Secretary Goralnick’s First 100 Days
As I reflect on my first 100-plus days as Secretary of Veterans Services in Massachusetts, I am filled with gratitude and an even deeper appreciation for the work you do.
Your team of VSOs, providers, partner organizations, and other community peers throughout the Commonwealth, support and stand with Massachusetts’ veterans and their families in some of their most vulnerable moments—whether it’s easing the transition to civilian life or bridging the gaps to basic resources.
I’ve met many of you during my travels, at VSO Conferences, Military Appreciation Day, and in more than 168 cities and towns across the state. You shared your wins, your challenges, and why you do the work you do.
These conversations have been inspiring, energizing, and deeply meaningful, and have helped shape EOVS’ agenda for the next 100 days and beyond. Working closely together—and powered by the state’s largest-ever budget investment in Massachusetts veterans—we will continue to strengthen services and ensure that our work delivers meaningful results.
I look forward to meeting more of you in the months ahead, as the Executive Office of Veterans Services opens a Western Massachusetts office this fall, along with the new, state-of-the-art Veterans Home at Holyoke. We are also looking forward to hosting the VSO Conference in October and marking Veterans Day together in November.
My official listening tour may have ended, but my commitment to hearing your recommendations and learning from you never will. Please let us know how EOVS can continue to support you so we can chart a course that ensures no veteran ever slips through the cracks in Massachusetts.
On behalf of the Commonwealth, thank you for all that you do for our veterans. It’s a privilege to serve alongside you.
Sincerely,
Secretary Eric Goralnick, MD, MS
EOVS Quarterly Recap
Military Appreciation Day
The Massachusetts State House filled with gratitude this spring as Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and legislative leaders convened for the second annual Military Appreciation Day—a ceremony born from the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to making Massachusetts the best state in the country for veterans and military families.
Held in the House Chamber and hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services, the event invited each legislator to nominate a member of their local military community—veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, or military family advocates. This year, 136 honorees received an official Governor's citation and a challenge coin in recognition of their service.
The keynote was delivered by Brig. Gen. George "Chris" Hackler, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and Senior Commander of the Natick Soldier Systems Center, who spoke on leadership lessons and finding purpose after service. SGT Amy Fichera of the 215th Army Band, MA National Guard, performed the National Anthem.
The ceremony was followed by a reception supported by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit providing emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.
“Military Appreciation Day is about recognizing the people across Massachusetts who step up to serve something bigger than themselves.”
Annual Deborah Sampson Award Ceremony
On June 12, the Women Veterans Network (WVN) recognized Pembroke's Truc DeCoste as the 2026 Deborah Sampson Award recipient.
The ceremony featured remarks by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, Veterans Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett, and WVN Director Jessica Frost.
Following her distinguished service in the Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard, Truc dedicated herself to supporting veterans and military families through leadership roles with the Home Base Program and the Office of the Veteran Advocate (OVA).
Congratulations Truc DeCoste!
“Truc has devoted her life to service — from serving our country overseas to helping veterans and military spouses build successful futures here at home. She represents the very best of what this award stands for: leadership, advocacy and a commitment to lifting others up. Congratulations to Truc and to all of this year’s outstanding nominees, whose contributions continue to strengthen the veteran community across Massachusetts.”
Memorial Day
On May 25, Governor Maura Healey, First Lady Joanna Lydgate and Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick joined local officials to honor fallen members of the armed forces during an annual Memorial Day ceremony at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.
At the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll also marked Memorial Day with approximately 75 attendees to recognize the sacrifices of the Commonwealth’s approximately 37,000 residents who have died in the line of duty.
Read coverage of the Memorial Day observances:
- NEPM: Memorial Day ceremony held at veterans cemetery in Agawam, amidst rain
- 22 News: Lt. Governor attends ceremony at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam
- Western Mass News: Fallen military remembered at Agawam ceremony
- Masslive: A ‘sense of peace’ at Mass. Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam on Memorial Day
“There’s a lesson there for all of us, not just today, on Memorial Day, but every day. It’s about taking care of your sister or your brother. It’s about being kind to one another. It’s respecting each other’s ideas even when we disagree. It’s treating every person we encounter with dignity. These aren’t small things. These are the very things our fallen were protecting when they gave up their lives.”
EOVS Programs and Services Highlights
Annuity Benefit
For veterans who applied/ submitted any updates to their annuity application by June 30, their payments will be sent out on August 1. Otherwise, veterans should expect to see their payments at a later date as the Annuity team works through pending applications.
