GOOD DEEDS: The True meaning of – "Support the Troops"

This month, we observe Memorial Day to honor and remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. With this in mind, I want to take a moment to reflect about the true meaning of "support the troops." For me, as the father of a Service Member, supporting our troops goes beyond a simple gesture. It means actively getting involved and reaching out to the brave men and women whose commitment and service to our country is both unwavering and inspiring. By truly supporting our troops in a meaningful way, we can honor their sacrifices and show our gratitude for their dedication to protecting our freedoms.

In the spirit of one of the United States Army's 10 principles of leadership, leading by example, I want to share with you a few ways that we at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds have not only shown our support but acted on that principle to hopefully inspire others to do the same.

Providing clothing donations to Veteran organizations is a simple yet impactful way to show appreciation for our Veterans. This small act to benefit Veterans can make a significant difference in their lives.

In 2016, the Registry of Deeds made a commitment to the Veteran Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service program by expanding the Registry's "Suits for Success" program to include Veterans, starting with Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center. Since that time, this partnership has grown to include the West Roxbury VA Medical Center and the Brockton VA Medical Center. Since the Registry started the "Suits for Success" program in February 2009, it has collected and distributed more than 11,500 articles of clothing to local non-profit groups throughout southern Massachusetts.

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell delivers clothes to Mary Peak and staff, VA Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service program.

Another way to show your support is by sharing the story of a fallen hero. By telling their stories, it ensures that their legacy lives on and that future generations will remember the sacrifices made by these brave men and women.

In November 2023, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds celebrated the Veterans of Norfolk County with an open house and the release of our third volume of Notable Land Records titled "We Remember Our Veterans."

These stories allow us to honor the sacrifices made by Veterans and gain a deeper understanding of why it is crucial to support and care for our Veterans today.

The evening's event took on a special significance as Veterans' Services Secretary Jon Santiago, the highest-ranking state Veteran's official in the Commonwealth, spoke about the role of Veterans and the sacrifices they make on behalf of our freedoms.

From left Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell, Jeanette Rose-Gutshall, a Gold Star wife from Weymouth, and Massachusetts Veterans' Services Secretary Jon Santiago

Lastly you can actively participate in the Veteran community. You can show respect on Memorial Day by going to a national cemetery or war memorial, putting flowers or flags on the graves of Veterans, or going to a local parade or ceremony. Another option to be active in the Veteran community and show your support is to talk to a Veteran or Veterans' group.

Recently, I had the honor to meet with the Veterans and Veteran Family Members of Braintree American Legion Post 86 to share some of the programs and services that are available through the Registry of Deeds. During that event it was my pleasure to sign a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve, joining others throughout the United States in pledging that I fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act and will continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

So, I hope that this Memorial Day, you will join with me and your fellow Americans in not only showing your support but also taking the time to be active in the Veteran community so that we can all truly reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform and express our gratitude for their service and dedication to this great Country, the United States of America.

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell

May 2024 - Veterans' Council Meeting and Memorial Day Parade Planning

May 2024 - Veterans' Council Meeting and Memorial Day Parade Planning

Thursday, May 16 - 7:00 pm - Senior Center

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE/CEREMONY VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED! 

CALL OUR OFFICE TO SIGN UP: (508) 613-1315

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/may-2024-veterans-council-meeting-and-memorial-day-parade-planning

May 2024 - Veterans' Council Meeting and Memorial Day Parade Planning

Memorial Day Parade scheduled for May 27, 2024 at 10:30 AM

Franklin's Memorial Day parade route remains the same. The parade will step off at 10:30 AM from Depot St, proceed up Main St. 

It stops briefly at Dean College for a wreath ceremony before continuing up Main St and turning on School St (at the Library). 

The parade turns again on Union St and stop for another wreath ceremony at the Union St cemetery. The parade resumes proceeding down RT 140 to Beaver St and turns toward the Town Common. 

It makes another stop at the St Mary's cemetery before completing the route at the Town Common. The final ceremony among the veterans memorials is scheduled for noon.

Memorial Day Parade schedule

Memorial Day Parade route

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Announces 4th Annual Fishing4Vets - June 9

Fishing4Vets: Reeling in Support for Our Nation's Heroes Through the Power of Friendly Competition and Camaraderie

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF) is excited to announce the fourth annual Fishing4Vets event, a charity fishing tournament designed to bring veterans and the community together for a day of camaraderie, competition, and Cape Cod's finest fishing. Taking place on June 9, 2024, this fun-filled event will raise essential funds to support our Food4Vets program, addressing the food insecurity needs of our nation's heroes.

