Members from IAM Local 4 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River and from IAM Local 2424 at Aberdeen Proving Ground recently testified before the House Appropriations Committee of the Maryland General Assembly. A bill to increase the number of scholarships available to dependents of active duty military service members killed in the line of duty and service connected disabled veterans is moving through the Maryland House this session.

Watch the IAM’s testimony to the Maryland General Assembly here.

State Del. Brian Crosby (D-District 29B), who represents Naval Air Station Patuxent River and is a military veteran himself, sponsored the Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program (H.B. 529). The bill would remove the cap of 15 scholarships that can be awarded to veterans by the Maryland Higher Education Commision.  

“It’s an easy return on investment,” said IAM Local 4 Shop Steward Joseph “Matt” Langford. According to his research, “10% of all EMTs are veterans, 19% of all firefighters are veterans, and 25% of all police officers [are veterans].”

Former Local 2424 President Bill Harkum, now an IAM Communications Representative, shared that many workers on Maryland’s military installations and various Department of Defense contractors are also reservist and National Guard members who already support Maryland state needs. He stressed that helping disabled veterans is the right thing to do. 

“Those of us that have served in the military, we have an open ended commitment to this state and to this nation, and we hope you consider that worthy of giving us the benefits of this bill,” said Harkum.

IAM Veterans Services Program Coordinator Rich Evans testified remotely.

“Growing education opportunities aligns with our union’s platform to promote efforts to assist U.S. Armed Forces Veterans,” said Evans. “Our union’s roots run deep in Maryland and we support legislation that can help workers and families prosper, and support the state’s continued growth and success.”

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The IAM Veterans Service Program has added a new Veterans Advocate Training program to be held at the IAM’s Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md., from April 7 to April 12, 2024. The deadline to register is Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.

Attendees will learn how to help veterans acquire Veterans Affairs Administration benefits, and how the IAM’s Retirees and Membership Assistance Department works to get the best outcomes for IAM military veterans.

Click here for more information and to register today.

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IAM Veterans Services Coordinator Rich Evans has been appointed as a Special Government Employee (SGE) to serve as a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation. 

The IAM applauds U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough’s choice in Evans, which shows the Department’s incorporation of diverse perspectives, particularly from individuals with a proven track record in advocating for veterans’ rights.

Evans, a seasoned veterans advocate, has secured over $1.2 million in VA back pay for military veteran members of the IAM, underscoring his unwavering dedication to ensuring that veterans receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.

The Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation plays a vital role in advising U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough on the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The Committee is tasked with establishing and overseeing a schedule for periodic reviews of the rating schedule, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in addressing the diverse needs of veterans.

Evans, a U.S. Navy veteran, brings a wealth of experience to the committee, with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by U.S. military veterans.

His advocacy has not only led to substantial financial recoveries for IAM veterans but has also contributed to a better understanding of the intricacies of disabilities arising from military service.

Committee members, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, are individuals with expertise in disability compensation from the VA or are leading experts in medicine and science relevant to the Committee’s focus.

“I hope to bring a voice for advocates, as well as veterans, to the committee,” said Evans. “I’m honored to accept this appointment and sit next to fellow advocates, as well as doctors and experts, to make sure our government is doing right by the people who have served our country.”

Because of Evans’ astounding success in supporting IAM veterans and his goal to expand the union’s capacity to do so, the IAM has applied for Veterans Services Organization accreditation. If successful, this would position the IAM as the first international union to officially hold Veterans Service Organization status, further solidifying its commitment to serving the needs of veterans.

“Rich’s appointment to this Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation is a testament to our union’s allegiance to veterans,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The committee will greatly benefit from Rich’s insight and experience. We are grateful to have such a dedicated advocate for veterans in our ranks, and I know that Rich’s presence on the committee will help ensure that the veterans of our nation receive the fair and just compensation they deserve for their sacrifices.”

The IAM Veterans Services Program stands ready to assist IAM military veterans in claiming VA disability and benefits or correcting improperly processed claims. The IAM encourages IAM military veterans to reach out with any questions about how this program could assist in their claims process.

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IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed Bryan Stymacks as the Assistant Veterans Services Coordinator, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Stymacks, a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, has been an IAM member for 16 years, hiring on with an IAM-represented employer as an Aviation Support Mechanic. His journey with the IAM began in 2007, and he played a key role in the founding of IAM Local 4, where he has held various crucial positions, including Shop Steward, Chief Steward, Organizer, Treasurer, and Vice President.

Stymacks recently served as a Grand Lodge Representative on the Eastern Territory staff from 2019 to 2023. During this time, he showcased his leadership skills by initially serving as the Territory Organizing Lead before being appointed Pension and Benefits Coordinator.

After two combat tours in Iraq, Stymacks is passionate about supporting fellow veterans. His dedication to this cause was evident in his collaboration with IAM Veterans Services Coordinator Richard Evans to help establish the current IAM Veteran Benefits Program. 

