Whether it's through corporate social responsibility or public acts of recognition, it's important to see our veterans honored. Here at GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles, we unit people from across our community through the GRID Troops to Solar initiative, which helps those who serve and those returning from service start solar energy careers. No matter what skills veterans bring to the table, we commit to furthering their training in this expanding field, charting their pathways into meaningful employment. And since veterans comprise nearly 10% of our industry, there are plentiful success stories from across GRID Alternatives to share with our partners.
Last week, we kicked off the Veterans Day weekend with a particularly diverse group of stakeholders who all joined together to make solar more accessible in Long Beach. Our efforts brought out Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), one of the world's best-known sports entertainment companies, and the Los Angeles Kings, our favorite pro hockey team! Over the course of a day, 10 new kilowatts came online for grateful recipients. Not only did AEG and the members of the Kings send representatives at the special install serving four local families—their employees participated in the build, doing everything from hoisting panels to bending conduit!
With four roofs receiving solar simultaneously, each of the day's four teams got to wire and mount systems alongside experienced installers. All four Long Beach families were recipients of homes through Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles, meaning that the day's clients had an appreciation for the sweat and service that goes into a day like this. And veterans were in the spotlight from the very beginning. GLA veterans highlighted their prior military service and spent seven hours working alongside AEG and the Kings to monitor safety, lead construction, and assist the AEG, Kings, and GLA communications teams.
Whether it's a former guardsman who trains in a paid solar installation internship or a naval officer who became our safety officer, GLA is proud we're helping veterans gain experience that can be used in future careers. On Friday, it was all on display! "As we begin Veterans Day, I'm honored to recognize our veterans at GRID and continue the mission of connecting hardworking trainees to solar," said Michael Kadish, GLA Executive Director. "Thanks to our partners at AEG and the Kings for recognizing that vets like those here with us today continue to lead."