Defenders. freedom. Veterans Organizations. Remembering GySgt. Sullivan. Honoring Local Servicemen & Women A T U R L E Y P U B L I C A T I O N

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1 A T U R L E Y P U B L I C A T I O N Defenders of freedom P I O N E E R V A L L E Y Fall 2015 Honoring Local Servicemen & Women Veterans Organizations Remembering GySgt. Sullivan

2 Selfless Service Past & Present AMERICAN LEGION We honor those who have served our country in the past and continue to serve their communities today. Thank you for your many years of se ess service PURCELL-LABRECQUE POST # Palmer Road P.O. Box 76 Monson, MA Life Care Center of Wilbraham Joint Commission accredited LCCA.COM Dennis Lopata, Executive Director Welcoming New Members and Member Transfers For information please or In Honor of the Founder of Moulton Insurance - Charles A. Moulton WWII Veteran, Tech Sargeant in the United States Army Air Corps. Thanks to all who serve and have served. Active duty credit for inexperienced operators while away and no rate change for out-of-state use. Call for details. 143 West St., Ware North Main St. Palmer North Main St. Belchertown Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

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4 When Your Service Ends Our Mission Begins SOLDIERS HOME IN HOLYOKE Dental Services for Veterans & Family Veterans Assistance Center Outpatient Medicine Long-Term Nursing Care Visit us at On facebook at Care with Honor & Dignity Contents 5 Vets in Focus 13 Celebrating Our Servicemen & Women 20 Community honors memory of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan 23 The Good Fight 28 Veterans Organizations This ad was not paid for with state appropriated funds. Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015 On Our Cover Liatris Dodge, 14, of Belchertown, snapped this photo of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, VA. This publication was made possible by the generosity of our advertisers. Please be sure to patronize their businesses. We welcome story ideas of veterans throughout our region. Please contact Beth Baker at bbaker@ turley.com or Associate Publisher: Beth Baker Editor: Rich J. Wirth Art Director: Deanna Sloat production coordinator: Stephanie T. Hadley Contributing Writers: Rich J. Wirth, Michelle Charron Tyler S. Witkop Published by Water Street, Palmer, Massachusetts 01069

5 Vets in Focus A Lifetime of Patriotism Ware veterans continue to serve their community By Michelle Charron Turley Publications Correspondent Patriotism. Love of country. Oftentimes, people say that Americans are not as patriotic as in times past. But one can argue patriotism holds fast and steady in the town of Ware, as evidenced by the people who live there and the hefty list of veterans organizations still in existence today. The town s patriotism is clear as day when the residents rally for the Memorial Day parade and even more so on Veterans Day, when the community shows up to honor their veterans despite cold, wind or rain. Yes, the town of Ware is proud of their veterans and rightly so. After all, their veterans fought hard on many battlefields to guarantee our freedoms, and these same veterans, many now in their 70s, still fight today to ensure today s generation of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve. Ware veterans do this because they love their country, and they love their fellow veterans. Patriotism. Joe Harnois Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient In 1960, Joe Harnois was a member of the 26th Yankee Infantry Division of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. As the Vietnam War unfolded overseas, he was sure he would get called up to active duty. When he didn t, he took matters into his own hands, volunteering for active duty service with the Army in Already a staff sergeant in the Army National Guard, active duty meant he would be bumped down to the rank of private and have to go through basic training all over again. And that is what he did. There it is patriotism. Harnois was then assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, also known as the HERD. One of the first combat units in, and one of the last ones out, says Harnois. Anyone familiar with the Vietnam conflict knows the 173rd Airborne Brigade took part in a pivotal battle in the Central Highlands of Vietnam in Known as the Battle of Dak To, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Joe Harnois enjoys the view at the Quabbin Reservoir. His jacket reads, Some gave all all gave some. all accounts describe what took place there as some of the most horrific and brutal fighting of the Vietnam conflict. From November 3-22, the brigade fought the North Vietnamese JEFFERY & JEFFERY INC. Deputy Tax Collectors 137 Main Street PO Box 720 Ware, MA Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Thank Your For Your Service Buy: 5 Gal. NAPA 90th Anniversary Wash Bucket for $2.99 Get: 20% Off On 3 or More Items You Can Fit Inside the Bucket!* #ANNIV-188T * Must purchase a minimum of three items to receive the 20% discount. Some exclusions apply. Not valid on sale items, or with any other offers or coupons. Offer good while supplies last at participating NAPA AUTO PARTS stores. Store: Use #29942 to record discounted products. 175 West St., Ware Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-7; Sat. 8-3; Sun. 9-2 NAPA AUTO PARTS WARE WEST BROOKFIELD 116 Federal St. (Rt. 9) Belchertown West Main St., W. Brookfield Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30; Sat. 8-3 Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom

6 Army, culminating in the battle for Hill 875, located 12 miles southwest of Dak To. The brigade prevailed, but only after losing 285 troops, with an additional 985 wounded and 18 missing, according to Afterwards, the 173rd Airborne Brigade was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for bravery in action. Harnois was there, but he can t really talk about it, the way most vets don t talk about what happened at war. Harnois only begins to utter the words Dak To and immediately a dark cloud crosses over the face of the man who was just smiling minutes ago. Likewise, his eyes begin to fill. It is clear he is likely remembering things none of us should ever have to see or experience; he is probably thinking of those who were lost on Hill 875. Hit in the shoulder by grenade shrapnel, he was only in the field three months. Yet after his injury, he stayed in the field until he began to lose range of motion in his shoulder and realized he had become a liability to his comrades. Upon leaving the jungle in 1968, he was awarded the Purple Heart. Harnois served his country a total of 27 years, and continues to serve his community even after his military retirement. He assisted in bringing a chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) to western Massachusetts; previously, the nearest chapter was in Worcester. During the process of setting up the chapter designation, Harnois was asked what chapter number he would like. He says he didn t think twice he chose 875 to honor those who gave all or all who gave some on Hill 875 in November He is also a charter member of the Ware Veterans Council, having helped write the bylaws some 20-plus years ago and serving as finance officer. He is a life member of American Legion Post 123 and an Adjutant for the Disabled American Veterans. He s been a member of VFW Post 2577 since He spent 23 years as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Quartermaster (treasurer) and nine years as their Adjutant. He has been the VFW post commander as well as the district commander. He has even been the VFW deputy chief of staff at the national level. He held many of these positions at the same time, five in all over the course of one year, saying he had to have his wife keep a schedule for him to help keep him straight while he wore five different hats at once. Though he s not as active in the organizations as he once was, he does still make the hour drive to the Leeds Medical INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Helping clients discover, protect & enhance the people, places & things important to them since The Gaudreau Group Personal Insurance Business Insurance Employee Benefits Compliance Gaudreau Wealth New England Long Term Care Insurance Life & Disability Insurance Investments & Retirement Wealth Management Call us today! We are proud to be home to so many brave veterans and their families. Thank you to those who serve and have served in the name of freedom. Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

