Quick links+
On Saturday October 4, 2025 members of the IAM Local 778 along with support from IAM District 70 and IAM Local 839 Veterans Committee traveled to Kansas City, Mo., to proudly initiate IAM Local 778’s first annual Ruck-N-Rolls road march, an IAM Local 778 H.E.L.P.S. event.
With backpacks and wagons loaded with food donations, the team joined fellow IAM Union members on a meaningful journey destined for the Veterans Community Project (VCP) community center and tiny home village.
The experience was nothing short of inspiring. The VCP is a truly remarkable resource for local veterans in need, offering a wide range of all-encompassing services including medical, dental, and mental health care, as well as connections to Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who help veterans navigate VA benefits and resources.
What makes VCP especially unique is its commitment to supporting veterans holistically, including their furry companions. The facility provides a dog park, a dog wash station, and a volunteer veterinarian to ensure veterans’ pets receive proper care. It’s a place that fosters dignity, stability, and community for those who’ve served our country.
This event not only showcased the solidarity and compassion of IAM Union’s military veteran community, but also reinforced the shared mission of supporting those who have served the nation in uniform.
The Local wants to give a big shout out to Carlos Rentas for the invitation and inspiration to be a part of such an impactful event. The day was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together in service to others, especially the nation’s heroes.
Most Used“IAM Local 778 is exemplifying why we created the IAM Midwest Territory H.E.L.P.S. program,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Our members are ready and enthusiastic about stepping up for efforts they care about. Supporting and honoring veterans has become a core value of our union, in addition to service to the general community. Our territory and membership is happy to uplift veterans in our communities, and Local 778 has admirably organized what will be an event that members look forward to every year.”
H.E.L.P.S. stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing, and Servicing. Each District and unaffiliated Local in the Midwest Territory hosts at least one H.E.L.P.S. event per year.
