VETERANS’ SERVICES
In 1946, the Massachusetts legislature created the Office of Veterans’ Services and formalized Chapter 115 of the General Laws. The mission of the Department of Veterans' Services is to advocate on behalf of all Veterans, and to provide quality service and benefits to those Veterans and their dependents in need of emergency financial and/or medical assistance. The Town of Belmont, through the Board of Selectmen’s appointment of the Veterans' Service Officer, continues to demonstrate its concern and compassion for these men and women who have served our Country with honor.
The Veterans’ Service office is presently located in the Cemetery Office Building, 121 Grove Street. Our telephone number is (617) 489-8239, and it is requested that appointments be made, when possible, so that an efficient response can be made to everyone’s needs.
The Veterans’ Service Officer is normally the first individual a Veteran or dependent contacts for advice and assistance. Being a Veteran does not mean benefits are automatic. The eligibility to receive entitlements from the Department of Veterans’ Services and Veterans' Affairs must be determined and proven in accordance with strict state and federal laws, rules and regulations. Benefits are intended to be temporary in nature and not a full time permanent support system.
During the course of 2002, approximately thirty Veterans or dependents requested guidance in obtaining state or federal information regarding housing, financial, or medical assistance. The majority of requests are for copies of military discharges.
The Veterans Service Officer continues to be the liaison to the Belmont Allied Veterans Council, comprised of representatives of Waverley VFW Post 1272 and American Legion Post 165 insuring strong communication between Veterans and our office.
This department had the pleasure of participating in many events honoring our Veterans such as our Memorial Day Parade, Veterans’ Day and Flag Day ceremonies. On behalf of all the Veterans who participated in the Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day programs at our public schools, I would like to extend our appreciation to Dr. Holland and his staff.
I would also like to thank Henry Kazarian, Roy Keefe, Charlie LePine, Arthur Marchetta and Al Shea for their assistance in placing 1,478 American flags on the graves of Veterans buried in Belmont Cemetery in time for Memorial Day celebrations.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert P. Gardiner, Acting Veterans' Services Officer
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