(WWLP 11/11/24 ) – This Veteran’s Day, 22News is celebrating our western Massachusetts lawmakers who served our country.
There are 24 lawmakers who represent Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties in both the House and the Senate. Of those 24 lawmakers, three served in the Army or Air Force.
State Senator John Velis, who represents Hampden and Hampshire, enlisted in the United States Army in 2010. That same year, he was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Velis served in the US Army Reserves, and spent a month at the North Korean border, after returning home.
In 2018, Velis deployed to Afghanistan for a second tour and was promoted to the rank of Major. Since 2023, Velis has been a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.Â
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