Howard “Howie” Huestis, president of IAM Local 1746, has been recognized for his ongoing commitment to the East Hartford community in Connecticut. Huestis, who leads union members at Pratt and Whitney, has played a key role in supporting local families through annual school supply drives.
“I grew up in this town. I am dedicated to this town,” said Huestis. “I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of needing donations.”
Under Huestis’s leadership, IAM Local 1746 Women’s Committee members Therese Hervieux and Taylor Salmon have worked with East Hartford Public Schools to provide thousands of school supplies each year to students in need. The event, held last year at East Hartford Green Park, distributed backpacks, notebooks, rulers, pencils, and other materials. Supplies were also contributed by the IAM Eastern Territory.
The annual backpack rally has become an anticipated event for the community and has grown to include booths from other local partners and health services aimed at helping families prepare for the new school year.
At a recent meeting of the Connecticut State Council, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan and Chief of Staff Lorie Wilson presented Huestis with an IAM Human Rights Award. The award recognizes his efforts in organizing and sustaining the backpack rally initiative for local students.
