When many of our armed forces turn in their uniform after serving their country, they take on a new uniform to serve the public – as government workers. Today, over 1 in 3 federal workers are veterans. AFGE honors their service in both uniforms, and took time this month to recognize four very special veteran unionists.
At the June 3 event in Miami, AFGE honored Marvin Cooper (Local 3690 – BOP), Michael Cummins (Local 1167 – USAF), Shaunellia Ferguson (Local 2014 – SSA), and Aureli Muniz (Local 527 – ICE). The members were recognized for their commitment to legislative and political advocacy, membership organizing, and veteran mentorship. Each Local president presented their member with the award.
The event, held at the Miami Central Labor Council office, was organized by AFGE Veterans, a group of AFGE members who joined together to speak out on the issues that matter to veterans and their families. Federal hiring freezes and benefits cuts, for example, directly affect hundreds of thousands of veterans.
At the event, AFGE asked for volunteers to be their Local’s Veteran Coordinator – the veteran point of contact who organizes their members around pro-veteran legislative and political advocacy, membership recruitment, PAC solicitation, and organizer of events such as this.
“AFGE members who are veterans answered the call for public service not once but twice because they believe in serving their country. To them, government service means an opportunity to make meaningful change,” said AFGE President J. David Cox Sr. “And by joining AFGE Veterans, they help make the lives of their fellow veterans better. They truly exemplify patriotism.”
Will Attig, Iraq War veteran and executive director of the AFL-CIO’s Union Veterans Council, was the guest speaker at the event. He presented on the work of the UVC and engagement opportunities for AFGE members.
Locals participating in the event were BOP Local 3690, DOD Local 1167, ICE Local 527, SSA Local 2014, and VA Local 515. Thanks you to all who came to celebrate these exemplary union members!
If you haven't joined AFGE Veterans, join today and become a strong voice for America's veterans. Together, we can make a difference!
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