Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services

After the Cape Cod regional cabinet meeting, we visited Brian McCutcheon, founder of The wet vet, a Falmouth nonprofit supporting veterans’ mental health through fishing. Secretary Santiago joined Brian and Captain Skip Baldini on a charter excursion, witnessing firsthand how this innovative program builds community and aids in mental health recovery. We encourage everyone to learn more about Wet Vet and Brian’s incredible work by visiting their website: https://www.wet-vet.com

What do you get when you combine the most comprehensive piece of veterans’ legislation in Massachusetts history with the most ambitious legislation to address housing costs in state history?

You get progress for our veterans. The HERO Act and the Affordable Homes Act will bolster Massachusetts’ commitment to veterans and their families.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services

When we work together, Veterans succeed. From supportive housing to behavioral health treatment, follow both EOVS and Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities this week to see how both the and will positively impact hundreds of thousands of in !

When we work together, Veterans succeed. From Supportive Housing to Behavioral Health Treatment, the and the will positively impact hundreds of thousands of veterans in , including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans.

Governor Maura Healey Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services

Our commitment to veterans across Massachusetts has never been stronger. Last week, Governor Healey signed the HERO Act into law, enhancing benefits, modernizing services, and elevating how we honor our veterans. Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/hero-act-a-new-era-for-veterans

Sculptor Stanley Bleifeld designed the Lone Sailor statue in 1987, and it has since become an iconic tribute to the U.S. Navy and the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of sailors across generations. EOVS was honored to join the unveiling of this Lone Sailor statue in Quincy this afternoon and pay tribute to those who have served.

From day one, EOVS has been committed to revitalizing veterans' services in Massachusetts, ensuring every hero receives the benefits and resources they deserve. Today, we made history by signing the most comprehensive veterans legislation in Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/hero-act-a-new-era-for-veterans

In 1782, George Washington established the Purple Heart to honor the brave men and women wounded or killed in service to our nation. Annually, on August 7, we honor their sacrifices and pause to reflect on the courage and resilience that safeguard our freedoms.

We are grateful to the House and the Senate for their exceptional leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to veterans in passing the HERO Act.

✅Increase the disabled veteran annuity from $2,000 to $2,500
✅Expanding veteran access to behavioral health treatment
✅Increasing the veteran hire tax credit

And so much more.

Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Leader Moran, Senator John Velis Representative Cassidy and all of the conferees for getting the job done!

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Veterans Luncheon 2024 – one of the best traditions in Newburyport! Thank you for having us and giving us the opportunity to connect with veterans and their families.

Enjoying some summer fun at the DAV Department of Massachusetts Chapter 64 Beach Party! Joined by residents from Chelsea Veterans Home, State Representative Jenny Armini, Essex County Clerk of Courts Tom Driscoll, and more. Special thanks to the dedicated workers of the DAV for making this event memorable!

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, lists the names of the 58,281 fallen heroes who served in Vietnam. Thank you to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for making Fort Devens one of the 31 communities visited this season and for its 29-year commitment to our veterans. It’s somber but necessary work. To the families of the fallen, we see you and we remember.

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday to commemorate the 71st Anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Our exhibit, honoring the service and sacrifices of Korean War veterans, will remain in Memorial Hall throughout the summer.

Read more:

State House ceremony honors Korean War veterans, reflects on conflict's bitter battles and heroes Kim Jae-hui, consul general of the Republic of Korea in Boston, paid tribute to the "brave men and women from the United States" who fought "shoulder to shoulder" with people from the Republic of Korea and other nations.

Between 1950 and 1953, 1.5 million Americans left their homes to defend freedom across the world, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with the courageous people of South Korea. Today at the State House, Secretary of Veterans' Services Jon Santiago and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea marked the 71st Anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement with a special ceremony to honor the service and sacrifice of all Korean War veterans and to celebrate the enduring partnership between the United States and South Korea. Thank you to our honored speakers and guests, Consulate General Kim Jae-hui; Young Soo Chang, President of the Korean American Society of Massachusetts; Moon Soo Han, Boston Chapter Chairman of The National Unification Advisory Council; and Albert McCarthy, Dr. Paul Kim and all members of the Korea War Veterans Association. Unveiled today, an exhibit about the Korean War will stand in Memorial Hall now through August 22.

A great morning spent at VA Providence Healthcare System with Director Lawrence Connell discussing ways to further our partnership on housing and outreach goals. We remain committed to ensuring that every veteran has access to comprehensive healthcare and the support they need.

Today, we celebrated another significant milestone in our mission to end veteran homelessness in Massachusetts. With the new funding announced today, we will enhance our efforts to connect veterans with the housing and supportive services they need. EOVS remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every veteran has access to safe, affordable housing.

🔗 Read more here: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-67-million-in-federal-funds-to-combat-veteran-homelessness

Today, we announced a significant step in our campaign to end veteran homelessness.

📹Watch the full live stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3MSSi5tf2M
🔗Read our press release here: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-67-million-in-federal-funds-to-combat-veteran-homelessness

As we continue our mission to ensure that veterans have access to safe and affordable housing, Secretary Santiago and Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett met today with the Disabled American Veterans of Massachusetts leadership team and toured their Victory Campus, which provides 20 housing units for veterans and their families.

Thank you to the incredible team at the DAV for all the work you do towards providing veterans with world-class care in Massachusetts! To learn more, visit https://davma.org/advanced-placement/

Don't miss EOVS and other wonderful veterans organizations at the 5th Annual Veteran's Music Festival, VA Benefits, and Career Expo this Saturday! Learn about our various programs and services and connect with fellow veterans in Massachusetts. View the flyer below for more information.

Happy Independence Day from the Executive Office of Veterans Services! As we celebrate the 250th year of our nation's independence, please take a moment to honor the brave servicemembers and veterans whose dedication allows us to enjoy the freedoms we cherish today. Thank you to the veterans who made it all possible! Enjoy the festivities, and stay safe.

As we begin to celebrate week, remember that fireworks can be triggering for many, including veterans & pets. The noise can cause flashbacks, anxiety & physical reactions. Please be courteous when using fireworks. Get tips for dealing with fireworks:

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Starting our week off by filming an episode of “Billerica Salutes,” where we discussed the challenges facing our veterans and the initiatives at EOVS to support them, including housing, employment, education, the HERO Act, and more! Thanks to the Billerica VSO and Patrick Kirby for having us.

On , we encourage veterans and others who have experienced trauma to start the conversation about recovery. Identifying symptoms of is a crucial step toward getting the treatment you deserve. Learn more at ptsd.va.gov/screen/

We're fortunate to have wonderful partners in the Massachusetts legislature and various nonprofit groups who support our mission to honorably serve those who have served us.

Thanks to Senator John J. Cronin and Reps. Higgins, Scarsdale, Kilcoyne and Kushmerek for organizing the opportunity for EOVS to connect with veterans from Leominster!

Veterans services official comes to Leominster to listen - The Leominster Champion LEOMINSTER – Executive Office of Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago joined North Central Mass legislators for a listening session with Veterans’ Service Officers (VSOs), local non-profits and advocacy groups, and former service members hosted by Senator John Cronin’s (D-Fitchburg) office...