Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn held a hearing to discuss resources available for our veterans & military families during this pandemic, as well as getting updates from different stakeholders about any needs they may have. As a US Navy veteran of nearly 25 years and Chair of the Committee on Veterans & Military Affairs, Councilor Flynn is committed to advocating for our veterans and this hearing is a part of his continued efforts to ensure that our veterans receive the full support they deserve.
Held on April 27th, the hearing included updates from Commissioner Robert Santiago from Boston’s Veterans Services, Coleman Nee from Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Carolyn Mason-Wholley from the VA Boston Healthcare System’s Women Veterans Program, Anna Schleelein Richardson from Veterans Legal Services, Andy McCawley from New England Center and Home for Veterans, Bryan Bishop from the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, and veteran advocate and former Commissioner for Boston Veterans’ Services Tom Lyons. Other City Councilors also attended to hear more about this work. The panelists spoke about their work in helping veterans & military families apply for Chapter 115 benefits, their outreach to veterans who may be in need for services, as well as different resources that each organization offers.
Boston’s Veterans Services noted that their office is ready to assist any veterans and military family with their application for benefits, and noted that they recruited hundreds of volunteers to reach out to elderly veterans who may be in isolation due to the pandemic. The VA Boston Healthcare System is adapting their outpatient and inpatient services to handle the needs of the pandemic, as well as stepping up their services for mental health, intimate partner violence, and wellness programs such as yoga. The DAV is working to ensure that veterans receive their benefits, as well as offering their own relief grants for veterans in need. Advocates also stressed the importance of reaching out to veterans who may be in isolation due to this pandemic and experiencing loneliness. All organizations present confirmed their commitment to continue providing services to veterans, and to provide equitable service for all veterans and military families.
“I want to thank our veterans organizations and my City Council colleagues for participating in this important hearing about resources for our veterans and military families during these uncertain times” said Councilor Flynn. “We have many veterans who are elderly, disabled, and impacted deeply by this pandemic, so it is critical that we ensure our veterans and military families have the resources they need during this time. I will continue to work closely with our veterans organizations to advocate for our veterans and military families.”
For more information, please contact ed.flynn@boston.gov or 617-635-3203.
