IAM members from various locals across the United States recently gathered for a program designed to support military veterans within their union and local communities. The IAM Veterans Committee-Building Class provided a platform for participants, all with military backgrounds, to share experiences and develop strategies for establishing veterans committees in their districts and workplaces.
The week-long event included classroom sessions, workshops, and group discussions. Attendees focused on issues such as navigating the VA benefits system, accessing support resources, and organizing community service initiatives. A key activity involved volunteering at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, where participants worked together to rebuild a safety fence around a pond on the property.
IAM Veterans Services Coordinator Rich Evans emphasized the ongoing nature of service among veterans. “When veterans unite through the IAM, we create more than committees. We build bridges of support, leadership, and solidarity,” Evans said. “This program reminds us that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It continues in our workplaces and communities, where we stand together to care for one another.”
