Rep. John Velis
Hello Westfield,
This has been a difficult week for servicemembers and their families. The passing of MSG Luis DeLeon-Figueroa of Chicopee and MSG Jose Gonzalez of La Puente, California is a terrible loss. My thoughts are with the families and friends of these men who sacrificed everything to allow us to continue the way of life we are so grateful to enjoy in the USA.
I was able to meet recently with Gold Star Mother Tracy Taylor, President of American Gold Star Mothers MA/RI Department to discuss current issues and a bill that I have sponsored about Gold Star families. The bill H. 3245 – An Act defining “Gold Star Families”, is a very important bill to me especially being the Vice Chair on the Committee of Veterans and Federal Affairs. This bill defines legally what Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses are.
Tracy Taylor’s son, Army SPC Kenneth J. Iwasinski served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Baghdad, October 14, 2007, an IED detonated near his vehicle in combat. This tragic loss will forever affect their lives and has started Tracy on the path of advocacy for herself and other Gold Star Mothers. I am forever grateful to them and all the work they do. The brave men and women who have sacrificed everything may be gone, but they are not forgotten.
I would like to share a poem written by her son PFC Kenneth Iwasinski on 9/28/05 to his mother:
A Son First. A Friend Second. Always a Soldier
There were things I could not have survived
If you had not been there for me
There are things that only you could see
So, once again I am thanking you
For all you’ve done for me
Thanks for being here when I needed you to be
If you ever need a friend, you will have one here.
I mean it, I am being sincere.
If you ever need anything from us or have questions or concerns about these bills or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out! My office can be reached at [email protected] or (413) 572-3920. Hope you all have a great week!
