News & Updates, Department of Veterans' Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts News & Updates,Department of Veterans' Services,Commonwealth of Massachusetts http://www.mass.gov/veterans/news-and-updates.xml http://www.mass.gov/veterans/news-and-updates.html © 2011 Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2011-10-04T00:00:00Z Lieutenant Governor Murray Releases Plan to Prevent and End Veterans' Homelessness Department of Veterans' Services governor http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2013/0312-end-veterans-homelessness-plan.html 2013-03-12T00:00:00Z 2013-03-12T00:00:00Z Governor Patrick Signs Executive Order to Enhance Opportunities for Small Businesses Owned by Disabled Veterans Department of Veterans' Services governor http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2013/0308-disabled-veterans.html 2013-03-08T05:30:00Z 2013-03-08T05:30:00Z Testimony of Secretary John Polanowicz Department of Veterans' Services eohhs http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/newsroom/press-releases/eohhs/testimony-of-secretary-john-polanowicz-feb-28-2013.html 2013-03-01T00:00:00Z 2013-03-01T00:00:00Z HHS Secretary Polanowicz Opens New Veterans' Assistance Center at Soldiers' Home in Holyoke Department of Veterans' Services eohhs http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/newsroom/press-releases/eohhs/new-veterans-assistance-center-opened-in-holyoke.html 2013-02-21T00:00:00Z 2013-02-21T00:00:00Z John Polanowicz Sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services Department of Veterans' Services governor http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2013/0122-secretary-polanowicz-sworn-in.html 2013-01-22T16:43:00Z 2013-01-22T16:43:00Z Patrick-Murray Administration Honors Massachusetts Veterans and Their Families at the State House Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/press-releases/veterans-and-their-families-honored-at-the-state-house.html 2012-11-11T00:00:00Z 2012-11-11T00:00:00Z Patrick-Murray Administration Honors Women Veterans at Annual State House Event Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/press-releases/women-veterans-honored-at-annual-state-house-event.html 2012-11-01T00:00:00Z 2012-11-01T00:00:00Z Patrick-Murray Administration Announces $1.5 Million in Federal Funding to End Homelessness Among Veterans Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/press-releases/funding-to-end-homelessness-among-veterans-announced.html 2012-10-04T00:00:00Z 2012-10-04T00:00:00Z Veterans' families were hosted at Fort Independence Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/press-releases/veterans-families-at-fort-independence.html 2012-07-05T00:00:00Z 2012-07-05T00:00:00Z Governor Patrick Signs VALOR Act to Increase Opportunities for Veterans Department of Veterans' Services eohhs http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2012/2012531-governor-signs-valor-act.html 2012-05-31T00:00:00Z 2012-05-31T00:00:00Z Blog: MassVetsAdvisor.org launches Memorial Day weekend: Services and support for veterans just a click away with new web portal Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://hhs.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2012/05/massvetsadvisororg-launches-memorial-day-weekend-services-and-support-for-veterans-just-a-click-away.html 2012-05-25T00:00:00Z 2012-05-25T00:00:00Z Success Stories: Homeless Veterans Find Jobs Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/employment-and-training/green-jobs-and-training-grants/success-stories.html 2012-02-02T00:00:00Z 2012-02-02T00:00:00Z

Read about veterans who have found success through homeless veterans and training programs.

 2013 Free Tax Assistance Program Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/about-veterans-services/veterans-events/2013-free-tax-assistance-program.html 2012-01-26T00:00:00Z 2012-01-26T00:00:00Z VA Announces Changes to Emergency Care Payments Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2245 2012-01-24T00:00:00Z 2012-01-24T00:00:00Z New Law Change Increases Insurance Coverage for Veterans Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2244 2012-01-12T00:00:00Z 2012-01-12T00:00:00Z Wreaths Across America at Massachusetts State Cemeteries Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/cemeteries-and-honors/cemeteries/state-cemeteries/wreaths-across-america-at-massachusetts-state-ceme.html 2011-12-15T00:00:00Z 2011-12-15T00:00:00Z

On December 10, 2011, local high school students and volunteers placed over 1,000 wreaths on veterans' graves at the Agawam and Winchendon State Veterans' Cemeteries.  

