In recognition of the tremendous sacrifices made by Massachusetts National Guard members and Reservists, the Massachusetts Cares Fund, a Military Friends Foundation program, is issuing grants of up to $200 to active duty service members of the Massachusetts National Guard and Reserves and their families. Many servicemen and women face financial hardship during deployment; their families at home can also feel the impact as a parent, sibling, child, or spouse serves the country at home and abroad.

The Daily Item - April 1, 2010

http://www.thedailyitemoflynn.com/articles/2010/03/31/news/news03.txt

On July 15, 2009, the OIF/OEF Veterans of Massachusetts joined Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray as he announced the creation of the OIF/OEF Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial.  The memorial will utilize the technological advancements that define our current generation to memorialize the lives of our fellow service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq or Afghanistan. 

February 11, 2010

Charles Ahern of Arlington and Harry Wildasin of Lexington were both at Iwo Jima, Japan in 1945 when the famous World War II battle took place. Sixty-five years after that invasion, two veterans from Massachusetts will be Senator Donnelly’s guests at the State House on Friday, February 19th as the Commonwealth celebrates Iwo Jima Day in a ceremony to honor Iwo Jima veterans and remember the battle.

November 10, 2009

BOSTON –A bill enhancing and protecting benefits of Massachusetts’ veterans and servicemembers, sponsored by Senator Ken Donnelly, was enacted and signed into law in time for Veterans Day.

Senator Donnelly hailed the bill’s passage as “an important way to honor the courage and the sacrifices of the men and women in our armed forces.”

June 10, 2009

BOSTON – Senator Ken Donnelly hosted an event on Wednesday, June 10, that brought State leaders together with the families of Massachusetts service men and women killed in action during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The event was to unveil Operation: Home Ties’ Faces of Remembrance, an exhibit that includes individual portraits of each military personnel and is on display at the State House through June 19.

April 14, 2009          

On Monday, April 13, Senator Kenneth Donnelly joined colleagues in Worcester for a hearing on the effects of the economic downturn on veterans, particularly those returning home from service during these trying financial times.