We visit wounded veterans at Walter Reed Hospital and at National Navy Medical Center. We also give them iPods to listen to when they're undergoing physical therapy.
Last Friday, Teamsters from Locals 25 and 122 in Boston and Local 170 in Worcester drove to Washington to visit the hospitals. They also brought Rick Larrimore, a Rod Stewart tribute performer, to put on a show for the troops and their families.
The whole thing was the brainstorm of brother Paul Cardello from Local 170 and brother Wayne Fox from Local 25. The two Teamsters co-host a sports talk show on WCTV, community television in Wilmington, Mass.
They've enlisted the union, local businesses and state Rep. James Miceli to help with fundraising to buy the iPods. Cardello, an Air Force veteran, says he's proud to do it. "I've been a Teamster all my life and it is an honor," he said.
This isn't the first time Teamsters brought iPods to wounded troops. They've come to Washington twice before to distribute iPods, giving up their Thanksgiving last year to do it. They've donated iPods at other military hospitals in Massachusetts.
If you'd like to donate, make your check payable to “IPods for Wounded Veterans,” and send it to: 4 Heather Drive, Wilmington, MA 01887. IPods for Wounded Veterans is a registered 501(c)(3), charitable organization.
