At the General Membership Meeting on January 26th, President-Business Manager James M. Sweeney introduced Cindy Axelson, a Gold Star Spouse who works with the SEAL Family Foundation, a charity that helps the families of Navy SEALs while they are training or deployed, or in the event of their deaths.
The James Sweeney Classic Golf Tournament, a charity fundraiser held annually with more than 500 representatives of the local construction industry and supporting organizations, has raised $800,000 over the past two years for the SEAL Family Foundations.
Axelson, whose husband Matt was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005, gave the members a presentation on where the funds have gone. The proceeds have paid for tutoring and counseling for children, support services for spouses during periods of deployment, and for bereavement services when SEALs are killed in action or in training.
“We are humbled by the generosity of Local 150 in raising this money,” Axelson said. “The more we raise, the more good we can do for these families, and your help has gone a long way already.”
Local 150 President-Business Manager James M. Sweeney said, “I am proud to have seen the industry come together to support such an important cause on behalf of these brave soldiers. Whether it is offering training and career opportunities or helping their families while they are away, the union construction industry is proud to support our brave men and women in uniform.”