Honor-A-Vet
Honor-A-Vet (Recurring Salute to Our Veterans)
Honor-A-Vet is an initiative the WJI is developing to honor veterans (students, professors, community members, industry leaders, etc.). Every month the WJI will prepare and widely share a description of the veteran being honored by the WJI and UMass Boston. We plan to engage and showcase our honorees via social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
Monthly Veterans Excellence Award
The Veterans Excellence Award program is an opportunity for the William Joiner Institute to bring attention to the outstanding post-service achievements of our nation's veterans to showcase how they continue to serve the broader community.
January 2025 - Steven C. Abrams
We are thrilled to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for January 2025, Mr. Steven C. Abrams!
Mr. Abrams’ remarkable journey of service began with his tenure in the U.S. Navy Seabees, Army Reserve Field Artillery, and the Massachusetts National Guard Combat Engineers. He continues to honor the legacy of military service as a reenactor with the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment and as a Lafayette Sergeant with the Ancient Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.
Beyond his military service, Mr. Abrams has dedicated himself to advocating for veterans. As the NAACP Brockton Branch Veterans Committee Chairperson and a former City of Brockton Veterans Outreach Coordinator, he has championed equitable access to resources for veterans from all walks of life. His faith-based leadership as Adjutant for New Life Christian Church Ministries has empowered communities and fostered unity.
Currently pursuing an Art Therapy degree, Mr. Abrams serves as the Veterans Resource Center & Lounge student liaison at Lesley University. He played a pivotal role in establishing the university’s first-ever Veterans Resource Center, creating a lasting legacy for student veterans.
Mr. Abrams exemplifies the values of Integrity, Grit, Leadership, and Inspiration that the William Joiner Institute holds dear. His involvement in initiatives like promoting lung cancer screening awareness for African American veterans, facilitating veteran peer-support groups at the Brockton VA, and bridging organizations through the NAACP showcase his unwavering commitment to uplifting veteran communities.
Congratulations, Mr. Abrams, and thank you for your extraordinary dedication to serving veterans and your community!
December 2024 - Peter Buxton
We are thrilled to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for December 2024, Mr. Peter Buxtun!
Mr. Peter Buxtun, a former U.S. Army combat medic and psychiatric social worker, dedicated his post-service life to improving public health, supporting those in crisis, and preserving history. After his military service, he worked as a Venereal Disease Contact Officer with the San Francisco Health Department, where his commitment to ethical healthcare became a hallmark of his career.
While working in public health, Peter uncovered and opposed the unethical “Study of Untreated Syphilis in Negro Men” conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service in Alabama. For six years, he advocated for the treatment of the study’s participants, ultimately bringing the study to public attention. His efforts led to Congressional hearings, the establishment of Institutional Research Boards (IRBs), and the 1974 National Research Act, which continues to safeguard ethical standards in medical research.
Beyond his advocacy, Peter served the San Francisco community in countless ways. He volunteered for over 20 years as a nighttime responder for the San Francisco Suicide Hotline, offering compassion and guidance to individuals in distress. Through the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Peter welcomed international visitors, sharing his love for the city and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
An avid historian, Peter became a recognized expert in early American swords, Gold Rush artifacts, and historic gambling devices, with a particular passion for preserving San Francisco’s rich heritage. Peter’s enduring commitment to justice, service, and community exemplifies the highest ideals of our nation’s veterans. Sadly, Mr. Buxton passed in May of 2024. In December of 2024, the New York Times Magazine identified Peter as one of the significant figures lost to eternity.
Mr. Peter Buxton's, extraordinary contributions were to the betterment of our society. His courage, humanity and conscience is an enduring inspiration!
November 2024 - Mr. Walt Fricke
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for November 2024, Walt Fricke!
A U.S. Army veteran and former helicopter pilot, Mr. Walt Fricke served with distinction during the Vietnam War, earning two Bronze Stars, 21 Air Medals, the Purple Heart, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Severely injured in combat, Mr. Walt Fricke’s journey of recovery inspired a lifelong commitment to serving others.
After a successful career in finance, including founding the Homeownership Preservation Foundation to address the national foreclosure crisis, Mr. Walt Fricke turned his focus to helping fellow veterans. In 2006, he launched the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC), a volunteer-based organization providing free air transportation for wounded warriors and their families. Through his leadership, the VAC has coordinated over 19,000 flights, reconnecting veterans with their loved ones and essential care.
