The IAM Veteran Services Program recently reported how it has helped IAM members who are U.S. military veterans get the benefits they deserve. The IAM Veterans Services Program has now surpassed $1 million in back pay for our IAM military veterans since the inception of the program.

Former U.S. military service men and women are a significant membership base of the IAM, and the union has assisted them by expanding the IAM Veteran Services Program in recent years. The endeavor has helped hundreds of Machinists deal with everything from PTSD to filing complicated claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

If anyone is interested in learning more about the IAM Veteran Services Program, please visit https://www.goiam.org/departments/headquarters/veteran-services/.

A year ago, the IAM Grand Lodge hired U.S. Navy veteran Richard Evans of IAM Local 4 to run the veterans program. Since then, he’s publicly promoted the program by crossing the country, visiting union halls, speaking at conferences, and visiting worksites.

Through the IAM Veteran’s Services Program, Evans helps veterans correctly apply for VA benefits and compensation. He also offers aid and resources in education, employment, home loans, life insurance, pension, health care, and burial benefits.

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District 54 Vice President and Veterans Committee Chairman Fred Confer recently attended a veterans roundtable discussion hosted by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) facility in Ashland, OH.

The roundtable discussed the newly-established PACT Act, the benefits it will provide for veterans, and how to make those benefits accessible to veterans as efficiently as possible.

Also sitting at the roundtable were the Ashland County Sheriff, representatives from Ashland County Veterans Services, officers from the VFW, and Mansfield Veterans Affairs Clinic workers. 

About 20 veterans from the community observed the discussion, some of whom Confer served with in Desert Storm. Confer served in the United States Army (active, reserves, and National Guard) from 1976 to 1997, reaching the rank of Sergeant. 

Confer has been an IAM member for a little over 18 years, and he serves as Vice President of the Ohio State Council of Machinists and President of Local 1297, in addition to his District Lodge 54 positions.  

At union meetings, Confer distributes IAM Veterans Services information and gives reports on Veterans Committee activities and initiatives.“I’m just trying to educate people on the resources that are out there for veterans,” said Confer. “I plan on attending the IAM’s Veterans Services classes at W3 so that I can help other veterans and learn about all of the ways we can continue advocating for veterans.” 

“Fred is known in the Ashland community as a resource for veterans,” said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright Jr. “He was the first person to be invited to Senator Brown’s veterans roundtable, and they couldn’t have chosen anyone to better speak on policy intended to support veterans.” 

“Brother Confer served our country in the Army and is continuing his service to the community as a political advocate for workers and veterans,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “It is our responsibility as activists to do right by our military veterans, and fight for them. I’m thankful to members like Fred who use opportunities in the union, like the Ohio State Council of Machinists, to get involved with political matters and help our communities.”

Click here for information about IAM Veterans Services program.

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Frank Wilson is a U.S. Navy Veteran, 18-year shop steward, and trustee of IAM Local 1005 in District W24. He works for the City of Portland, OR as a vehicle and equipment mechanic and is very passionate about helping U.S. military veterans struggling with mental health.

Wilson is one of three local delegates from the West Coast on the steering committee for IAM’s Veterans Services Program. He has been attending classes at the IAM’s Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (W3) to become accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a representative. Through connections he made at the W3 classes, he was introduced to “Do Good Multnomah,” a non-profit organization that provides support services and low-barrier shelter to homeless veterans.

As a military veteran, Wilson knows how hard it can be to return to civilian life after being in the military.

“Going in was really easy,” said Wilson. “Coming out, man, that was one of the hardest times of my life. I have friends who have PTSD, so it means a lot to me, and it’s a way to help them since I can’t do it personally.”

Wilson was so impressed by the work Do Good does that he invited its director to speak at Local 1005 and then decided to participate in Do Good’s first-annual Ruck March fundraising event.

To prepare for the Ruck March, Wilson bought a new pair of boots and broke them in by walking around his neighborhood with a weighted backpack garnering donations. He pledged to shave his head as he had for Navy bootcamp once he reached $500 in donations. Wilson kept his promise and shaved his head at the $500 benchmark after about two weeks of fundraising.

Wilson’s team, which he named “IAM Ruck On,” raised the second-most donations of all the teams that participated.

“It’s all going to an excellent cause. I want to take care of them,” says Wilson “My members who are veterans need love, and I don’t know who they are. I’m working on finding who our IAM veterans are with Veterans Services. I’m impatient to get them help; I just want to help.”

Wilson’s own local, Lodge 1005, contributed $220 for the 22 veterans in America who commit suicide every day, a somber statistic.

The March took place on Memorial Day, May 30, 2022, in Portland, OR. Wilson carried a 35-pound rucksack for twelve miles. He was joined by his wife, Laura Wilson, W24 Business Representatives Dwain Panian and Larry Bickett with wife Carla Bickett, W24 Business Representative and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Carol Krohn, and fellow Navy veteran and Laborer’s Union Local Lodge 483 member Steven Burton.

“I have such a passion for this, and it’s nice to see others get excited about veterans’ stories,” says Wilson. “I’m just trying to help my friends.”

