Published 10 Nov, 2011
Dear TWU Brothers & Sisters,
In honor and recognition of Veterans Day, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to those who have and continue to risk and sacrifice their lives to fight for the freedoms we at home often take for granted.
Since World War II, The Transport Workers Union has been dedicated to supporting the men and women deployed to fight for our country and for those returning from a tour of duty. In honoring that tradition, the Air Transit Division Veterans Committee was formed. Their success in providing assistance to our Union Brother and Sister Veterans in obtaining the resources and benefits they so deserve has opened doors for Veterans committees across all divisions and has extended the National recognition and appreciation shown to America’s Veterans on Veterans Day, to a year round, 365 day commitment.
Over the past year TWU Veterans across all divisions held a drive to support the USO. Nearly $9,000 was collected for the Wounded Warriors Project to purchase much needed materials such as, toiletries, breakaway pants, and other essential items were donated to the soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Last December donations were collected, across our TWU family, for a National Guard unit in Oklahoma to purchase rucksacks for scouts and snipers deploying to Afghanistan. The outpouring of generosity and support from our members was so overwhelming, the Committee was able to purchase enough rucksacks to make the lives of two Guard units a little simpler and a little safer after their deployment.
This year, the committee has volunteered time to build a much needed home for a Veteran hero. The keys will be handed over later this month.
Dedicated Members, in the spirit of volunteerism, make projects like this possible and reinforce the TWU’s commitment in honoring America’s Veterans and their contributions to our lives each and every day.
This year on Veterans Day, I hope that each of you will take time to reflect, thank and honor all those who have selflessly served our country.
Fraternally,
James C. Little,
International President