7 Center to call bingo and visit with the veterans there, as part of his participation with the Disabled American Veterans. In 2012, working with the state commander of the MOPH, Leo Agnew, Harnois was able to have Ware designated as a Purple Heart Town. Not because he has a Purple Heart. Not even because there are a lot of Purple Heart recipients in the town. Harnois says he felt it was important to do so because it simply reflects the mentality of the people who live in Ware. Ware is very pro-veteran, Harnois says. The sign is symbolic of saying we care about our veterans. And though Ware cares about its veterans, like his peers, Harnois worries Ware Veterans Council President Phil Hamel jokes with past president and current VP Mike Domey. about the fate of the local veterans organizations; he would like to see more veterans get involved. Numbers are dropping in veterans organizations across the state, and Harnois fears more organizations will cease to exist. When I was district commander, I had to close the oldest VFW in the state of Massachusetts. It broke my heart to do that, he recalls. The veterans organizations are the power, the strength; they re the ones that get the benefits for the vets. It s the power of these organizations that go to Congress and lobby for these benefits. I m concerned that these benefits are going to go by the wayside. You got them now, keep what you have don t let them slip away. Phil Hamel Ware Veterans Council President and VFW Post 2577 Vice Commander Phil Hamel is a friendly, outgoing Locally owned and operated for over 60 years. Proud to support our Veterans. Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom

8 fellow who enjoys hunting at the Quabbin Reservoir in his free time. He s quick to offer a smile and that, combined with his upbeat energy, belie his true age. But ask him why, at the age of 79, he is still an active member of Ware s veterans organizations and his demeanor changes. I love my veterans, Hamel says with conviction. I put a lot of time into veterans my very being is helping them. A U.S. Army veteran himself, Hamel served from in Japan. He is active in the Ware Veterans Council, serving as their president, while also serving as the current vice commander of VFW Post He has served as post commander for the VFW, and is an active member of American Legion Post 123 and American Veterans (AMVETS) Post He is a member of the Ware Rotary Club, which he joined as its youngest member; forty-two years later, he is the oldest member. Hamel is a past chairman of the Ware Zoning Board of Appeals, and he was named Citizen of the Year by his peers in As the current Veterans Council president, Hamel puts all the different hats he has worn to good use serving local veterans. He explained that the Veterans Council is made up of three members Ware was designated a Purple Heart Town in 2012, an effort led by Ware veteran Joe Harnois. from each of four different veterans organizations in Ware: VFW Post 2577, American Legion Post 123, AMVETS Post 2577 and the Marine Corps League of Ware. We try to work hand-inhand, says Hamel of the four veterans organizations that make up the council. Together, these four groups coordinate all the activities between them at monthly meetings. Each organization takes turns servicing the Soldiers Home in Holyoke as well as the Leeds Medical Center. They may host bingo or a barbecue or just visit with other veterans at either place. These organizations also take turns planning and participating in the town s Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades. Recently, the Marine Corps League, VFW and AMVETS huddled together under one tent participating in the Ware Fall Fest. When I speak at the Veterans Council meetings, it s us not each different organization that s there, he adds. Hamel, who is not only president of the Veterans Council but also vice commander of the VFW, explained that participation in these organizations by Ware veterans is crucial to the long-term well-being of all veterans, young or old. There are many veterans in our town who don t participate, explains Hamel. Yet all are eligible for one organization or another. Hamel said it is the veterans organizations that play a powerful role in getting and maintaining the services and benefits that veterans have today; he worries that in the near future veterans will lose many of the benefits they struggled to gain. Even if veterans don t feel like they have the time to attend meetings or invest in one of these groups, simply becoming a member of these organizations does help, because unfortunately, it is a numbers game in Washington, D.C. Lately, veterans organizations across Massachusetts are fighting against legislation to relocate town and city veteran s agents into regional offices. Local veteran s agents 2001 Calkins Rd. P.O. Box 8 Three Rivers, MA Th an k you to all of th ose wh o h ave ser ved an d ar e cu r r en tly ser vin g in ou r ar m ed for ces This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT Fire Extinguishers Sales and Service Scuba Tanks Refilled CO 2 for Beer Systems Alan Fauteux (Owner) 2146 Main Street, Three Rivers (across from Amvets) Office (413) Visit us at: Thank you for your service to our Country Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

9 and relationships that the agents have with their local veterans would be lost. We are strongly opposed to any move to take veteran s agents out of the towns, says Hamel. Mike Domey Ware Veterans Council Vice President Turley Publications photo by Michelle Charron Members of Ware s Marine Corps League, VFW Post 2577 and AMVETS Post 2577 stand behind a replica of the USS Missouri handmade by Marine Corps League member David Olson, far left, and displayed at the recent Ware Fall Fest. are the lifeline to financial and medical assistance programs that the Department of Veterans Services provide. Without local agents, many veterans would struggle to find transportation to these regional offices, and the personal contact Mike Domey s list of memberships and past offices is lengthy to be sure. Also a U.S. Army veteran, he served in Europe, namely Germany, from at the height of the Cold War. The Berlin Wall was erected right before his eyes to prevent massive emigrations and defections that plagued East Germany after World War II. In other words, Germans were no longer free to move about in their own country. However, many died trying to do just that. You Honoring Our Heroes Our Founder Herbert Story, Jr. WWII Army Veteran Beers & Story Funeral Homes Palmer Est N. Main St South Hadley Est Newton St Belchertown Est Maple St Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom

