North Shore DAV Officer Honored With Gomes Service Award

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Brigadier General Andrea Gayle-Bennett, a lead official with the North Shore Disabled Veterans of America, was named the 2026 recipient of the 11th annual Peter J. Gomes Service Award on Tuesday night.

Congressman Seth Moulton presented the award to Gayle-Bennett, while recognizing five other honorees for remarkable contributions to their communities.

• Salem, Swampscott Volunteers Among 5 Gomes Service Award Recipients

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The Peter J. Gomes Service Award recognizes the volunteer work and community contributions of constituents across Massachusetts' 6th District. It's named after the late Reverend Professor Peter Gomes, who was a Christian minister that served for nearly 40 years at The Memorial Church of Harvard University.

Reverend Gomes was a mentor and friend to Congressman Moulton, ultimately inspiring him to serve in the Marines and later to run for Congress.

Brigadier General Gayle-Bennett serves as the Adjutant for Lynn-Swampscott Disabled American Veterans Chapter #64, continuing her dedication to veterans across the district following her post-retirement promotion to Brigadier General by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

She has worked on the front lines of veteran care by connecting local heroes with essential housing, food resources, and peer support networks. By spearheading community events and building robust outreach programs, she actively combats isolation and improves the daily quality of life for disabled veterans.

"Brigadier General Gayle-Bennett embodies the very best of our community and the spirit of service that Reverend Gomes taught us to uphold," Moulton said. "Her tireless work advocating for our veterans, ensuring they have housing, food, and a strong network of support, is a powerful reminder of what true dedication to community looks like.

"It is an honor to present her with this year's Gomes Service Award and to celebrate her impact on Lynn and across the Sixth District."