 Notice of Public Hearing: Dec. 9, 2011 Department of Veterans' Services eohhs http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/newsroom/notice-of-public-hearing-dec-9-2011.html 2011-12-03T00:00:00Z 2011-12-03T00:00:00Z Notice of Public Hearing: Dec. 2, 2011 Department of Veterans' Services eohhs http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/newsroom/notice-of-public-hearing-dec-2-2011.html 2011-12-02T00:00:00Z 2011-12-02T00:00:00Z Massachusetts Veterans and Families Honored at the State House Department of Veterans' Services governor http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2011/111111-veterans-day.html 2011-11-11T00:00:00Z 2011-11-11T00:00:00Z No Fee Bank Accounts for Seniors Over 65 Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/consumer/banks-banking/18-65-accounts/ 2011-11-10T00:00:00Z 2011-11-10T00:00:00Z Veterans Designation on Driver Licenses and ID Cards Department of Veterans' Services governor http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2011/111108-veterans-designation-id.html 2011-11-08T00:00:00Z 2011-11-08T00:00:00Z Comprehensive Plan to Increase Veterans' Services Department of Veterans' Services governor http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2011/111102-comprehensive-veterans-plan.html 2011-11-02T00:00:00Z 2011-11-02T00:00:00Z Rabies Exposure for Iraq and Afghanistan Vets Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/rabies/index.asp 2011-10-27T00:00:00Z 2011-10-27T00:00:00Z Local Veterans' Day Events Statewide Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/about-veterans-services/veterans-events/local-veterans-day-events-statewide.html 2011-10-27T00:00:00Z 2011-10-27T00:00:00Z

This is a listing of Veterans' Day 2011 activities and events in cities and towns across Massachusetts.