Fishing4Vets: Casting a Line for a Cause

4th Annual Fishing4Vets

The Fishing4Vets tournament offers a unique opportunity for veterans to bond with fellow service members and the wider community over a shared love of fishing, while competing for bragging rights and valuable prizes. All proceeds from the event will be directed to the Food4Vets program, which aims to assist veterans and military families who may be faced with food security issues and may lack access to affordable healthy meals.

This annual event has grown in popularity since its inception, attracting veterans, fishing enthusiasts, and community members who come together to support a worthy cause. Fishing4Vets aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans, and to create a supportive environment for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.

Uniting Veterans, Community, and Nature

The Fishing4Vets tournament encourages participation from veterans, their families, and the local community, fostering connections and understanding between those who have served our nation and those who support their efforts. The event has received praise from veterans for its ability to create a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere where they can share their experiences and build lasting friendships.

"I look forward to the Fishing4Vets tournament every year," says Joe Martinez, a local veteran and tournament participant. "It's not just about the thrill of competition or the incredible fishing. It's about coming together with my fellow veterans and the community to support each other and share our stories."

About Massachusetts Military Support Foundation

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential support to veterans and active-duty military personnel in need. MMSF offers a range of services, including housing assistance, food programs, and counseling services, to address the unique challenges faced by those who have served our nation. For more information, visit www.mmsfi.org.

For media inquiries about Fishing4Vets or to schedule an interview, please contact our Media Relations department at (617) 378-2974 or media.relations@mmsfi.org. To learn more about this event, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, visit www.mmsfi.org/fishing4vets.

Veterans join the coffee & conversation at the April 2024 Coffee Social - Apr 3 at 10 AM

April 2024 Coffee Social

Join Us for Coffee & Conversation - Wednesday, April 3 at 10:00 AM

Join Us for Coffee & Conversation - Wednesday, April 3 at 10:00 AM

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/april-2024-coffee-social-0

First Annual Cornhole Tournament - April 6, 2024 to benefit veterans and programming at 22Mohawks

Next9Up and 22mohawks have joined together to host the First Annual Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, April 6, 2024 with proceeds to benefit veterans and programming at 22Mohawks.

Head over to register today at: https://www.next9up.com/22mohawks-cornhole-tournament

First Annual Cornhole Tournament - April 6, 2024 to benefit veterans and programming at 22Mohawks

Food trucks, DJ, raffles, cornhole, and tons of fun is the BEST way to spend a day in April while supporting our veterans.

22Mohawks (www.22mohawks.com) is a 501(c)(3) Veteran Charitable Organization helping veterans lead themselves to find purpose. This includes their Pups for Vets Program and teaching Suicide Prevention Classes.

It has been proven that organizations that give dogs to veterans have a 0% suicide rate and studies show that adrenaline producing activities can reduce and even eliminate anxiety and depression in the short term. To find our more about their programs for companion dogs for veterans, head here https://22mohawks.com/partners/

Next9Up Baseball/Softball Training Facility has always been a supporter to aide our veterans, and we are excited to help bring this event to life.

We also are offering sponsorships for those wanting to help - you can check out the options at https://www.facebook.com/events/1387575281842416/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C4x_AQOL1jJ/

Community Job Fair - Talk to a Veteran Rep! - March 26

Community Job Fair - Talk to a Veteran Rep!

March 26, 2024 - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Community Job Fair - Talk to a Veteran Rep

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/community-job-fair-talk-veteran-rep-0

Honoring Our Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country

The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran’s Memorial areas in the state.  If you haven’t been there recently, it is worth a visit.  There are monuments for all wars centered in front of the WWI “Doughboy” monument.  At the rear of the monument area is the Veterans’ Memorial Walkway which currently honors 1866 veterans who have served America.

Perhaps the most moving part of the Memorial area are the 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. These columns are beautifully done, marked with bronze plaques and a flag. During the holidays, each is also decorated with a beautiful wreath.

Over the past few months, Franklin’s Veterans’ organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 3402, under the auspices of the Town’s Veterans Council, have developed a program to further honor those who died for our nation, to ensure they are remembered, and their stories are kept alive.

