Veterans and caregivers: Recognize VA benefits overpayment scams

Veterans and caregivers: Recognize VA benefits overpayment scams By BCP Staff Got a letter in the mail from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) saying you owe money due to an overpayment of your benefits?  You might be wondering: Was I really overpaid? How much do I need to pay back?  To get real answers to questions like these, always start by logging into your VA.gov account. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/veterans-and-caregivers-recognize-va-benefits-overpayment-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Veterans Appreciation Cookout – Sunday, July 13th! Hosted by Norfolk County Sheriff

Join Us for a Veterans Appreciation Cookout – Sunday, July 13th! The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office invites you to a free Veterans Appreciation Cookout on Sunday, July 13th at 11:30 AM at the Braintree Public Safety Complex, 2015 Washington Street. This special event is open to everyone and is a great way to come together as a community and show support for our veterans. Guests can enjoy live music, delicious food, and fun outdoor games. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of appreciation, connection, and celebration. We hope to see you there!

Norfolk County Sheriff's Office | 200 West St | Dedham, MA 02027 US

WWII Veteran’s Special Observance Of Flag Day

The American Flag will mark its 248th birthday this June 14th.  WWII Veteran, Caster “Cas” Salemi of North Attleboro will mark this date for the 103rd time! Born in 1922, Cas fought for our freedoms, serving in the Army’s 251st Field Artillery Battalion in the South Pacific during WWII.   

Cas Salemi - 1943

This past January marked the 80th anniversary of the South Pacific battles during WWII.  Cas knows this all too well as he served in two of its major campaigns, New Guinea and the Philippines.  After training in Paris, Texas for a year, Cas set off on a 30-day ocean voyage to New Guinea.  They had no fresh water on this journey and had to wait for rain to shower.  As they neared the coast they witnessed lush green fields of grass. To their horror it wasn’t luxurious grasslands, but “kunai” grass. They had to use their bayonets to cut through the tough, fibrous blades of thick grass just to make camp, a long, tiring journey indeed for this 21-year-old.  

At camp he remembers being handed a can of British Bully Beef (C-Rations) that were from WWI made 28 years prior.  Cas joked, “When we opened the rations the Palm Trees wilted!” Having run the enemy off to the West Coast of New Guinea, his unit prepared for their next campaign in the Philippines.

Cas Salemi (Pic credit Carol Salemi)

Cas and the 251st were among the first soldiers to land in Luzon.  As they offloaded the vehicles from their boat, the truck containing all of Cas’ communications equipment slipped into a sink hole.  With his truck and supplies gone, Cas had to sit on the beach for 3 days waiting for their replacement.

Nicknamed “The Pearl of the Orient, Manila was a vibrant city rich in natural beauty, culture, and architecture with an abundance of valuable pearl beds. In 1941 General MacArthur had mandated that Manila be declared an “open city” in hopes of preventing its destruction. This capital city was all but leveled by the enemy in direct retaliation of General MacArthur’s orders. Cas and his unit provided critical defense in this most destructive campaign. Over 100,000 Filipino civilians were killed by the enemy.  Cas and his unit bravely fought the enemy for 165 days without rest. 

Radio frequencies in the thick and hilly jungle terrain of the Philippines would not work and had to be dangerously hardwired. T-4 (Technical Sergeant) Caster’s job was to lay this vital communications wire between the 251st firing batteries and its command base. 

Cas recalls one dangerous mission where his unit had been pinned down in a valley between two mountains under heavy artillery action.  The enemy would roll out cannons from a cave and fire upon the Americans. With no way out, the men completely disassembled an M90 Howitzer cannon and dragged it across to the other mountain where they could see the enemy’s cave. When the enemy once again rolled out their deadly cannons, the soldiers of the 251st were ready and successfully bought an end to the enemy’s carnage in this Valley.

In another routine mission, the men had positioned their allotted 4 cannons and created a perimeter around them. Soon after, they heard and felt the ground rumbling. The enemy had stampeded a whole herd of carabao (water buffalo) directly in their path! The men ran for cover under the guns, anywhere, just to get away from the animals to avoid death by trampling.

