Richard Evans, the Veterans Services Coordinator for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), has been appointed Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, effective March 1, 2026. The announcement was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant on March 12.
Evans’ new role will involve leading programs that support retired members, assist families facing hardship, and continue to build on the union’s veterans services initiative. This appointment is seen as a reflection of the union’s commitment to providing advocacy and resources for veterans and retirees.
“As Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, Evans will help lead the IAM’s programs that support retired members, assist IAM families facing hardship, and continue building the IAM’s nationally-recognized veterans services initiative,” said Bryant. “His appointment reflects our union’s strong commitment to provide veterans and retirees with the advocacy, resources, and respect they deserve.”
Jody Bennet, Resident General Vice President at IAM, said: “We are proud to say that in the IAM Union, we have one of the highest percentages of military veterans in the labor movement. Rich was a member and veteran who worked alongside fellow veterans and stepped up to help them with their claims after being exposed to the difficulties veterans face when trying to receive benefits. He brings a strong drive to everything in our union that could possibly affect veteran members, and he ensures that veterans remain a priority for us.”
Evans is recognized for his work as a VA-accredited claims agent for IAM members. He has secured more than $5 million in back pay for affiliated veterans through his efforts with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits claims. James Little, Director of Retirees and Membership Assistance at IAM, said: “He has become known and respected across the IAM for his achievements in advocating on behalf of IAM veterans and their families. I look forward to expanding and strengthening the resources and capabilities of all of our membership assistance programs with Rich in this role.”
Evans also played a key role in having IAM recognized by the VA as an official Veterans Service Organization—the first labor union to achieve this status—expanding its ability to advocate for veterans nationwide. His journey began after navigating his own denied VA claim while working at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland; he then began helping other members with their claims.
In his previous position as Veterans Services Coordinator, Evans assisted many IAM veterans and their relatives in applying for various VA benefits including disability compensation, education benefits, employment resources, home loans, life insurance, pensions, health care, and burial benefits.