Veteran Housing, Equity, Resilience, and Outreach Services (HEROS)
- The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $44 million in awards for 11 supportive housing projects across Massachusetts that will create or preserve 401 homes for seniors, veterans and individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Supportive housing combines affordable housing with services such as health care, mental-health support, and job training to help residents live stable, independent lives. The administration made the announcement at the Lynn Armory, highlighting its redevelopment into 52 unites of supportive housing for veterans. The project will transform a historic, formerly state-owned building into permanent housing with on-site services and community space, helping veterans access stable housing and the support they need to thrive.
Chelsea
- In an incredible full-circle moment, Chelsea native and Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman Vlad Link returned to a place that helped shape his journey. Long before he was welcoming astronauts home from space, Vlad was volunteering here as a high-school student. Yesterday, Chief Link walked the halls once again—this time as a hometown hero. As one of the Navy’s Chief Hospital Corpsmen, Chief Link was among the first responders to the historic Artemis II splashdown on April 10th. After opening the capsule, he ensured the crew was safe and personally welcomed them back to Earth. During his visit, Vlad connected with residents, staff, community members, JROTC students from Revere, and nursing students from Bunker Hill Community College—sharing stories, lessons, and inspiration. He spoke at length about his mission to recover astronauts from Artemis II and the responsibility and pride that comes with serving something bigger than yourself. Secretary Eric Goralnick presented Chief Link with a citation from the Executive Office of Veterans Services, recognizing both his extraordinary service and his continued commitment to our veteran community.
EOVS Staff Spotlight:
Suraj Patel,
Program Coordinator Office of Housing, Equity, Resilience, and Outreach Services
When I first saw the posting for the position at EOVS, I knew that I had to apply for the chance to make a positive impact in the veteran community. After working as a Case Manager for more than 10 years in various mental health facilities and programs, I had a veteran client who I grew close to. He ultimately passed away due to his TBI. At the time, I didn’t know of the significant number of resources available for him as a veteran.
In my present role at EOVS, I report to the Director of Housing, Noah Coolidge, and I work closely with contracted providers across the state. The best thing about my role is being afforded the opportunity to connect veterans to resources they’ve earned and deserve. My long-term career goal is to progress into a leadership role in a Massachusetts state agency.
Fun/Random fact about me: I love to travel the world and visit different countries. My next trip is set on Albania which will be my 45th country visited!
“The best thing about my role is being afforded the opportunity to connect veterans to resources they’ve earned and deserve.”
Honoring Veteran Achievements
Whether it’s a birthday, retirement, promotion, or other significant occasion, you can request a citation or certificate of achievement.
- Awards and Citations
- For exceptional service or support to veterans over a significant period
- Certification of Appreciation
- Outstanding achievements that have advanced veterans services/ welfare
- Outstanding services or deeds that surpass "Certificate of Appreciation"
- Veteran Services Citation
- Birthdays over 100
- Couples celebrating their 50th or later wedding anniversary
- Retirements (including military service)
- Outstanding services or deeds that surpass a "Certificate of Achievement"
Please make your request at least 21 business days prior to the deadline.
All Requests are Subject to Review
Veteran Community Highlights
New VSOs’ Welcome!
We are proud to welcome the newest Veteran Service Officers joining communities across the Commonwealth. Your commitment to serving veterans and their families strengthens the foundation of support that Massachusetts is known for, and we are grateful to have you as part of this network.
As you step into this vital work, please know that you are not alone. This community is at its best when we are collaborative and mission-driven, and we encourage you to lean on one another, share best practices, and reach out whenever guidance or partnership is needed. Together, we can ensure every veteran receives the care, respect, and support they have earned.
Welcome Aboard
- Michele Alegria (Carver)
- Jenna Bancroft (Watertown)
- William Bateson (Pittsfield)
- Robert Donovan (Arlington)
- Bob Fields (Nahant)
- Emery Haskell (Malden)
- Niqui Laviolette (Wachusett District)
- John Martin (Natick)
- Meg Murphy (Littleton)
- John O’Connor (Waltham)
- Lisa O’Sullivan (North Quabbin District)
- Ian Rogers (Sherborn)
- Dustin Rudy (Belchertown)
We’re glad to have you with us!
VA Service Spotlight
VA Vet Center
Brockton
I come from a military family and my husband is an OEF Veteran and retiree from the US Army. I am a LICSW, and began my clinical career working as a civilian for the Army. During my husband’s Military career, we moved around a bit, but I have been consistently working within the DoD or VA for the past 20 years. We had made a deal that while he was in, I would follow his career, and once he retired, he would follow mine and I wanted to come home to Massachusetts. We returned to the state in 2019 when I began as the HUD-VASH Program Manager at the Edith Norse Rodgers VA Medical Center in Bedford, MA. After that, I spent a few years working as a Clinical Supervisor at the Fleet and Family Support Center at Naval Station Newport. In 2023, I was given the opportunity to join the VA Vet Center, and began as the Director at the New Bedford Vet Center in Fairhaven, MA. In October 2025, I moved over to the Brocton Vet Center after the retirement of their long time Director.