In 1945 Japan ended its aggressions after nuclear bombs were dropped on its cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9th respectively with Japan surrendering on August 14th.  While many countries celebrate this date as their VJ Day (Victory over Japan), America recognizes the war’s end with the date of its formal surrender ceremony that took place aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. 

T-4 Caster was devastatingly handicapped by “jungle rot” a condition caused by prolonged exposure to moisture with the inability to keep skin dry leading to a fungal infection. Cas got it bad in his hands and feet and could barely walk.  He was medically evacuated traveling back to the states on a ship not meant for ocean travel! They set sail in the aftermath of Typhoon Queenie with sustained winds of 90 mph and rough seas with 50 to 60-foot swells.  It wasn’t an easy 17-day trip home and to this day Cas will not travel across ocean waves.  

While recovering from his severe injuries in California, he and other GIs in his ward heard a strange noise reminiscent of an incoming artillery fire. At the sound of that loud noise, they all immediately jumped off their beds and dove underneath them believing they were once again under attack.  But the noise was something they had not heard before, a Jet Engine plane flying overhead!  The war in the Philippines had been a ground battle and jet planes were not used. 

When asked about soldiers’ fellowship, Cas explained, “Learning how to live with others from all different walks of life creates that special bond or camaraderie that soldiers share. We learned to depend on each other which proved to be a critical component in warfare.” He went on, “The difference between WWII and the Vietnam conflict was a matter of trust.  While there was brutality with the Japanese, the soldiers knew where and who they were fighting. The Vietnam Conflict was rifled with distrust and high anxiety.”  The enemy dug tunnels throughout the Vietnam landscape making it nearly impossible for a soldier to know who, when or where the enemy attacks were emanating from.”

After his meritorious actions contributing to the protection of our freedoms, Cas was most honorably discharged in 1946.  For his service he was awarded the Good Conduct, WWII Victory, Asiatic Pacific Campaign (with two stars for the New Guinea and Luzon campaigns) along with an Artillery Pin and the Philippine Liberation medals.  Not long after his discharge he married the love of his life, Virginia, in 1949.  While Cas was born on Flag Day, his wife was born on Veteran’s Day. They enjoyed 37 years together, raising two sons and a daughter. 

Born and raised in New York, Cas came to Massachusetts when the company he was working for, Sylvania Electric Products moved to Waltham in 1972.  He enthusiastically worked in Research and Development for 39 years through its mergers with GTE which ultimately became Verizon.

A 35-year resident of North Attleboro, he remains active in several military organizations and is a former member of the town’s Veterans Advisory Board.  He is a Past Commander of the North Attleboro DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Post 56. In April of 2004 he organized and escorted fellow veterans to the grand opening of the WWII Museum in Washington, DC. He has also traversed the Honor Flight, a non-profit organization for Veterans to visit memorials built in their honor. He attributes his longevity to three things. First by loving what you do. Secondly don’t smoke or drink hard liquor. But a glass of wine with your buddies is OK.  And lastly, ultimately it is in your genes!”

Nearly 131 WWII veterans die each day and of the 16 million men and women who served during WWII, a little over 100,000 are alive with most in their 90’s.  This “greatest generation” are a rapidly dwindling sector of Americans that we should honor most reverently.

Natalee Webb-Rubino joined the Air Force in 1976 becoming its 1st female Aircraft Mechanic (Crew Chief) and while at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan. In 1999 she founded the 11K road race in Stoneham created to honor and recognize Veterans. At the time, it was the only 11K in America.  In 2009 she became the City of Melrose’s 1st female Veterans Service Officer.  Her essays on Veteran matters have been published in Franklin, North Attleboro, Melrose and Stoneham.

State Rep Jeff Roy Honors Richard "Dick" Hynes at Inaugural Statewide Military Appreciation Day

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) proudly honored Richard "Dick" Hynes of Franklin today at the first-ever Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House's historic House Chamber.

Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state, and community leaders to honor those whose service might otherwise go unrecognized. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community-whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard, Reservist, or military spouse-to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals who exemplify commitment to service and community were recognized from districts across Massachusetts.