Mr. Walt Fricke’s dedication extends beyond logistics; he also leads the VAC Tribute Wing, honoring veterans through inspiring airshow tributes across the country. His relentless advocacy for veterans reflects his unwavering commitment to community, service, and patriotism.
Congratulations, Mr. Walt Fricke, and thank you for continuing to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of veterans and their families!
October 2024 - Mr. Andrew Biggio
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute's Veterans Excellence Award for October 2024, Andrew Biggio!
A Marine Corps veteran, Mr. Andrew Biggio served honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, embodying courage and integrity.
After his military service, he founded the Boston Wounded Vet Run, now New England’s largest motorcycle charity ride, raising tens of thousands for wounded veterans—all without taking a salary. He continues his commitment to service as a Boston Police officer, bringing compassion and dedication to every role he takes on.
Mr. Andrew Biggio is also a bestselling author, preserving the stories of World War II veterans in The Rifle and The Rifle 2. His personal project to renovate the Italian American War Vets American Legion Post in East Boston highlights his deep community ties.
For his tireless efforts in supporting veterans, his community, and his country, we proudly honor Mr. Andrew Biggio, a true example of resilience, service, and leadership.
Congratulations Mr. Andrew Biggio and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community and your continued inspiration!
September 2024 - Dr. Amy Stevens
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for September 2024, Dr. Amy Stevens!
Dr. Amy Stevens proudly served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1990, earning her the Korea Service Medal. One event that particularly stands out for her is the tragic attack on the Marine barracks in Lebanon—a moment of profound loss.
After her military service, Dr. Amy Stevens transitioned into a role as a Licensed Professional Counselor, dedicating her life to supporting fellow service members. From 2009 to 2012, she served as a contractor with the Georgia National Guard, helping soldiers and airmen through the difficult challenges of deployment and homecoming. Many did not return, and those who did were forever changed. Her commitment to these brave men and women continues as a veteran advocate today. In 2012, Dr. Amy Stevens founded Georgia Military Women, a thriving social network with over 2,000 members dedicated to honoring the service of women veterans. Thanks to her leadership, the Governor of Georgia has recently approved the establishment of a Women Veterans Program—a huge step forward in recognizing the contributions of women in the military.
As a clinical consultant and EAP counselor based in Marietta, GA, Dr. Amy Stevens specializes in Post Traumatic Stress, Military Sexual Trauma, and Critical Incident Response. She is a well-known expert in program development, coalition building, and workplace crisis management, providing services such as short-term counseling, workplace violence intervention, and critical incident response for unexpected tragedies.
Congratulations Dr. Amy Stevens and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community!
August 2024 - Ms. Esther Chucaralao
We are thrilled to announce that Esther Chucaralao is the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for August 2024!
Esther Chucaralao, originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served from 2003 to 2010 as a personnel specialist. During her service, she supported her fellow sailors with career guidance, education, and benefit counseling. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College while in the Navy and was awarded a humanitarian medal for her contributions to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. She also completed a deployment to the Middle East.
After retiring as a Petty Officer Second Class, Esther pursued her passion for psychology, earning a master’s degree from Felician University. She later became a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) with the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, where she assisted local veterans in accessing disability claims, pensions, and other benefits. Her leadership in veterans' advocacy led to the creation of New Jersey's “Women Veterans Appreciation Day,” recognizing the contributions of female veterans.
Today, Esther serves as the first Latina Director of Veteran Services for New Jersey. She oversees veteran outreach across 21 counties, ensuring compassionate and effective service from her team of VSOs. Esther continues to play a crucial role in advocating for veterans, especially women, while balancing family life in Ridgefield, NJ, with her husband, Sergio, and their daughter, Andrea.
Congratulations, Ms. Chucaralao, and thank you for serving the broader community!
July 2024 - Father Rick Iannucci
We are thrilled to announce that Father Rick Iannucci is the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for July 2024!
A retired U.S. Marshal and former Green Beret, Father Iannucci is the founder of Horses For Heroes - NM, Inc., and serves as a rancher, ordained priest, and chaplain for both the New Mexico State Senate and the National Tactical Officers Association. His remarkable journey includes commanding a Special Missions Unit in Colombia, instructing at West Point, and being a member of the elite US Marshals Special Operations Group.
With a blend of horsemanship, military, and special operations expertise, Father Iannucci's unique program supports veterans in extraordinary ways. His academic achievements span Neumann University, Baylor University, and Yale Divinity School.
Congratulations, Father Iannucci, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to serving our community!
June 2024 - Ms. Jessica Frost
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for June 2024, Jessica Frost!
