Press Release: 11/3/2026
Governor Healey Celebrates New Veterans Services Office in Springfield to Expand Support for Western Massachusetts Veterans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11/02/2026
SPRINGFIELD — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today celebrated the opening of a new Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) regional office in Springfield, expanding access to state benefits, programs and services for veterans and military families across Western Massachusetts. Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick joined state and local officials, veterans and community organizations to mark the opening of the new office, which will serve veterans throughout Hampden, Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Massachusetts is home to approximately 274,000 veterans, including an estimated 42,000 in Western Massachusetts. The new Springfield office will provide in-person assistance with veterans benefits, housing resources, mental health support and other services, while strengthening partnerships with local organizations that serve veterans and their families.
“Our administration is committed to making Massachusetts the best state in the nation for veterans and military families, and that means making sure we're reaching veterans in every corner of the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “There are more than 40,000 veterans in Western Massachusetts, and this new office in Springfield will make it easier for them to access the benefits, services and support they've earned. From our investments in the new Veterans Home at Holyoke to expanding services here in Springfield, we're strengthening veterans care and delivering more resources directly to Western Massachusetts communities.”
“We want every veteran and military family to know that help is available and that they don't have to travel far to find it,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This new office will make it easier for veterans across Western Massachusetts, including those in our smaller and rural communities, to connect with services and support. We're grateful to the local Veterans Service Officers and community partners who are working with us to make sure we're reaching veterans where they are.”
“Meeting veterans where they are is central to our mission,” said Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick. “A physical, permanent presence in Springfield puts our team face to face with the Western Massachusetts veteran community, including rural towns where we see real opportunity to strengthen access and connection. This office will expand our outreach and help more veterans access to the financial benefits, peer support, housing resources, and other programs and services they have earned.”
“Access to critical services and support should never depend on where someone lives or their ability to travel long distances,” said Aging and Independence Secretary Robin Lipson. “For older adults and veterans in particular, having trusted, in-person resources close to home can make a meaningful difference in navigating benefits, accessing services, and staying connected to their communities. The opening of this new office in Springfield is an important investment in Western Massachusetts and reflects our administration’s commitment to meeting residents where they are, so that residents can age in the communities of their choice.”
The new office will help address transportation challenges, geographic barriers and limited access to specialized services that can make it difficult for veterans, particularly older veterans, to receive timely assistance. In addition to providing walk-in assistance, the location will host outreach and educational events and bring together local, state and federal partners to better serve veterans throughout the region.
The office will also offer walk-in assistance and host staff who administer Massachusetts’ HEROS, SAVE, and SERVE programs, plus the annual state annuity and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claims benefits which are processed through EOVS’ National Service Officer team. In FY26 alone, EOVS-represented claimants accounted for approximately $554.2 million of the $2.17 billion in annual VA benefits provided to Massachusetts.
Historically, EOVS has enjoyed a strong Western Massachusetts presence and partnership with several regional providers who serve veterans. The office also operates and maintains the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam and the Veterans Home at Holyoke, which just celebrated the opening of its new, state-of-the-art building overlooking Pioneer Valley on the top of Cherry Street in the Paper City.
Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has made expanding veterans benefits, improving care and increasing access to services a top priority. Governor Healey established EOVS as a Cabinet-level secretariat in 2023, giving veterans a direct voice in the Governor's Cabinet and strengthening coordination of veterans benefits, housing, health care and advocacy.
In 2024, Governor Healey signed the historic HERO Act, the most comprehensive expansion of veterans benefits in Massachusetts history, with more than 30 provisions to expand benefits, modernize services and improve support for veterans and their families.
This summer, Massachusetts also delivered a record $58.4 million to veterans and military family members who are eligible for the state’s annual veteran annuity. Since then, under Governor Healey’s leadership, the state marked its first Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day on September 22 as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to increase mental health and suicide prevention services for veterans statewide. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll this past week also swore in the new Veteran Employment Opportunities Commission designed to identify barriers to employment and strengthen career opportunities for veterans across Massachusetts.
