Melrose Resident Recognized At State House For Supporting Local Veterans

MELROSE, MA — State Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian honored a Melrose resident during the state's second annual Military Appreciation Day ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on May 21.

Penny Muschett was one of 138 people recognized from communities across Massachusetts for their service and contributions to the military community. The annual event was created by the Healey-Driscoll administration in 2025 to recognize veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, military spouses, and others whose efforts often go unrecognized.

Lipper-Garabedian selected Muschett for her longstanding volunteer work supporting veterans in Melrose.

"I'm proud to recognize Penny Muschett of Melrose for her kind leadership and dedicated commitment to serving the veteran community," Lipper-Garabedian said. "It's an honor to recognize Penny and her family for their sacrifices and contributions to the Commonwealth and the country."

Muschett is the wife of Jim Muschett, a Vietnam veteran who received the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart for his military service.

Since moving to Melrose, Muschett has become a familiar presence at events organized by the Melrose Veterans' Services Office. According to Lipper-Garabedian's office, she regularly volunteers her time to support veterans programs and community gatherings, often contributing homemade baked goods.

"Penny is always the first to offer help to anyone, and she does so with dedication and warmth," Lipper-Garabedian said.

The office said Muschett's volunteer work reflects the role military families play in supporting veterans and strengthening local communities.

The State House ceremony included remarks from Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, Veterans Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett, and Senate President Karen Spilka. Brig. Gen. George "Chris" Hackler, deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, delivered the keynote address.

Muschett attended the ceremony with her husband, Jim, daughter Kate, and Melrose Veterans' Services Director Tammy Shovelton.

Lipper-Garabedian represents the 32nd Middlesex District in the House of Representatives, which includes the entirety of Melrose, Ward 5 Precincts 2 and 3A of Malden, and Precincts 4,5, and 6 of the Town of Wakefield. Lipper-Garabedian first took office in the spring of 2020 after serving as a Melrose city councilor. She is currently running for State Senate.

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