Teamsters Join Helmets to Hardhats for Wounded Warriors Fundraiser

Union to Present Wheelchair to Veteran While Raising Money for Wounded Soldiers

Teamsters Joint Council 25 and Helmets to Hardhats, the national veterans program, have partnered to host Chicago’s first Wounded Warriors fundraiser today.

The Helmets to Hardhats Wounded Warriors Program supports disabled veterans by providing career opportunities and advancement in the building and construction trades. In addition to raising money for the program, tonight’s event at Dick’s Last Resort will bring together the Illinois labor community, state legislators, participating employers and wounded warriors to discuss economic issues currently facing Illinois veterans.

“As a veteran myself, I understand the hardships that face our returning veterans,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who will attend and serve as the event’s honorary chairman with Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz of the U.S. Army Reserves. “I am committed to supporting the efforts of our soldiers and proud to join the Teamsters and Helmets to Hardhats at their first national Wounded Warriors event.”

The Teamsters plan to present Jason Wheeler, a recent military veteran facing life-altering injuries, with a new motorized wheelchair to assist his recovery. Wheeler and other wounded warriors will also receive the strength of support of the local labor community, including event co-chairs John T. Coli of Teamsters Joint Council 25, Dennis Gannon of the Chicago Federation of Labor, Tom Villanova of the Chicago Building Trades, and Christine Boardman of Service Employees International Union Local 73.

“All military and union supporters are encouraged to join us at this special celebration, to assist our wounded warriors and to help our soldiers achieve the American dream,” said Michael Yauger, President of Teamsters Local 786 and the Teamsters’ Helmets to Hardhats Coordinator.

WHAT: Helmets to Hardhats Wounded Warriors Fundraiser

WHEN: 5-9 p.m., Thursday, September 10, 2009

WHERE: Dick’s Last Resort, 315 N. Dearborn St., Chicago

TICKETS: $50 (All proceeds benefit the Helmets to Hardhats Wounded Warriors Program)

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