The Fallen Heroes Fund
Over the past few years, almost 1,000 of AFSCME's members have volunteered or been called up to serve in the U.S. military in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and units based here at home. Tragically, three of our members have lost their lives in the line of duty:
Army Reserve Capt. Paul J. Cassidy of Michigan Local 1390 (Council 25)
National Guard Sgt. Bill Normandy of Vermont Local 1369 (Council 93)
And, most recently, Marine Pfc. Brent T. Vroman (see below).
Everyone in this union is proud of and grateful to those fallen members. We want to help their families by establishing a fund that provides them with financial assistance. The International is starting the "Fallen Heroes Fund" with $30,000, and hopes that affiliates and individual members will also donate. Contributions to the fund are tax deductible.
Just as we did with our successful September 11 Fund, we can make a difference in the lives of these families. We hope you will help.
Please make your check payable to the "AFSCME Fallen Heroes Fund" and mail it c/o the fund at AFSCME, 1625 L St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-5687.
| Marine Pfc. Brent T. Vroman of Oshkosh, Wis., a member of Local 134 (Council 24), was killed last December just south of Baghdad. Vroman, 21, died when an improvised bomb planted in a parked vehicle exploded and ripped through a local market. A corrections officer at the New Lisbon Correctional Institution, he was laid to rest on Dec. 23. In high school, Vroman won wrestling titles and lettered in football, baseball and track. He is survived by his parents, three brothers (including a twin who's also a Marine), three sisters and fiancée. |
