Harley Davidson Local 175 makes donation to 111th FW deployers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Gordon Beecroft
  • 111th Maintenance Squadron
WILLOW GROVE AIR RESERVE STATION, Pa. --  International Association for Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 175 from the Harley Davidson facility in York, Pa. collected and delivered $3,500 worth of goods to the 111th Fighter Wing July 23 for distribution to approx. 160 deploying guardsmen headed for Afghanistan in support of the continuing war on terrorism.

Master Sgt. Brian E. Zarilla, a quality assurance specialist with the 111th Maintenance Sq. here and at Harley Davidson saw an opportunity to raise support for the upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. He and seven members worked with the IAM Local 175 to solicit donations from the residents, and businesses in the York and Lancaster area.

In appreciation for their efforts, Chief Master Sgt. Ross Barford of the 111th Maintenance Group presented each of the seven members with a certificate of appreciation and a 111th FW coin. While on base, the union toured the hanger and had the opportunity to sit in an A-10.

"You don't have to support the war, but we must support the [men and women] overseas," said Deb Biser, a retired worker from Harley Davison.

IAM represent over 730,000 members and aims to protect the rights of workers and maximize their potential. The Harley Davidson manufacturing facility in York, Pa. is the largest HD facility and employs over half of its production workforce.