Pittsfield Resident Tapped to Holyoke Soldiers' Home Board of Trustees
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Carmen M. Ostrander of Pittsfield has been appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker to serve on the Holyoke Soldiers' Home Board of Trustees.
State Sen. Adam G. Hinds forwarded Ostrander's name and resume to the governor's office for consideration after receiving an inquiry from his deputy chief secretary of boards and commissions last fall. The governor's office was seeking a qualified female Berkshire County resident, preferably with military experience, to consider for the appointment.
"Carmen has served our country and our region honorably for a long time," Hinds said. "She knows firsthand the health care challenges facing our veterans. I am honored to have had the chance to nominate her for this important role."
Ostrander has served in Health Services Management/Medical Administration for the United States Air Force Reserve since January 2004. She is the recipient of a number of military awards, including the Global War on Terrorism Medal (April 2004); National Defense Service Medal (April 2004); Air Force Training Ribbon (April 2004); Air Force Expeditionary Service Medal (July 2006); Armed Forces Reserve Medal (July 2007); Air Force Achievement Medal (October 2007); and two Meritorious Unit Awards (September 2010 and May 2012).
Her appointment to the Board of Trustees became effective Feb. 6 when she took the oath of office at Pittsfield City Hall. She was joined by Sen. Hinds, as well as her young daughter, Ann, and grandmother-in-law, Judy Smith. Ostrander’s term on the Board of Trustees expires on July 22, 2021.
"Thank you to Gov. Baker and Sen. Hinds for this incredible honor of serving on the Holyoke Soldiers' Home Board of Trustees," Ostrander said. "I have spent the last 15 years in the Air Force and deployed twice to Afghanistan where I evacuated military members, civilians, and foreign nationals out of the war zone to medical treatment. This appointment allows me to support and advocate for others who, like me, served our country proudly."
Established in 1952, the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke is a multifaceted health care facility available to eligible veterans of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its mission is to provide "Care with Honor and Dignity" in the best possible health care environment.
Pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws, the Board of Trustees of the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke consists of seven members, all residents of the four western Counties, who are appointed by the governor. The Board of Trustees is charged with managing and controlling the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke and all property, real and personal of the commonwealth that is occupied or used by the Home.
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