*** Buddy Checks May Save A Life ***
PTSD and suicide are silent killers that prey on the military community. Many of us don't even know we suffer from the effects of dormant mental health issues until it's too late. Please consider checking on your buddies from time to time. These contacts might be helpful or even save a life:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
800-273-8255 (Veterans press "1")
War Vet Call Center
877-927-8387
Most importantly, take care of yourself.
Someone I know pretty well published this article about military suicide in ARMY magazine. I think it's worth a read:
https://www.ausa.org/articles/fighting-invisible-enemy
*** Legislative Help Wanted ***
As veterans and respected members of our local communities, many of us have much more influence and power than we might realize. We can all continue to serve the Massachusetts National Guard and our fellow veterans by lending our voices in support or opposition to legislation that's currently being considered on Beacon Hill. A phone call or e-mail to our State Representatives or State Senators can have tremendous impact, particularly when we identify ourselves as veterans. As uniformed members of the Armed Forces, we were unable to speak out about legislative issues, but as veterans we can, and should, make sure our voices are heard. We all have the power to still serve.
Here are the bills the Guard OPPOSES:
*SB2552/HB4022- An Act protecting the Upper Cape water supply reserve
Issue – H.4022 and S.2552 both discriminate against the DoD by creating separate criteria that only exists on the Massachusetts Military Reservation.*SB2390 * (SD670) - An Act relative to Veterans' Education Tuition System (VETS)
Issue – This bill will create an unaffordable program for the Commonwealth since there are greater than 400,000 individuals that will be eligible for its use.
*HB3676 (HD2953) - An Act relative to reimbursement for annual training for armed forces members
Issue: HB3676 reinstitutes stringent requirements on those employed by the Commonwealth that also service as members of the armed forces.
Here are the bills the Guard SUPPORTS:
* HB3672/SB2396 - An Act relative to the Massachusetts National Guard Family Education Program
Summary - Establishes a new GL 33:137A, establishing and regulating the operation of the Massachusetts National Guard family education program (NGFEP).
* HB3670/SB2462 - An Act relative to establishing the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity
Summary - Adds new section 67B to GL Chapter 33 establishing a Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity
*SB2559/HB3648 - An Act relative to military spouse-licensure portability, education and enrollment of dependents
Summary - Grants in-state tuition and residency status for the purposes of admission to college students in military families.
*SB2542 (SD2767) - An Act to support military families
Summary - An in-depth and all-inclusive bill providing for changes to licensure
* SB2428/HB3645 - An Act relative to honoring the founding of the United States Army, the United States Air Force, and the National Guard
Summary - Adds three new Sections to GL 6, commemorating: (i) the fourteenth of June as the anniversary of the founding of the United States Army; (ii) the eighteenth of September as the anniversary of the founding of the United States Air Force; and (iii) the thirteenth of December as the anniversary of the founding of the National Guard.
*HB2857/SB1900 - An Act establishing a tax credit for employment of National Guard members
Summary - Establishes an income tax credit (GL 62:6) and a corporate income tax credit (GL 63:38II) for businesses who hire members of the Massachusetts national guard.
(I will try to post a link to more information about these bills. If you are interested in more information, please send a contact message and we'll forward it to you.)
*** CONGRATULATIONS! ***
Congratulations to BG (MA) Leonid Kondratiuk on his official retirement from service. For decades BG Kondratiuk has been the keeper of our Mass. National Guard traditions and legacy. He will continue to be active in veterans affairs, including command of the Yankee Division Veterans' Association. Thank you for your service to the nation and Commonwealth.
Congratulations to CW5 Stephen Boyd on the completion of a distinguished career. Time to catch up on all those home improvement chores, Chief!
*** REACH OUT, GIVE BACK, & CONTINUE TO SERVE ***
Montachusett Veterans Outreach Begins First Wednesday Morning Coffee Hours -
MVOC in Gardner, MA offers a drop-in coffee hour on the first Wednesday of each month from 0930 to 1030 hours. The MVOC center is located at 268 Central St., Gardner, MA.
Project New Hope Launches Veterans Coffee Social on Tuesdays -
Project New Hope welcomes all veterans to stop by on Tuesdays from 0930 to 1100 hours for coffee and fellowship with our brothers and sisters. The center is located at 70 James St. #129A, Worcester, MA
Veterans' Coffee Hour on Mondays in Baldwinville - American Legion Post 373 in Baldwinville will host a Coffee Hour every Monday from 0800 to 1000 hours. All veterans are welcome. The post is located at 3 Central St. Baldwinville, MA. (Thank you to CSM (ret) Joe Young.)
Battlegrounds Coffee Company Weekly Veterans Social - Every Tuesday
Drop into Battlegrounds Coffee Company any Tuesday between 0700 and 0900 hrs. for a good cup of coffee and good conversation with fellow veterans. Battlegrounds Coffee is located at 33 Pleasant St., Newburyport, MA.
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