A U.S. Navy veteran from 1993 to 1996, Jessica understands the unique challenges faced by women transitioning from military to civilian life. Upon returning to her hometown in Houston, Texas, she grappled with the complexities of acclimating without a clear understanding of available benefits and services. It took over two decades for Jessica to fully embrace her veteran identity, a transformative journey that began when she assumed a role supporting veteran and military-affiliated students in a Massachusetts community college.
Now, leading the Women Veterans Network, Jessica is committed to creating connections among women veterans across Massachusetts. She values the diverse experiences each member brings, fostering a vibrant platform for shared wisdom and contributions.
Congratulations Jessica Frost and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community!
May 2024 - Mr. Haywood Fennell
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for May 2024, Haywood Fennell!
Haywood Fennell, a true pillar of the Roxbury community and a relentless advocate for veterans' rights. As an author, playwright, and Vietnam-era veteran, Mr. Fennell's dedication to recognizing the contributions of Black veterans is unparalleled. This year, he introduced the Black Veterans Calendar, which shares powerful stories of service and sacrifice each month. Mr. Fennell is also the founder of The Oscar Micheaux Theater Program Company, through which he has written and produced numerous plays that celebrate resilience and lift the community through the arts. Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, his works resonate with determination and cultural pride. Beyond his artistic contributions, Mr. Fennell hosts a local radio and TV show on BNN Media Services, using his platform to address veterans' needs and community issues. His advocacy extends to organizing petitions for commemorative stamps and seeking solutions to veterans' housing, mental health, and substance abuse challenges. Mr. Fennell embodies integrity, leadership, and inspiration, continually empowering and uplifting his community.
Congratulations Haywood Fennell and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community!
April 2024 - Mr. Mike Dunford
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for April 2024, Mike Dunford!
Mike Dunford is a retired Marine Corps Reserve Officer with a heart dedicated to serving veterans. With a background in leadership and human resources, he's committed to helping veterans transition to civilian life, ensuring they secure the careers they deserve. Leading the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center, Mike ensures no veteran goes without food or housing, embodying the spirit of ‘Semper Fidelis’- Always Faithful.
Mike’s contributions and impact is nationwide as he advises and promotes veteran job transition programs like Edge4Vets and 4 Block well beyond Massachusetts. Compassion, integrity, and a relentless drive to serve define Mike Dunford’s journey. From his distinguished military career to his leadership in veteran advocacy, he’s a beacon of hope for those who have served our nation. Through his work with organizations like the Human Resources Leadership Forum and the Greater Boston Veterans Collaborative, Mike continues to make a profound difference.
Congratulations Mike Dunford and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community!
March 2024 - Mr. Steve Kennedy
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for March 2024, Steve Kennedy!
After serving in the Army, Mr. Kennedy has dedicated his life to fighting for the marginalized, both within the veteran community and beyond. As the former Connecticut team leader for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Mr. Kennedy spearheaded the passage of crucial state bills to expand veterans' benefits and ensure fair treatment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.
However, Mr. Kennedy's impact doesn't stop there. He's a force for change in social and economic justice initiatives, volunteering his time and career to serve the public interest. Currently serving as the Organizing and Network Director for the People's Parity Project, Mr. Kennedy is at the forefront of the fight for a legal system that serves working people over powerful interests.
His journey of advocacy has taken him through roles at the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, and the National Homelessness Law Center, where he championed workers' rights, fair housing, and anti discrimination initiatives.
Despite facing his own battles with severe PTSD and TBI, Mr. Kennedy's resilience shines through. He's earned degrees from UMass Boston, NYU, and UConn Law, and is currently pursuing an MA in Restorative Justice at Vermont Law School.
But perhaps most inspiring is Mr. Kennedy's openness about his own experiences. He's a beacon of hope for fellow veterans, both in public forums and private conversations, encouraging them to seek support and integrate into the community.
Mr. Kennedy's journey exemplifies courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place for all. Let's acknowledge Mr. Kennedy for his incredible contributions and commitment to justice!
Congratulations Steve Kennedy and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community!
February 2024 - Ms. Susan McDonough
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for February 2024- Ms.Susan McDonough.
Susan McDonough, a daughter of South Boston now living in Holbrook, is a U.S. Army veteran having served from 1994-1998 as a Quartermaster with the rank of E-4 Specialist in Signal and Medical Battalions, at Fort Lewis in Seattle/Tacoma, Washington, and in Taegu, South Korea.
