Dave Kolbe Consulting, LLC

Dave Kolbe is the sole proprietor of Dave Kolbe Consulting, a small Veteran-owned business located in Washington, DC and Ohio. Current clients include Ironworkers International, Pharmaceutical Industry Labor Management Association (PILMA), and Ullico.

Dave Kolbe was the Political and Legislative Director for the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers from 2006-2017. Mr. Kolbe formerly served as one of the labor trustees for the Pharmaceutical Industry Labor Management Association (PILMA). He was formerly on the executive board of the Union Veterans Council. He was Political Director for the Ohio AFL-CIO from 1993-2006. He was elected to one term as Damascus Township Trustee from 1984-1988 and then as Commissioner of Henry County, in Ohio from 1988-1992. He is a 41-year long member of Ironworker Local 55 in Toledo. Dave is a Vietnam veteran and was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class in 2015.

• Political & Legislative Representative, Iron Workers International (2006-2017)
• Labor Trustee Pharmaceutical Industry Labor Management Association (2007-2017)
• Political Director Ohio AFL-CIO (1993-2006)
• Gubernatorial appointment member to the Ohio State Community Services Council (2005-2006)
• Delegate to Toledo Port Council, Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (1985-2006)
• Ohio State Service Council, American Red Cross Board of Trustees (1995-2002)
• Ohio United Way Board of Trustees (1998-2004)
• Director of the Coordinated Campaign Committee for Lucas County, Ohio (1992)
• Elected Henry County Commissioner, OH (1989-1992)
• Elected Damascus Township Trustee, OH (1984-1988)
• President of Henry County Solid Waste District (1991)
• Past President of Big Creek Park Board (1984)
• Volunteer Fireman for Damascus Township Volunteer Fire Department Northwest Ohio (1976-1989)
• Member Iron Workers Local 55 Toledo, Ohio (1973-Present)
• Vietnam Veteran (1969)

• Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class (2015)
• Recipient of Community Spirit and Support Award for Volunteer Contribution in the development of Big Creek Park (1985)
• Recipient of Community Spirit and Support Award for Volunteer Contribution in the development of Big Creek Park (1984)

COLUMBUS (WCMH) -- One Ohio veteran is taking a giant leap of faith in the hope of helping other veterans do the same.

Vietnam War veteran Dave Kolbe is going skydiving for the first time in five decades to raise awareness for a non-profit that helps veterans get employment.

Kolbe joined the army at 17 and served in Vietnam where he specialized in parachute missions. “In 1968 I was in the 82nd Air Borne Division in Fort Bragg,” Kolbe said.

Once he left the Army Kolbe felt like he was taking a leap into the unknown. He became an ironworker by chance, and now he wants to help other veterans do the same, with the non-profit Helmets to Hardhats.

“It actually recruits veterans and then puts them at the front lines for an apprenticeship in the building trades,” Kolbe said.

Now at 68 years old, Kolbe is at Greene County Skydive, once again leaping from a plane.

“Fifty years later, I am saying I would like to go jump again,” Kolbe said. A small plane took Kolbe and an instructor up more than 3,500 feet for the jump on a hot July day with clear skies.

Although he missed his landing target by a few feet he considers the jump a success.

“I hit the ground and lived to talk about it. It was exhilarating,” Kolbe said. While this jump will likely be his last, Kolbe hopes it helps other military vets find a safety net of their own.

“The best thing you can do for a veteran is to give him a good job. We have to make sure veterans and their families get connected with the opportunities,” Kolbe said.

If you or a veteran you know is looking for a job or to learn more about Helmets to Hardhats go to HelmetstoHardhats.org.

Read full article here!

XENIA, Ohio (WDTN) - A local Vietnam Veteran is going to extreme heights to educate other veterans about finding jobs after their service.

He's trying to raise awareness for the program, Helmets to Hardhats. The program pays for veteran apprenticeships in the building industry.

"We just have to get more people to know about it. The building and construction trades are good jobs with pensions and healthcare," said Kolbe.

So why is Kolbe about to jump out of a plane? He wants veterans to jump on this opportunity. "Don't wait. This is an opportunity where you can earn what you learn. Plus draw your veteran benefits."

Read the full article here!