Keeping the mission close to home

After a military career defined by challenges, milestones, and service, Cedar Park Lineworker Apprentice Melin Hill joined PEC in 2023 and found a familiar sense of purpose.

“When you’re on a crew, you have that same camaraderie that you experience on a platoon in the military,” Hill said. “You are your brother’s keeper, and you have to make sure you’re all looking out for each other.”

Time in the service

A native of San Antonio, Melin felt called to serve from an early age. His father spent 22 years in the U.S. Army, and Hill saw how much serving his country meant to him.

Melin spent about six years in the Army from 2016 to 2022. During that time, his primary role was intelligence. He used satellite signals, drones, telecom tools, and on-the-ground communication to help commanders understand developing situations and make decisions. Throughout his time in the military, he had opportunities to train in Oklahoma, Arizona, Georgia, and Louisiana, and served overseas in Poland and Ukraine.

The military taught Hill the importance of preparation, adaptability, and communication. Each of these skills has proven to be just as valuable in civilian life.

Becoming a lineworker 

After leaving the service in 2022, Hill knew he wanted a hands-on career rather than going to college or working in an office. He researched trades and saw linework as a path that could provide for his family while offering challenge, purpose, and opportunity.

“I wanted something that would allow me to work with my hands and would set me up well to support my family,” he said.

Hill noted the job requires the same attention to detail and teamwork he learned in the military. From inspecting gloves and completing preflight checks on bucket trucks to communicating with crew mates, safety depends on everyone looking out for one another.

Strong advice

Hill has enjoyed the opportunities that have come his way since leaving the service, but he said the road hasn’t always been easy. From getting over his fear of heights to navigating the challenges and uncertainties of becoming a father, his life post military has come with a lot of unknowns.

But he found the strength to endure the hard times and learn from them, and has been rewarded with the blessings of a job he loves and getting to watch his children grow.

“A lot of life comes with fear and uncertainty, but once you get past that inch of fear, there’s always a bundle of joy on the other side,” he said.

He stressed it’s important to have something you want to work for and a passion you want to pursue so that you have a purpose when transitioning back to civilian life.

“It doesn’t always have to be college,” he said. “I know that’s what is promoted, but there’s more than one way. Trades can offer a lot of opportunity.”

His final piece of advice to veterans entering civilian life: Do everything with integrity.

“Even if everyone else isn’t doing the right thing, make sure you’re doing the right thing,” he said. “It might just save your life.”

This Veterans Day, PEC honors Hill and all our veteran members and employees whose service, sacrifice, and commitment to others continue to strengthen the communities they call home.