Since January 2020 Susan has been the State Director for Women’s veterans at the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services as well as the Coordinator of the Massachusetts Women’s Veterans Network
She proudly served as Commander of the Martin F. McDonough American Legion Post #368 in South Boston. She is the second woman to occupy that position.
She was the Chief Marshal of the 2020 South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and in 2022-2023 the Commander of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council. As the part of the newly formed Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, Susan is now the State Director of Women’s Veterans, giving this august body a voice. Women’s veterans are over-looked in a lot of ways compared to their male counterparts, and she is the person who makes sure they may receive their earned entitlements.. She travels across the state to different events highlighting woman’s veterans, from benefits fairs to women’s veterans outings. She constantly goes above and beyond in her dedication to her community of Veterans.
Congratulations, Ms. Susan McDonough and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community!
January 2024 - Mr. Ariel j. Luna
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for January 2024, Mr. Ariel J. Luna.
Ariel J. Luna has been serving veterans in higher education and government for more than 18 years. Luna is originally from Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Starrett City section of East New York. AJ's mother is from the Dominican Republic and his father is from Argentina. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the start of 2000 and he was stationed as a communication soldier in Fort Gordon, Georgia, South Korea, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After he left the Army in 2002, he joined the NY National Guard where he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005. While serving in the National Guard, Luna was pursing his bachelor’s degree at Brooklyn College. He completed his master’s in administrative science with a concentration in Non-Profit Organizational Development, Human Resource Administration, and Global Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2012.
Luna has recently appointed by Bergen County’s new County Executive, James Tedesco III, as the new Director of Veteran Services for Bergen County. Luna plans to bring his experience and expertise to serve the 30,000 resident veterans of Bergen County. Luna focused his efforts on housing, employment opportunities, and good service referral providers. Luna has received numerous accolades and been featured on several media outlets recognizing his work and efforts. In 2017, the New Jersey American Legion recognized and awarded him with the “Homeless Veteran’s Outreach Award.
In addition to integrity, grit, and leadership, AJ is also a powerful source of inspiration. His life story and accomplishments motivate others to dream big and never stop working towards their goals. He shows it's possible to overcome adversity and make a lasting impact. AJ encourages those around him to strive for greatness and use their talents to make a difference.
With his strong moral character, resilience, leadership abilities, and inspirational spirit, AJ Luna demonstrates the qualities of integrity, grit inspiration, and leadership.
Congratulations, Mr. Luna, and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community!
December 2023 - Ms. Heidi Hurley
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute's Veterans Excellence Award for December 2023, Heidi Hurley!
Heidi Hurley. is a true community leader. Upon her graduation from Braintree High School in 1975, she enlisted in the US Marine Corps and committed over nine years of service, ultimately being meritoriously promoted to Sergeant, all the while displaying integrity and grit. After earning a BFA and MSAE, Heidi taught for 32 years, retiring as the Art Director of Braintree Public Schools in 2021.
During the pandemic, she created the #CoronaArtChallenge, turning 500 drawings into a book, selling over 2,000 copies, and funding art scholarships. Heidi now serves as Creative Director of the Braintree Community Arts Center, coaches high school golf, hosts a YouTube series, and leads the Women Marines’ Association's Mass Bay State Chapter-1.
Her story inspires, reflecting resilience, leadership, and a commitment to community service. Heidi's dedication to fostering creativity and positive environments continues through her various roles, making her a true inspiration.
Congratulations Ms. Hurley, and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community!
November 2023 - Dr Kevin Bowen
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for November 2023, Dr Kevin Bowen
Kevin assumed the role of Co-Director of the Joiner Institute with Professor David Hunt of the History Department in 1984 and then full directorship in the 1990s. As a result of his leadership, Joiner held the first Veteran organized conference on Agent Orange, attended by Senator John Kerry, and this led to legislation at both the state and federal level compensating veterans and their families for their exposure to the dioxin poisoning caused by the agent. In addition, He led efforts at the state and federal levels that resulted in legislation recognizing and treating veterans for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Under Kevin's leadership, Joiner Institute initiated conferences and workshops led by the emerging veteran authors from the Vietnam War. Kevin himself is a published poet whose work deals with the effects of war. Joiner then moved on to initiate contact with Vietnamese counterparts in Vietnam and this led to mutual travel by such authors between the U.S. and Vietnam and to bonds of friendship and respect between them. Having won the respect of Senator Kerry for its advocacy for veterans, Joiner became politically involved at home and with the Vietnamese authors who also did so in their country and these relationships of friendship contributed significantly to the normalization of relations between the two nations in the early 1990s.
