In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our union has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting one another in times of crisis. Thanks to your generous contributions, SMART and our general president, Michael Coleman, have established three distribution centers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. These centers provide immediate assistance to our members as they work to recover from the devastating effects of the hurricane. 

We can only offer this vital help due to the remarkable donations made by our members. It is your compassion and willingness to stand together that enable us to provide much-needed relief to those hit by this storm. 

As we move forward, let us continue to support each other in our recovery efforts. The resilience and generosity displayed by our members is a shining example that it is not rhetoric when we refer to each other as sister and brother. SMART-TD is a family. We can, do, and always will have each other’s back. 

October 4: 

We would like to express our gratitude to Brian Killough, general chairman of GO-513 and the members he represents for their donation of $12,000 to the relief fund. 

October 3: 

A special thank you goes out to Ken Laugel from the UTU Insurance Association (UTUIA).  

As SMART-TD’s in-house insurance company, UTUIA has consistently prioritized the well-being of our members. President Jeremy Ferguson expressed his gratitude, stating: “Their sizeable donation to the Disaster Relief Fund is consistent with their mission of protecting our members every day. They have helped thousands of our people in the worst moments of their lives with their policies, but stepping up in this moment for our people, whose lives have been turned upside down by this hurricane, goes above and beyond the call of duty. I can’t thank Ken and everyone at the UTUIA enough.” 

October 2: 

We extend a heartfelt thanks to Tommy Gholson and General Committee 898 for their incredibly generous donation, as well as to State Safety and Legislative Directors Clyde Whitaker from Ohio, Louis Costa of California, Jeff Mitchell of Kentucky, Don Roach of Michigan and Adren Crawford of Tennessee, who have all stepped up in support of our members during this difficult time. Additionally, General Chairpersons Rick Lee of GCA 049, Brian Killough of GCA 513 and Luke Edington of GO 953 have made significant contributions that will aid in our recovery efforts. 

Highlighting the spirit of service within our union, we recognize State Safety and Legislative Director Adren Crawford from Tennessee, along with Brother Jason Caldwell and other members of Local 1162 from Erwin, TN. They have gone above and beyond by not only donating funds but also actively securing generators and distributing them to affected members of Local 1162. Their hands-on approach exemplifies the solidarity that defines SMART-TD. 

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, and Rail Transportation (SMART) union is announcing a mobilization of members and volunteers to offer assistance to our brothers and sisters in the hurricane recovery effort. If you are a SMART member, including SMART-TD members, and you have been affected by Hurricane Helene, please reach out to your local leadership or text the words:

“CHECK IN” to 67336 (message and data rates may apply).

After sending SMART this text message, you will be contacted by a volunteer.

Looking to donate? Supplies can be sent to one of three SMART mobilization centers:

  • SMART Local 399, 841 Main Street South, New Ellenton, SC 29809
  • SMART Local 5, 1446 Bethel Drive, High Point, NC 27260
  • SMART Local 85, 4830 Mendel Court SW, Atlanta, GA 30336

Dear members of the SMART Transportation Division:

Thousands of our brothers and sisters in the southeastern United States are struggling with the devastation from Hurricane Helene.

Many people from big cities to rural areas — are dealing with displacement or damaged homes as that deadly storm caused historic floods and knocked out power. For many of our members, including in Local 1162 in Erwin, Tennessee, the challenge of rebuilding and recovering seems daunting at the least. The silver lining is that the generosity of people around the country can uplift people so that they may reclaim their lives.

We are asking our SMART-TD family to rise to the call and give so that the difficult task of starting over and rebuilding can begin.

Specific items needed for those who are nearby and can assist with physical donations of goods and items include:

  • Gasoline
  • Propane
  • Toilet paper
  • Canned goods

If you are in an affected area and need assistance, please connect with your state safety and legislative director (SLD) or general chairperson, who are helping to mobilize assistance through the SMART and SMART-TD Disaster Relief funds.

You may also find more information about our relief fund on our website.

The SLDs are:

  • North Carolina — Ron Ingerick (ron.ingerick@NCsmart-union.org)
  • South Carolina — Will Ferguson (gwferg2002@yahoo.com)
  • Tennessee — Adren Crawford (adrencrawford@gmail.com)
  • Georgia — Patrick Folsom (pwfolsoml1263@gmail.com)
  • Florida — Andres Trujillo (fltrujilloutu@aol.com)

State Legislative Boards, General Committees and Locals, as well as individual members, outside the affected region are encouraged to make a financial donation to the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund. Together we can help lessen the struggle, strengthen the recovery effort and bring hope and relief to our members.

Online pay methods are being explored, but the TD Disaster Relief Fund only accepts monetary donations in the form of checks at this time.

Contributions may be sent to:
SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund
6060 Rockside Woods Blvd., N., Suite 325
Independence, OH 44131

Thank you and God bless,

Jeremy R. Ferguson
President,
SMART Transportation Division

Dear SMART-TD members and retirees —

Major disasters can occur anytime and anywhere to our union Brothers and Sisters, and the SMART Transportation Division Disaster Relief Fund is primed to assist members in their times of need.

In recent memory, the fund has helped during disastrous cold in Texas, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and fires. Our members’ touching and steadfast generosity never fails to provide hope when the sense of devastation takes hold — when homes are damaged and lives are upended such as what has occurred with recent storms in the South and in California.

To help members struck by these and future crises 2023 may present, the Disaster Relief Fund asks that the TD family heed this call to give what you can. With your help, the difficult task of starting over and rebuilding can become easier for members who find themselves affected in times of trouble.

Any donations will help lessen the struggle and bring real hope and relief to SMART-TD members who are suffering after this great loss. SMART-TD will administer donations sent to the SMART TD Disaster Relief Fund when the need arises.

Contributions may be sent and made payable to:

SMART TD Disaster Relief Fund
6060 Rockside Woods Blvd., N., Suite 325
Independence, OH 44131-2378

Questions? Please call the Transportation Division office at 216-228-9400 referencing the SMART TD Disaster Relief Fund.

— The SMART Transportation Division