AGAWAM – On March 1, the American Legion, District 3 will hold their annual awards ceremony at their Chicopee Post to honor and award those in the community that have gone above and beyond to support veterans. The event is held to recognize individuals that have made significant contributions to support the posts’ mission. One of the most esteemed awards of the night, the Legislative Award, will be given to Representative Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick) for his continuous efforts to raise community awareness and support for veterans in the community.
“We chose Representative Boldyga as the recipient of this award for everything he does for our veterans and for his continued support of the Valor Act and Valor Act II,” said Drew Pajak, Sergeant at Arms for the District 3 American Legion. “He is active and visible in the community when it comes to supporting veterans.”
The past two years, the Valor Act and the Valor Act II were signed into law by the Massachusetts legislature. The bills provide increased support for veteran-owned businesses, Gold Star Families, military children, and provide access to higher education. The legislation works on many fronts to help veterans and active military members improve business, educational and housing opportunities. The legislation also removes certain educational obstacles by requiring the state’s public institutions of higher learning to adopt new policies and procedures for awarding proper academic credit for a student’s prior military training, coursework and experience.
“I am extremely proud to have been considered for the Legislative Award and it will be a tremendous honor. The men and women who serve in our military have made enormous sacrifices for our country and to preserve our freedom,” said Boldyga. “They have put their lives on the line to preserve our way of life and I will continue to support them as they return home.”
The local American Legion Posts serve as a hallmark for community outreach and support. They have been instrumental in providing a venue for many organizations, individuals and youth to raise funds and bring awareness to local issues and worthy causes. They support the nearly 400,000 veterans currently residing in Massachusetts.
