WESTFIELD – State Rep. John Velis is the American Veterans’ Legislator of the Year.
Velis was selected from legislators across the state. Legislators at the state and local level were nominated for their work on behalf of veterans.
“Someone nominated me and I am truly humbled,” Velis said.
A U.S. Army captain and veteran himself, Velis pledged to bring veterans’ issues to the table when he was elected.
“When I decided to run for office, one of the deciding factors was to be the voice of veterans,” he said. “Today, veterans are only one percent of the population and the military is a volunteer force. It is incumbent upon us to take care of them.”
Velis received national recognition for his Stolen Valor bill and has received calls from veterans around Massachusetts, not just in his Westfield district. He believes his veteran status, as well as his active duty role, give him a “unique insight” into the needs of veterans.
Velis said he receives calls from veterans in other districts because he is the only western Massachusetts representative on the Veterans Affairs Committee. He said this area is very patriotic and has as many or more veterans than the eastern part of the state.
“We have Marines, soldiers, and airmen here,” Velis said. “We have Westover and Barnes – we have treasured assets there.”
Velis said he and his family are very honored and excited by the award, which he will receive Nov. 7 in Haverhill.