During this time, Joiner also sponsored numerous courses at UMass Boston across many different disciplines on various aspects of war and social consequences. Veterans returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq found these courses of important value to their own understanding of their conflicts and the difficulties they endure.
Congratulations, Mr. Bowen, and thank you for continuing to serve the broader community!
October 2023- Warren G. Manigault III
We are excited to announce the recipient of the William Joiner Institute’s Veterans Excellence Award for October 2023, Warren Manigualt
Warren has over 25 years of experience managing operations, sales, and business development, with the last ten years specifically in the Worcester County banking industry. He is also a Desert Storm Veteran of the US Air Force/ Massachusetts Air National Guard.
Warren graduated from Roger Williams University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science. He dual majored in Social and Health Services and received the honor of magna cum laude. In addition to that, he has a project Management Certificate from Bryant University, a Certificate from the New England School for Banking and Finance, and his Master of Business Administration from Fitchburg State University.
Warren serves as Vice President of Operations and Facilities at the New England Center and Home for Veterans. An organization that helps equip Veterans at risk of homelessness with the tools for economic self-sufficiency and a path to achieve successful and dignified independent living. Before joining the center, Warren was the Vice President and Regional Manager for Rockland Trust's Worcester Market in their Retail Banking Division. In this role, Warren was responsible for developing, growing, and overseeing the Worcester Market branches.
In addition to his work at the New England Center and Home for Veterans, Warren serves as the Senior Pastor of Candleberry Chapel and volunteers as the Finance Committee Chair and Board Treasurer for Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center.
September 2023 - Lovelle Seymore
Lovelle Seymore served in the United States Air Force where she worked at the protocol office and the Air Force Research Laboratory. At the Laboratory, she was an information manager while mentoring young airmen. While there, she was also an active Air Force Sergeants Association member.
After serving, Lovelle Seymore completed an advanced degree in Education Administration. Now, she is an instructor, recruiter, and was a key advisor for the Veterans Upward Bound program at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She has helped organize fundraisers to start scholarship funds for students needing additional resources to continue attending class. In addition, Lovelle Seymore joined the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for Veteran Recruitment, an opportunity that allowed for her to shed more light on the veteran community.
Lovelle Seymore has been serving as the Coordinator of Veterans Resources at the University of Massachusetts Boston since 2011. In this role, she has helped many veterans begin their educational careers. Lovelle Seymore serves on the Board of Directors for Real Kids Real Food, a not-for-profit organization that offers programs to help underserved students learn to eat better. Her goal is to bring this program into military installations. Lovelle Seymore is also a committee member for Embracing the Trees, a nonprofit for planting more trees worldwide.
August 2023 - Ed Flynn
Ed Flynn is the current president of the Boston City Council. Prior to becoming city council president, Ed Flynn served in the United States Navy for 25 years, enlisting in 1987 and officially retiring from military service in 2014. He served two deployments in the Persian Gulf where he served at the Joint Task Force Guantanamo with the Navy's 5th fleet. During his time in the reserves, Ed Flynn helped to coordinate disaster relief after the 2010 Hatti earthquake.
Since returning to Boston, he has strongly advocated for and subsequently positively impacted the City of Boston's veteran population. Ed Flynn has been a dedicated advocate for ending veteran homelessness in the city working tirelessly to ensure every veteran has the shelter and services they need and deserve to live and prosper. He traveled countless times to Washington to advocate for essential veterans' rights. Recently, Ed Flynn was a leading champion for the newly passed Federal Burn Pit legislation, a Legislation that recognizes and provides treatment for the impacts of burn pits on the health of our forward-deployed service personnel.
July 2023 - Chelsey Simoni
Chelsey Simoni is an Army veteran who served as a flight medic for 10 years. After her transition from active duty, she became a Registered Nurse and an advanced practice provider specializing in Emergency/Trauma Care. Chelsey Simoni holds advanced specialties in public health, case management, toxicology, and oncology.
She has inspired many with her dedication to veterans through her cancer research. More than 500,000 active-duty soldiers have been diagnosed with cancer over the past two decades. Chelsey Simoni focused her research efforts on airborne hazards and toxic exposure related illnesses among post-9/11 vets.
Chelsey Simoni and her husband co-founded the HunterSeven Foundation. They have used evidence-based education to equip veterans with as much information as possible to understand what they might be dealing with due to toxic substances they encountered while serving. The HunterSeven Foundation has quickly become the leader in early intervention for rare cancers and other conditions found to be caused by toxic exposure. Their research and advocacy efforts have allowed them to educate both the veteran population and the healthcare providers who care for them on critical health information relating to their exposures utilizing evidence-based practice.
