WESTFIELD – Daniel J. Smith has been appointed by Gov. Deval L. Patrick to serve four-years as a member of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Board of trustees.
“I appreciate your willingness to serve the Commonwealth in the capacity,” Patrick said in his letter of appointment. “Your experience and sound judgment will contribute substantially to the Commission. Congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success as we move forward.”
Smith, who grew up in the Elmwood section of Holyo0ke not far from the Soldiers’ Home, served in one of the US Army’s distinguished units, the 3rd Infantry whose members guard the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Smith, during his tenure from 1957 to 1960, served on the unit’s Honor Guard assigned to Arlington National Cemetery.
Smith was a teacher for 23 years in the Westfield School Department, including 17 years as a math teacher at the Westfield Middle School (now the South Middle School) before taking an appointment as the executive director of the Westfield Housing Authority where he served for 15 years before retiring.
Smith has served on a number of boards and commissions, including the Municipal Light Board where he served as chairman, the Westfield YMCA Board of Directors, a past-president of the Sarah Gillett Elderly Services, a trustee of the Shurtleff Children’s’ Services, Past President of the Westfield American Red Cross Chapter and the city’s Board of Registrars.
Smith is also a life member of several organizations including the Knights of Columbus, the Sons or Erin, the Westfield Elks Lodge (1481) and the National Education Association.
“I think it’s good to have a veteran to take care of other veterans who need some help,” Smith said following the swearing in ceremony presided by Richard K. Sullivan Sr., and Kelly Cavanaugh Kelly.
“I’d like to thank Gov. Patrick for the honor and for his commitment to give quality care to veterans,” Smith said
