Brothers and Sisters,
IUOE Local 4 is committed to giving back to organizations supporting our communities. Due to the generosity of our membership, we were able to donate over $10,000 to Veterans, Inc. and House in the Woods this year.
Building a strong foundation for our veterans is of the utmost importance, and I am grateful that our union has been able to donate toward providing resources and support. Our communities are stronger because of our veterans, and we must continue uplifting organizations that support them.
To this extent, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette recently published an op-ed I authored. You can read the full piece below!
William McLaughlin: Supporting our veterans vital to strength of our communities
Veterans, Inc. is a crucial pillar of the Worcester community, as they’ve saved and improved thousands of lives through their work. It has helped more than 85,000 veterans in need, giving them the tools necessary to rebuild their lives, become self-sufficient, and reconnect with family, friends, and their community. Our latest contribution to Veterans, Inc. serves as a reminder that we are investing in the strength and spirit of our society when we have our veteran’s backs.
Our veterans continue to face one of the biggest challenges in our society – homelessness. And we know the disheartening truth that veterans are at greater risk of becoming homeless than other Americans due to their complex experiences, which increase the likelihood of struggling with substance abuse, mental illness, and economic insecurity.
By equipping organizations that provide resources to veterans with needed resources, we can aid their transition back to civilian life and mitigate the challenges they face. We can only truly build our communities when we create safe spaces for all to flourish and live fulfilling lives.
Central to accomplishing this is the integration of behavioral health treatment with housing, job training, and case management – all services that Veterans, Inc. offers. Supporting the transition of service members to life outside the military is not just a way to honor those who have sacrificed for this country, it is an investment in the future of our communities.
William McLaughlin is the business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4. Operating Engineers Local 4 is a building trade union representing more than 5,000 heavy equipment operators, apprentices, mechanics, surveyors, equipment house employees, and wastewater technicians throughout Eastern Massachusetts, Eastern New Hampshire, and the state of Maine.
In Solidarity,