Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services

10/21/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Diane Dietzen, Chief Medical Director at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke, who has been named a 2026 Healthcare Hero by BusinessWest!

The business journal reports, “Dietzen is being honored as a Healthcare Hero for what has, in many ways, become her life’s work: to help people better understand palliative care and hospice care, and to advance these specialties, which touch the lives of so many.”

We are grateful for her leadership and expertise that helps us to ensure Massachusetts veterans receive the highest quality personal health care services with dignity, honor, and respect.

Learn more: https://healthcarenews.com/dr-diane-dietzen/

Photo credit: BusinessWest

10/20/2026

This week, the Executive Office of Veterans Services is hosting more than 200 Veterans Services Officers from around the Commonwealth for its annual October VSO Training Conference in Leominster.

VSOs have the opportunity to hear directly from EOVS staff and partners, and engage with sessions on topics ranging from Chapter 115 financial benefits and the Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB) to veteran su***de prevention and accreditation training for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

We are so grateful for our Massachusetts Veterans' Service Officers Association partnership across Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns to honorably serve those who served us.

Watch this video to learn more or find your local VSO: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-your-local-veterans-service-officer-vso

10/19/2026

The State Library Author Talks Series in partnership with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services is proud to announce Bill Brett as our November speaker. Please join us on Thursday, November 5th at 1pm in the library's reading room to hear awarding-winning photojournalist Bill Brett discuss his work, Boston Veterans Appreciation with EOVS Secretary Goralnick.
More information in our blog: : https://mastatelibrary.blogspot.com/2026/10/author-talk-with-bill-brett-in.html
Please note this talk is occurring on a Thursday at 1pm. In person and virtual event.

10/16/2026

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 Corp for hosting dedicated gatherings like this that show the power of our community coming together to support those who have served in the Commonwealth.

10/15/2026

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: https://conta.cc/3WbGkil

10/13/2026

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Navy!

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!

10/12/2026

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: https://wbur.fm/3W0o1wv

In 250 years since the Revolutionary War started, the sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers have often been overlooked. Tribes in Massachusetts are working to bring their contributions back into the conversation.

10/08/2026

Congratulations to the Massachusetts providers who were recently awarded a Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Su***de Prevention Grant!

The program, which promotes a public health approach to su***de prevention, blends community-based efforts with linkage to evidence-based clinical strategies.

According to the VA, more than 90% of participants who complete SSG Fox SPGP services report improvements in one or more of the following areas: well-being, mental health, social support, and financial stability.

We are proud to call you partners in our effort to honorably serve those who have served us!

- Veteran Pathways of New England

- Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Inc.

- Veterans Inc.

- Volunteers of America

- New England Center and Home for Veterans

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eohuC6

10/06/2026

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:

https://massachusettsalmanac.com/eric-goralnicks-next-step-of-service/

10/05/2026

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: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/student-veteran-council