APWU Veterans Network Established
July 9, 2021
(This article first appeared in the July/August 2021 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine)
The American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO is proud to announce the formal establishment of the APWU Veterans Network. This group is comprised of APWU members who have, or are still serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The APWU Veterans Network was established by President Dimondstein and the Industrial Relations Department:
- To provide opportunities to connect with other APWU veterans, provide support for each other and stay informed on important issues; and
- To help advance the overall goals of the APWU and the labor movement.
As part of the kick-off for this program, more than 25,200 APWU members with known military service were mailed a copy of the APWU Guide to Veterans Rights and Benefits.
This reference will serve as a quick guide on the important rights and benefits of veterans employed by the United States Postal Service. The APWU relied on data from the USPS to identify our members who served in the armed forces, and we are aware that it is not complete. If you did not receive a copy, please contact veterans@apwu.org. The guide is also available online at apwu.org/veterans.
As part of the APWU Veterans Network program, APWU local presidents were asked to provide a local veterans affairs representative to serve as a point of contact for veteran- related issues. These local VA representatives will work jointly with nationally appointed National Veterans, Guard, and Reservist Information Special (VGRIS) Regan Kresge, to help other APWU veterans stay informed on important rights and issues that pertain to them. “I thank Industrial Relations Director Vance Zimmerman, Assistant Manager for Negotiations Support & Special Projects Michael Macho and Regan Kresge for their contributions in advancing this important veterans work," said President Dimondstein. “We appreciate the NALC sharing with us their contributions on veteran rights and benefits."
New Veterans Network to be Managed by APWU VGRIS
The APWU Veterans Network will be managed by National Veterans, Guard, and Reservist Information Specialist (VGRIS) Regan Kresge. She was appointed to the position of VGRIS in December of 2017. The APWU thanks Sister Regan Kresge for her willingness to continue to serve in this role. Sister Kresge began her postal career in 2007 as a PTF Clerk and then transferred over to the Maintenance Craft in 2008. She has been a proud member of the APWU since she started her career with the U.S. Postal Service.
Sister Kresge began her military service when she joined the Marine Corps as a senior in high school, following in the footsteps of her father and brother.
She served in a Reserve Unit from 1992-2005, attached to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG)-49 at Naval Air Station Willow Grove, located in Montgomery County, PA. She routinely volunteered for active duty assignments while supporting MAG-49, as well as the Reserve Support Unit at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC.
“The many years in the Marine Corps certainly set the foundation of a Esprit De Corps mindset. I believe in a Brother/Sisterhood mentality. Taking care, looking out for each other and being there to support each other professionally and emotionally,” said Kresge. “I am honored to support our postal veterans. That is why I accepted the position of VGRIS, and Local Veteran Affairs Representative for the APWU Local 95, Lancaster, Pa.
“It is my commitment to you, to give my attention to receiving and relaying any information with relation to our Veterans,” Kresge continued. “I welcome and encourage anyone with thoughts, questions, concerns and suggestions, to come speak with me, to make the support of our veterans a successful mission.”
One of the primary responsibilities of the VGRIS is to help keep APWU Veterans, Guard, Reservists, family members, and representatives informed about protections, benefits and program services or pending changes that may affect them. In recent months, Sister Kresge has taken on a more active role and looks forward to continuing this trend moving forward.