In addition, Chelsey Simoni is the principal research author of numerous groundbreaking publications, including “A Pilot Study of Airborne Hazards and Other Toxic Exposures in Iraq War Veterans.”
June 2023 - Melvin B. Miller
Newspaper publisher and editor Melvin B. Miller was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Melvin Miller grew up in Boston’s middle-class Roxbury neighborhood and graduated from Boston Latin School. He graduated from Harvard University in 1956 with his A.B. degree. Following graduation, Miller served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic for two years in Germany. Upon leaving the service he went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Columbia University Law School in 1964. He was then admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and Federal Bar.
Melvin Miller joined the U.S. Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the district of Massachusetts. In 1965, he founded the Bay State Banner and served as the newspaper's publisher, editor and the CEO.
Melvin Miller has been an uplifting voice committed to advancing the interests and welfare of his community in the greater Boston area for over 50 years.
May 2023 - Dr. Charles Desmond
Dr. Charles Desmond is a decorated Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army, receiving both Silver and Bronze stars. He served his country with distinction and has continued to be a transformative leader who works skillfully and tirelessly to provide opportunities to others, particularly promoting equitable educational opportunities for individuals and communities that have been excluded from opportunities to learn and make a livelihood they deserve.
Dr. Desmond currently serves as Chair of the Board for Inversant, an organization that provides children’s savings accounts for college access. Under his leadership, Inversant has moved to the forefront of the Children’s Savings Account (CSA) movement by establishing relationships in both the private and public sector. Dr. Desmond previously served as the Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and a policy advisor to former Governor Deval Patrick.
Dr. Desmond is active in civic and community organizations, including service as President of AARP Massachusetts, a member of the Review Committee for the Broad Prize in Urban Education, Board of Governors for the Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown University, Brown University Design Group/Annenberg Institute for School Reform, Teachers College, Columbia University Board of Trustees, and Cambridge College Board of Trustees.
April 2023 - Arthur N. Mabbett
Arthur Mabbett served in the Army as an Environmental Science Officer for 19 years both on active duty and in the Army Reserve. He left the service as a Major to embark on his civilian sector career.
Since 1980, Arthur Mabbett has served as the Chairman and CEO of Mabbett & Associates, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Today, the company is recognized as an award-winning leader in comprehensive environmental health, safety, and architectural engineering design services to federal, state, and local agencies as well as private commercial, institutional, and industrial clients nationally.
Throughout his career, Arthur Mabbett has remained dedicated to helping the global environment and his organization’s support of veterans. He has given his support to the University of Massachusetts Boston community through his generous philanthropy, donation of his time and energy to support the university at large, and also guiding students (veteran or not) and mentoring them to achieve their greatest success.
March 2023 - Ernest Washington Jr.
Ernest Washington Jr. was born in Roxbury, Ma, and graduated from Boston Public Schools. Following graduation, he served a combat tour of duty in Vietnam. Wounded in action in Vietnam, Ernest was awarded the the Purple Heart and Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm.
Following his tour, Ernie Washington founded Vanguard Parking & General Services Corporation where he still serves as the President and General Manager today. The corporation employs inner-city Boston residents and provides contract parking and cleaning services for Northeastern University and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
For over 30 years, he has advocated for veterans. Ernie Washington is a founding member, Treasurer, and President Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Veterans Benefits Clearinghouse. In addition, he is also a founding member and President of the Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts, served as Trustee of the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education center, and is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Boston Employment Service (STRIVE).
February, 2023 - Charles Mario Henry, Sr.
Charles served the Army with the famed “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In 2010 he deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, with the 101st’s 96th Aviation Support Battalion. Charles was medically retired from the military in 2011.
After completing educational endeavors, Charles initiated entrepreneurial enterprises, among them Henry & Co. Consulting and Henry & Co International. These organizations are designed to help businesses grow domestically and internationally. He also began his journey with veteran’s advocacy and legislation, a cause about which he is continually passionate. In his advocacy, Charles has collaborated with the Wounded Warrior Project, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association, Common Defense, and The Mission continues. Charles has worked with local, state officials and veteran organizations to use his experience and influence to shape policy on VA reform, state benefits for veterans and housing. Charles has served in leadership positions as Director of Military Affairs, National veterans Advocate, and a member of the Service Leadership Corps Alumni.
