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 was part of the IAM Local 778 H.E.L.P.S. initiative.
Participants carried backpacks and wagons filled with food donations 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 assist them in navigating VA benefits and resources.
The VCP provides additional support for veterans’ pets by offering amenities such as a dog park, dog wash station, and access to a volunteer veterinarian. These services aim to help foster dignity and stability for veterans in the community.
IAM Union members emphasized the importance of supporting military veterans through collective action. Carlos Rentas was recognized for his role in inviting participants and inspiring involvement in the event.
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli commented on the significance of the program: “IAM Local 778 is exemplifying why we created the IAM Midwest Territory H.E.L.P.S. program,” said Cicinelli. “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 organizers intend for this event to become an annual tradition that brings together union members in support of local veterans.
