Who is a veteran? Veterans are a part of our everyday lives—within our families, neighborhoods, and workplaces. At the Executive Office of Veterans Services, our goal is to honor and celebrate the multifaceted nature of the veteran community.
Discover the Many Faces of Veterans, a photo essay exhibit presented by the Executive Office of Veterans Services. Join us as we challenge preconceived notions and celebrate the rich diversity within the veteran community. Through captivating visuals and heartfelt narratives, we invite you to explore the multifaceted backgrounds, perspectives, and profound contributions veterans have made to Massachusetts and our nation.
Together, let's celebrate the many faces of veterans and show our profound gratitude for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice.
Major General William S. Chen
United States Army
Header bio at top: The first Chinese American to achieve the rank of Major General in the U.S. Army, Major General Chen shaped the future of national security by developing and acquiring state-of-the-art military technology as an architect for selection of the Patriot Advanced Capability -3 (PAC-3) missile interceptor.
Brigadier General Joseph “Joe” Milano
United States Army
Brigadier General Milano served during the Vietnam War prior to his appointment as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Reverend Dr. Sandra Gatlin Whitley
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, Retired
Reverend Doctor Whitley spent 22 active duty years as a commissioned officer in the Air Force before pursuing ministry. She also serves on the Governor's Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.
Corporal Micaila Britto
United States Marine Corps
Pictured with her service dog, Rabbit
Corporal Britto, a former aircraft launch and recovery specialist, now assists veterans as a VSO in Fall River while serving on the steering committee of the Massachusetts Women Veterans Network.
Read more about Corporal Micaila Britto
Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse
United States Air Force, Tuskegee Airman
One of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, Brig. Gen. Enoch "Woody" Woodhouse overcame racial discrimination early in his military career, receiving the Congressional Gold medal with his fellow Tuskegee Airmen.
City Council President Ed Flynn
United States Navy & Navy Reserves
Second-class petty officer Flynn deployed twice in the Persian Gulf and later worked as a probation officer in the Suffolk Superior Court, a state public safety official, and a legislative affairs specialist at the U.S. Department of Labor. He currently serves as a Boston City Councilor for District 2.
Commissioner Robert Santiago
United States Navy
Before joining the Mayor's Office of Veterans' Services, Santiago served 20 years in the Navy in diverse duty stations including sea duty on four warships; and overseas tours in Belgium, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Japan. Santiago participated in Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Eastern Exit, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
Specialist Alfred P. Godfrey III
United States Navy & National Guard
Alfred P. Godfrey III has dedicated his life to public service, first as an Operations Specialist in the U.S. Navy and subsequently as a National Guardsman. He is a DAV lifetime member and a member of VFW Post 16.
Petty Officer Tracy Claudio
United States Navy
A first-generation servicemember, Petty Officer Claudio worked as a Hospital Corpsman on various ships, received several medals and commendations, and continues to serve her fellow veterans at the VA in Bedford.
Commander Matthew Seto
United States Marine Corps
Matthew Seto currently serves as the Post Commander of the American Legion Chinatown Post 328 and has been serving the veteran community since leaving the military in 2005.
Specialist Dan Rivera
United States Army
Specialist Rivera is the first Gulf War and Desert Shield/Desert Storm veteran to serve as the Mayor of Lawrence and is currently the President and CEO of MassDevelopment.
Gumersindo Gomez
United States Army
Sergeant Gomez served in the U.S. Army for 19 years, established the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Massachusetts, and leads the Vietnam Veterans of America as its Executive Director.
Corporal Thomas J. “Tommy” Lyons
United States Marine Corps
Corporal Lyons, a dedicated Vietnam War combat veteran, presently leads as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Veterans Home at Chelsea, devoting his life to championing and commemorating his fellow veterans through projects like the South Boston Vietnam Memorial, the Semper Fidelis Society, and the Boston Marine Corps Honor Run, alongside serving on various boards and committees.
First Sergeant Christine Tron
United States Army
Retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Christine Tron served 32 years in the Military Intelligence Corps. With a personal motto of “Veterans helping Veterans,” today she serves as the VFW State Judge Advocate and regularly volunteers for the VA.
Read more about Christine Tron
American Legion Post 328
Boston, Massachusetts
Established in 1949, Post 328 serves Boston's Chinatown community, advocating for veterans and providing social services, while promoting patriotism, citizenship, and family values.