Charles advocates for members of his community, seeking to find resolutions for hunger, supporting and improving educational opportunities, and providing financial assistance. His House of Henry Foundation is an effective charity, working hard to improve the lives of minority youth who will soon enter the academic and business arena.
January, 2023 - Tom Lyons
Mr. Lyons was born in South Boston and graduated from South Boston High School in 1967. After graduation, Mr. Lyons joined the United States Marine Corps and served from 1967 to 1969. During that time, he completed a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1968-1969.
In 1979, Mr. Lyons organized a committee of Vietnam Veterans. The committee pays tribute to the young men from his community who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. On September 13th, 1981, the committee erected the South Boston Vietnam Memorial. It was the first memorial of its kind in the nation. Mr. Lyons also founded the Semper Fidelis Society, a Marine Corps organization, in 1987. The organization has grown to have more than 2,500 members. The society holds an annual luncheon on the Marine Corps Birthday. It goes on to donate the proceeds from the event to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and local veteran charities.
In addition to this past work, Mr. Lyons continues to serve his community today. Currently, he is a member of the Governor’s Veterans Advisory Council, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Veteran’s housing, Chairman and Founder of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial Committee, Board Member of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Board member of ATCNE (addiction treatment center new England), Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Chelsea Soldiers Home, a Board member of the Brighton Marine Health Center, and a member of the long-term care commission for Veterans.
December, 2022 - LTC Enoch Woodhouse
Lieutenant Woodhouse was born in Roxbury, MA and enlisted in the US Army in 1944 at the age of 17 after his mother encouraged him to following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He would go on to attend Office Candidate School (OSC) and be commissioned 2nd Lt. Woodhouse is one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first all- Black combat flying unit, which flew during World War II.
As a Tuskegee Airmen, Woodhouse delt with a great deal of racism. Often being segregated and ignored by fellow white Veterans. During his lectures, Woodhouse tells many stories of his experiences with racism while enlisted. In 2006, Woodhouse and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush. The medal depicts Black aviators on one side and the aircraft they flew on the other.
Following his service in the Army, Woodhouse went on to graduate from Yale University and spent 50 years as a trial lawyer. In addition to that, he also has meant much of his life dedicated to service, promoting education and community building as keys for a bright future to not only veterans, but for all Americans. Woodhouse now speaks to many different groups of people all over the country recounting his experiences with racism in World War II and his life following the war.
November, 2022 - Dr. Roger Harris
Dr. Harris grew up in Roxbury, Ma. After finishing high school at Boston English, Dr. Harris enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam during 1967. Dr. Harris served three years of active duty with the United States Marine Corps, which included a 13-month tour of duty with a combat unit in Vietnam. Dr. Harris served near the Demilitarized Zone at Con Thien (three kilometers from North Vietnam). He is featured in the PBS documentary “The Vietnam War.”
Following his service, Dr. Harris returned home and found his calling in Boston Public Schools. He worked at Hyde Park High School and other schools, and then as a principal and eventually as a professor at Boston University. He retired after 41 years. Over the course of his career Dr. Harris has many hats, working as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, mentor, dean, assistant headmaster, principal, and superintendent all while earning national and international recognition as an outstanding educator.
October, 2022 - Marc Silvestri
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Mr. Marc Silvestri is a former United States Army Veteran who served in Afghanistan OEF 08,09 and is a recipient of a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Most recently, Marc has started working as the Director of Veterans Services in Revere, where he works in helping Veterans secure vouchers for housing. The Veterans office in the city of Revere has transformed due to Marc's efforts. He has helped to develop programs to better the lives of veterans. This wouldn't have been possible without Marc's leadership, integrity, and striving for excellence in all areas.
September, 2022 - Paul Dyson
Dr. Paul Dyson is currently still serving in the US Army Reserve and is an admired colleague in his role as an English Professor at UMass Boston. He has worked tirelessly to advocate for, and mentor veterans on campus while serving in various leadership capacities and helping bridge the gap between veteran and non-veterans on campus. He is an important member of UMass Boston’s Team Krystle Boston Marathon Team, raising more than $40,000 and running the marathon 7 times. He has devised innovative courses on veterans’ experiences for the Honors College at UMass Boston and was the inaugural winner of the Beacon Faculty Advisor of the Year award, which he received in 2020.
