Sisters and Brothers:
As we continue to disperse disaster relief checks each week for those affected in Texas, Florida and the surrounding areas due to Harvey and Irma, we would like to take a moment to update everyone on the status of assisting our Sisters and Brothers affected by Maria in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. We have thankfully been able to reach one of our IAM Reps in Puerto Rico, and have been evaluating all possible means of assistance for our Sisters and Brothers.
As most of us have heard, the means of communication are almost completely destroyed, the roadways are impassible, and there are reports coming in that relief that is currently arriving is also being looted just as fast near the airports. Our GVP Sito Pantoja along with our IP Bob Martinez have been desperately awaiting a positive go-ahead to deliver supplies with the abilities to actually get the supplies off of the airport property and into the homes of our members and their families.
We are currently working with the Grand Lodge and our IAM Representative who is on the ground in Puerto Rico to ensure that we can deliver as much aid as possible, as quickly as we can, directly to our Sisters and Brothers in need. Once the logistics of collection and delivery are finalized, we will pass the information along to everyone here in the states. As we have asked this past month–please consider making a monetary donation to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund at:
This monetary donation is tax-deductible and is truly making a difference for our coworkers, families and friends in some of their darkest moments.
If you have family in these affected areas, please reach out to your Local Lodge Rep(s) and keep us informed of who they are. If there is anything we can do for them once we are able to begin relief efforts, we will. We stand with all of our Sisters and Brothers; your families and your friends during this difficult time.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Air Transport District Lodge 142 Executive Board
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