Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS)

The Women Veterans Network: Around Your Neighborhood The WVN is coming to a neighborhood near you! From Cape Cod to the Berkshires, the WVN is traveling across Massachusetts, meeting women veterans and addressing their needs. Don’t forget to sign up for the rest of their September events, and check out where they’ll be tabling by clicking the link below: https://lnkd.in/ey7XBXc7

Deputy Secretary Gayle-Bennett proudly spent the day with The Massachusetts Military Heroes Home Base and Project 351, commemorating those lost on September 11, 2001, with a national day of service. EOVS wrote letters of support and built care packages for our service members overseas and veterans in need. Today, and every day, we honor their sacrifices through service to others and vow to never forget.

Today, as we mark 23 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001, we honor the thousands of lives lost and the countless family members and friends left behind. We commit to building a better, more compassionate world in their memory.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, the Executive Office of Veterans Services reaffirms its commitment to supporting veterans' mental health year-round. Throughout September, EOVS will host events, share resources, and promote programs that connect veterans to care and support. From peer support to roundtable discussions, we aim to ensure that every Massachusetts veteran knows that help is available. We invite you to join these efforts, explore our resources, and stay connected with your fellow veterans. ??Read more: https://lnkd.in/eHDjcXJd

Attention all veterans! Secretary Santiago is live from Gillette Stadium at the first-ever New England VA 1-on-1 Expo! In just three hours, we've already seen 400+ veterans and assisted them with signing up for VA benefits, addressing claims issues, and so much more. This event is free for all veterans, and our community partners will be here until 8 PM! Don't miss out!

Get ready for TOMORROW's first-ever New England VA 1-on-1 Veterans Expo at Gillette! Here are a few things to know before you go. A reminder that this event is free and open to all veterans, service members, and their families. Please bring a form of identification. https://lnkd.in/dGQ_mFHd

Happy Labor Day, Massachusetts! On this Labor Day, we celebrate the hard work and resilience of Massachusetts veterans who continue to serve our communities in countless ways. From building our infrastructure to supporting local businesses, your contributions strengthen our Commonwealth daily.

Thank you to Radio Boston for having us on today! Secretary Santiago discussed the new ways we’re supporting veterans across Massachusetts and shared insights on recent headlines in veterans affairs. Tune in to hear the full conversation: https://lnkd.in/e9bMRJgv

The HERO Act: ??Empowers municipalities to double property tax exemptions for veterans, ensuring these benefits keep pace with inflation; ??Aligns the Chapter 115 veteran definition with the @DeptVetAffairs to enable more veterans to access rental assistance and homelessness prevention services from VSOs and ??Provides behavioral health reimbursement Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ghR55Gfi

After the Cape Cod regional cabinet meeting, we visited Brian McCutcheon, founder of “Wet Vet,” a Falmouth nonprofit supporting veterans’ mental health through fishing. Secretary Santiago joined Brian and Captain Skip Baldini on a charter excursion, witnessing firsthand how this innovative program builds community and aids in mental health recovery. We encourage everyone to learn more about Wet Vet and Brian’s incredible work by visiting their website: https://www.wet-vet.com