IAM Local 1746 President Howard “Howie” Huestis is not only dedicated to IAM members at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, Conn., but also to the very community that helped raise him.
“I grew up in this town. I am dedicated to this town,” said Huestis. “I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of needing donations.”
IAM Local 1746 Women’s Committee members Therese Hervieux and Taylor Salmon, under Huestis’s leadership, have continued to partner with the East Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut to provide thousands of school supplies to children who are less fortunate. It is a yearly event that the community, especially students, looks forward to.
Last year’s event took place at East Hartford Green Park, where booths and tables were set to distribute school materials, including backpacks, notebooks, rulers, pencils, and more. The IAM Eastern Territory also donated several supplies for the event.
Now, at the recent Connecticut State Council, IAM Eastern Territory leadership presented Howie with an IAM Human Rights Award. The recognition was presented by IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan and Chief of Staff Lorie Wilson for Huestis’ commitment to his community by establishing and maintaining involvement in the backpack rally event.
The event has expanded to include other community partner booths and, sometimes, health services, all in an effort to support those in need to start the school year on the right path.
“This backpack program is an example of what it means to be a union involved deeply in the communities we work,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Howie’s commitment to ensure those who are underserved in his community are not forgotten is to be commended.”
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