Bringing SMART Heroes to the Big Red 1 at Fort Riley

February 18, 2026

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The SMART-TD Kansas State Legislative Board, in partnership with Sheet Metal Local 2, continues its strong presence at the Kansas Statehouse. Over the past month, they’ve spent considerable time in Topeka advocating for working families, educating lawmakers, and championing programs that deliver real opportunity for our nation’s Military Veterans.

This collaboration recently engaged members of the Kansas Legislative Veterans Caucus to expand the SMART Heroes program to Fort Riley, home of the storied Big Red 1.

At the heart of this effort is a shared vision: establishing a Joint Area Training Council (JATC) that brings together SMART’s Transportation Division and Sheet Metal crafts to create clear, structured pathways for service members transitioning to civilian careers. SMART Heroes embodies the values common to military service and union trades while delivering industry-leading training and family-sustaining careers.

Launched in 2017, SMART Heroes is a joint initiative of SMART, the International Training Institute, and SMACNA. The seven-week, 224-hour program provides active-duty military personnel with the equivalent of first-year apprenticeship training at no cost, along with certifications and a direct pathway into registered apprenticeships across the country.

With the help of SMART-TD’s Kansas State Safety and Legislative Director, Ty Dragoo, and Kansas legislators, SMART will be able to bring this awesome on-ramp to our union to the men and women at Fort Riley in northern Kansas.

Pictured left to right. Jared Borden SM Local 2 Organizer, Jai Williams SM Local 2 apprentice, Jason Harrison Marketing Director SM Local 2, Keyan Welch SM Local 2 apprentice, TD Kansas Legislative Director Ty Dragoo

While SMART’s Transportation Division plays a critical role in outreach, advocacy, and solidarity, the rail and bus crafts do not operate traditional registered apprenticeship programs. As a result, service members who participate in SMART Heroes pursue careers through the Sheet Metal crafts, where they enter structured, Department of Labor–registered apprenticeships that provide long-term training, wages, and benefits.

“The hearing was an excellent showcase of what SMART can deliver when it comes to providing real careers to our veterans when entering the private sector. We hope that this program expands and Fort Riley, the BIG RED 1, is a prime opportunity for that…right here in Kansas!” said SLD Dragoo.

Marketing Director SM Local 2, Jason Harrison added, “When TD and Sheet Metal stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity, we strengthen our power, drive growth, and secure collective success for every member. Today’s effort is another example of how working together directly improves the lives of Veterans by opening the door to excellent union careers.”

The SMART Kansas State Legislative Board is proud to stand with veterans, strengthen workforce development, and demonstrate that when this union and the men and women in our armed forces work together, we don’t just talk about support for veterans. SMART delivers lasting opportunity.