Internal NFFE News
June 11, 2025
In May, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) National Business Representative Jake Pannell joined fellow IAM Union military veteran members from 17 states across the country in Wichita, Kansas, as part of the IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee (VSSC)’s annual meeting, which combines strategic discussion with impactful community service.
Each year, the VSSC travels to a different location to discuss IAM initiatives, legislation affecting veterans, and explore ways to better support veteran members. This year’s meeting included a powerful volunteer effort and participation in a local IAM event honoring service members.
The committee visited a homeless facility to assist with a grounds cleanup, working to improve the space and give back to local individuals facing challenging circumstances.
“This is a new initiative for the City of Wichita. The VSSC was the first volunteer group that actually came out and participated on site, helping with a volunteer service project,” said City of Wichita Director of Parks and Recreation Reggie Davidson. “This is setting the tone on what we would do moving forward.”
The group also took part in the Flags of Freedom dedication ceremony. Co-hosted by IAM District 70 and the United Way of the Plains, Flags of Freedom is a display of 600 American flags placed in the field of the District 70 office, each sponsored by a loved one in honor or memory of a veteran. Participants of the ceremony included local veterans, the Wichita Patriot Riders and representatives from United Way.
Proceeds will support Veterans Ride Free, an initiative between United Way, the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, and the City of Wichita Transit Authority to provide veterans with free rides on city transit.
Pannell, a veteran himself, delivered remarks at the event. His comments touched on the need to stand in solidarity with the veterans who continue serving their country as federal workers, who are now under threat. One third of civil servants are veterans, serving in government offices, national forests, VA hospitals, shipyards, laboratories, and beyond.
“We’re fighting for the soul of federal service,” said Pannell in a speech. “For the dignity of every veteran-turned-public-servant. For every worker who’s done their duty — and deserves to be treated with respect, not as a bargaining chip. So let’s stand — veterans, federal employees, union family — side by side. Shoulder to shoulder. Like we always have.”