This program will include 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. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

This event will happen 45 times during the coming year.  Some months, like January, only one ceremony will be held. Other months will have multiple ceremonies, such as February with 4 and June with 7.   On March 10, April 9, July 18, and September 21, there will be dual ceremonies as we lost two veterans on the same day.

Families of the veterans, if known, will be invited to attend the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend these ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives.

Franklin’s military organizations support numerous veterans’ activities  and encourage all veterans in town to join them.

The current schedule (note as additional info is gathered and confirmed this schedule may be updated)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/114IR6REsc-Ts_GLlfmgynjyD5IS595RA/view?usp=drive_link

 Honoring Our Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country

VFW Post 3402 Hosting Luncheon for Vietnam-Era Veterans 29 March 2024

Luncheon for Vietnam-Era Veterans

Calling local Vietnam-Era Veterans!

VFW Post 3402 is hosting a luncheon in your honor on 29 March 2024.

Event time is 12 PM (noon). RSVP required, call 508-613-1315.

See flier for more details!

 

VFW Post 3402 Hosting Luncheon for Vietnam-Era Veterans 29 March 2024

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/vfw-post-3402-hosting-luncheon-vietnam-era-veterans-29-march-2024

Reminder: Veterans' Coffee Social on March 6, 2024 at 10 AM features Secretary Jon Santiago

Veterans' Coffee Social - March 6, 2024

Reminder to join the us, this Wednesday, March 6, for the Veteran's Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center!

We will be having a legislative visit from EOVS Secretary Jon Santiago (Army Veteran and Reservist), Rep. Jeffrey Roy, and Senator Rebecaa Rausch. Come and converse about issues that are important to our Veterans!

Join us on March 6th, 2024 at the Franklin Senior Center at 10:00AM

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/veterans-coffee-social-march-6th-2024

Reminder: Veterans' Coffee Social on March 6, 2024 at 10 AM features Secretary Jon Santiago

Hockey Triple Header at DCU in Worcester - FREE TICKETS FOR VETS!

Veterans Appreciation Day & Night - Saturday, March 30, 2024 
- Reserve your seat today!

Join the Department of Massachusetts VFW for a day of camaraderie and hockey on Saturday, March 30 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the DCU Center in Worcester!

Reserve your seat today by calling: Mike Raymond at: (603) 608-6898

Read more

Hockey Triple Header at DCU in Worcester - FREE TICKETS FOR VETS!

Veterans Coffee Social with Senator Rausch, Rep Roy, & Secretary Santiago at the Franklin Senior Center - March 6 at 10 AM

Save the date!!!      March 6 at 10 AM

State Rep Jeff Roy, State Senator Becca Rausch and Secretary of Veterans Service, Jon Santiago

Veterans Coffee Social with Senator Rausch, Rep Roy, & Secretary Santiago at the Franklin Senior Center - March 6 at 10 AM

Veterans Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center

Save the date!!!

March 6 at 10 AM.

State Rep Jeff Roy, State Senator Becca Rausch and Secretary of Veterans Service, Jon Santiago

Shared from -> 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3AlWpYubPQ/

New Ceremony to Honor Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country: first of series starts Jan 26 at 9 AM

The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran’s Memorial areas in the state.  If you haven’t been there recently, it is worth a visit.  There are monuments for all wars centered in front of the WWI “Doughboy” monument.  At the rear of the monument area is the Veterans’ Memorial Walkway which currently honors 1866 veterans who have served America.

Perhaps the most moving part of the Memorial area are the 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.  These columns are beautifully done, marked with bronze plaques and a flag.  During the holidays, each is also decorated with a beautiful wreath.

Over the past few months, Franklin’s Veterans’ organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 3402, under the auspices of the Town’s Veterans Council, have developed a program to further honor those who died for our nation, to ensure they are remembered, and their stories are kept alive.

Beginning in January, specifically on January 26, at 9:00 AM, the first of 45 ceremonies will take place at the column of William O. Martello, Ensign, U.S. Navy who died on that date off Anzio beach in Italy, when his landing craft struck a mine.

In February, there will be four veterans honored, February 18 – Air Force SSgt Alan Willard, Vietnam; February 22 – Navy Oiler James P. Murray, WWI; February 24 - Marine Corporal David Laughlan III, WWII, and February 26 – Marine Lance Corporal Richard L. Desper, Vietnam.

