On October 4, 2025, members of IAM Local 778, supported by IAM District 70 and the IAM Local 839 Veterans Committee, organized their first annual Ruck-N-Rolls road march in Kansas City, Missouri. The event is part of the IAM Local 778 H.E.L.P.S. program.
Participants carried backpacks and wagons filled with food donations as they walked to the Veterans Community Project (VCP) community center and tiny home village. The VCP offers a variety of services for local veterans, including medical, dental, and mental health care. It also connects veterans with Veteran Service Officers who help them access VA benefits and resources.
The VCP supports veterans in several ways, including providing amenities for their pets such as a dog park, dog wash station, and volunteer veterinarian services. These efforts aim to promote dignity and stability among veterans.
The event highlighted the union’s commitment to supporting military veterans within their ranks and emphasized the importance of community service.
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli said: “IAM Local 778 is exemplifying why we created the IAM Midwest Territory H.E.L.P.S. program. Our members are ready and enthusiastic about stepping up for efforts they care about. Supporting and honoring veterans has become a core value of our union, in addition to service to the general community. Our territory and membership is happy to uplift veterans in our communities, and Local 778 has admirably organized what will be an event that members look forward to every year.”
The local chapter expressed appreciation to Carlos Rentas for his role in inspiring participation in this initiative.
