Jeremie Valdez, a junior from Eagle Point High School, ignites his welding torch April 17 at Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center as part of SkillsUSA’s welding competition. SkillsUSA is conducting their 2015 State Leadership and Skills Conference over the weekend, supported by the Oregon Army National Guard, in Clackamas, Ore. The competition is for state occupational programs to compete for the chance to go to a national competition held in Louisville, Ky. At the end of high school, Valdez said he’s interested in becoming an infantryman and joining the National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army Maj. Wayne (Chris) Clyne, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Oregon Army National Guard)