Cindy Lacoste with Rob Greenleaf. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield Republican Committee will honor five veterans for their service to the United States, to the community and to other veterans at the Lincoln Day brunch on Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. at East Mountain Country Club.
One of the veterans to be honored by American Legion Post 124 is Westfield resident Cindy Lacoste.
Lacoste served as Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy and was deployed to the Middle East during the Gulf War. She retired in 2013 with 22 years in the Navy. Her active duty was from 1975 to 1979, and deployments in 2003 to the Persian Gulf and again in 2011-2012 in the United Arab Emirates, both in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She served her 18 years of Navy Reserves at Westover Air Base in Chicopee, in Worcester, Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island.
Cindy Lacoste on the deck of SS Cape John loading bombs. (Photo submitted)
In 2003 during the Persian Gulf War, Lacoste served onboard the SS Cape John with the Cargo Afloat Rig Team (CART), which provided underway replenishment to ships from its cargo of bombs.
Lacoste was awarded the “Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal” for outstanding leadership, and the “Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal” four times. She is Past Commander of American Legion Post 124 in Westfield, and serves as a trustee of the Holyoke Soldier’s Home.
Lacoste said she joined The American Legion in order to support the work they do for veterans, their families and their communities. Initially, she served on the rifle team and in the Honor Guard.
“They are a tangible presence at civic events and funerals in our community and help to show our citizens the importance of the service that veterans have provided. It is always an honor to present our colors and give a final farewell to our fallen comrades and by doing so; we are a constant reminder in our community,” Lacoste said.
The other veterans being recognized were all selected by Westfield veteran organizations. They include Ron Queipo, U.S. Air Force Vietnam, selected by Vietnam Veterans Chapter 219; Richard Trusty, U.S. Navy, World War II, by American Legion Post 454; Allan Ardito, U.S. Marine Corps, by Marine Corps League, Detachment 141, and Paul Nimchick, Jr. U.S. Army Vietnam by American Legion Post 124.
Westfield Republican Committee Chair and City Councilor Dan Allie said the Lincoln Day brunch is a chance for the community to host an event honoring its veterans. “We are pleased to recognize Cindy and highlight the great work the American Legion does supporting veterans and youth programs, providing educational opportunities and college scholarships,” Allie said.
Allie also said that until recently, only veterans serving during specific conflicts could join the American Legion. He said many veterans are unaware of recent changes for membership eligibility by the Trump administration that provide access to American Legion programs and benefits. Any veteran serving at least one day since Dec. 7, 1941 and who is honorably discharged is eligible to join, according to Allie.
“There are nearly six million veterans, (including me until last Veteran’s Day) that are not aware that we can join the Legion,” Allie said.
Mayor Donald F. Humason, Jr. will serve as Master of Ceremony at the Lincoln Day brunch, to which the public is invited.
Tickets are $30 per person. RSVP by Feb. 7. Email your name and number of tickets to Bill Schneeloch at [email protected] or call 860-604-5264.
Tickets will also be available at the door. Any veteran who wishes to attend, but for whom cost is an issue, may contact [email protected] to request a reduced price or complimentary ticket.
