WESTFIELD-Since the late 18th century, veterans in Massachusetts have received assistance for their service. Today, two veterans serve in the Westfield Department of Veterans Services to handle any issue on the federal, state or local level for city residents who have served their country.
Bobby Callahan, director of veterans, and James Jordan, veteran’s services officer, can be found weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in their office on the first floor of the Westfield Senior Center on Noble Street, ready to assist their fellow service colleagues. Callahan served in the U.S. Navy as well as the 104th Massachusetts Air Guard, and Jordan served in the U.S. Army.
Bobby Callahan and James Jordan are ready to serve veterans and their family members at the Westfield Department of Veterans Services.
“For city residents, we have records dating back to 1940,” said Callahan, adding his department also has access to Massachusetts Military Archives and can download copies of military discharges of veterans who were enlisted from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Callahan added that if the discharge information is not in the archives, there are applications that can be completed to gain copies through federal agencies. Additionally, both men can assist with requests for military medical records, military awards and decorations data.
“It’s very nice when you can help a veteran or their family members in any matter,” said Callahan, who has served in the Westfield office since 2008.
Jordan echoed those sentiments.
“It is important to help people finally win their claim,” said Jordan. “Sometimes it requires persistence after a denial to ensure that the Veterans Administration (VA) makes the right decision.”
Both men agreed that the best part of their job is how “appreciative people are when they receive the benefits they deserve.”
While Jordan notes that he has seen “inconsistencies” with standards across the country, his goal is to always persevere in a person’s request to ensure all “hoops” have been tackled.
Both men are versed in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 115 which outlines benefits for eligible veterans. The most frequently asked questions of Callahan and Jordan surround financial assistance to help with the cost of shelter, sustenance, and medical expenses due to service injuries and illnesses.
“We can help an individual build a proper package for claims,” said Callahan.
Callahan also noted that a VA federal program – Improved Pension – is also available for veterans who served at least 90 days during one of the eligibility periods: World War II (Dec. 7, 1941-Dec. 31, 1946), Korean War (June 27, 1950-Jan. 31, 1955), Vietnam War (Aug. 5, 1964-May 7, 1975 or Feb. 28-1961-Aug. 5, 1964 for veterans who served ‘in country’ before Aug. 5, 1964), and the Gulf War (Aug. 2, 1990 through a date to be set by law of Presidential Proclamation).
There are three levels to the Improved Pension program – basic pension, housebound, or aid and attendance, and eligibility requires meeting specific income and net worth criteria. A surviving spouse may also be eligible for the benefit if all criteria are met.
The Westfield Department of Veterans Services is located within the new Westfield Senior Center.
For any veteran or family member with questions on issues or benefits, there is no need to make an appointment – just stop in or call (413) 642-9314.
On a related note, the Westfield Veteran’s Council meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Whip City Memorial Post 454, 306 Elm St. Also, several veteran groups also meet across the city each month, including the American Legion Whip City Memorial Post 454, 306 Elm St., third Tuesday at 7 p.m.; American Legion Post 124, 38 Broad St., first Monday at 7 p.m.; Veterans of Foreign Wars 1847, 306 Elm St., second Tuesday at 7 p.m.; Vietnam Veterans Chapter 219, 39 Old Stage Road (corner of Route 202), first Monday at 7 p.m., and the Marine Corps League Detachment 141, 71 North Elm St., second Monday at 7 p.m.