10 could look over the wall, and you saw nobody nobody ever, recalls Domey. It was like a ghost town. At 73, Domey was the Veterans Council president preceding Hamel. He has also served as past VFW post commander as well as all-state commander for the VFW. He is also a member of the American Legion and AMVETS. In the 49 years he s been a member, he has held numerous positions within the Knights of Columbus. He has been the local scout coordinator for 30 years, and was recently awarded the prestigious National VFW Scouter Award. In his free time, if he has any, he enjoys woodworking. At his age, one has to ask why he doesn t throw in the towel and simply enjoy his hobby? For love of my country, he says without hesitation. If we had to go to war at our age, we would go. There it is again patriotism. STARt to get better faster. Turley Publications courtesy photo by Carla Kutt Bill Dougan, Pip R. Beauregard and Phil Hamel participate in American Legion Post 123 s installation of officers last year. Reserved and quiet, Domey casts the spotlight away from himself and onto VFW Post He speaks of the town Halloween Parade, an annual event that the VFW has sponsored for 78 years; now, the Knights of Columbus sponsor this fun, family event. The VFW also supports the local reverawestfield.com STAR (Specialized Therapy And Rehab) is an intensive, personalized therapy regimen that is patient-centered and service-oriented. Offering Skilled care for: STAR short-stay rehab respite care Extended residential care hospice care food pantry, Jubilee Food Cupboard, at Trinity Episcopal Church; the pantry provides emergency food assistance to Ware residents. The VFW sponsors a fall essay contest each year for high school and elementary school students. The competitions, called Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen, respectively, offer cash prizes, with winners moving on to compete at the district level, then state, and on to a national competition that can potentially net students a $50,000 scholarship. Recently the VFW voted to donate $2,000 to help support the Ware Police Department in their purchase of a police dog, says Domey. Though the department was awarded a grant for the initial purchase of the canine, the monies donated by the VFW will help to offset other expenses. Like Hamel, Domey also worries about the future of returning veterans and the veterans organizations that support We accept many insurances, including Veterans Administration (VA). Please call us for details. 37 Feeding Hills Rd., Westfield, MA WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS Thank you for your Service! 10 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

11 them. We fought like hell to get the benefits they [vets] get today, he says. If there are no organizations, there will be nobody to fight for benefits for vets who are coming back now. Marci Dineen American Legion Post 123 Commander In 2013, Marci Dineen made history in Ware when she became the first female post commander for American Legion Post 123. A Legionnaire for 14 years now, she says she was helping out at a local event in Ware when she met some of the local veterans and became Turley Publications courtesy photo by Carla Kutt The firing detail from American Legion Post 123 participates in Ware s Memorial Day services earlier this year. involved. Formally in the U.S. Army National Guard, she spent four years as a flight engineer on Chinook helicopters. She then joined the Coast Guard performing small boat search and rescue. I m all about the water, says Dineen. As post commander, she also faces the same struggles and has the same concerns as Hamel, Domey and Harnois. She says retaining membership is a constant struggle, but she hasn t given up because she feels strongly that Enjoy the good life at The Arbors. The Arbors at Amherst offers seniors all the benefits of assisted living and then some. Friends and fun are never hard to find. Meet up for coffee in the pub or share a laugh in our comfortable living room. The possibilities are endless. THE ARBORS a t A m h e r s t An Assisted Living Residential Community Residents at The Arbors receive 3 meals a day in the dining room Personal care assistance daily activities Housekeeping and linen service 24-hour staff For more information call (413) or visit University Drive, Amherst, MA The Arbors and logo is the registered servicemark of Elm Development Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 11

12 community-based organizations like the American Legion are the champions of social issues and pillars of the community. She explains, They do a lot of the things that the community needs done. Without my members, I d be nowhere. American Legion Post 123 is very active in the Ware community. They already sponsor a youth basketball league, and will help to sponsor, in conjunction with the Ware Police Department, a year old baseball team next spring in an effort to combat opiate abuse plaguing Ware s youth. The Legion also fundraises for veterans by participating in the annual Poppy Drive, and also does a toy drive over the holidays to benefit the cancer ward at a children s hospital. The Legion also stays busy with its own firing detail, which has been in existence for over 30 years. This past summer, the Sons of the Legion held their first annual Take a Vet Fishing Day at the Quabbin Reservoir. Veterans signed up to participate and were then assigned to a boat. Sons of the Legion members manned boats, which they also supplied along with the fishing poles. Afterwards everyone enjoyed a barbeque. Dineen says it was a great day for all involved. She encourages veterans to become involved in their local veterans organizations. Acknowledging that people are busy these days, she says veterans can do as little or as much as they want; the important thing is to become a member. More importantly, Dineen says becoming a member matters because it strengthens our freedoms and perpetuates our free institutions. Once thought of as a place to swap war stories and have a few beers, local veterans posts have evolved into so much more than that. They really are pillars of the community, as Dineen describes, supporting community members and other organizations in times of need. They are also the watchdogs for all veterans, looking out for each other and ensuring that veterans are cared for and getting their basic needs met. Long after their official service to their country has ended, people like Harnois, Hamel, Domey and Dineen, and others like them, continue to work tirelessly for their fellow veterans and the community they serve. And they do it not for recognition or a pat on the back. They do it because they love their country, they love their veterans and they love their communities. They are patriotic. Longtime Ware resident Alfred Albrecht is seen here surrounded by members of Ware Boy Scout Pack at this year s Memorial Day Parade in Ware. Albrecht is a former Scoutmaster and a veteran of World War II, who was one of the many soldiers that landed during D-Day in Normandy on June 6, 1944 to fight German troops. Albrecht has been involved in scouting and veterans organization for many years. 12 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

13 Celebrating Our Servicemen & Women Thank You! SPC Jacob Kopyscinski Agawam, MA United States Army Brandon N. Moore Agawam, MA United States Marine Corps Asia Thank you for your service and sacrifice Park Street Palmer, MA PV2 James Craven Monson, MA United States Army South Korea Thank You Veterans For Your Service Little Friends Child Care Center 58 Daniel Shays Hwy, Belchertown Website: Littlefriends39.com Have fun while learning! ACCEPTING FALL REGISTRATIONS Morning Preschool 9:15am - 1:00pm Only $16.00 per day All staff CPR and First Aid certified Caring for children 1-year up to 9 years old Any 2-day minimum for all programs Full Day Prechool & Infant/Toddler Programs 7:am-5:30pm Before and after school. This includes snow days/ vacations/holidays/summers if needed Year round enrollment Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 13

14 Celebrating Our Servicemen & Women Thank You! Alexander Gogol Chicopee, MA United States Air Force Dylan James Donze South Hadley, MA United States Marine Corps Kuwait Dr. Brian Haney Ludlow, MA United States Army San Antonio, TX Leah Rose McAndrews Chicopee, MA United States Air Force Alaska 14 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015 Michael Szydlowski Wilbraham, MA United States Air Force SPC Ethan Mercier Ludlow, MA United States Army

