Tag: TWU

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Veteran’s Drive Renamed in Honor of Late TWUVC Chair

by KristinLeave a Comment on Veteran’s Drive Renamed in Honor of Late TWUVC Chair
Veteran’s Drive Renamed in Honor of Late TWUVC Chair

As some of you might already know…my dad passed away unexpectedly on May 20, 2015.  My dad was a proud Vietnam veteran, who dedicated his life to helping other veteran’s and their families.  He’d give anyone the clothes off of his own back.  My family was incredibly touched to see this article on the TWU (Transport Workers Union) website last night, so I thought I would share.

 

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The TWU Veterans Committee will once again support Operation Military Embrace’s annual “Operation Free PX” drive, which collects clothing, household items and funds for wounded warriors recovering at San Antonio Military Medical Center in Texas. Each year, TWU locals from around the country donate their time, resources and generous gifts to benefit nearly 21,000 soldiers and their families during the holiday season.

This year, the drive has a special meaning for TWU: it has been renamed in memory of beloved TWUVC Chairman Emeritus Hank Trujillo (pictured above left with ATD International Representative Jose Galarza and Secretary-Treasurer Alex Garcia). Over many years, Brother Hank worked tirelessly as a steward and chief steward for TWU Local 568. He was appointed Chairman of that local’s Veterans Committee and focused on members who were active and retired military. His dedication to military members was later recognized at the international level when he was asked to serve as Chairman of the International TWU Veterans Committee, a position he accepted with honor. Hank remained active with the committee even after his retirement from American Airlines. He touched the lives of so many of our members, and we cannot think of a more fitting tribute than to rename this charity drive in his honor.
For new donated items, please see your Veterans Committee representative for shipment or send them to the TWU ATD office at: 1791 Hurstview Drive, Hurst, TX 76054-3430. Monetary contributions can be made online or by mailing a check to the address listed there. We look forward to making this year’s drive the most successful yet, and honoring Brother Hank’s memory by helping our wounded warriors.
You can find more information on the link provided for Operation Military Embrace and on the TWU Official Site.  Please take the time to read up on this donation drive, and spread the word.  Thank you so much!!
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Memorial Day 2015

by KristinLeave a Comment on Memorial Day 2015

Contrary to what many believe, Memorial Day isn’t just a random day off from work that allows you to BBQ and go boating with friends.  It’s a holiday meant to appreciate and remember those who gave their lives in order to protect us and give us our freedom.  As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and the granddaughter of a World War II Veteran, I’ve always understood the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

In the last three years, however, Memorial Day has had more meaning to me than ever.  My grandfather passed away three years ago, just five months after my grandmother passed away.  He had non-Hodgkins lymphoma which quickly spread to his bones after she died.  My dad passed away this week, only four weeks after being diagnosed with end stage cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and hepatic encephalopathy.  He dedicated years of his life towards helping other veterans and enjoyed working with an organization called Building Homes for Heroes (please see my previous post if you’d like to make a donation to this organization in his name).  He was chairman for the TWU Veterans Committee, and they were gracious enough to put together a video for Memorial Day that includes a tribute to him.

Please check out the video and feel free to share it.  Enjoy your BBQ’s this weekend, but also take the time to do what this holiday is meant for us to do…remember those veterans who have lost their lives and given us our freedom.

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