WESTFIELD – State Rep. John Velis is the recipient of the Walter J. Zarichak Hampden County American Legion Legislative Award.
Velis, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the U.S. Army Reserves, has been an advocate for veterans since being elected to office.
“I made a promise to every veteran that if I was fortunate enough to be elected, there would be no greater advocate for veterans in our country,” said Velis. “You can never give enough to veterans.”
American Legion Commander Luis Brault said he “can’t think of anyone better to have received this award.”
“We as an organization are proud to say he is not only a veteran, but also a member going to the state house every day to ensure not only are the rights of veterans not compromised, but also to see to it that western Massachusetts is taken care of,” said Brault. “He is an excellent representative and a great person – we are blessed to have him.”
Velis said he is tackling the issues of veteran homelessness and substance abuse in the coming months.
“It may be cliché, but the words homeless and veterans should never be in the same sentence,” he said.
Velis said Massachusetts is one of the best states for veteran services, but even the Commonwealth has not done enough to end the homeless veteran problem. He also said the current opiate epidemic affects veterans.
“Part of this crisis is that it’s hurting veterans,” said Velis.
A law signed by Gov. Charlie Baker this week includes stricter laws on response to heroin overdoses and more. Velis said anyone who goes to a hospital for an overdose must be evaluated, which will help identify veterans at risk.
Velis said one of the best parts of the law is that it’s not just a government program.
“It’s government in collaboration with the private sector,” he said.
Velis believes that same collaborative approach is needed to address the homeless veteran issue.
“From the moment I made the decision to run for office,” said Velis, “I vowed that there would be no stronger advocate for Veterans. The freedoms that we may take for granted each day we owe to the men and women who have and continue, to serve our, country.”
