POWER D.R.I.V.E. - Teamsters Local 25

✮ TEAMSTERS/MILITARY ✮CDL LICENSING PROGRAM HELPSVETERANS START NEW LIVESLEFT: Left to right, Sean M. O’Brien and Col. David SutherlandRIGHT: Left to right, Brenda Dionne, Ann Vesey, Col. David Sutherland, Kelly South, Edna Prieto and Jen Todd“The Teamsters/Military CDLLicensing Program is by far the mostproductive program we have seen intransitioning military skills into thecivilian sector. It will be utilized as arole model program for many of thetransitioning and certification workforceefforts. We must as a militaryand civilian community partner andwork together to define the bestsolutions necessary so that thosewho have honorably served willendure a career path that will bestsuit the skills they have developedwhile serving their country. It is acollaborated effort and I commendthe Teamsters for the partneringsupport to our military and for thecommitment they have made to themen and women who have honorablyserved this great nation.”– Lt. General Jack C. Stultz, Chief,United States Army ReservesUnder the guidance of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters BuildingMaterial and Construction Trade Division, the Teamsters have developed a 200-hour CDL training course for veterans, reserve and guard candidates to assistthem in obtaining their certified Class A Commercial Truck Driving License.“I am very pleased that Local 25 has been chosen to help military personnelobtain their Commercial Drivers License. We have been training our own memberssince 1974 and we look forward to helping these courageous war veteransassimilate back into society with some marketable credentials,” said Sean M.O’Brien, President and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 25.The Teamsters have partnered with the Army and Marine Corps as well as theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and state agencies. There is no cost to thecandidates who take this course. After completion of the course, Local 25 makesthe best possible efforts to connect them with affiliated employers. In addition tothe Teamsters/Military CDL Licensing program, Local 25, in concert with TeamstersJoint Council 10 of New England, will have the capability to assist our Teamstermilitary veterans and their families in filing for a claim or disability. Acrossthe country the Teamsters have filed more than 2,000 claims with Teamster militaryveterans who were unaware of the presumptive illnesses the VA has identifiedthat should and could be filed on their behalf. Many of the Teamster veterans whohave filed have received not only an additional monthly income but also weregranted a lump sum. In this economy, offering this support to our Teamster militaryveterans and their families has shown to be a great supporting mechanism.Army Colonel David W. Sutherland and his staff visited Local 25 in July andendorsed Teamsters Local 25’s efforts to be part of the Teamsters Military CDLLicensing program.“I am excited that Teamsters Local 25 has decided to step up and help our militaryveterans. Becoming part of the Teamsters family will certainly help these formersoldiers absorb back into civilian life.” Sutherland said.Colonel Sutherland is currently serving as the Special Assistant to the Chairmanof the JointChiefs of Staff with principal focus on Warrior and Family programs.www.teamsterslocal25.com | FALL 2011 | The SPOKESMAN | 13