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IAM Union military veteran members from 17 states across the country gathered in Wichita, Kan., on May 16 as part of the IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee (VSSC)’s annual meeting, combining strategic discussion with impactful community service.
Each year, the VSSC travels to a different location to discuss IAM initiatives, legislation affecting veterans, and explore ways to better support veteran members. This year’s meeting included a powerful volunteer effort and participation in a local IAM event honoring service members.
The committee visited a homeless facility to assist with a grounds cleanup, working to improve the space and give back to local individuals facing challenging circumstances.
“This is a new initiative for the City of Wichita. The [VSSC] was the first volunteer group that actually came out and participated on site, helping with a volunteer service project,” said City of Wichita Director of Parks and Recreation Reggie Davidson. “This is setting the tone on what we would do moving forward.”
On May 17, the group also took part in the Flags of Freedom dedication ceremony. Co-hosted by IAM District 70 and the United Way of the Plains, Flags of Freedom is a display of 600 American flags placed in the field of the District 70 office, each sponsored by a loved one in honor or memory of a veteran. Participants of the ceremony included local veterans, the Wichita Patriot Riders and representatives from United Way.
“We honor, in different ways, the veterans that we’ve lost but we don’t have to let the sacrifice they made go in vain,” said IAM Assistant Veteran Services Coordinator Bryan Stymacks. “We owe it to them to take up the service that they live by and help serve our communities.”
Proceeds will support Veterans Ride Free, an initiative between United Way, the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, and the City of Wichita Transit Authority to provide veterans with free rides on city transit.
“The Veterans Services Steering Committee’s visit showcased the enduring commitment of veterans to support one another and uplift the communities they call home,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “I thank every member who contributed their time and energy in Wichita.”