15 Celebrating Our Servicemen & Women Thank You! Troy R. Drost Palmer, MA United States Air Force Travis AFB California SFC Jason LaMontagne Chicopee, MA United States Marine Corps United States Army Ryan J. Mikalchus Granby, MA United States Navy U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis, MD Chief Warrant Officer Steven Gorski Wilbraham, MA United States Army 3 tours in Afghanistan and 1 tour in Iraq Master Sgt. Michael Harder Ware, MA United States Air Force Eglin AFB, Florida Blake Farnsworth Hampden, MA United States Navy, Seabee Rota, Spain Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 15

16 Celebrating Our Servicemen & Women Thank You! Ssgt Adam Smith Feeding Hills, MA United States Air Force USAF K-9, Germany Anthony Paul Rescigno Feeding Hills, MA United States Air Force Oklahoma Offering basic firearm safety classes to apply for MA, CT, RI, NH, FL & many other state licenses. T hank you to our past, present & future troops! Visit our website for more information. SSD Tactical Training Verge St. Unit 2 Springfield, MA VETERAN S DAY CELEBRATION SPECIAL $20 OFF CLASSES IN NOVEMBER Sgt. Anthony Thurlow Brookfield, MA United States Army Ft. Drum, NY Thank You for your Service WALKER MACHINE CO. 6 State Street, Monson, MA FAX (413) FRESH ROTISSERIE COOKED CHICKEN Enjoy your guests... LET US DO THE COOKING Thank You for Your Service! 72 DEWEY STREET, CHICOPEE (OFF SHERIDEN) PRECISION PARTS GENERAL MACHINING CUSTOM MACHINE BUILDING PROTOTYPE Scott Walker 16 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

17 Celebrating Our Servicemen & Women Thank You! LTC Jeffrey Jablonski Ludlow, MA United States Army TSgt Robert Taupier Agawam MA United States Air Force South Korea John G. Aniolowski Belchertown, MA United States Navy San Diego, CA LCDR Melissa A. Seitz Hubbardston, MA United States Navy Djibouti, Africa Lance Corporal Stephen Boucher Belchertown, MA United States Marine Corps Camp Pendleton, CA John C. Burton Belchertown, MA United States Army 101st Airborne Air Assault Division Ft. Campbell, KY Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 17

18 Celebrating Our Servicemen & Women Thank You! Zack Ferrara Hampden, MA United States Marine Corps S/Sgt. Thomas Gillan Southwick, MA United States Air Force South Dakota Sean Egan Ludlow, MA United States Army National Guard 1stSgt Stephen Rose Belchertown, MA United States Marine Corps H&S Company Devens, MA WEDGEWOOD MOTEL SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS Celebrating Over 50 Years of Serving Our Community Route 20, Palmer, MA Comfortable, Clean Military Discount and Quiet Rooms at a Great Price. 18 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

19 Celebrating Our Servicemen & Women Thank You! Neil Johnson Belchertown, MA United States Marine Corps Bob, Tess, Ray and Rob LaFleur Granby, MA United States Marine Corps...where local is just the beginning! Thank you for your Service to Our Country. Country Bakery Farm Fresh Produce Homemade Fudge 120 Varieties Cheese Gift Department Seasonal Ice Cream Shop Fresh Sushi Bar Old Time Butcher Shop Fresh Seafood Deli & Lunches Specialty Foods Full Service Florist Fruit & Gift Baskets Beer & Wine Member FDIC Member DIF It is an Honor to represent those Veterans who are serving and have served our Country. Thank you for your service. Donnie Berthiaume State Representative 5th Worcester District State House, Room 540, Boston, MA cell The Commonwealth of Massachusetts HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Atkins Farms Military Discount: Save 10% OFF your total purchase 1150 West St. (Bay Road & Route 116), Amherst, MA (413) Alfred Albrecht Scoutmaster Emeritus On behalf of the hundreds of young men whom you have helped over your 80+ years of involvement in Scouting, Thank You! Boy Scout Troop 281, Ware, Mass Sponsored by KofC Council #183 Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 19

20 Community honors memory of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan USMC field artillery cannoneer killed in attack on Navy Operational Support Center in Tennessee Turley Publications photo by David Miles Hampden veteran Joe Lawrence, center, stands with Jordan Taylor, left, and Gabriel Hernandez to pay their respects to Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan along Tinkham Road in Springfield. By Tyler S. Witkop Turley Publications Staff Writer With heavy hearts, the nation has come to grips following the tragic shootings at a Navy-Marine training facility and military recruiting center in Chattanooga, Tenn. From Washington to small town Hampden, the memory of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan is alive and strong. When the news came that Sullivan, an East Springfield native whose parents Jeremiah and Mary Betty Sullivan are Hampden residents, was among those slain in the attack, the family s neighbors along quiet Mill Road placed American flags at the end of each driveway and at the intersection of side streets. Flags flew at half-staff, and signs popped up on lawns and in storefront windows like Greg the Barber in Wilbraham. On Friday, July 24, streets were packed with onlookers along Sumner Avenue in Springfield, waving flags and holding banners, waiting to pay their respects to the fallen hero whose body was being transported to Sampson s Chapel of the Acres on Tinkham Road in Springfield. Sullivan, twice the recipient of the Purple Heart, was laid to rest at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam on July 27 with full military honors. The 40-year-old Marine was the recipient of a Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Recruiting Ribbon, two Iraq Campaign Medals, five Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Chairman of the Hampden Board of Selectmen Vincent Villamaino said his heart goes out to the family, adding that the news was devastating to the community. 20 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

