WHEREAS:

AFSCME has a unique and important bond with our nation's veterans. Many of our members and leaders are veterans themselves. Our 2007 member poll showed that 31% of our members had themselves served in Iraq or Afghanistan or have family members who have served; and

WHEREAS:

In addition to serving their county in combat, AFSCME members also provide care and services for our veterans when they return home. AFSCME members administer benefits and provide direct care in veterans' service offices and veterans' hospitals and homes around the country; and

WHEREAS:

In addition to supporting veterans on the job, AFSCME members also support veterans through fundraising and volunteer service; and

WHEREAS:

The ACU Steering Committee and the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee recently voted to ask the IEB to support a fundraising effort that was initiated by Local 387 in CT; and

WHEREAS:

Local 387 has raised money for veterans at the CT veterans' home by raffling a motorcycle that was custom made by Orange County Choppers; and

WHEREAS:

Local 387 contributions have paid for the construction of athletic fields, installation of computers and plasma TVs for the veterans at the state home; and

WHEREAS:

Orange County Choppers has agreed to build a veterans' themed motorcycle at cost, which is $40,000, to be raffled off at the 2008 International Convention; and

WHEREAS:

The proceeds from the raffle would be distributed to AFSCME affiliates that represent workers at state veterans' homes and hospitals to make contributions for the good and welfare of veterans; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International Union contribute $40,000 for this effort as a demonstration of our support for those who have bravely served their country; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils in every state where our members staff the state veterans' homes, "adopt" those homes, and engage their communities in fundraising drives to augment the funds raised by the International Union.