Meet Needham’s New Veterans Service Director: Stanley Spear

When the communities of Needham, Wellesley and Weston decided to create the West Suburban Veteran's District, they needed a new director. They found their man in Stanley Spear.

Spear met with Town of Needham officials this week as part of a formal introduction by Assistant Town Manager/Operations Christopher Coleman and he has been in high demand since he was sworn in to aid veterans on June 10.

"This is a job, there's something different every day," said Spear. "You come in, spend 30 minutes on something, and the phone rings, bringing a completely different challenge to iron out. You have to go out on that."

In one town, there's a vet who's looking for a job. In another town, there's a second vet with a child who's also looking for work. It's a common theme for veterans, who aren't immune to the recession. At a recent Disabled American Veterans (DAV) convention in Fitchburg June 24, Spear said, he spoke with two vets who had been out of work for a year. All they needed, they said, was a job.

There are many veterans services available (listed at mass.gov) to help them out today, unlike years ago. Now there is a much more involved process, and vets are encouraged to detail any problems they might have when they're discharged, however slight, so that in 10 years, if the slight problem becomes major, they've got it on record. Even so, Spear said, sometimes people slip through, and need help from veterans agents to get them the help they're entitled to.

Spear, who spent 44 years in insurance, the last nine with Corcoran & Havelin before retiring, finds his expertise comes in handy. When one couple from Weston walked into his Wellesley office ask for help with their medications, which were costing 70 percent of their income, Spear knew how to help get them signed up for the right service.

"So, they needed help and they're going to get help," Spear said.

Spear was equally gracious and eager to work when he met with Needham selectmen earlier this week.

"I'm very excited," he told the board. "I've been working with disabled Americans for over 20 years and I've always had a respect for what they do."

Spear detailed that when he was a younger military man, it was the veterans of World War II that helped him along and get on his feet when he left the service in 1965.

"We need to replicate the older vets reaching out to the younger guys," said Selectman Denise Garlick.

Selectman Dan Matthews told Spear that he has a "terrific background" and that he is happy to see him in town. He also cautioned, though, that Needham has grown accustomed to one veteran's agent representing their town only.

"We do think the regional approach is a good one," said Matthews, "and can provide better service, if it's done right."

Answered Spear, "I've seen nothing but support in the towns for what we're doing."

Spear's office hours are Monday and Wednesday in Wellesley, 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday in Needham, 9 a.m. to noon, and Friday in Weston, 9 a.m. to noon. Veterans in all three towns can reach him at 781-431-1019, ext. 2209.