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APWU Assists Veterans at ‘Winterhaven Stand Down’

APWU Web News Article #003-09, Jan. 13, 2009

Homeless U.S. military veterans receive care packages donated by APWU members, Jan. 10, 2009.

Nearly 400 homeless veterans received new backpacks, blankets, and care packages that were donated by APWU state and local organizations as well as by individual union members from throughout the country. The contributions were the result of the APWU having answered the call to take part in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ “Winterhaven Stand Down,” which took place Jan. 10 at the Washington VA Medical Center. The union’s efforts were organized by Human Relations Director Sue Carney.

Various organizations set up distribution points. At the APWU station, backpacks filled with gloves, hats, scarves, hand- and foot-warmers, can openers, flashlights, toiletries and a variety of other items were given to homeless veterans, who also received new undergarments and socks. Along with the backpacks were care packages stuffed to capacity with ready-to-eat food items to help sustain American’s neediest veterans.

At the suggestion of the VA, the APWU also provided vinyl “portfolio” briefcases to help the homeless veterans protect their important documents.

APWU Human Relations Director Sue Carney coordinated the union's efforts to assist needy veterans.

Other stations at the event offered social services. Community agencies from around the D.C.-metropolitan area provided legal and medical aid, HIV testing, flu shots, dental care, employment counseling, and housing assistance. Hot meals, haircuts, showers, coats, shoes and other necessities were also offered to participants.

Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake, VA Medical Center Assistant Director Paula Gorman, and the center’s Chief of Staff, Ross Fletcher, each stopped by the APWU station to express appreciation and offer congratulations to our organization, our members, and volunteers for a job well done.

Peake presented APWU Human Relations Director Sue Carney with a special commemorative VA coin for organizing and coordinating APWU’s efforts. The tradition of coin-giving dates back to World War II, and is now a way to immediately recognize above-and-beyond the call-of-duty actions on the part of a soldier in the field or as a symbol of appreciation for exemplary service on behalf of U.S. troops.

APWU Executive Vice President Cliff Guffey (center), a Marine Corps veteran, and APWU headwquarters staff were also on hand to distribute the goods.

Carney said she was pleasantly surprised to receive the honor, but was quick to advise Peake that “the recognition belongs to the APWU membership. The thanks and smiles received from the veterans were more than enough. The coin was a beautiful, unexpected bonus,” she said, “but the true appreciation belongs to the men and women who volunteer to wear our country’s uniform.”

APWU Executive Vice President and Marine Corps veteran Cliff Guffey told the VA’s top official that the union’s efforts on behalf of all veterans would continue. “The APWU will support our troops in every way we can,” he said. “We want to ensure that our veterans are well taken care of. It’s especially important that we reach out to the less fortunate who find themselves homeless. We want to make sure that they receive the attention they need. They deserve all that we can give them.”

Thanks to the generosity of APWU members and local and state organizations, the union was able to provide more than $33,500 in food and necessities to veterans during this one-day event.

Click here to learn how you can support “APWU Support Our Troops and Veterans” efforts. Ongoing programs include Operation Care Package, Gratitude Dinners and Fast Food Favorites. Among the upcoming events that will need donations and sponsorship are Operation Valentine, Movie Nights and Christmas in July.

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