21 Turley Publications photos by Tyler S. Witkop Patrons of Nathan Bill s Bar & Restaurant left drinks and flowers for Sullivan at a makeshift shrine coined Sullivan s Corner. He noted that in his memory, outside of the Vietnam War, he cannot remember the town being affected by such a tragedy. This is more than I think I could ever deal with. For this to happen is so wrong. Why should parents have to go through that? Villamaino lamented. Sullivan s Corner At Nathan Bill s Bar & Restaurant in Springfield, co-owned by Sullivan s brother, Joe, memorials poured into what has been named Sullivan s Corner. Patrons bought shots and glasses of beer and left behind flowers and personalized letters. One letter from the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club of New York reads: Dearest Marine, We the U.S. Veterans MC Nomads Chapter New York came to your hometown to honor-support you and your family and friends. We are shocked at what happened. We will pray and never forget you and your brothers. God bless, Rest in peace. The bar held a pasta dinner on July 22 to benefit the Cathedral High School football team, which is comprised of Cathedral, Holyoke Catholic and Sabis International school students. The event had been pre-arranged in June to support the program, which needed roughly $8,000 for the upcoming season. Sabis International student Ariana Surprise established a GoFundMe campaign, which by July 22 had earned nearly $1,300. But with Sullivan being a 1994 Cathedral graduate and a football player himself, the ownership group of the bar wanted to make a special statement. In a surprise to those in attendance, including head coach Ed Wyzik, the owners presented the program with a check in the amount of $6,500 in Sullivan s name. The donation alone put the program over their fundraising goals for the year, in addition to the proceeds from every plate of pasta served. Ryan McCollum, a former Cathedral player and an organizer of the dinner, explained that Nathan Bill s has been supportive of the program for years, and that the gesture was a way to keep Sullivan s memory alive. Pay Respects In attendance that evening were local Marines John Nadaud and Chris Nargi. Nadaud signed a Marine Corps flag in the back of the restaurant, leaving a message for Sullivan. Nadaud never knew Sullivan but said that he needed to visit because, He s a Marine, we re brothers, Nadaud said. I need to pay my respects to the family. While he noted that the event itself was tragic, he added, Sometimes you need that tragedy to bring a community together. Echoing Nadaud s comments, Nargi said, I m here representing my brothers across the nation. Condolences came from officials as high ranking as President Barack Obama. The president, during a July 21 address to the 116th Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention said: Back in Massachusetts, Tom Sullivan cheered for his Boston teams. In battle, said a comrade, Sully was just everything that a Marine should be. In two tours in Iraq, he earned a Combat Action Ribbon; for his wounds, two Purple Hearts. When he was warned that a gunman was there in Chattanooga, he ran in so that others could live. Today we echo the words of his community: Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan was our hero and he will never be forgotten. Thank you for protecting us. Senate Resolution The U.S. Senate even passed a resolution July 22 condemning the July 16 attacks. Introduced by Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tennessee) and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee), it was co-sponsored by all 100 senators. The resolution reads: Condemning the attacks of July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, honoring the members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives, and expressing support and prayers for all those affected Whereas Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan, of Massachusetts, served his country with honor and distinction, including during 2 deployments to Iraq, and was twice awarded the Purple Heart Whereas the people of the United States stand united around the community of Chattanooga and the families of the victims to support Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 21

22 As long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them Springfield Lodge of Elks # Tiffany Street, Springfield all those affected and pray for healing and peace: Now, therefore, be it 1. Resolved, that the Senate 2. (1) condemns the attacks of July, 16, 2015 in Chattanooga, Tennessee; 3. (2) honors the sacrifice and memory of the 5 members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives; 4. (3) recognizes the skill and heroism of the law enforcement officers, members of the Armed Forces, and first responders who came to the aid of others; 5. (4) commends the efforts of those who are working to care for the injured and investigate this horrific incident; 6. (5) extends heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of the fallen, and to all those affected in the community of Chattanooga and in the United States; and 7. (6) pledges to continue to work together to prevent future attacks. Sullivan s family asked that memorial donations be made to Soldier On, 421 North Main St., Building 6, Leeds, MA or online at 22 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

23 The Good Fight Agawam veteran Patrick Asta-Ferrero has PTSD, but it doesn t have him By Rich J. Wirth Turley Publications Correspondent He s no superhero, but retired Army National Guard sergeant Patrick Asta- Ferrero can relate to The Incredible Hulk. Lingering just below the surface of his own hulking 6 1 and 300- pound frame is a simmering anger and hair-trigger temper fueled by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric condition that can occur following the experience or witnessing of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents or violent personal assaults. A freefloating anger with no real target and very subtle causes, it can turn a mild mannered individual into a monster. The Hulk is PTSD, says Asta-Ferrero, 43, of Agawam, a career infantryman who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The lack of a bell curve, that spike. That is PTSD. Initially referred Members of the 2 nd Battalion, 108 th Infantry Air Assault Unit (Alpha Co., 2 nd Squad, 2 nd Platoon) pose for a photo at Fort Polk in Louisiana before deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraq Freedom. They are carrying a combination of M4 carbine assault rifles and squad automatic weapons or SAWs. At left, the same squad pictured in country in early Our appreciation will never waiver. Thank you for serving our country and protecting our freedoms. Todd M. Smola State Representative 1st Hampden District Rep. Toddsmola@hou.state.ma.us State House, Room 124, Boston, MA The Commonwealth of Massachusetts HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thank You Veterans For Your Service Ware VFW Post 2577 THANKS ALL Veterans for your Service. New members and transfers are welcome. Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 23

24 Asta-Ferrero, right, stands on top of a M1114 Up-Armored Humvee as his gunner preps a Browning M2HB.50-caliber machine gun attached to a 360-degree traversable weapon ring mount. Originally designed as a light, agile security vehicle, the M1114 became a troop carrier. Asta-Ferrero sits in the driver s seat of a M1114 Up- Armored Humvee along Highway 1, a major route running north-south across Iraq from Kuwait to Turkey. to as shell shock, a term coined to describe the reactions some Word War I veterans had to the trauma of battle, it wasn t until the 1980s, when the name changed to PTSD, that the disorder was clearly defined and studied, and others who had not been in battle got the help they needed. Per capita, more Vietnam veterans suffer from chronic PTSD than from any other war. A 1991 graduate of Agawam High School, where he played soccer, wrestled and ran track, Asta-Ferrero joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard in Not ready to leave home but wanting to be part of something larger than himself, it seemed like a good compromise. It was either [law enforcement] or the military, he says. I wasn t ready for college. With more than 370 years of service, the Guard is the oldest branch of the U.S. military and its largest reserve component. It dates back to 1636, when citizen-soldiers formed militias to defend community and country. Growing up on North Street with the Army National Guard Armory practically in his backyard, Asta-Ferrero would often see the reservists as they trained (typically one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year). He also hails from a military family: His father and five uncles all served during the Vietnam era, and his paternal grandfather was an Army medic; his great-grandfather was an Italian Army general. His maternal greatgrandfather served in the Navy during WWII. I love the uniform. I love the structure [of the military], Asta-Ferrero says. He spent nine years with Alpha Company, 1st of the 104th, Yankee Division, before joining the New York Army National Guard s Company A, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Air Assault Unit based out of Camp Smith, N.Y. The latter was mobilized to respond to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and provide response and recovery support for New York City. Asta-Ferrero was at Ground Zero soon after the towers fell. It was a different planet. Everything was covered in ash, he says. I ve seen Thank you veterans for all that you do! Our mission is to increase the well-being of our veterans through trauma resilience training for military families, veterans, local communities, and service providers. Learn more about our innovative programs at: WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR ALL PROGRAMS. Rt. 32, 444 Lower Road, Gilbertville, MA Open: Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM, Sat 8AM-5PM, Sun 9AM-3PM The Co-op has a staff of about 20 customer-focused people who are ready to help you. 24 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