August, 2022 - Dan Magoon
Dan Magoon served as a Firefighter with the Boston Fire Department and is now an entrepreneur and a committed and driven community leader who helped found and successfully lead the nonprofit, Massachusetts Fallen Heroes (MFH). Under his leadership, MFH unveiled the Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial, a 50-foot public tribute in South Boston’s Seaport Common and the first of its kind in the nation. Dan has continued to honor Veterans of the Global War on Terror and support local Gold Star Families and Veterans through outreach programs, special events and advocacy services. As an entrepreneur Dan Co-founded InnoVet's in 2017 which is Boston’s first home-grown Veteran- and Gold Star Family-focused business accelerator, designed to connect, inspire, and support military Veterans and Gold Star Families as they establish and grow businesses. Dan also serves as CEO of SBI Armor which specializes in protective services for high-profile persons and commodities, risk assessment, missions advisory support, and crisis contingency.
July, 2022 - Yoshihiro Uchida
Mr. Yoshihiro Uchida overcame constant racism in post WWII America to become a successful entrepreneur and an important member of the Japanese American community as one of the principal founders of the Japantown neighborhood in San Jose, California. He is one of the founders of Judo in the United States and integral to the sport's formal integration to Olympic competition. Mr. Uchida is a professor of Kinesiology at San Jose State University in California and remains the highest ranked Judoka in the United States. Uchida was inducted into the Team USA Judo Hall of Fame and was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure with Golden Rays in 1986 by Emperor Hirohito of Japan, the highest honor presented to a non-citizen by Japan. Throughout a 60-year coaching career, he has coached the first US Olympic Judo team in Tokyo 1964 and remains the head coach of the San Jose State University Judo team. Under Yoshihiro’s leadership the men's and women's San Jose State Spartans Judo team has had extraordinary success and an astounding 22 members of the team have gone on to compete in the Olympics.
June, 2022 - Paul Atwood.jpg)
Paul Atwood was a co-founder, and the first co-director of the William Joiner Institute for the Study of War and Social Consequences at UMass Boston which helped countless Veterans. One of the achievements of the institute he is most proud of is the important role the WJI played in in the eventual normalization of relations between the United States and Vietnam.
He is a published author, most recently of War and Empire: The American Way of Life (Pluto, 2010). He spent decades working with veterans and teaching, is passionate about educating the next generation about the consequences of war. He is retired from the faculty in the American Studies Department at UMass Boston and previously ran the Veterans Upward Bound Program there.
Paul Atwood served in the United States Marine Corps and is an alumnus of UMass Boston earning his PhD from Boston University. As a conscientious objector, he refused to fight in Vietnam and became active in antiwar efforts and Veterans' issues after discharge. He has remained stalwart over the years in his drive to question, educate and discuss policy and consequence.
May, 2022 - Aaron Phillips
Aaron found his life’s purpose through the healing work TWC provides. He committed to serving TWC and the Veteran community by helping heal military service-related trauma and loss. Aaron serves as the Executive Director of TWC whose mission is to improve the overall well-being of veterans and their families. Under Aaron’s leadership, TWC provides residential retreats and services to Veterans and their families to heal the invisible injuries incurred while in uniform offering specialized programs for military men, women, and their families. TWC rehabilitates PTSD - breaking the cycle, so the healing begins and continues. Of the nearly 1,000 veterans going through the TWC program, not one has been lost to suicide. Aaron also has a background in law enforcement and volunteers time supporting the environment and sustainable communities through Magic Co-Op and volunteering as a Team Leader at Semper Fi Odyssey, assisting Veterans transitioning from military service.
April, 2022 - Cheryl Poppe
Secretary Poppe is a 30-year veteran of the Massachusetts National Guard, retiring at the rank of Colonel in 2008. She is currently serving as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Veteran Services Secretary where she directs programs, benefits, and services to over 300,000 Veterans and their families. Her life after service has been dedicated to serving the Commonwealth’s Veteran community directing programs and services including suicide prevention programs, workforce investment, women veterans’ network, housing, homelessness.
March, 2022 - Ellyn Metcalf
Ms. Ellyn Metcalf is a UMass Boston Alumna, and served over 20 years in the Coast Guard retiring as a Commander. She now serves as the Associate Director of the Loy Institute for Leadership (IFL) at the US Coast Guard Academy developing socially responsible, culturally aware officers. Prior to joining the IFL, Ellyn was a middle school science teacher for over ten years developing young leaders in the sciences, and also founding the Total Teacher Project to develop teachers as leaders in the classroom. Her unflagging service to the broader community is inspiring and we are thrilled to name Ellyn as the inaugural recipient of the Award for March 2022.