WESTFIELD–City advancement officer Joe Mitchell was added on Friday to Gov. Charlie Baker’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services.
Mitchell and 11 others were chosen to be part of the council, which will help to inform the governor’s office on issues related to veterans in the state. Mitchell served eight years in the US Air Force, seeing combat time in fighter jets over the Persian Gulf and Bosnia. He is also currently a veterans’ services officer for Westfield, working under director Bobby Callahan.
“I’m honored to serve, it really is my honor and in this role myself and the other members will be advising the governor on policies that will benefit the veteran’s community,” Mitchell said.
JOE MITCHELL
Mitchell said that in his new role he will attempt to bring attention to issues that have plagued Westfield veterans for many years.
“I like to think I can bring a unique perspective to the governor’s council in that I already spent a number of years helping the Westfield veteran’s community,” he said, “and have had a firsthand account of seeing their needs in regards to education, housing, jobs and substance abuse issues.”
Mitchell said that as a Westfield veterans’ services officer he has been able to assist his fellow veterans with the above-listed issues, in addition to PTSD treatment and medical care, including services through the Holyoke Soldier’s Home.
According to a press release from Gov. Baker’s office, the council’s focus will be to improve veterans’ access to employment, training, healthcare, housing and education “that will best position veterans to enter or re-enter the Commonwealth’s workforce successfully.”
Additionally, they will review and assess state and federal laws, regulations, programs and services related to veterans.
