North Adams Hosts Veterans Summer Barbecue FridayAny and all veterans can attend the barbeque that is hosted by Veterans Agent Stephen Roy's Office. Soldier On Kitchen Staff Worked Through Pandemic to Feed the HungryThis work is all done by a handful of veterans who have found their passion in the kitchen, including Jeremy Gemmer and Ben Hamilton, who was featured in iBerkshire's Veteran Spotlight last year. Abbott Memorial Students Raise Money For VeteransThe Abbott Memorial School community collected $1,120.50 in change for the Northern Berkshire Veterans Food Pantry. Grant For Financial Literacy Programs For Veteran OrganizationsThis funding supports Veteran-serving non-profit organizations, public agencies, and higher education institutions to improve pre-existing financial education programs or to create new ones aimed at increasing personal finance knowledge within the Military, Veteran, Family, and Survivor Community (MVFSC). Local Veterans Raise $10,000 for Afghan Refugee RelocationThe funds will help new Afghan-Americans settle in by supporting the acquisition of housing and other resources needed to be successful. State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Mayor Linda Tyer were in attendance at the Berkshire Athenaeum for the presentation. Price Chopper/Market 32 Campaign Supports Disabled VeteransThe 2021 Price Chopper/Market 32 campaign allowed donors to round-up purchases on a credit or debit card when completing a purchase. Longtime American Legion Cook Passes on the SpatulaAmerican Legion Post 125 held a special celebration last week to honor Dennis Labonte, who after 38 years of cooking the annual Be Our Guest Dinner is passing on his duties to a new generation World War II Veteran's Account Recorded for PosteritySacco and his pilot landed in a plowed field, about a mile from the crashed plane. They were captured by a farmer and immediately arrested and handed over to the German military. He would spend the next year in a prisoner of war camp. He survived on potatoes and carrots and the occasional Red Cross package until he was able to escape. Hospice To Illuminate Building Green To Support VetsThe Green Light a Vet mission is to show support for veterans. It also raises awareness about the challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families. Quilts of Valor Presented to Local VeteransThe presentations at Richard A. Reuther Post 152 American Legion included a certificate of appreciation for each veteran's service and a unique handmade quilt and pillow case to store it. Warrior-Scholar Project Prepares Veterans to Succeed in CollegeSince 2011, the Warrior-Scholar Project has been working to "ensure that every degree-seeking enlisted veteran and transitioning service member succeeds in the transition to higher education and beyond." VFW Post 448 Holds 68th Anniversary for 'Forgotten' Korean WarVeterans of Foreign Wars Post 448 held a brief ceremony Saturday morning for the 68th anniversary armistice of the Korean War, also known as the "Forgotten War." Veteran Spotlight: Cpl. Adam GonskaCpl. Adam Gonska served his country in the Army Reserve as a battalion medic from 2011 to 2019. North County Veterans Hold First Picnic Since PandemicRoy said they like to hold a few of these get-togethers a year but with the pandemic, his meetings with area veterans have been limited to one-on-ones. Adams American Legion Remembers Local Veteran With BooksThe American Legion Post 160 is selling two books outlining the early life and career in the military of Col. William Carl Koch Jr., an Air Force pilot and Adams native. North Berkshire American Legion Members Return to Mount GreylockEvery year on the Sunday before Memorial Day, the past commanders gather early at the Adams American Legion before making their annual pilgrimage. All veterans are invited to join in on their convoy. Pittsfield Community Remembers Life of Veteran Anthony PastorePastore is remembered by the community for his dedication, kind disposition, and musical talents, particularly in singing the national anthem at so many public events for more than four decades. Lenox Couple Donates to Local Veterans OrganizationSergeant Kastrinakis passed away on Feb. 7, 2019. The Keators, through working with their Foundation and the Lenox VFW Post, have established a scholarship fund to be given out each year to members of the community with ties to the military. Veteran Video Spotlight: Fran GiardinaWayne Soares interviews Fran Giardina, an Army veteran of the Korean War. Veteran Video Spotlight: Marc JaffeWayne Soares interviews Marine Lt. Marc Jaffe, a veteran of World War II. National Veterans Small Business Week to Kick-off Nov. 2This year's National Veterans Small Business Week theme is "#VetBiz Resources in Your Local Community." During the week, the SBA will highlight and connect veterans nationwide to local level entrepreneurial resources. State Treasurer’s Office Makes New Veteran Bonus Available for Those Supporting COVID-19 Crisis OperationsGovernor Charlie Baker activated the Massachusetts National Guard in March to increase the supply chain resources available to the Commonwealth and its residents. Soares' Celebrity Golf Event to Benefit Veterans Grows in Second YearThe Oct. 13 event at Mashpee's Willowbend Country Club on Cape Cod still will be marked by pride and gratitude as 30 celebrities help Soares raise funds to help homeless and disabled vets through the Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center. |