25 horrible things in third world countries and in combat, but nothing prepares you to be recovering body parts in New York City. He spent 72 days at Ground Zero working under unspeakable conditions and through mindnumbing fatigue. Days didn t exist, says Asta-Ferrero, who lost a good friend, a NYFD paramedic, in Tower 2. You just worked and worked; there was no structure. People worked until their boots melted [from the heat of the jet fuel fires]. The fires burned for days. Emotions, no matter how intense, were kept in check. I don t tend to react I just act, he says. Engineers were eventually brought in to spearhead the salvage effort. Moving through that much rubble became a safety issue, so we assumed more of a protective role, Asta-Ferrero says. Like many military units ordered into active state and federal service after 9/11, his battalion shifted its focus toward counter-terrorism, providing security at bridges, tunnels and power plants along the eastern seaboard and up to the Canadian border. The 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment was activated in late 2003 and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Attached to the 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, the oldest continuously serving Short of the bars and cells, being in combat is like doing hard time. Thank you to all past, present and future veterans! Kawasaki Motorcycles ATV Mules can-am HOURS: M-F 9-6 Sat 9-3 ATVs 2 Wilbraham St., Palmer, MA Heroes Welcome W E G IVE O UR V ETS salutes veterans A BENCHMARK SENIOR LIVING OUR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR Do you know? You may be eligible for Veterans Benefits and a special military discount for assisted living Call today to learn more! At Orchard Valley at Wilbraham, veterans hold a special place in our hearts. We are proud to go one step further to honor those who have stepped forward for us. Thank you for your service to our country Wilbraham-Hampden Rotary Club If you live in Wilbraham or Hampden, you are encouraged to join the club. Call Club President Charlie Bennett at A Benchmark Senior Living Community 2387 Boston Road Wilbraham, MA W W W. B E N C H M A R K S E N I O R L I V I N G. C O M Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 25

26 Where to Get Help Vet Centers in Massachusetts Springfield Vet Center 1985 Main St., Northgate Plaza Springfield, MA Asta-Ferrero (back row, right) and fellow New York Army National Guard members gather at Calverton National Cemetery on eastern Long Island last October to mark the tenth anniversary of a brother s death. National Center for PTSD Women s Health Sciences Division (116B-3) VA Boston Healthcare System 150 South Huntington St, Boston, MA division in the regular U.S. Army, the unit was stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Orion located off Highway 1 near Al-Dejail in the Sunni Triangle. Running north-south across Iraq from Kuwait to Turkey, Highway 1 was the major route for U.S. military convoys carrying supplies to FOBs up the line near Kirkuk and Mosul, and a well-worn path for insurgents headed south to Baghdad. Within 17 hours of being in country, we were pinned down in a 3-point ambush, Asta-Ferrero recounts. We saw direct engagement every 36 hours for almost a year. The 108th Infantry had three official missions, including FOB security and information gathering to help build a Thank you for your service! SHERMAN & FRYDRYK, LLC ~In business Over 60 years~ 3 CONVERSE ST, SUITE 203, PALMER, MA TEL: ~FAX: sandf@shermanfrydryk.com Website: case against deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging in connection with the 1982 killing of 148 Shiites. Postured as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), Asta-Ferrero s unit also provided relief and rescue for Allied forces moving through the region. The Guardsmen trained for six months at Fort Drum in upstate New York and a month at Fort Polk in Louisiana before their deployment. Once in Iraq, the conditions were less than stellar. It was six months before we got portable toilets, Asta-Ferrero recalls. Laden with equipment weighing more than 100 pounds, the arid tripledigit heat was intense. For three weeks in August 2004, the temperature hovered around 161 degrees just 9 degrees lower than the lowest setting on a conventional oven. I had burn marks on my hands from my gun, he says. You d get first-degree burns anytime you touched metal. He was in country for 330 days from the time he landed in Kuwait until his first leave. We knew it was going to be 2-3 tours. We knew we were going to get extended, he says. The 108th Infantry also participated in humanitarian relief efforts through the building of a fire department, a school, a hospital with a neo-natal care unit, and a water treatment plant. But what is learned in trauma is never forgotten. Every face I ve dealt with every face I ve seen is in [my head], Asta-Ferrero says, and they visit me quite often. He recalled two young Iraqi boys, no more than 10 years old, playing catch with munitions from a large weapons cache; the mortar exploded, vaporizing one of the boys from the waist up. The other boy walked away, seemingly unaffected, kicking a rock. When the father of the deceased boy was told of his death, he replied, callously, that the child was not his eldest son. As a parent and an American, it doesn t compute, Asta-Ferrero says. He likened war to incarceration: Short of the bars and cells, being in combat is like doing hard time. In addition to PTSD, which has placed him on disability retirement, Asta- 26 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

27 Ferrero has two skull fractures and suffers from post-concussion syndrome, the neurological disorder that allegedly led former NFL player Junior Seau to commit suicide. It has recently been learned that prolonged stress actually changes a person s brain chemistry, so PTSD is now considered a physical disease. In its chronic phase, it is treatable but not curable individuals must learn to live with it. Asta- Ferrero is doing just that, without the help of medication. I know my support system, I know my triggers and I manage them, he says. It isn t easy and it isn t fun. It s a full-time job to be an active participant in the world. Being the target of angry outbursts, displaced or otherwise, is one of the major causes of secondary PTSD, a disorder suffered by those closest to the PTSD sufferer. Oftentimes families walk on eggshells to avoid doing anything to upset the individual. Given everything Pat s got, he controls it impeccably, says his wife, Melanie, a nursing student at American International College. He gets angry and he yells, but he never loses it. Adding insult to injury, it took Asta- Ferrero six years to get the disability benefits he was entitled to. The VA doesn t help you find these services, Melanie says. I literally had to dig for every single benefit he has. The catalyst was a roundtable discussion on veterans issues hosted by Congressman Richard E. Neal at the Holyoke Soldiers Home in With the media in tow, Department of Veteran Services Western Hampden District Director Richard J. Girard, Jr., introduced Asta-Ferrero, who addressed the group on his own behalf; within 10 days of that meeting, his claim was settled. That included back pay, which helped us buy our home, Melanie adds. Asta-Ferrero also credited Bradley G. Meyes, director of the Boston Regional Office, Veterans Benefits Administration. He was exceptionally helpful, Asta-Ferrero says. Asta-Ferrero recently joined the color guard at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam and is a Freemason affiliated with the Esoteric- Sherwood Lodge A.F & A.M. I missed serving something larger than myself, he says. For the last six years, he has been participating in Bring a Veteran to School Day at Agawam s Roberta G. Doering School. He hooks the middle-schoolers with a topical reference: I tell them, My life was a video game, he says. Call of Duty was my life. Sleep Like a Baby Knowing You re in Safe Hands! Specializing in: Personal Insurance Business/Commercial Insurance Life Insurance/IRA s Health Insurance Financial Planning Group Insurance Fidelity Bonds Contract Bonds A Local, Family-Owned Insurance Agency for Over 55 Years! Terence M. Bresnahan, President Eileen Bresnahan, Vice President Kathleen B. Casey, Manager/Treasurer Two convenient locations to serve you better: Holyoke 100 Whiting Farms Road Holyoke, MA Phone: Fax: Amherst 231 Triangle Street Amherst, MA Phone: Fax: Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 27