"I'm proud to recognize Richard "Dick" Hynes for his military service and community leadership," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "His contributions reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication of our local military community, and I'm honored to celebrate him at this statewide event. We appreciate his service and efforts to keep the memories of our 45 fallen soldiers alive with moving ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial on the Franklin Town Common."

(L-R) Dick Hynes, St Rep Jeff Roy

Hynes served in the Navy as a Medic during the Vietnam War from August 1962 to April 1967. Dick attained the rank of HM2 which is the Hospital Corpsman Second Class and is the largest occupational rating in the Navy. Dick proudly received the National Defense Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal. While serving, he met Judy, his Navy nurse wife of 43 years.

For the past several years, Hynes has led efforts to honor the 45 Franklin veterans who lost their lives in service to our country. The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran's Memorial areas in the state, including 45 granite posts which line the Veterans' Walkway. Each one of these posts is dedicated to a Franklin veteran who gave his life, defending our freedom.

Under Dick's leadership, along with Franklin's Veterans' organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3402, a program has been developed honor and remember those who died for our nation. This program includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history we may have on that veteran.

The State House ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a keynote address by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"This event is about gratitude," said Governor Maura Healey. "We're here to honor the everyday heroes-veterans, active-duty service members, and military families-whose courage, strength, and commitment continue to shape our state for the better. Military Appreciation Day is now a Massachusetts tradition and one we'll proudly carry forward each year."

"Massachusetts is home to one of the most vibrant, committed military communities in the country," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This day is about uplifting the stories and contributions of those who have sacrificed so much and showing that their service will never go unrecognized."

"Every day, I meet veterans and military families who continue to lead, serve, and inspire," said Secretary Jon Santiago. "As we approach Memorial Day, and during a month dedicated to honoring our military, this event reflects what makes Massachusetts special: a deep respect for service, and a commitment to those who wear the uniform-and those who stand beside them."

"My father's service in the United States Army defined his life and deeply shaped my own - and I know the same holds true for thousands of service members and their families across Massachusetts," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "It is a privilege to honor those residents who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice."

"It is an honor to host the inaugural Military Appreciation Day in the historic House Chamber," said Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. "This new tradition reflects our deep appreciation for the veterans, service members, and military families who strengthen every corner of our Commonwealth."

The keynote address was delivered by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. A Boston native and one of the most distinguished military leaders in recent history, General Dunford spoke about the legacy of service, leadership, and community and the importance of honoring those who serve across generations.

"It's an honor to return home to Massachusetts and stand alongside a community so deeply committed to those who serve. Military Appreciation Day reflects something I've long believed: that service is not just what we do in uniform-it's a lifetime of leadership, character, and sacrifice," said General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I'm proud to join the Commonwealth in recognizing these remarkable individuals and the values they represent."

The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Springfield native and NBC's The Voice finalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.

To view the full list of 2025 Military Appreciation Day honorees ->

https://www.mass.gov/doc/military-appreciation-day-2025-honoree-list/download

Additional photos of Rep Roy and Dick Hynes can be found (courtesy of Rep Roy's Office)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/16US8SnCCdBN3GBe7

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, May 23, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Friday, May 23

• Early Voting - FY 2026 Override Special Election

10:00am Parmenter 4th grade music field trip RI Philharmonic

 

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library) 

 

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

House to House for Heroes - Walpole - June 7

Volunteers Needed!

HOUSE TO HOUSE FOR HEROES - WALPOLE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office is bringing our successful House to House for Heroes Veteran outreach effort to Walpole! Join us on Saturday, June 7th at 9:00 AM as we go door-to-door to connect with local veterans and distribute packets filled with vital information and resources. Volunteers should meet at 9:00 AM at the Walpole Council on Aging (60 South Street, next to the Walpole police station). This is a meaningful way to give back to those who have served. If you'd like to join us, please sign up using the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B49A4AA22A1FDC25-56784008-volunteers Let's come together to show our appreciation for Walpole's veterans.

Norfolk County Sheriff's Office | 200 West St | Dedham, MA 02027 US

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Wednesday, May 7

 

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

 

 

 

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

 

Charles River Pollution Control District

May 7, 2025    Time: 3:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1718

BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING - Moved to May 14

Wednesday, May 7 Time: 5:00 PM

No agenda at this time

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719

 

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

 

 

Updates from the Franklin Veterans Service Office - May 2025 Schedule

May 7– Veterans’ Coffee Social – 10:00 AM at the Senior Center. All Veterans are welcome to join us for updates, coffee and conversation! Socials are held the first Wednesday of every month.