Statements of Support
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno:
“Like the State of Massachusetts, Springfield has been a strong supporter of our Veterans. I commend and thank Governor Maura Healey and Veteran’s Secretary Eric Goralnick for this outreach initiative to Springfield and Western Massachusetts. I also thank my Veteran’s Director Joe DeCaro for his continued and dedicated efforts. My administration was proud to fully fund Governor Healey’s HERO Act 100% - ‘it was the right thing to do’. Because of our veterans and their families, America is still the greatest country in the world – the beacon of democracy, strength, hope and opportunity.”
Cory Hasselmann, President, Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officers Association:
“Our Veterans’ Service Officers have been vocal about the need for more regional resources for veterans and families, so we are pleased to see EOVS open an office in Western Massachusetts. We look forward to working with the team in Springfield to connect veterans with financial support, housing, and other resources that will ensure former service members and military families have the support they need to achieve stability and security in our state.”
State Senator John Velis, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs:
“The opening of this new EOVS office in Springfield is a major step forward for veterans in Western Massachusetts. By bringing services closer to the communities they serve, we are making it easier for veterans and their families to access the support and resources they have earned. This new office will help connect more veterans with the benefits, guidance, and care they deserve, while strengthening partnerships with the organizations that support them every day.”
State Representative Carlos González:
“With nearly 8,000 veterans in Springfield alone, this new regional office will provide vital support to veterans across Western Massachusetts by connecting them with local organizations and essential services. Thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Goralnick for their continued commitment to supporting our veterans and their families.”
State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier:
“This new office is an important step forward in delivering our local veterans and their families the support they deserve, and establishing a robust relationship between EOVS, local Veteran Service Officers and the veterans in the four counties of Western Massachusetts. Massachusetts has many outstanding resources to offer veterans and surviving spouses, and it is crucial that these supports are made accessible throughout the state."
State Senator Adam Gómez:
“Today is an important moment for veteran care in Massachusetts as we celebrate the opening of this new outpost of the Executive Office of Veterans Services here in Springfield. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Governor Maura Healey and Secretary Goralnick for their recognition of the need to increase access and educational services for veterans in this region, meeting these individuals and their families where they are to connect them with the educational support and benefits that are afforded to them in our state. We can and must do so much more to help our veterans, and this is an important step in that direction for those in Western Massachusetts.”
Robert Jerdan, Commander, American Legion Department of Massachusetts:
“The American Legion Department of Massachusetts applauds the opening of the Executive Office of Veterans Services’ new office in Western Massachusetts as a strong partner in our work to support veterans and their families. This new location represents an exciting opportunity to provide veterans with greater access to the support, resources, and services they deserve.”
Dennis Devine, Commander, DAV Department of Massachusetts Department:
“Where a veteran lives should never determine how easily they can get help. Bringing an EOVS office to Springfield is a welcome step toward making support more accessible to veterans and families throughout Western Massachusetts. DAV Department of Massachusetts looks forward to working with the team to help veterans understand their options, navigate available resources, and connect with people who will follow through on their needs.”
Craig DeOld, Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Massachusetts:
“The opening of EOVS’ Springfield office marks an important milestone in our mission to support veterans and strengthen our community. We look forward to working closely with the team on the ground there and making a lasting difference in the lives of local veterans and their families.”
Bruce Buckley, CEO & President, Soldier On:
“As providers who work directly with veterans in Western Massachusetts, Solider On is excited to welcome EOVS’ new office to the area and the opportunities it brings to strengthen local support networks. Having additional resources for veterans and families closer to home will help us work together to better serve those who have served.”
Mickey Harris, Executive Director, Springfield Partners for Community Action:
“Expanding access to veteran services and resources in Western Massachusetts is an important step toward ensuring that those who have served our country receive the support they deserve. Strong partnerships are essential to meeting the diverse needs of our veteran community, and we welcome the opportunity to continue working alongside EOVS to strengthen connections, improve access to resources, and support veterans and their families throughout the region.”
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