Pasco County Fire Rescue will present a session on fire safety. (They might even bring a fire engine!) No registration is required. For information, call 813-780-0064. … [Read More...] about 07/06/2022 – Fire Rescue safety

07/06/2022 – Woman’s club skit

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club will present “The Game Nite Skit” on July 6, at the Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel. Fellowship begins at 6 p.m., followed by a meeting at 6:30 p.m. … [Read More...] about 07/06/2022 – Woman’s club skit

07/07/2022 – Community conversation

The City of Zephyrhills will host a public meeting, “Community Conversation,” on July 7 at 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Depot Museum, 39110 South Ave. The city aims to collect ideas from residents, business owners, workers and other community stakeholders to create a citywide vision for 2035. To learn how to participate and get involved, visit Plan2035.zhills.city. … [Read More...] about 07/07/2022 – Community conversation

07/07/2022 – Floridian Cuisine

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a “Floridian Cuisine” presentation on July 7 at 6 p.m. Participants can learn how to prepare quick and healthy meals using a variety of seafood, poultry and meat, with locally grown fruits and vegetables. There also will be an explanation of various cultures that have contributed to Floridian cuisine, as well as creative ways to use fruit and spices, healthy options for a cookout, and simple desserts. The presentation will end with a cooking demonstration that can be replicated at home in less than 15 minutes. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 07/07/2022 – Floridian Cuisine

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz News Follow

Your home for weekly news that impacts your life and community. Serving Land O' Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

LakerLutzNews
lakerlutznews The Laker/Lutz News @lakerlutznews ·
1 Jul

LCOAL UPDATE: Mike Carballa is Pasco County’s new interim administrator, effective July 30. He has been selected to replace Dan Biles as the county’s new administrator, when Biles’ contract lapses on Oct. 1. Full story: https://lakerlutznews.com/lln/2022/06/103096/

Reply on Twitter 1542894556789833730 Retweet on Twitter 1542894556789833730 Like on Twitter 1542894556789833730 Twitter 1542894556789833730
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
mositampa MOSI @mositampa ·
1 Jul

We continue to celebrate MOSI’s 60th Anniversary through our Social Media Contest. In July, we are asking our friends to submit a funny Science meme or photo. Submissions accepted July 1- July 31. Winning submission gets one free MOSI Pioneer Membership. https://conta.cc/39JPT09

Reply on Twitter 1542817813831745537 Retweet on Twitter 1542817813831745537 4 Like on Twitter 1542817813831745537 8 Twitter 1542817813831745537
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
pascocountypio Pasco County PIO @pascocountypio ·
30 Jun

#HurricaneSeason 2022 TIP: High winds can whip up with or without warning - having the same effect as a strong thunderstorm or tornado. Older homes can be more at risk. To minimize damage, keep up with home repairs. More info http://MyPasco.net #PascoCounty #PascoPrepares

Reply on Twitter 1542568660304142338 Retweet on Twitter 1542568660304142338 4 Like on Twitter 1542568660304142338 2 Twitter 1542568660304142338
Load More

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2022 Community News Publications Inc.

    Doc
%d bloggers like this: