Veterans Day this year is Monday, November 11th. For the officers and
members of IBEW Local 98, however,
every day is Veterans Day.
IBEW Local 98’s membership includes many proud military veterans. To both
honor them and provide them with the help and resources they need and
deserve, we formed the Local 98 Veterans Committee last year and appointed
veteran and Local 98 member Bryan Gabriel to lead the effort. To date, the
Local 98 Veterans Committee has donated hundreds of pairs of new socks to
local veterans. The committee is also sponsoring a coat drive to keep
veterans in-need warm this winter.
I, along with Bryan Gabriel, have been able to assist Local 98 veteran
members with military discharge upgrades in order for them to receive
benefits. The committee is also working with several Local 98 veterans to
get them either started with a disability claim or upgrade their current
rating to a higher percentage. The committee is also researching all 98
Local members who ever served in the military in order to inscribe their
names on a wall of honor at our new Navy Yard union hall.
Provided Courtesy/IBEW Local Union 98
Mark Lynch, Jr., IBEW Local 98 Business Manager
In addition to our own Veterans Committee’s work, we’re proud to have
supported the Veterans Multi-Service Center for many years with funding,
food and materials, as well as with in-kind electrical work. Local 98 also
proudly supports the Travis Manion Foundation.
Named for First Lieutenant Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate
sacrifice for the safety of his patrol in 2007, the foundation carries on
the legacy of selfless service and leadership embodied by Travis and all
those who have served, or continue to serve, our nation. The foundation
strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and
highlighting the role models that lead them. It developed programs, training
opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the
fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation
and the community at large.
IBEW Local 98 also provides in-kind
electrical work and funding for the city’s Vietnam and Korean War Memorials.
Like they were there for us, we always answer veterans’ calls for help.
