Governor Healey Celebrates New Veterans Services Office in Springfield to Expand Support for Western Massachusetts Veterans

Governor Healey Celebrates New Veterans Services Office in Springfield to Expand Support for Western Massachusetts Veterans

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.