May 9 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day – This date recognizes the services and sacrifices of military spouses. Thank you to all military spouses for your love, loyalty and support!

May 15 – Veterans’ Council/Memorial Day Parade Meeting – 7:00 PM at the Senior Center. All members of the community interested in Veterans’ activities are invited. Parade volunteers are needed.

May 17 - Armed Forces Day – An annual holiday observed to pay tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Thank you to all members of the U. S. Military. We salute you for your service and sacrifices!

 

Franklin Senior Center

May 23 – Memorial Day Breakfast – 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Senior Center. RSVP by May 9, 2025. Veterans will be given first preference.

May 26 – Memorial Day - Honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military. The Memorial Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m., starting at Horace Mann School, right onto Oak St., continues onto Daniel McCahill St., continues onto Union St., left onto West Central St., left onto Emmons St., left onto Main St., ending on the Town Common, where a Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 12:00 p.m. If any Veteran would like to participate in the parade, please contact our office.

Veterans Memorial Walkway - The May installation of engraved bricks on the Walkway will be completed by Memorial Day. Thank you to all who’ve supported this project by honoring their special U.S. Service Members with a brick. The next installation will be in November to coincide with Veterans’ Day. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies and on the Veterans’ Services page on the Town website.

Please let our office know if you or a family member (residing in Franklin) is a Purple Heart recipient. National Purple Heart Day is celebrated on August 7 every year. 

The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for Veterans meets on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM at the Senior Center. There is no charge for lessons and no guitar experience is required. We have guitars! Call our office for details. 

The Warrior Within Yoga program for Veterans and First Responders meets on Thursdays from 6:00 – 7:00 PM at the Senior Center. Call our office to sign up.

 

 

Franklin TV: Our Memorial Day Events

When and Where?

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/27/2025

 

In recent years Memorial Day has taken on greater import – as it should. It’s a time for solemnity and remembrance of our best and bravest when it mattered most.

We’re posting this information well in advance of events so veterans can call for breakfast reservations and parade arrangements.

VETERANS: If you wish to walk or ride in the Memorial Day parade, please call Veterans’ Services at 508-613-1315 by May 1st.

Memorial Day Breakfast - 9 AM to 11 AM, Friday May 23rd, at the Senior Center. Call the veterans’ services office at 508-613-1315 for reservations by May 9th.

The Memorial Day Parade – 11 AM, Monday May 26th.
From Horace mann Middle School to Oak, Daniel McCahill and Union Sts., left onto West Central, left onto Emmons, and left onto Main St. to the Town Common.

Memorial Remembrances will be held prior to the parade at cemeteries located at: Dean College, Union St. and St. Mary’s Church.

The Memorial Day Ceremony – Noon, Monday May 26th. Town Common.
We will recognize and honor our Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day as well as Franklin’s 45 fallen heroes who died in combat.

Please note: In case of rain please check our Veterans’ Services web page:
www.franklinma.gov/335/veterans-Services for updates.

Let us all remember –
We are the land of the free because of the brave.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And staying informed at Franklin●news.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

HOUSE TO HOUSE FOR HEROES - NORFOLK MA

VOLUNTEER NOW!

HOUSE TO HOUSE FOR HEROES IN NORFOLK ON MAY 3RD STILL TIME TO VOLUNTEER! The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office is proud to host House to House for Heroes veterans' outreach in Norfolk MA on Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There's still time to volunteer and be part of this meaningful effort to support our local veterans by delivering resource packets door-to-door. Volunteers will meet at the Norfolk Fire Department, located at 117 Main Street. We're honored to have Jim Schweitzer as our honorary chair. Mr. Schweitzer is a Vietnam War veteran who has called Norfolk home for the past 40 years. If you'd like to show your appreciation for our veterans and lend a helping hand, you can sign up to volunteer here: Volunteer Registration.

Norfolk County Sheriff's Office | 200 West St | Dedham, MA 02027 US