Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services

06/12/2026

Join us today at the Massachusetts State House as we honor Pembroke’s Truc DeCoste, recipient of the 2026 Deborah Sampson Award, at the annual Women Veterans Recognition Day ceremony.

Presented each June by the Massachusetts Women Veterans Network (WVN), this award recognizes a woman veteran who exemplifies exceptional service, leadership, and a deep commitment to uplifting and empowering women in the veteran community.

06/11/2026

Governor Maura Healey signed legislation yesterday designating the Route 6 overpass in Sandwich as the U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville Veterans Memorial Overpass. Staff Sgt. Tourville served with distinction and faced invisible wounds after deployment. This memorial ensures his service and sacrifice—and the sacrifices of all veterans—are never forgotten.

06/10/2026

On Monday, Secretary Goralnick joined Veteran Service Officers from across the Commonwealth at the Massachusetts Veterans Service Officer Association (MVSOA) Conference in Plymouth.

This annual conference brings together the local VSOs who work every day in our towns and cities to connect veterans and their families with the benefits, services, and support they’ve earned. It’s an opportunity to collaborate, share best practices, and strengthen how we serve the veteran community here in Massachusetts.

Secretary Goralnick had the chance to meet directly with VSOs and listen to the unique challenges they’re facing in their communities. Their insight and dedication are critical to ensuring no veteran falls through the cracks.

We’re grateful for the partnership of our VSOs and their unwavering commitment to those who have served.

06/08/2026

Last week, EOVS Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett presented the Minuteman Award to Colonel Cheryl Lussier Poppe, U.S. Army (Ret.), at the Hanscom Federal Credit Union Honorary Awards Dinner at the Seaport Hotel in Boston.

The annual event recognizes exceptional leadership and service to military members, veterans, and their families, with proceeds benefiting FourBlock.

Colonel Poppe was honored for her 30-year military career and her continued leadership in support of veterans across Massachusetts.

Congratulations as well to Major General Gary W. Keefe and James T. Brett, this year’s distinguished honorees.

06/08/2026

On Friday, Secretary Goralnick had the opportunity to attend the American Legion Department of Massachusetts Convention in Marlborough. It’s always an honor to be in a room with leaders and members who are deeply committed to advocating for veterans, service members, and their families across the Commonwealth.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with us and share insights on how we can continue working together to strengthen support for our veterans.

06/04/2026

Last week, Secretary Goralnick had the honor of speaking at the commissioning ceremony celebrating graduates of Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine as they took the oath to serve in our armed forces.

This special ceremony marked the beginning of their military medical careers — a commitment to care for those who serve and protect our nation. The event also recognized graduates who are military veterans, honoring their continued dedication to service both in and out of uniform.

We’re proud to celebrate these new military medical officers and grateful for their leadership, compassion, and commitment to those who wear the uniform. Congratulations to all who were commissioned and recognized — your service makes Massachusetts and our nation stronger.

Images: Steve Gilbert

06/02/2026

Last week, state and local leaders visited the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke to mark major milestones in its continued transformation.

It has achieved full state & federal licensure and is now reporting some of the strongest clinical and quality-of-life outcomes in the country.

This video explains more about the progress — and our continued commitment to delivering the high-quality care our veterans deserve.

06/01/2026

This Pride Month, we celebrate LGBTQ+ veterans, service members, and families across the Commonwealth.

We’re grateful for your contributions and leadership in making Massachusetts a place where every veteran feels supported and respected.

At the Executive Office of Veterans Services, we remain committed to ensuring all who have served have access to the benefits, resources, and care they’ve earned.

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

Earlier this week on Memorial Day, Secretary Goralnick delivered remarks at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, speaking powerfully about honoring the fallen by carrying forward their legacy of service — through kindness, respect for one another, and service to our communities.