Will Attig, Executive Director, Union Veteran Council
William Attig is a combat veteran of the OIF/OEF war. He served proudly with the 1-26th Infantry, one of the most decorated units of the Iraqi war.
After returning to civilian life, Attig struggled to find his way until he was given an opportunity to attend a veteran welding program with the Helmets to Hard Hats organization in 2010.
After completing the program with Helmets to Hard Hats, Attig went on to become an apprentice with UA Local #160 Plumbers & Pipefitters in Southern Illinois. After seeing what a great opportunity the union had given him, Attig started to advocate for programs that help fellow veterans find employment in organized labor.
By working with both state and federal legislators to promote veterans’ issues in Illinois, Attig has become one of the leading veterans advocates in the state. One of his proudest achievements is the honor of working alongside Illinois legislators to create a Veterans Suicide Task Force. That task force is now a model program for lawmakers nationwide.
Upon completion of his apprenticeship Attig was appointed the political coordinator for UA Local #160 and then worked with the Illinois AFL-CIO as a Zone Coordinator in 2016.
In May of 2017, Attig was selected to lead the national Union Veterans Council at the AFL-CIO. Attig’s main focus is building the program on a state and local level and supporting affiliates Veterans programs.
As a strong unionist Attig is determined to focus on prompting veteran involvement through Programs, OUTREACH, AND education.
