Labor and Management Work Together to Support the Troops at the Elm Road Generating Station
After watching a television program on C-SPAN in late 2007, Gary Glidden, Craft Safety Representative with Ironworkers Local 8 on the Elm Road Generating Station, was compelled to show his support for the U.S. troops.
Gary approached Mike Robinson, who was the site manager at the time, and discussed coordinating with the Ironworkers on site to bring in items to send to the military personnel serving overseas. Mike suggested doing it site wide, and the planning began.
Early on, Bechtel, We Energies and the Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades Council donated money for a banner announcing the supply-raising efforts. However, throughout the entire campaign, many local unions, union members and individuals donated money, gifts for raffles, time, and purchased sweatshirts and t-shirts to make it successful.
"Without the personal efforts here on site, this campaign wouldn't have happened," Glidden stated. "The troops who've gotten the supplies we've sent over are humbled and grateful, and it feels good to show even a little support for their sacrifices.
"I keep telling myself and others that the people in the military are the reason we are secure and our kids can sleep safely in their beds at night," Glidden added. "Everyone that has helped in some way understands this, and I am thankful for their involvement."
Through the help of a local marine recruiting office, Glidden said they've sent over 6,000 lbs. of supplies, including blankets, pillows, warm pajamas, basic necessities, and many other items to troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other outlying areas in the Middle East. In order to begin sending supplies, he had to submit his name to the Department of Defense – something he felt was just another step to supporting the men and women fighting overseas.
All in all, Glidden never expected that watching a television program would have evolved into something that impacted thousands of people. However, we're sure the troops who were touched by these fundraising efforts are grateful to Glidden, the 3,000 workers, and various local unions and companies that helped donate items.
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