28 Veterans Organizations HAMPDEN COUNTY AGAWAM Agawam Veterans Council Chairman: Christopher Sanchez 36 Main St., Agawam, American Legion Wilson-Thompson Post 185 PO Box 186, Feeding Hills, MA Phone: Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Director: William Walls 1390 Main St., Agawam, MA Phone: Fax: Veterans Services Director: Richard J. Girard, Jr. Deputy Director: Betty Manchino 681 Springfield St., Suite 2, Feeding Hills, MA Phone: Ext. 8782/8781 Fax: BRIMFIELD American Legion Post 263 Commander: Bernie Samek Meetings at Hitchcock Free Academy, 2 Brookfield Road, Brimfield, MA Phone: CHICOPEE AMVETS Post #12 Commander: Roger Roy 754 Montgomery Street, Chicopee, MA Phone: American Legion Charles C. Kennedy Post #275 Commander: Louis Brault 41 Robbins Road, Chicopee, MA Phone: Home Address: 104 Johnson Road, #207 Chicopee, MA louisbrault@yahoo.com Chicopee Center American Legion Post #425 Commander: Frank Lukasik 37 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA Phone: flukasik@comcast.net D.A.V. Chapter 11 Commander: Mark McAuliffe Phone: mark.mcauliffe@charter.net Fairview American Legion Post #438 Commander: Norm Doray 292 New Ludlow Road, Chicopee, MA Phone: VFW Fr. William Davitt Post #625 Commander: Larry Wilson 374 Front Street, Chicopee, MA Phone: ; Home: potsy100@yahoo.com Polish Legion American Veterans Services Commander: Christine Giera P.O. Box 362, Chicopee, MA Phone: Alternate Phone: Cell: cgiera@verizon.net Willimansett American Legion Post #353 Commander: Edward Porytala Mail correspondence to Delfo Barabani, Jr. 155 Langevin Street, Chicopee, MA Meetings at St. Anthony s Social Center Chicopee, MA American Legion Post #337 Commander: Glen Brault 146 Farnsworth Street, Chicopee, MA Cell: Home: chiefbro@charter.net EAST LONGMEADOW American Legion Gunther-Rowley, MA Post 293 Commander: Thomas P. O Connor 3 Legion Court Phone: Italian American War Veterans Post 64, Vineland Avenue, E. Longmeadow Commander: Carmin DeFronco, Sr. Vice Commander: Felise DiMichael, Junior Vice: Art Cavanaugh HAMPDEN Hampden VFW Post 9397 Commander: Ken White 190 Main St., Hampden, MA kwhite1952@yahoo.com HOLYOKE American Legion Post 25 War Memorial Building 310 Appleton St, Holyoke, Ma Phone: American Legion Post wmslapski@gmail.com 22 Sycamore St, Holyoke, Ma Phone: Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. American Legion Post 351 Commander Raymond Dufrense 50 St. Colby Dr., Holyoke, Ma Phone: Disabled American Veterans Chapter 41 War Memorial Building 310 Appleton St, Holyoke, Ma Phone: Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 801 War Memorial Building 310 Appleton St, Holyoke, Ma Phone: INDIAN ORCHARD American Legion Post 277 Commander: Dennis Harkins 379 Oak St, Indian Orchard, MA Phone: LUDLOW Veterans Services Director: Eric Segundo Ludlow Town Hall 488 Chapin St., Ludlow MA Phone: , ext VFW Post 3236 Commander: Christine Bassett Ludlow Town Hall 488 Chapin St., Ludlow MA Phone: , ext American Legion Post 52 Commander: Louis Casagrande P.O. Box 491 Ludlow, MA Phone: Korean War Veteran Association Western Mass Chapter 2000 Commander: Richard Reopel, Joe Koleski 35 Bluegrass Lane, Ludlow, MA Phone: MONSON American Legion Post 241 Commander: Mike Mahitka 143 Palmer Road, Monson, MA Phone: PALMER American Legion Post 130 Commander: Donald Holcomb 1012 Thorndike St., Palmer, MA Phone: Amvets Post 74 Commander: Leo Paul Coyer 2150 Main St., Three Rivers, MA Phone: RUSSELL Russell VFW Post 6240 Route 20 Russell, MA Phone: Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015

