(Westfield 10/4/2022) Today Senator John C. Velis welcomed Chairman Michael J. Rodrigues, the Chair of the Massachusetts Senate Ways & Means Committee, to the Second Hampden and Hampshire district to tour Soldier on Agawam, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, and the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield.
As head of the Ways & Means Committee, Chairman Rodrigues has oversight over all state funding allocated by the Legislature and has worked with Senator Velis to bring more than $5,000,000 for projects to his district in the 2021-2022 Legislative session alone. This past summer Senator Velis and Chairman Rodrigues also worked closely together to enact the SPEED Act, a bill that extends supports for Veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.
The visits during Tuesday’s tour included:
- Soldier On Agawam – Tour of the Gordon H. Mansfield Campus, meeting with veteran residents, and discussion of Soldiers’ On expansion.
- Holyoke Soldiers’ Home – Tour of the Home, meeting with residents, and discussion about the plans for the new facility funded by $400M State Bond Bill.
- Other Attendees: Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Cheryl Poppe, Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Deputy Superintendent Glen Hevy
- 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base – Tour of Barnes and F-15C Eagle Aircraft, meeting with National Guard officials, discussion of economic impact of MA Military installations and the mission of the 104th Fighter Wing
- Other Attendees: Major General Gary W. Keefe (Adjutant General of MA National Guard), Colonel David L. Halasi-Kun (104th Wing Commander)
“I am grateful to the Chairman for taking the time to visit our district and witness important work being done here on behalf of Veterans and active-duty service members. From the $400M bond bill we got across the finish-line for a new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, to funding we’re working on to support the 104th‘s mission and help Soldier’ On expand, the Chairman has been an invaluable partner for service-members in our region,” said Senator Velis. “That support extends to so many other organizations in our district as well. Whenever a need in my communities arises, I know that I can turn to Chairman Rodrigues and work collaboratively with him to find a solution.”
“Whether it’s supporting our veterans, our brave active-duty service members, military families or the community organizations that support them day in and day out, Senator Velis has been a steadfast champion and indispensable voice in the Legislature for the needs of his district and those who have worn the uniform and made great sacrifices for our Commonwealth and this nation,” said Chairman Rodrigues. “I want to thank Senator Velis and his staff for inviting me to visit his district to see firsthand the important work being done here and I look forward to continuing our work together as partners, ensuring our commitment and support for our veterans, active-duty service members and their families here in the Commonwealth remains unwavering in the many years to come.”
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