IAM’s Veterans Services Coordinator Richard Evans recently joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast host Ed “Flash” Ferenc in the latest episode of the podcast.
Evans shared his story about going from a U.S. Navy sailor to an IAM member at Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS PAX River), to then becoming an official advocate for veterans with the IAM after processing his own VA claim and helping fellow veterans with theirs.
Listen to IAM Veterans Services Rich Evans on America’s Work Force Podcast.
After his six years of service in the Navy, Evans submitted a VA claim for Tinnitus, which was denied. Evans appealed the decision and thus began his path of learning to process VA claims.
After resolving his own claim, Evans went on to assist fellow IAM members at NAS PAX River in starting their claims and even started working to help resolve claims already in motion.
Now, as a VA-accredited claims agent, Evans helps IAM veterans and their relatives 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.
The IAM is continuously celebrating Evans’ success as leader of the Veterans Services Department. He has single-handedly won more than $2 million in back pay for IAM-affiliated veterans and is leading the IAM towards becoming the first union to be a VA-recognized veterans services organization.