WESTFIELD – As a member of a “strong military family,” Julie Barnes is eager to start her new role on Aug. 1 as director of veterans services for the city.
Barnes has been working part time alongside Bobby Callahan since March, learning all of the intricacies of the office which is located within the Westfield Senior Center complex. Callahan will officially retire on July 31 while James Jordan, veterans services officer, will continue to serve in the office with Barnes.
Bobby Callahan will be retiring as director of the Westfield Department of Veterans Services and is currently training Julie Barnes to take over his duties.
The Westfield Department of Veterans Services is responsible for assisting veterans residing in the city on issues on the federal, state, and local levels, according to Callahan. Office hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and inquiries can be made by calling (413) 642-9314.
During a recent morning interview, Barnes said the transition is going well and she knows Callahan is a “hard act to follow.”
“I know the veterans who visit the office love him,” said Barnes, noting the new role will be a challenge at first. “It’s a lot to learn but I enjoy learning something new.”
Barnes grew up in Granville and attended Southwick High School. Her military family includes her grandfather, Arthur Daigneau, and his brothers, and her father, Alan Daigneau, who all served in the Navy.
“My sister, Jeanne Daigneau, has been in the military for 27 years and is currently serving in the Connecticut ANG as their mission support group superintendent/chief,” said Barnes, adding that her husband, Brian Paul Barnes, is a former A-10 pilot who retired with 28 years in the service and finished his career as the wing commander of the Connecticut ANG.
Barnes started working as the office secretary in the recruiting department at Barnes Air National Guard in 1989 when she was 18 and within six months, she enlisted.
“I signed up as a supply technician and went to basic training in Texas and Tech School at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver,” said Barnes.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1991 in business management at Westfield State, she received a commission and a position within the Maryland Air National Guard as a C-130 navigator.
“Unfortunately, a few years later I entered a DNIF (duty not involving/including flying) status due to migraine headaches,” said Barnes.
Barnes then took on the role of the squadron’s executive officer, organizing programs, performing computer work and coordination with the unit’s personnel.
“My husband and I moved to New York in 1997 and I transferred to the NY ANG as non-flying navigator where I assisted our unit with planning missions,” said Barnes, adding that all of her military experience “will come in handy” as she assumes the director’s role for city veterans. Also, the couple has two children, Nathan, 23, who is in the Masters Program at Westfield State University, and Grace, 20, who will be entering her sophomore year at Westfield State in the fall in the Special Education program.
In addition to her 11 years serving with the ANG, Barnes has spent the past 13 years as the development officer for the Springfield Rescue Mission.
Callahan has served in the veterans services office since 2008 and said he has spent most of the time training Barnes on “two big programs,” the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 115 Veterans’ Benefits, and on pension claims – especially for surviving spouses.
“We currently service about 100 clients,” said Callahan, adding that if individuals cannot qualify for either one of the programs, he also tries to help by working with Karen Noblit, the city’s senior benefits coordinator, who also has an office in the senior center.
“We share a lot of the same clients with Karen,” said Callahan, adding “We make a great team.”
While the training continues for a few more weeks on subjects ranging from Agent Orange, Post Traumatic Stress, medical benefits, financial assistance, and disability claims, Barnes is thankful for all of the ways Callahan has prepared files – paper and computer – to ensure a smooth transition.
“I consider it a privilege to have served my country while enlisted, and I am proud to continue helping our Westfield veterans who seek assistance through the Veterans Services Office,” said Barnes.
As for Callahan, he soon will have more time to spend socializing with family and friends, and enjoying more time on the golf course. While he and his wife have visions of being Florida snowbirds too, his memberships with AMVETS, the VFW and Legion will always be an important part of his life.
