Richard Evans, the Veterans Services Coordinator for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), has been appointed Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, effective March 1, 2026. The announcement was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant on March 12.
Evans’ new role will involve helping to lead programs that support retired members, assist families facing hardship, and continue building the union’s veterans services initiative. This appointment is seen as a reflection of the union’s commitment to providing advocacy and resources for veterans and retirees.
“As Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, Evans will help lead the IAM’s programs that support retired members, assist IAM families facing hardship, and continue building the IAM’s nationally-recognized veterans services initiative,” said Bryant. “His appointment reflects our union’s strong commitment to provide veterans and retirees with the advocacy, resources, and respect they deserve.”
Jody Bennet, Resident General Vice President at IAM, said: “We are proud to say that in the IAM Union, we have one of the highest percentages of military veterans in the labor movement. Rich was a member and veteran who worked alongside fellow veterans and stepped up to help them with their claims after being exposed to the difficulties veterans face when trying to receive benefits. He brings a strong drive to everything in our union that could possibly affect veteran members, and he ensures that veterans remain a priority for us.”
Evans is recognized for his work as a VA-accredited claims agent for IAM-affiliated veterans. He has secured more than $5 million in back pay for these members through his efforts navigating U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits systems. James Little, Director of Retirees and Membership Assistance at IAM said: “He has become known and respected across the IAM for his achievements in advocating on behalf of IAM veterans and their families. I look forward to expanding and strengthening the resources and capabilities of all of our membership assistance programs with Rich in this role.”
Evans also played a key role in making IAM the first labor union recognized by the VA as an official Veterans Service Organization (VSO), which expanded its ability to advocate for veterans nationwide. His journey began after personally experiencing challenges with his own VA claim while working at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland; after successfully appealing his denial, he began assisting other members with their claims.
In his previous position as Veterans Services Coordinator, Evans helped many members apply for disability compensation, education benefits, employment resources, home loans, life insurance, pensions, health care coverage, and burial benefits through VA programs.