I have truly enjoyed every piece of my career, but I can’t deny that there is something very special about working with the Vet Centers. The ability to be creative and work with amazing teams to truly build a center that is community facing and strives to meet the needs of our Veterans. The joy of just sitting in our lobby area and enjoying coffee with our veterans and talking about the day to day. Vet Centers offer a vast variety of groups and events. You may see a difference in groups from one Vet Center to another, but that is because we are able to be so community focused and really be what our veteran community needs us to be. We can often be the first place a Veteran may come before getting connected to VA healthcare. We offer outreach and support in helping our veterans make the connections to care and services outside the Vet Center they may need. Some examples of events may be Holiday parties, Community BBQs and coffee socials.
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional counseling to eligible Veterans, service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military to include military sexual trauma (MST). Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
“I have truly enjoyed every piece of my career but I can’t deny that there is something very special about working with the Vet Centers. ”
Veteran Spotlight
Doug Linnell,
Go Mobile Assets Transportation
Doug Linnell is a service-connected disabled Navy veteran whose post-service journey through recovery, housing instability, and rebuilding his life gave him a firsthand understanding of the barriers veterans face. A pivotal moment came in late 2023 when he watched a woman struggle to help her husband across a VA parking lot—sparking the idea that would become Go Mobile Assets Corporation.
Go Mobile Assets is a nonprofit providing free, volunteer-based transportation to veterans, their families, and service animals throughout the Merrimack Valley. Operating from a single Ford Explorer, the organization connects veterans to VA medical centers, recovery programs, employment opportunities, and everyday essentials at no cost.
The impact goes beyond logistics. Go Mobile Assets has helped veterans maintain employment, attend critical medical appointments, and reconnect with family—including one veteran who reunited with his 92-year-old mother after 15 years. Doug built this organization because he lived the problem himself, and he continues to address it one ride at a time.
“Beyond logistics, this service supports connection and quality of life [for veterans]. ”
Veteran Community Spotlight
Massachusetts Veterans Alliance Foundation (MAVAF)
Amy Bradford, CEO
The Massachusetts Veterans Alliance Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring those who have served—and the families who stood beside them. The organization is here to close the gap in support services, not with handouts, but with dignity, connection, and real solutions. Their mission is rooted in gratitude and driven by a deep commitment to those who have given so much.
At the heart of their vision is a space created for veterans—where food support is a thank you, not charity, and community means no one is left behind.
The organization was founded by Amy Bradford, a Marine wife, daughter of a Vietnam veteran, and niece of a WWII veteran. She founded the Massachusetts Veterans Alliance Foundation Corp out of a deep, personal calling to serve those who’ve served.
Amy works closely with a dedicated team and board, ensuring the organization runs smoothly and stays focused on its mission. She draws daily inspiration from the strength of the veteran community—and from her 14-year-old son, who already shares her commitment to service.
“At the heart of their vision is a space created for veterans—where food support is a thank you, not charity, and community means no one is left behind. ”
Veteran Organization Highlight:
Veteran Pathways of New England (formerly Clear Path) Wellness Program
Jaye Steinfeld
After years of growth, expansion, and reflection, our organization is entering a new chapter. Effective June 1, 2026, Clear Path for Veterans New England Inc. will officially transition to Veteran Pathways of New England Inc.
This transition is more than a name change. It reflects who we have become, the scale of the work we now lead, and the direction we are heading as an organization.
The new name, Veteran Pathways of New England, intentionally places Veterans at the forefront of our identity while emphasizing the multiple Pathways of support available through the organization. These Pathways include:
- Housing and Family Support
- Culinary and Food Security Programs
- Resiliency and Wellness Services
- Canine-Assisted Programs
This transition also reflects the organization’s continued growth and independence. Over the past several years, we have expanded from a small regional nonprofit into a leading Veteran-focused housing and stabilization organization serving more than 1,800 Veterans annually. We now oversee emergency housing programs, permanent supportive housing initiatives, food security programs, wellness services, and major housing development projects, including the Journey Home Campus in Leominster.
Veteran Resources
Veteran Helplines and Support
- Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (SAVE) Team
- SAVE's primary mission is to prevent suicide and mental health distress by identifying issues veterans encounter when returning from service and proactively providing access to benefits and services.