For the month of March, we will honor the following veterans.  On March 10, a dual ceremony will be held for Army 2nd LT John A. Schur, WWII and Army PFC Marshall E. Rollins, both who lost their lives on the same day; March 18 - Army PFC Elton E. Ekstrom, WWII, and on March 30 – W. Franklin Lynch WWI.

This program will include 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.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

This event will happen 45 times during the coming year.  Some months, like January, only one ceremony will be held. Other months will have multiple ceremonies, such as February with 4 and June with 7.   On March 10, April 9, July 18, and September 21, there will be dual ceremonies as we lost two veterans on the same day.

Families of the veterans, if known, will be invited to attend the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend these ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives.

Franklin’s military organizations support numerous veterans’ activities  and encourage all veterans in town to join them.

Honoring Our Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country

Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM

All Franklin residents are invited!

The next monthly Veterans' Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

All Franklin residents interested in Veterans' activities and events are welcome to join us.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month.

For more information, please contact the Veterans' Services Office: (508) 613-1315.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-council-meeting-january-18-2024-700-pm

Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Franklin Veterans come to your Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center January 3, 2024 - 10 AM

RING IN 2024 WITH US AT OUR

MONTHLY VETERANS' COFFEE SOCIAL ON

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 AT 10:00 AM AT THE SENIOR CENTER.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY OUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS AT STARBUCKS!

ALL VETERANS ARE INVITED TO JOIN US 

FOR COFFEE AND CONVERSATION. 

DROP BY FOR A WHILE OR STAY AS LONG AS YOU'D LIKE.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/january-3-2024-coffee-social

Warrior Within Yoga Project Pilot Program Starts Dec 7, 2023 at the Franklin Senior Center

Franklin Warrior Yoga

A new Veteran yoga program with Warrior Within Yoga Project is coming to Franklin, MA starting December 7th and meeting Thursdays 6-7 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

Warrior Within Yoga Project is a local nonprofit that specializes in accessible, evidence-based and trauma-informed yoga for military and first responder populations.

The class is free to all veterans, service members, first responders and their families/caretakers. The sessions are beginner friendly, taught at a slower pace and focus on improving mobility and decreasing stress.  

Two talented yoga instructors will be leading sessions including US Army veteran Christopher Boehm along with Cathy Kilcoyne.

The class has rolling enrollment so drop in at any time. You are welcome to any or all sessions. 

We encourage registering online in advance at   www.warriorwithinyoga.org/schedule or by emailing WWYP's Program Coordinator Victoria Rojasss   victoriar@warriorwithinyoga.org

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/warrior-within-yoga-project-pilot-program-starts-07-dec-2023-franklin-senior

Women Veterans' Tea! at the Franklin Senior Center - 18 Nov 2023 at 10 AM

Women Veterans' Tea

Hoping our Women Veterans can all get together for some coffee, tea, and delicious homemade goodies before the busy holiday seasons! 

This event will be held at the Franklin Senior Center, sponsored by the Mansfield Chapter of the DAR.  

Please RSVP via email to snisbett@franklinma.gov

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/women-veterans-tea-18-nov-2023-franklin-senior-center-10am

Women Veterans' Tea! at the Franklin Senior Center - 18 Nov 2023 at 10 AM

Veterans and families: Burial benefits and funeral planning

Veterans and families: Burial benefits and funeral planning By Carol Kando-Pineda If you're a veteran's surviving family or caregiver, you may be eligible for expanded burial benefits that help cover certain funeral expenses.  But scammers may contact you, saying that for a fee they can do the paperwork and guarantee what benefits you'll get.  Other scammers pretend to be from the VA.  But the VA will never call, text, or email out of the blue and ask for your credit card or bank account information. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/veterans-and-families-burial-benefits-and-funeral-planning

Veterans and families: Burial benefits and funeral planning

 

Veterans need to be aware of scams

Veterans and scams By Carol Kando-Pineda As we approach Veterans Day, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. But not everyone has a vet's best interests in mind. Whether you left the service decades ago or you're planning your transition to civilian life, scammers will try to get you to send money or share personal information.  Scammers also want to get their hands on the valuable benefits you earned through military service. What are some ways to know you're dealing with a scammer? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/veterans-and-scams

Veterans need to be aware of scams