This special SCUUP Podcast episode celebrates Veterans Day with a powerful conversation between our veteran host and four veteran guests from across the Inland Empire.

They dive into:
🔹 What Veterans Day truly means to them
🔹 Their journeys transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce
🔹 Honest advice for veterans entering or growing in their careers

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member or an ally who wants to better understand the experience, this episode is for you.

On this episode, we sit down with Jesus “Buddha” Barron, EVMWD’s Collection Systems Maintenance Worker III and the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collections System Person of the Year.

Buddha shares insights into the critical work of maintaining and repairing the District’s sewage collection systems and liftstations, leading crews through complex troubleshooting and ensuring the community’s infrastructure keeps flowing smoothly. His passion for the profession, dedication to excellence, and leadership in the field shine throughas he talks about his journey. Outside of his career in water, Buddha is also a Video Music Award winning musician, proving that talent and drive can transcend industries.

Tune in to hear how he balances professional excellence with creative passion, both making a lasting impact.

In this episode, we head to the mountains to spotlight a rising star in the water industry—a young and driven Chief Operator. Cesar Quezada of Apline Water Users Association discusses his transition from high school to the water industry and the challenges of operating water systems in the mountains.