Official X account of Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services

Boston, Massachusetts
Joined July 2009
EOVS' Assistant Secretary of Engagement and Outreach Cory Ahonen was thrilled to attend today’s Veteran Luncheon and Market in Sandwich, where veterans can shop at no cost for food, household essentials, and other items they need. We're grateful to the Massachusetts Veterans Alliance Foundation (@amylyn0831) for hosting dedicated gatherings like this that show the power of our community coming together to support those who have served in Massachusetts.
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EOVS' Assistant Secretary of Engagement and Outreach Cory Ahonen was thrilled to attend today’s Veteran Luncheon and Market in Sandwich, where veterans can shop at no cost for food, household essentials, and other items they need. We're grateful to the Massachusetts Veterans Alliance Foundation (@amylyn0831) for hosting dedicated gatherings like this that show the power of our community coming together to support those who have served in the Commonwealth.
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The Massachusetts Women Veterans Network (WVN) October Newsletter is here! Inside this month's edition, you'll find upcoming events, valuable resources, and services available to women veterans across Massachusetts. Whether you're looking to connect with your community, learn about new opportunities, or access support, there's something for you. Read the October WVN Newsletter and stay connected: conta.cc/3WbGkil
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Happy Birthday to the @USNavy! We honor the generations of Sailors who have served our nation with courage, dedication, and distinction. Thank you to all who have worn—and continue to wear—the uniform. Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy!
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Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Did you know that nationwide, Indigenous communities have served in the U.S. armed forces at five times the national average, the highest per-capita involvement of any demographic group? EOVS continues to honor those who have courageously served for more than 200 years, in every major conflict since the American Revolution. Learn about how the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and other tribes in Massachusetts continue to honor the historic legacies of local veterans from their community: wbur.fm/3W0o1wv
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Get to know Secretary of Veterans Services, Eric Goralnick! In a new feature from the Mass Almanac, Secretary Goralnick shares details about his background and mentors, his passion for public service, and what he hopes to bring to the role serving veterans and their families across Massachusetts. Read more here: massachusettsalmanac.com/eri…
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The next generation of student veteran leaders is ready to get to work! We recently welcomed the 2026-2028 Student Veteran Council to the State House, officially launching our second cohort of 32 student veterans who represent 21 colleges and universities across Massachusetts. Over the next two years, these students will serve as voices for their campus communities—identifying challenges, developing solutions, and helping to strengthen the student veteran experience across our state. These students are active, motivated, and engaged, and we’re excited to see what they will accomplish together. Learn more about SVC: mass.gov/orgs/student-vetera…
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For military families, moving to a new community often means starting over—a new home, a new school, and new connections. During #BlueStarWelcomeWeek, Massachusetts joins states across the country in welcoming military and veteran families to help them feel at home. When military families feel connected, our communities are stronger. At the Executive Office of Veterans Services, we’re proud to honor the sacrifices of @BlueStarFamily and to help ensure they feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
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Happy 99th birthday to World War II U.S. Navy Veteran Joseph C. Alexander! Joseph celebrated this incredible milestone today surrounded by friends and well-wishers at his home in Boston. We were honored to join and recognize his service with an official citation from Secretary Eric Goralnick and an EOVS challenge coin. Thank you for your service and happy birthday, Joe!
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Congratulations to Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett, who is among five honorees selected for the 11th annual Peter J. Gomes Service Award! Thank you for all you do to help the Executive Office of Veterans Services honorably serve those who have served! Learn more about Deputy Secretary Gayle-Bennett and the award here: patch.com/massachusetts/sale…
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As part of his stop in Worcester for the Serving Those Who Serve conference, Secretary Goralnick had the opportunity to meet with members of College of the Holy Cross’ Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, one of the oldest NROTC units in the country. A Navy Veteran himself, Secretary Goralnick was pleased to chat with students about building a career in public service, the ways in which military experience can translate well to civilian job opportunities in fields such as medicine, and how Massachusetts is leading the nation in the programs and benefits it provides veterans.
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Suicide prevention starts with connection, support, and making sure service members and veterans know they never have to face difficult moments alone. In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, and as part of the Governor’s Challenge team, Secretary Goralnick and EOVS joined behavioral health providers, first responders, academic and student personnel who serve those with a military background, as well as veterans at the sixth annual Serving Those Who Serve Conference at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, focused on suicide prevention through resiliency. Our SAVE Team also provided resources and connected with attendees about how to work with veterans and their families across Massachusetts to help prevent veteran suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Call or text 988, then press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line. You don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out for support.
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Today, on Gold Star Mothers and Families Day, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation’s freedoms. The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains committed to ensuring Gold Star families are supported and connected to the resources they deserve. From the Massachusetts Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit, which connects families with programs and services, to the fully implemented HERO Act, which expands benefits and recognition for them, we are working to ensure Massachusetts stands with Gold Star families at every stage of life’s journey. To our Gold Star mothers and families: we remember your loved ones, we honor their service, and we will continue to be here for you today and always. Learn more about the Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit: mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-g…
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REMINDER: The deadline to apply for the Student Veteran Council is tomorrow! Friday, September 25. Whether you’re attending a university, community college, or another institute of higher education, the state’s Student Veteran Council is here to serve and amplify your voice! Last year, the average age of members was 36, five military branches were represented, and 20 colleges participated statewide! Learn how to advocate for yourself and your community and take part in shaping the state of student veteran affairs in the Commonwealth. Apply Here: mass.gov/forms/student-veter…
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Yesterday, we came together for Massachusetts’ first Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day at the State House. @MassGovernor Healey, Secretary Goralnick, @MassDPH Commissioner Goldstein, @MassDMH Commissioner Bailey, @PatrickMOConnor and @JoanMeschino joined families who have lost a loved one to reflect, share resources, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring our military and veterans have access to the care and mental health services they need. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful day of remembrance, connection, and continued commitment to preventing suicide in our military and veteran community. Learn More: bit.ly/4yXcYmb @FriendsMilitary @StateRepJoe @BrotherChris617
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Last year, @MassGovernor Healey signed a law designating Sept. 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day in Massachusetts. Today, families who have lost a loved one to military service member or veteran suicide gathered at the State House with fellow community members to remember those who have been lost and continue raising awareness to prevent future deaths. Secretary Goralnick, @MassDPH Commissioner Goldstein, @MassDMH Commissioner Bailey, Senator @PatrickMOConnor and Rep @JoanMeschino offered remarks, shared resources, and committed to continuing the work to ensure military service members and veterans have access to the care and mental health services they need in our state. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out: SAVE Hotline: (617) 210-5743 Monday–Friday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then Press 1 Available 24/7, 365 days a year for service members, veterans, and their loved ones. @FriendsMilitary @staterepjoe
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MA Executive Office of Veterans Services retweeted
The men and women who defend our freedoms should never feel like they have to struggle alone. I was proud to sign a bill recognizing September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.
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“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed on September 20, 2011. In Massachusetts, the EOVS Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB) reviews applications from veterans who received an other than honorable discharge due to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or because of their membership in a protected class. VERB makes recommendations to determine whether applicants should be eligible for state-based veteran benefits. Learn more or apply: mass.gov/orgs/veterans-equal…
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The Big E kicked off its 17-day showcase of New England agriculture with Military Appreciation Day on Friday! The Executive Office of Veterans Services was proud to be there with the @MassDeptAgr in West Springfield, sharing resources and honoring the contributions of Massachusetts service members, veterans, and their families. If you missed it, there’s still plenty of time to check out all that this region’s largest fair has to offer. Learn more about the @TheBigEFair: thebige.com/
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