On October 4, 2025, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 778, with support from IAM District 70 and the IAM Local 839 Veterans Committee, organized their first annual Ruck-N-Rolls road march in Kansas City, Missouri. The event is part of the IAM Local 778 H.E.L.P.S. initiative.
Participants carried backpacks and wagons filled with food donations to the Veterans Community Project (VCP) community center and tiny home village. The VCP provides a range of services for local veterans, including medical, dental, and mental health care. It also connects veterans to Veteran Service Officers who assist with navigating VA benefits and resources.
The facility stands out for its comprehensive approach to supporting veterans, offering amenities such as a dog park, dog wash station, and access to a volunteer veterinarian for pets. This approach aims to foster dignity and stability for those who have served in the military.
The event highlighted both the solidarity among union members who are veterans and their commitment to supporting fellow veterans. Organizers credited Carlos Rentas for his role in inviting and inspiring participation in the event.
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli said: “IAM Local 778 is exemplifying why we created the IAM Midwest Territory H.E.L.P.S. program. Our members are ready and enthusiastic about stepping up for efforts they care about. Supporting and honoring veterans has become a core value of our union, in addition to service to the general community. Our territory and membership is happy to uplift veterans in our communities, and Local 778 has admirably organized what will be an event that members look forward to every year.”
The organizers plan for Ruck-N-Rolls to become an annual tradition aimed at supporting local veterans through direct action by union members.
