Published 11 Nov, 2013
Our veterans in the TWU are not only a tremendous source of pride for all union members, but also a source of aid and inspiration to the membership and their communities. Since its founding in 1934, the TWU has had the honor of counting among its membership generations of military veterans, dedicated to the ideals of brotherhood and loyalty, and with a commitment to their brothers and sisters in the military and in our union. Today, on Veterans Day, we thank all of our veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our country and people across the globe, as well as their service to union brothers and sisters after leaving active duty.
TWU veterans have led countless initiatives to support those on active military duty, from fundraisers to provide aid for the families of wounded servicemen to Local 514’s purchase of dozens of rucksacks for National Guard snipers in Tulsa, Oklahoma before their deployment to Afghanistan in 2010.
In just a few weeks, on December 8th and 9th, our ATD Veterans Committee will be working in conjunction with “Operation Military Embrace” and “Our American Duty” to distribute much-needed everyday items to Wounded Warriors and their families in San Antonio, Texas at the Brooke Army Medical Center. The Committee will be accepting donations until that time. To donate clothing, toiletries, children’s toys, etc., please contact the ATD at (817) 282-2544 or mail directly to Operation Free PX, C/O Jose Galarza, 1791 Hurstview Drive, Hurst TX 76054. More information below.
Previous initiatives have included Skyball, a fundraiser in support of North Texas military families; the Wounded Warrior Project at Walter Reed Army Medical Center; and Tribute to the Troops, a donation drive to provide needed vacation time for Wounded Warriors.
Our Veterans Committees are also a powerful political force. Committee members are active in supporting legislation that strengthens both the labor movement and veterans, as well as in helping to secure benefits our military members are entitled to under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), as well as under their locals’ collective bargaining agreements. Our Veterans Committees also assist veteran members who are due benefits from the Veterans Administration, including retirement benefits, disability benefits, benefits under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), improvements in conditions, and any other issues affecting uniformed service members and their families. The Committee’s motto is simple but powerful: “Veterans Helping Veterans.”
TWU locals active in our ATD Veterans Committee represent members at American Airlines, American Eagle Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, and they include locals 501, 502, 507, 512, 513, 514, 530, 541, 542, 556, 561, 562, 564, 565, 567, 568, 570, 571, 575, and 576.
To get involved with the ATD Veterans Committee, please contact Jose Galarza, the TWU ATD liaison for the ATD Veterans Committee and TWU’s representative on the AFL-CIO Veterans Council, at JGalarza@twu.org. Jose joined the United States Army Reserve in 1991, and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2006 to April 2007, during which time he commanded and participated in over 100 combat logistical patrols.
Information on the Brooke Army Medical Center fundraiser & donation drive to support Wounded Warriors and their families:
- Cash Donations and Checks can be deposited at any American Airlines Credit Union branch or mailed to the address below to Account number 794073486-00. Please make checks payable to “Our American Duty Ltd.”
- 501c nonprofit organization Tax ID # 45-4338621
- Checks can also be mailed to:
AAFCU
P.O. Box 619001 MD 2100
HDQ DFW Airport
TX 75261-9001