Bryan has contributed significantly as the Eastern Territory Veterans Coordinator, IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee Chair, and Vice Chair on the IAM Veteran Benefit Support Fund board.

“We are excited about expanding the IAM Veterans Program,” said Bryant. “Bryan’s appointment will allow our union to increase our services in providing claims support for our members. As a veteran, he understands how to care for those who stood on the front lines in defense of our nation.” 

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 IAM members deal with everything from PTSD to filing complicated claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Click here to learn more about the IAM Veteran Services Program.

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The IAM Veterans Monument was recently dedicated to IAM members who have served their countries with a ceremony attended by members, staff, veterans, local officials, and community members.

In October 2022, delegates of the 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention expressed a desire to see their union commemorate and thank the many military veteran members of the IAM, past and present.

In response, now-retired IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. committed to recognizing and memorializing U.S. and Canadian IAM military veterans in some tangible and enduring way, and planning started for what is now the IAM Veterans Monument at the William W. Winpisinger Center Education and Technology Center campus in Hollywood, Md. The Veterans Monument is within a short walking distance of the IAM Workers Memorial, both of which are open for members to visit.

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In the spirit of holiday giving, IAM Headquarters is bringing cheer to the residents of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in southern Maryland.

IAM Headquarters staff donated and collected donations to give back to those who have served our country.

The project kicked off in early November, with IAM Air Transport Territory Administrative Secretary Jody Catterton-Logue and IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department Confidential Secretary Toni Buoy rallying Headquarters staff to contribute household and comfort items, including toiletries, warm clothing, blankets, stuffed animals, reading lights and glasses, and more. Catterton-Logue was motivated by her own mother, Chrystal Beauregard, who used to bake cakes for the home’s veterans, her late husband TSGT Scott Logue, and her father (Ret) CMSGT Albert Beauregard.

After more than a month of collecting donations, Catterton-Logue and Buoy, joined by IAM Chief of Staff to the International President Monica Lee Silbas, Veterans Coordinator Rich Evans, Eastern Territory Grand Lodge Representative Bryan Stymacks, and Veterans Committee Recording Secretary Teressa Peart, delivered the donations. 

The IAM represents nearly 200 members at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, ranging from healthcare staff, like certified nursing assistants and medicine aids, to skilled trades and technical workers, such as electricians, carpenters, and medical equipment technicians.

Because of this effort, residents of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home were not only recipients of much-needed items, but also experienced the warmth of the IAM’s support during a time of year that can be particularly challenging for some.

The IAM is proud to have caring and compassionate staff members, whose collective efforts brought joy, comfort, and a sense of community to the deserving veterans at Charlotte Hall.

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For more than a year, IAM Veteran Services Coordinator Richard Evans has crossed the country, visiting union halls, speaking at conferences, and visiting worksites to promote the Veteran Services Program.

One of those meetings produced a particularly successful outcome for IAM Local 2003 member and veteran Charles Corey. Corey, a U.S. Army veteran and a helicopter mechanic for Pinnacle at Fort Rucker, Ala., had been pursuing a disability rating after a combat injury for more than 13 years. 

“I had no help before,” said Corey. “I do not doubt that without Richard, I’d still be fighting for my disability rating.”

“Since February of this year, he has helped me get from an 80% rating to a 100% rating,” said Corey. “The guy works his butt off for us.”

“A higher disability percentage means more pay, recognition of those disabilities, and other benefits,” said IAM Veteran Services Coordinator Richard Evans. “From money for college for spouses and children, to discounted auto registration fees, and more.”

The IAM Veterans Services Program has gotten more than $1 million in back pay for our IAM military veterans since the inception of the program.

Click here to learn more about the IAM Veteran Services Program.

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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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At least 70 former servicemen and women attended IAM District 9’s recent veterans brunch celebration in St. Louis.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2023 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) will hold a Vietnam Memorial Recognition Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in honor of IAM members who served during the Vietnam era. The ceremony will take place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. with a welcome from IAM Resident General Vice President Brian Bryant. IAM Vietnam Veterans will be recognized and honored during the ceremony. Wreaths will be laid at the Wall and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. 

The ceremony will conclude at 1:00 p.m., and IAM participants will return to IAM headquarters.

Former U.S. military service men and women are a significant membership base of the IAM, and their 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). 

“We are proud to honor our IAM members who served during the Vietnam era,” said Bryant. “These men and women answered the call to duty and served their country with honor and distinction. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice. The IAM has a special place in its heart for our military veterans. Our union is proud to build, maintain, and service the products that keep our service men and women safe, and we count thousands of military veterans among our ranks.” 

11 a.m. – Ceremony begins

11:30 a.m. – IAM Vietnam Veterans recognized

12 p.m. – Wreath Laying

12:30 p.m. – Participants lay flowers

 About the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a national memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. The memorial consists of the Wall, the Three Servicemen sculpture, and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. The Wall is a black granite wall inscribed with the names of over 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in action in the Vietnam War.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. 

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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