IAM members from across the United States recently participated in a committee-building class focused on supporting military veterans within the union and local communities. The event, organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), brought together members with military backgrounds to share experiences and develop strategies for advocacy.
The program included classroom sessions, workshops, and group discussions designed to identify veterans’ needs and create practical solutions. Topics addressed included navigating Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, accessing support resources, and organizing community service initiatives.
Participants also engaged in volunteer work at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, where they collaborated to dismantle and rebuild a safety fence around a pond on the property. This effort reflected IAM’s commitment to community service.
Rich Evans, IAM Veterans Services Coordinator, emphasized the significance of such programs: “When veterans unite through the IAM, we create more than committees. We build bridges of support, leadership, and solidarity. 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.”
The event aimed to strengthen networks among veterans in the workforce while reinforcing IAM’s focus on collective action and ongoing support for its members who have served in the military.
