WESTFIELD – Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Veterans Day that the state will initiate the Operation Welcome Home program, which provides financing for veterans seeking to buy a single-family home of condominium.
Under the plan, qualified borrowers can receive up to 100 percent financing through the MassHousing Agency which developed the program because the U.S. Veterans Administration loans had restrictions that made it difficult to obtain financial assistance in Massachusetts.
Baker, speaking on Veterans Day, said the program “gives every vet who protected the American Dream a chance to live it themselves.”
State Rep John Velis, (D-Westfield) strongly supports Baker’s program.
“I think it a great idea, so I support it 100 percent,” Velis said Monday.
“There’s nothing I would not do to support veterans here in the Commonwealth and beyond,” Velis said. “We, as elected leaders, need to do everything we can to make sure our returning veterans have every opportunity to flourish and be productive members of our society.
“When someone signs up to join our armed forces, they have committed themselves to defending their nation at the risk of limb and life,” Velis, who is a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, said. “As a Commonwealth and society, we need to do everything and anything to repay the debt that we will forever owe veterans.”
Velis, who served in Afghanistan, pulled on his patrol boots Saturday and participated in a “ruck march” along the 26.2 mile Boston Marathon Route to raise awareness for veteran suicides.
“Twenty two veterans commit suicide a day in this country,” Velis said. “It is morally reprehensible that we’re not doing more to help veterans cope.”
Berkshire Bank also used the Veterans Day observation to announce a military and veteran personal and business banking package designed for active duty, reservists, disabled and retired veterans.
“The program provides tailored products and services and is being kicked off with volunteer projects and a foundation grant of $7,000 to Soldier On,“ Mike Daly, CEO of Berkshire Bank said. “In addition, a $25 donation will be made to Soldier On for each open and active account on Veteran’s Day 2016. These initiatives are all aimed at helping Veterans in our communities. This is only the beginning of what I think we can do to say thank you to these brave men and women and you can expect to see us play an even bigger role going forward.”