- Call 1-888-844-2838 or visit mass.gov/SAVE
- Veterans Crisis 24/7 Hotline:
- Dial 988, Press 1 Text: 828-255
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health 24/7 Hotline
- National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
- U.S. Army Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Crisis Line
Community Servings
Community Servings is excited about the opportunity to work with Veteran Services across the state to serve Veterans through our new program.
Community Servings is a nonprofit organization based in Jamaica Plain that prepares and delivers scratch‑made, medically tailored meals to individuals and their families facing critical or chronic illness across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Founded 35 years ago, the organization works to ensure access to nutritious food that supports health and well‑being.
Community Servings is expanding care for Veterans through a newly launched, government‑funded medically tailored meals program. The program will provide 50 Veterans with weekly meals for six months and assess the impact on health through surveys.
Eligibility criteria for the program are intentionally broad and include a wide range of qualifying chronic conditions. Veterans who do not directly report food insecurity are also eligible. While many Veterans experience food insecurity, not all do, and some may be reluctant to report it even when it is present. These criteria are designed to ensure the program can serve and support as many Veterans as possible.
Supplier Diversity Office: Veteran-Owned Businesses - Get Certified Through Third-Party Certification
Certification through the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) can open the doors for veteran-owned companies to participate in the state’s bidding process. SDO certification is free and has many benefits, such as getting alerts to upcoming bids, free trainings, invitations to networking and matchmaking events, and a listing in an online database used by state agencies and prime contractors.
Even better, the SDO application process can be made easier if a business is already certified through one of the SDO’s certification partners. The SDO has established relationships with well-respected certification organizations that work with veterans and now accepts their certifications.
As a result, Veteran Business Enterprises (VBEs) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBEs) may be eligible for an expedited SDO certification process.
If a veteran-owned business already has certification through the Veteran Business Certification (known as VetCert through the Small Business Administration) or the National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), they may be eligible for SDO certification.
Benefits of SDO Certification:
- The SDO’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) and Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) set spending goals to purchase from certified diverse and small businesses
- Free trainings
- Alerts to upcoming bids
- Invitations to networking and matchmaking events
- A listing in an online database used by state agencies and prime contractors
Community Events and Announcements
Summer Veteran-Centered Holidays
July 2026
- 7/4 – Independence Day
- 7/25 – National Hire A Veteran Day
- 7/27 – Korean War Veteran Armistice Day
- 7/28 – National Buffalo Soldiers Day
- 7/29 – Army Chaplain Corps Anniversary
August 2026
- 8/1 – Gold Star Children’s Day
- 8/4 – Coast Guard’s 236th Birthday
- 8/7 – National Purple Heart Day
- 8/14 – National Navajo Code Talkers Day
September 2026
- 9/11 – September 11th Attacks Remembrance Day
- 9/18 – Air Force’s 79th Birthday
- 9/18 – National POW/MIA Recognition Day
- 9/27 – Gold Star Mothers and Families Day
EOVS Staff Directory
| Program | Name, Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement and Outreach | Cory Ahonen, Assistant Secretary Nicholas Charrette, Deputy Chief Engagement Officer | |
| Veterans Engagement/Constituent Services | Julie Lloyd-Parrott, Engagement Team, Administrative Assistant Randace Rauscher, Veteran Engagement Liaison Victoria Shephard King, Senior Constituent Service Coordinator | |
| Women Veterans Network | Jessica Frost, Director | Jessica.Frost@mass.gov |
| Peer Support and Outreach | Lynette Gabrila, Deputy Engagement Officer for Peer Support and Outreach | Lynette.Gabrila@mass.gov |
| Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment | Nicole Darden, SAVE Supervisor | Nicole.Darden@mass.gov |
| Supporting and Empowering Reintegration for Veterans Equality | Don Purington, SERVE Supervisor | Donald.Purington@mass.gov |
| Program | Name, Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Programs and Services | Kara Solimini, Assistant Secretary | Kara.Solimini2@mass.gov |
| Chapter 115 Benefits | Patrick George, Director of Benefits | Patrick.George2@mass.gov |
| Chapter 115 Annuities | Andrew Rybak, Annuities Analyst | Andrew.Rybak@mass.gov |
| Housing and Support Services | Noah Coolidge, Director | Noah.Coolidge@mass.gov |
| Employment, Education and Training Services | Tom LaRose, Director | Thomas.LaRose@mass.gov |
| Massachusetts Veteran Memorial Cemeteries | Ron Cormier, Director | Ronald.Cormier@mass.gov |
Contact
Phone
Open Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Address
| Date published: | July 29, 2026 |
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