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Gary M. Ruffner |
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Chairman David Leslie Frank Meznarich Martin Tomalo Jose Saenz |
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Gary M. Ruffner |
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Chairman David Leslie Frank Meznarich Martin Tomalo Jose Saenz |
May 14, 2004
Imagine being laid up at Walter Reed Medical Center, alone and afraid, constantly reliving in your mind the horrific moment on the battlefield that blew off a leg and left you without sight in one eye, the ability to hear from one ear, and a number of other injuries. UWUA Executive Board Member Robert Conetta doesn't have to imagine. A much-decorated military veteran, he sustained these permanent injuries during fierce combat in the Vietnam Conflict. Bob was fortunate to have his family rush to his bedside when he returned to the United States for care and rehabilitation at Walter Reed in Washington, DC. But his comrades lay all around him, alone in their anguish because their family members didn't have the financial wherewithal to travel from their homes in Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Louisiana, California, Massachusetts, and elsewhere in the country.
Ever since the first of the wounded in America's war on terrorism began returning home, Bob could not help but think about the physically maimed and emotionally spent American servicemen and servicewomen facing lengthy medical care and rehabilitation at Walter Reed. They are so close to home, yet so far from their loved ones. In many cases, these men and women, who have sacrificed for our country, will not be reunited with their families until they are released from the hospital months later. The UWUA is about to change that -- and we need your help to make it happen.
Along with Bob, who also serves as Local 1-2 Secretary-Treasurer, the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, has conceived UWUA OPERATION FAMILY REUNION -- a nationwide financial outreach initiative whose partnership with the Army Fisher Houses reunites family members with wounded and injured servicemen and servicewomen of all branches of the U.S. Military who are receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation at Walter Reed.
Fisher Houses is a non-profit organization that works closely with Walter Reed in identifying servicemen and servicewomen receiving treatment, care, and rehabilitation. Fisher Houses contacts immediate family members of these fallen military personnel and makes the necessary round-trip accommodations, as well as the appropriate lodging and meal accommodations, at one of the Fisher Houses -- all at no cost to the families. This is where UWUA OPERATION FAMILY REUNION plays a major role in this effort -- and this is where you can be a tremendous help.
The UWUA is asking each local union to make the most generous contribution possible in order to maximize the number of families we can assist. The National Union is providing all of the administrative, legal, and other support required for UWUA OPERATION FAMILY REUNION so that 100% of the contributions received goes directly to the families.
Your financial contribution to UWUA OPERATION FAMILY REUNION will help pay for transportation, meals, and lodging for these military families. As this protracted war against terrorism inevitably and unfortunately produces greater numbers of maimed and wounded, UWUA OPERATION FAMILY REUNION -- through your generous contribution -- will allow Fisher Houses to reach EVERY family. We are striving to make sure that no one will be left out.
Army Fisher Houses has been serving military families in their time of need since 1991. Keeping the family unit together - spouse, children, parents, siblings - is particularly critical to the physical and emotional recovery of wounded servicemen and servicewomen. Fisher Houses are within walking distance of Walter Reed since they are located on the grounds of the medical center. They provide comfortable, temporary homes, filled with warm and caring people.
When you put things into perspective, it's a small but meaningful role that we can be proud of -- a gesture of thanks and appreciation to those who serve American in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the world, protecting our freedom, democracy, and way of life.
Please click on the links below for additional information on UWUA OPERATION FAMILY REUNION, and how you can make a contribution. Thank you for your generosity.
In solidarity,
/s/
Donald E. Wightman
National President, Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO
Trustee, UWUA OPERATION FAMILY REUNION
NOTE: The UWUA OPERATION FAMILY REUNION Charitable Trust has applied to the Internal Revenue Service for exemption as a 501(c)(3) organization. The exemption is pending.
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