Saturday, Westfield State Representative John Velis received the American Legion 2016 Legislator of the Year award. The American Legion Department of Massachusetts presented the award at their annual convention.
The Legislator of the Year award is not given every year and is awarded to a Massachusetts legislator who goes above and beyond for Veterans. Representative Velis, author of the most comprehensive Stolen Valor Law in the country, was chosen for his dedication to the Veteran community. The award reads “In Recognition of His Unwavering Support for Veteran’s Rights, Veteran’s Benefits, and Veteran’s Privileges. No Veteran Ever Had A ‘ Truer Friend.’”
Westfield’s State Representative John Velis accepts the award for 2016 Legislator of the Year from the American Legion Department of Massachusetts. (Photo submitted)
American Legion Massachusetts State Commander Louis Brault said, “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award for his tireless efforts on behalf of all veterans, than Representative John Velis.” Brault explained that Velis “works for every generation of veterans and their needs.”
Velis had been invited to the convention in order to speak and introduce the newly appointed superintendent of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, Bennett Walsh. Velis said, “I was surprised and humbled when I learned I was being recognized as well. To be recognized by one of the preeminent veterans’ organizations in the nation is truly an honor.” Early this year, Velis was recognized by the Hampden County American Legion with the Walter J. Zarichak Hampden County American Legion Legislative Award.
