Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Air Transport group marked the anniversary of September 11 by remembering union members who died in the 2001 attacks. The statement, issued by Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, listed eight individuals from IAM and TCU/IAM who lost their lives.
The victims remembered were Marianne MacFarlane, Keith Maynard, Jesus Sanchez (all IAM), and James W. Barbella, Edward Calderon, Rocco Medaglia, Eugene Raggio, and Edward T. Strauss (all TCU/IAM).
Johnsen addressed the ongoing impact of September 11 on both the nation and union members: “Today, we gather with heavy hearts to honor and remember those precious lives we tragically lost in 2001. The horrific events of that day left an indelible mark on the fabric of our nation and, most profoundly, on each of us within our cherished union family. Many Americans endured the profound sorrow of losing friends and loved ones, and we, too, mourn the loss of our beloved IAM and TCU/IAM siblings.”
He continued: “Our world and our Union changed on that fateful day. We stood together, united in strength and compassion, during that devastating time, just as we always have and always will. Let us continue to hold in our thoughts and hearts the memory of our Air Transport family and all those we lost on that dark day. Their legacy of courage and unity continues to inspire our Union.”
“We will never forget,” Johnsen concluded.