29 Veterans Organizations Veterans of Foreign Wars General Knox Post 6645 Commander: David Therrien 384 Huntington Road Phone: Amvets Quartermaster Carl Bean P.O. Box 194, Russell, MA Phone: (h) (c) SPRINGFIELD American Legion Post 420 Commander, Kevin Szczygiel 290 East Street Phone: Veterans of Foreign Wars Forest Park Post 7352 Commander Eric Segundo 63 Veterans Way Phone: Puerto Rican Veterans Association 52 Maple Street Phone: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 111 President: Jack Kelly P.O. Box 2671, Springfield, MA Phone: , Cell: Springfield Department of Veterans Services Director: Thomas M. Belton Sr. City Hall, Room Court St., Springfield, MA Phone: 311 or or WALES Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2596 Commander: Willie Jarvis Meetings at Wales Irish Pub, 16 Holland Road, Wales, MA Phone: WEST SPRINGFIELD American Legion Post 207 Commander: Lida Powell 83 Park Avenue, Disabled American Veterans 425 Union Street, Phone: Vietnam Veterans of America Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #866 Ron Osborne, Chapter President, 900 Riverdale St #121 Phone: Veterans of Foreign Wars Barcomb-Trowbridge Post 6714 Commander: Norm Burns Phone: WESTFIELD American Legion Post 124 Commander: Martin Madrid 38 Broad Street Phone: American Legion Whip City Memorial, Post 454 Commander: Benjamin Surprise 306 Elm Street Phone: Veterans of Foreign Wars Apremont Post 1847 Commander: Lester Eldridge 498 Southampton Road Phone: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #219 P O Box 7 Liberty Chapter Phone: WILBRAHAM American Legion Post 286 Commander: Glenn Trevallion 884 Glendale Road, Wilbraham, MA Phone: gtrevallion@charter.net Wilbraham Veterans Agent Richard Prochnow Wilbraham Senior Center 45 Post Office Park, Wilbraham, MA Phone: BHarrington@wilbraham-ma.gov HAMPSHIRE COUNTY Central Hampshire Veteran Services The City s Veterans Agent serves all veterans in Northampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Pelham, Chesterfield, Cummington, and in the VA Medical Center in Leeds. Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday through Friday, 8:30 4 p.m., Tuesday, 8:30 1 p.m. Phone: , Toll Free: Fax: vetadmin@northamptonma.gov AMHERST Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Main St., Amherst, MA Phone: Amherst American Legion 96 Amity St., Amherst, MA Phone: Veterans Education Project PO Box 416, Amherst, MA vep@crocker.com Phone: Veterans of Foreign Wars Earl J. Sanders, Post 754 Commander: Colleen Cauley 457 Main Street Phone: BELCHERTOWN Belchertown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8428 Commander Archie Archible 41 Pelham Road Belchertown, MA Phone: Website: Belchertown American Legion Chauncey D. Walker Post State St., Belchertown, MA Belchertown Veterans Services Veterans Agent: Raymond Janke 2 Jabish St., Belchertown, MA Phone: GRANBY American legion post 266 Commander John Lastowski 74 Pleasant Street, Granby, MA Phone: EASTHAMPTON American Legion, Chapter 56 Dalton Lavallee, Post 224 Director: Mike Melnik 190 Pleasant Street Phone: FLORENCE Veterans of Foreign Wars Michael Francis Curtin Post 8006 Commander: Charles Coleman 18 Meadow Street Phone: HADLEY American Legion Post 271 Commander: Richard Witkos 162 Russell Street corbeil413@aol.com Phone: Veterans Services 44 Lawrence Place Road, Hadley, MA Phone: HATFIELD American Legion, Post 344 Commander: Thomas Tataro 1 Prospect Street Phone: Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 29

30 Veterans Organizations HAYDENVILLE American Legion Gerald E. Larkin, Post 236 Commander: Edward Roberts 5 Bridge Street Phone: NORTHAMPTON Veterans Services 240 Main St., Northampton, MA Phone: World War II Veterans Assn 50 Conz Street American Legion, Post 28 Commander: Thomas Ouimet 63 Riverside Drive Phone: WARE Earl F. Howe American Legion Post Maple St. Commander Marci Dineen Meets the second Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. Phone: American Legion Post 123 Auxiliary 45 Maple St. Meets the first Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. American Legion Post 123 Sons of the Legion Commander Alan Lloyd 45 Maple St. Meets the first Sunday of the month at 10 a.m. Phone: AMVETS Post Maple St. Commander Ed Wyzek Meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. (No meetings in July and August) Phone: Marine Corps League 45 Maple St. Commander Dave Lavallie Meetings are on the second Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. Phone: Veterans Council of Ware 45 Maple St. Commander Phil Hamel Meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Phone: VFW Post 2577 Commander Lonny Murphy, 45 Maple St., Meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Phone: Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015 VFW Post 2577 Auxiliary President Coleen Haddock Meetings are at Stanley M. Koziol Elementary School on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Phone: Veterans Agent Mark Avis Office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or by appointment Phone: , ext. 182 Ware Marine Corps Meets at noon on the second Sunday of the month at American Legion Post 23 in Ware at 45 Maple St. Phone: FRANKLIN COUNTY ASHFIELD American Legion Post 245 Commander: Warren Kirkpatrick PO Box 463 Phone: GREENFIELD American Legion Lt. John J. Galvin, Post 81 Commander: David Lewis 7 Legion Avenue post81.ma.cdr@crocker.com Phone: Veterans of Foreign Wars John F Harringtion Post 417 Commander: Bernard Schatz 193 Barton Road Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter # High Street #405 rcmang@comcast.net Phone: SHELBURNE FALLS Veterans of Foreign Wars Kennedy-Chamberlain Post 8503 Commander: David Kearney 19 Water Street Phone: American Legion, Post 135 Commander: Lesley Chadwick 10 Hope Street Phone: jimy027@verizon.net SOUTH DEERFIELD American Legion Ross-Orloski, Post 348 Commander: Raymond Billiel 190 Christian Lane TURNERS FALLS American Legion Clarence W. Allen, Post 178 Commander: Brian Sansoucie 9 Burnett Street Phone: GILBERTVILLE (VILLAGE of HARDWICK) Gilbertville American Legion Post 246 Commander: Donald Martel 4 Prospect Avenue, Gilbertville, MA Phone: VFW Post 9093 President: Charles J. Kruckas Parker Court, P.O. Box 144, Gilbertville, MA HARDWICK American Legion Post 246 John J. Weir 24 Prospect St., Gilbertville Commander Donald Martel Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Phone: Veterans Agent Gary Wood Office hours are the first Monday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. or by appointment Phone: , ext. 119 NEW BRAINTREE Veterans Agent William Kleinedler Office hours are the second Monday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Phone: REGIONAL Veterans Crisis Line Phone: and press 1 Website: VeteransCrisisLine.net Text: Homeless Veteran Training and Jobs Veterans, Inc. 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA Phone: , ext. 125 to apply for services Website: US Veterans Administration Massachusetts Veterans Website

31 We Salute Our Veterans To all of our veterans and active-duty military, we thank you for your service. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy Please take the time this Veteran s Day to thank someone you know who se served our country. 24 Water Street Palmer, MA Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT Fall 2015 Defenders of Freedom 31

32 Holyoke Medical Center supports the many men and women who have served our country. For all your health care needs, call toll-free (844) 8000-HMC. HolyokeHealth.com Leader Home Centers Extends a Thank You to All of Our Armed Forces leaderhome.com ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 5 Convenient Locations: 150 College Street, Amherst, MA South Barre Road, Barre, MA Marlboro Road, Brattleboro, VT Elm Street, South Deerfi eld, AM Bernardston Rd, Greenfi eld, MA L Town ( Come to us for all our exceptional products & knowledge in building. Let us welcome you to your dream home. 32 Defenders of Freedom Fall 2015