Westfield’s State Representative, John Velis (center), is seen being welcomed home by family and friends at Bradley International Airport. Velis had been serving his country on a six-month tour-of-duty with the United States Army in Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy of John Velis)
WESTFIELD – State Representative John Velis has finally returned from Afghanistan after a six-month tour-of-duty with the United States Army. He landed at Hartford Bradley Airport last Saturday to a small welcome party of friends and family, all excited to see him home in time to celebrate the holiday season.
“I am extremely grateful to have returned home safe and to have served alongside my fellow service members during such a crucial mission. I want to thank everyone here in Westfield for their support and understanding while I was away. I especially want to thank my friends, family, and staff for all they have done over the last six months. Most importantly, I want to express my gratitude for my brothers and sisters still serving their country overseas,” remarks Velis. “It’s not easy to be separated from your loved ones for so long, especially during the holidays. I hope they know we are thinking of them and their families, and praying for their safe return, as well.”
The conflict in Afghanistan has lasted for more than 17 years, but despite the long struggle, the most recent Global Terrorism Index report, published in December 2018, found that Afghanistan had more deaths from terrorism than any other country in 2017, overtaking even Iraq. Velis’ return marks the conclusion of his second deployment to the war-torn nation, having previously worked on ISAF-NATO Rule of Law taskforce in rural Zabul Province from 2012 to 2013.
This time around, the Representative served much of his deployment on the Peace and Reconciliation team, as well advising and assisting local Afghan forces in their struggle against the Taliban insurgents as part of Operation Resolute Support. While overseas, he was promoted to the rank of Major in a ceremony on the Fourth of July.
Velis says he is eager to “hit the ground running” when the new legislation session begins on January 2nd, and that his most recent experience in Afghanistan has given him a renewed appreciation and perspective on his position as State Representative.
Concluding his remarks, the Representative said, “We are unbelievably lucky to live in the greatest nation on Earth. Helping others fight for their democracy is inspiring, to say the least. I have the dual honor of serving our nation and our Commonwealth, something I have always taken seriously. However, it never hurts to be reminded just how important it is to participate in our government and how blessed I am to be trusted with such a great responsibility.”
