IAM Veterans Roadshow Brings VA Claim Assistance Directly to Veterans
The IAM Union Retirees and Membership Assistance Department brought its Veterans Services program directly to military veterans and IAM members across New Mexico and Texas during the department’s first-ever IAM Veterans Roadshow, helping 63 military veterans in just five days.
The roadshow traveled to Clovis, Alamogordo, Las Cruces and Albuquerque, N.M., and El Paso, Texas, providing veterans with direct engagement and assistance navigating U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims. This effort reflects the IAM Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting the men and women who served their country and continue to contribute to their communities and the IAM membership.
The entire roadshow was documented on video:
Roadshow Opener
Alamogordo Recap
Las Cruces Recap
Albuquerque Recap
Mission and Closer
New Mexico Roadshow Walk Outs
“I was hoping our team could process claims for around 20 or so veterans. I thought that would be a success, but my expectation was blown out of the water when, in the end, we served 63 veterans in five days,” said IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Director James Little. “There were a lot of long hours, but it was totally worth every second.”
The roadshow reached IAM members working in support of critical military installations and federal operations throughout the region, including Melrose Bombing Range, Cannon Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Test Facility, NASA’s Super Guppy Turbine operation at El Paso International Airport, Fort Bliss and Kirtland Air Force Base.
Through the IAM Veterans Services program, the union helps veterans navigate the VA claims process and pursue the benefits they have earned through their military service. For many veterans, understanding the claims process and securing the benefits they deserve can be challenging. The IAM’s direct assistance helps members access support and pursue the compensation available to them.
The program has already helped IAM veterans secure more than $5.5 million in VA back pay for claims processed with the team’s assistance, providing critical financial support to veterans and their families. Currently the IAM Veterans Services Officers are representing 817 veterans in their VA claims.
Not only that, but the Veterans Service program informs IAM military veterans of commonly unknown benefits earned through service, including VA burial and memorial benefits for eligible honorably discharged service members, veterans, and their family members.
The success of the first IAM Veterans Roadshow demonstrates the value of bringing these services directly to IAM member veterans where they live and work. By connecting veterans with knowledgeable assistance from fellow military veterans and IAM members, the IAM continues to honor their service through meaningful support.
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