Press Release: Rep. Dykema Named Legislator of the Year by MA Veterans Service Officers Association

The following is a press release issued Monday afternoon from the Office of Representative Carolyn Dykema:

On Tuesday, Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association (MA VSOA).

“I’m very honored to receive this award,” said Dykema. “Veterans Service Officers are on the front lines, every day, advocating for our veterans and their families. I’m proud to be working alongside them to support the men and women who have served our country in uniform.”

Dykema was a co-sponsor and advocate for passage of the Veterans Home of the Brave bill that was signed by Governor Patrick in 2009. Provisions in the bill will increase housing and employment supports for returning service members. She also serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs and on the Subcommittee on Access to Veterans Healthcare Services, which held statewide hearings this past session.

“Having the legislature and a Representative like Rep. Dykema helping Veterans in this Commonwealth is a great, great support and hopefully Veterans understand and know that,” said Sidney Chase, the former Director of Veterans Services in Cape Cod and a member of MA VSOA.

“This is a fitting tribute to Rep. Dykema for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Commonwealth’s veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans’ Services Coleman Nee. “It is an honor to work with Rep. Dykema and we are extremely grateful for her continued support both in the community and in the Massachusetts legislature."

Each city and town in Massachusetts has a local veteran service officer that is available to meet with veterans and provide assistance and support. Dykema’s staff is available to provide additional support for local veterans and VSOs in securing veterans benefits. Veterans in need of assistance can find their local VSO on town websites or can contact Dykema’s office at 617-722-2210.

State Representative Carolyn Dykema serves on the Joint Committee for Veterans & Federal Affairs and represents the towns of Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway (pct. 1), Southborough (pct. 2 & 3) and Westborough (pct. 2).