MA uniquely serving its veterans

[0:00]" On this veterans day one thing that many Massachusetts residents may not be aware of is that Massachusetts. Unique among the states has by -- law of veterans agent the veterans service office in every community every one of 351 cities and towns. In the commonwealth and its all coordinated by the secretary of veterans services. Secretary Thomas Kelly. Pointed to his position several years ago by another and Republican governor and maintained. -- during the current democratic administration secretary Kelly is a retired navy captain. And recipient due to his dollar service in Vietnam. Of the medal of honor mr. secretary could talk to you and explain if you would to people about the veterans service offices around the state."

[0:44]" Yes we do have a accusations that recipients around with the only state in the country that does that. Their job -- to advocates for the men and women veterans in the community and in. Providing financial assistance. Transportation. And helping with several planes. Just being there as an advocate for the veterans in the community."

[1:51]" I understand the -- that does surprisingly. Not all of the boldest money to welcome home bonus money. Which has been offered to debts for quite some time and the effect will be expanded today when the governor signs his new legislation. For a subsequent tours. Has has been claimed whether that's because some people. Just don't know about the program -- perhaps don't think that they deserve it I mean it's it's there for them business."

[2:14]" It certainly isn't you know this is this is a challenge that in we've we've faced so let's for years we've got to people would be just jumping get a chance but I think. I'm not mistaken about two. -- 33. It's 25% of the money is has not been. Allocated to these bonuses some you know the just waiting for people to come forward and apply. To put the word out and on the treasury -- ago and has so but some stations have and for various reasons we've we've really don't know we don't mask from what place."

[2:46]" The secretary Kelly what about people who been out of the service for a while there is of course the of the greatest generation World War II vets dying at the rate of a thousand a day. But some of them still are alive and in living here in Massachusetts and perhaps now looking. And and live of life care or for example interment it to veterans cemeteries. Which there's certainly one of the tape Abu and in Canada has offices help them as well."

[3:13]" Oh absolutely and and we have we have to state veterans' cemeteries one and Agawam -- Winchendon both built by the VA but operated by us but yes their own titles to. Be inserted near of course in the era begin their spouses and -- minor children can be paired with a two but. We we do have a financial assistance program in in Massachusetts again we're the only state has that we're by a veteran can go to his or her city and town hall in -- of veterans agent and get money for the basic necessities like food shelter. Medical itself or if -- incomes below certain threshold and the veterans agents administer this program in the town actually -- some money and we. Reimburse some the state reimbursement terms."

[3:58]" The secretary of we of course have been saluting veterans today as are people all over the the country. As a captain in the navy and a graduate of Holy Cross College if you would shared the story of what happened do you hidden in Vietnam."

[4:47]" Actually move the monitor -- which you were stationed they have agreed craft. Into the line of fire to protect the the army soldiers who were tried to -- that's correct him mr. extra thank you very much we appreciate the information it."

[5:00]" Thank you and thanks for thinking of veterans and veterans' day and I encourage everybody to give a veteran if you if you compressed once -- yes sir."