Published 11 Nov, 2012
This Veterans Day, I would like to honor and thank the men and women who have selflessly served our country, as well as those who continue to do so today, risking and sacrificing their lives to fight for our freedoms.
TWU is proud to have played a role in supporting the men and women deployed to fight for our country and for those returning from a tour of duty since World War II. To continue honoring that tradition, the Air Transit Division Veterans Committee was formed.
The motto “Veterans Helping Veterans” holds true. The committee assists TWU’s military veterans with necessary needs relating to Military Leave of Absence (MLOA,) and understanding their contractual benefits as written in their respective collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, the committee maintains communications between local committees, sharing information that informs our veterans of important past and present legislative issues affecting them and their families.
TWU members have contributed hundreds of ideas to the Air Compassion for Veterans (ACV) program. The is program is partially funded by the Fuel Smart Program which identifies ways to cut fuel costs from American Airlines annual budget. By cutting fuel costs with the ideas of TWU members nearly $2.8 million in travel has been provided for wounded warriors and 4,000 veterans and family members whether returning home or traveling to another city for therapy, extended hospital care or rehabilitation.
TWU Veterans across all divisions held a drive to support the USO as well as raising funds 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.
Our TWU family also collected donations for a National Guard unit in Oklahoma to purchase rucksacks for scouts and snipers deploying to Afghanistan.
I am incredibly proud of everyone’s work to make these things happen as they reinforce the TWU’s commitment in honoring America’s Veterans and their contributions to our lives each and every day.
I hope each of you take the time to share your gratitude and honor those who have done so much for our country.
Fraternally,
James C. Little
Int’l President