“Frank Wilson did a great job leading this effort,” said IAM Western Territory Vice President Gary R. Allen. “District W24 and the Western Territory support veterans as much as we can. The Veterans Services Program is a great resource for our members, and we’re proud of Frank and Local 1005 for getting involved and using the program to become a VA representative and help our veteran members.”

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IAM Local 4 (District 4) members continue to serve veterans in Charlotte Hall, MD. Their aspirations are an example of coordination with local VSOs (Veterans Service Organization) that the IAM Veterans Services Department encourages.

The Fighting Machinists at Local 4 provided liquid laundry detergent, body wash, and compression socks to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home residents. Commander Mark Phippen of DAV Chapter 26 lauded the partnership with the IAM.

“This is just the beginning of a great partnership,” said Phippen. “The Fighting Machinists of Local 4 sets the standard for unions to follow when it comes to helping our veterans.”

Following the rollout of the new Veterans Benefits Support program and a rejuvenated Veterans Services Steering Committee, other Local and District Lodges are establishing more Veteran Service Committees of their own.

“This partnership with the DAV and Local 4 has been ongoing and has been incredibly beneficial for both groups,” said IAM Local 4 President Jeremy Leissner. “We look forward to continuing that relationship.”

The maintenance staff and caregivers at the Charlotte Hall, MD facility are Machinists Union members who take great pride in caring for the veterans residing there. In addition, members of Local 4 and the residents alike can see the improvements to the quality of life since the Machinists Union secured its first contract with the facility back in December 2017.

“Just as our members are passionate, so is the entire Executive Council to provide support to our military veterans,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Bryant. “We will continue to find ways to support our defenders, active and retired.

More recently, because of the Local Lodge 4’s relationship with this facility, the IAM raised $100,000 for Charlotte Hall renovations through the IAM International President’s Capital Classic Golf Tournament. 

Original Story: The Southern Maryland Chronicle.

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Brothers and Sisters,

The Machinists Union has a special bond with our armed forces and the brave men and women who serve and have served. Every day, our membership proudly supports our military’s mission.

We work alongside service men and women at military bases across the country. We build and maintain the state-of-the-art equipment our military counts on in dangerous areas of the world. Our union has a long tradition of being there for those who put their lives on the line for all of us.

Many of our members are veterans themselves. They don’t often speak about their service because they did not enlist for recognition or accolades. Today, and every day, we honor their bravery and recommit our union to serving every veteran and their families.

Happy Veterans Day, Machinists.

In Solidarity,
Bob Martinez
International President

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Advance your employment prospects by learning a trade or skill through participation in VA on-the-job training or apprenticeships. These programs typically involve entering into a training contract for a specific period of time with an employer or union. At the end of the training period, a job certification is issued or journeyman status achieved. Most Veterans receive a salary from the employer or union during training. As your skills increase, so may your salary. GI Bill payments are issued monthly after VA receives certification of hours worked from your employer or union.

Click here for more information.

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VA has announced that service members and Veterans can connect to the Veterans Crisis Line using these simple words. The Siri function on Apple’s iPhone and the Google Assistant function on Android phones now automatically dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which also serves the Veterans Crisis Line, even if the number (1-800-273-8255) is not saved in the phone’s contact list. Callers will need to Press 1 in order to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

“Suicide prevention is VA’s top clinical priority, and we are working to reach Veterans where they are to help save lives,” said Dr. Keita Franklin. “The new feature on Apple and Android devices enables service members, Veterans, and their families to get quicker access to our network of certified crisis responders.”

Responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans when mental health or related issues — such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, anger, and homelessness — reach a crisis point.

Read the full article here.

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Did you miss the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance application deadline? Having trouble finding coverage from a private insurer due to your health? Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance may be just what you need.

The Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) program was established in 1951 to meet the insurance needs of certain veterans with service connected disabilities. S-DVI is available in a variety of permanent plans as well as term insurance. Policies are issued for a maximum face amount of $10,000.

Who Can Apply for S-DVI?

You can apply for S-DVI if you meet the following 4 criteria:

1. You were released from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions on or after April 25, 1951
2. You were rated for a service-connected disability (even if only 0%)
3. You are in good health except for any service-connected conditions
4. You apply within 2 years from the date VA grants your new service-connected disability.

Note: An increase in an existing service-connected disability or the granting of individual unemployability of a previous rated condition does not entitle a veteran to this insurance.

APPLY HERE

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VA launched a new update for the appeals status tracker and now Veterans with a compensation appeal can view their past and current appeals issues, receive alerts for deadlines when action is required, preview the next events in their timeline, and see estimates of how long it will take to reach those events.

The new tool, designed with help from Veterans, is an effort to improve data and provide transparency.

See more about this new tool here

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The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new welcome kit for Veterans to help them use the VA benefits and services they have earned. The kit, created by the Veterans Experience Office, is now available on www.Vets.gov and will soon be sent to all separating Servicemembers as part of VA’s existing “welcome home” process.

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