 Retroactive Traumatic Injury Benefits No Longer Just for OEF/OIF Injuries Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2169 2011-09-19T00:00:00Z 2011-09-19T00:00:00Z Info for supporters of Veterans and public safety charitable organizations Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2011/ag-offers-info-for-supporters-of-vets-charities.html 2011-09-07T00:00:00Z 2011-09-07T00:00:00Z With the upcoming tenth anniversary of the September 11th tragedy and Veterans Day approaching, Attorney General Martha Coakley reminds consumers and retailers to give wisely to charities. Cities and towns urged to enforce law for local Veterans agents Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2011/cities-and-towns-to-enforce-law-for-local-veterans.html 2011-07-21T00:00:00Z 2011-07-21T00:00:00Z Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, Attorney General Martha Coakley and Secretary Coleman Nee of the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) today contacted municipal managers in all 351 cities and towns, reminding municipalities that state law requires cities and towns in the Commonwealth to enforce Chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Law by providing local veterans’ agents. Read the Latest Edition of the Women Veterans' Network Newsletter Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/read-the-latest-edition-of-the-women-veterans.html 2011-07-05T00:00:00Z 2011-07-05T00:00:00Z Blog: Remembering veterans' sacrifices this Independence Day Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://hhs.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2011/07/remembering-veterans-sacrifices-to-the-nation-this-independence-day.html 2011-07-01T00:00:00Z 2011-07-01T00:00:00Z Decorated Afghanistan vet keynotes women's conference Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/press-releases/decorated-afghanistan-vet-keynotes-conference.html 2011-06-18T00:00:00Z 2011-06-18T00:00:00Z Decorated Afghanistan war veteran Army Staff Sergeant Genevieve Chase, a nationally recognized advocate for female veterans, today keynoted the Patrick-Murray Administration's Third Annual Conference for Women Veterans at Salem State University. Storm assistance centers for communities impacted by tornadoes announced Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2011/administration-announces-storm-assistance-centers.html 2011-06-03T00:00:00Z 2011-06-03T00:00:00Z The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced the opening of three Massachusetts Storm Assistance Centers in Springfield, Monson/Palmer and Southbridge that will provide vital supports for individuals and families impacted by severe weather in the region earlier this week. Read the Latest Edition of the "Bay State Patriot" Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/bay-state-patriot.html 2011-06-03T00:00:00Z 2011-06-03T00:00:00Z Gambling Resources for Veterans Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/gambling-resources.html 2011-06-03T00:00:00Z 2011-06-03T00:00:00Z Resources for veterans and their families who want to stop gambling or gamble less. Helping to connect Mass. veterans to unclaimed property Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/press-releases/vets-connect-to-unclaimed-property.html 2011-05-23T00:00:00Z 2011-05-23T00:00:00Z Monday, May 23, 2011 - Secretary of Veterans' Services Coleman Nee and Treasurer Steven Grossman issued a letter to all Veteran Service Officers across the Commonwealth to request their assistance in helping to connect veterans in their communities with their rightful unclaimed property. Third Annual Conference for Women Veterans Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/3rd-annual-conference-for-women-vets.html 2011-05-20T00:00:00Z 2011-05-20T00:00:00Z Deadline to Apply for Stop Loss Pay Extended to October 21 Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/stop-loss-deadline-extended-to-oct-21.html 2011-05-02T00:00:00Z 2011-05-02T00:00:00Z Wind Turbine Dedicated at National Cemetery in Bourne Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2081 2011-04-27T00:00:00Z 2011-04-27T00:00:00Z CORI Assistance Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/cori-assistance.html 2011-04-18T00:00:00Z 2011-04-18T00:00:00Z Criminal background checks are often conducted for employment, housing, and other purposes. If you are having problems obtaining employment or housing because of a criminal record (CORI) background check, help may be available. Veterans encouraged to join free smoking cessation program Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/press-releases/veterans-encouraged-to-join-free-smoking.html 2011-04-07T00:00:00Z 2011-04-07T00:00:00Z Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services Secretary Coleman Nee today joined state and local officials at the Lynn Housing Authority to encourage Veterans and their family members to participate in the Patrick-Murray Administration’s smoking cessation program. Bay State Patriot: the DVS Newsletter Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/bay-state-patriot.html 2011-04-04T00:00:00Z 2011-04-04T00:00:00Z A Battle Plan to Quit Cigarettes Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/a-battle-plan-to-quit-cigarettes.html 2011-03-21T00:00:00Z 2011-03-21T00:00:00Z Get free Nicotine Patches to get started. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in collaboration with the Department of Veterans' Services. Online resources to help veterans with finances Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/online-resources-to-help-veterans-with-finances.html 2011-03-11T00:00:00Z 2011-03-11T00:00:00Z Website connects veterans to jobs Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/website-connects-veterans-to-jobs.html 2011-03-11T00:00:00Z 2011-03-11T00:00:00Z The State of Homeless Veterans in Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://jointhehousingrevolution.wordpress.com/2011/03/09/the-state-of-veteran-homelessness-in-massachusetts/ 2011-03-11T00:00:00Z 2011-03-11T00:00:00Z VA's Caregiver Support Program Expanding Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2061 2011-03-07T00:00:00Z 2011-03-07T00:00:00Z Paid summer internships for college students working in clean energy industry Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://cleanenergyeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Internship-FAQ.pdf 2011-02-24T00:00:00Z 2011-02-24T00:00:00Z New and enhanced VA benefits provided to caregivers of veterans Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2048 2011-02-14T00:00:00Z 2011-02-14T00:00:00Z Free tax preparation for military members and their families at locations statewide Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttps://www.devens.army.mil/Free%20Tax%20Preparation%20for%20MA%20Military.pdf 2011-01-31T00:00:00Z 2011-01-31T00:00:00Z Coleman Nee named Secretary of Veterans' Services Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/press-releases/coleman-nee-named-secretary-of-veterans-services.html 2011-01-24T00:00:00Z 2011-01-24T00:00:00Z Jail diversion program gives priority to veterans Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/jail-diversion-program-gives-priority-to-veterans.html 2011-01-19T00:00:00Z 2011-01-19T00:00:00Z DoD launches interactive simulation to provide information on PTSD Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14211 2011-01-19T00:00:00Z 2011-01-19T00:00:00Z VA healthcare enrollment closing for certain combat veterans Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2031 2011-01-11T00:00:00Z 2011-01-11T00:00:00Z President signed improvements to Post-9/11 GI Bill Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2029 2011-01-10T00:00:00Z 2011-01-10T00:00:00Z Update on Cost-of-Living adjustment for veterans compensation and pension benefits in 2011 Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2027 2011-01-03T00:00:00Z 2011-01-03T00:00:00Z VA urges veterans to sign up for direct deposits Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.govhttp://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2023 2010-12-31T00:00:00Z 2010-12-31T00:00:00Z Legal Assistance Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/legal-assistance.html 2010-12-20T00:00:00Z 2010-12-20T00:00:00Z Legal assistance for veterans, active duty military, and family members. Veterans Reminded about Benefits and Services During the Holiday Season Department of Veterans' Services veterans http://www.mass.gov/veterans/press-releases/veterans-reminded-about-benefits-and-services.html 2010-12-20T00:00:00Z 2010-12-20T00:00:00Z The Patrick-Murray Administration reminds veterans and military families this holiday season that the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) has a wide array of benefits and services to provide support and assistance if needed. Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in providing benefits and services to veterans and their families.