Don Wielgus (left)
(Photo Courtesy Westfield Republican Committee)
WESTFIELD – Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan has proclaimed Saturday, February 9, 2019 as Don Wielgus Day.
Veteran Services Director Julie Barnes will present the Mayor’s proclamation at the Westfield Republican Lincoln Day Brunch at East Mountain Country Club at 10 AM on Saturday, February 9th.
Don Wielgus (Photo Courtesy Westfield Republican Committee)
Jim Lyons of Andover, the newly elected chair of the MASS GOP, will be the keynote speaker and receive the group’s Lincoln Leadership Award. Master of Ceremony Senator Don Humason will be joined by special guests and elected officials to honor citizens and veterans for their service to the community, state and nation. Other honorees are:
Outstanding Community Service: Harry Rock
Veteran Of The Year: Don Wielgus
Lincoln Leadership Award: Jim Lyons – Andover
Youth Award: Joe Tierney
Volunteer Award : Doug Lyman – Chicopee
Don Wielgus (Photo Courtesy Westfield Republican Committee)
Don Wielgus, a Marine who served as Squad leader of a Flame Thrower Unit, served in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and as an Orderly to US Navy Admiral James Russell at NATO headquarters in Naples, Italy.
According to City Chair Dan Allie, “Don has served the community of Westfield and veterans for many years in so many ways.” Don is a member of American Legion Post 124, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 1847, Vietnam Veteran’s Chapter 219, and Marine Corps League, Detachment 141, which he served as Commandant for 2 years. Don served as Project Manager for numerous projects, including the Eternal Light Installation and Drinking Fountain at Parker Park, the Purple Heart Trail, and placement of American flags on Memorial Day at Pine Hill Cemetery. He is a Lifetime member of the Westfield Sportsmen Club and Friends of the Senior Center. He is a very active member of St. Peter & St. Casimir Parish. 6 days a week, Don picks up and delivers food for the Westfield Food Pantry and Samaritan Inn. Don is best known by many for his constant presence at many community events as photographer for The Westfield News.
In his spare time, Wielgus is the owner of Wielgus Painting & Decorating and volunteer at the Westfield Homeless Cat Project Animal Shelter; organizing and visiting nursing homes, hospitals, shut-ins at Easter and Soldiers Home. Has been known to fill in for Santa Claus on his day off.
