Scuttlebutts Say Thank You To Bohmiller

Kevin Bohmiller's first experience in Reading was running in circles at the high school field house in 1977 as a member of the Dedham High track team. These days he's still running around in town, but as Reading's Veterans' Services Officer.

Thursday that meant a trip to the Senior Center and the monthly meeting of the Scuttlebutts, a group of retired Reading veterans who gather to chat, listen, and trade stories ... getting all the town's scuttlebutt. It's an old Navy term to describe a cask filled with fresh water. Sailors would gather round to hear the latest news, rumors, and yes, gossip. They say scuttlebutt. You and I would call it the office water cooler.

Bohmiller, 58, got a surprise to start the meeting when Air Force veteran Bill Brown presented him a plaque, homemade and sporting the medallions of the five military branches along with two American flags and the word Scuttlebutt in brass. Then it was time to watch a C-Span show on the building of the Pentagon along with a short video on drone weaponry. None of the veterans used a drone back in the day of course, but they seemed impressed by the technology.

Part of Bohmiller's job description is helping veterans navigate the complicated world of benefits and getting what they've earned. If they need help, Bohmiller is there for them. He's also involved in the town's Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs.

Bohmiller served seven years of active duty on the west coast on the Navy supply ship USS Mars, then 15 more in reserve. He was working in Waltham for a small software company when he decided it was time to make a change. "I wanted to do something where I could give back."

That meant helping veterans and he's been at his Reading post for nearly three years. The Scuttlebutts appreciate his service, and said thanks to Bohmiller Thursday.

Photo by Bob Holmes