State Rep. Jenny Armini Talks Veterans Issues In Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — One of the first organizations that newly elected State Rep. Jenny Armini (D-Marblehead) met with upon her swearing at the State House was the Disabled American Veterans E.F. Gilmore Chapter in Swampscott.

E. F. Gilmore DAV Commander Jeffrey Blonder told Patch that Armini talked about her father's service as a World War II veteran and pledged to help keep open the Lynn Veterans Affairs clinic. Closure of that clinic would mean that the VA locations in Boston and Bedford would be the closest for North Shore veterans to receive medical services.

"I see it as my job to do what I can to make sure veterans have their health care, have the housing and the other services they need to thrive in the community," Armini told the Swampscott/Lynn DAV. "We are really fortunate in this area to have great champions for veterans."

Armini answered questions and had more discussions with the members of the chapter about what she can do to help them on the state and federal government levels.

"My job is to advocate for you with Congressman (Seth) Moulton (D-Salem) and with the federal administration of the VA," Armani said. "Getting out there and saying, 'You gotta keep this open because my constituents need it.'"

Also at the meeting Swampscott Veterans Agent, Mike Sweeney gave an update on current issues facing Veterans in Swampscott.

The E. F. Gilmore DAV is the largest Veterans Service organization and they meet monthly to discuss issues affecting veterans.

Any veteran that needs more information or needs to file a claim for services with the VA should contact Jeffrey Blonder at 617-967-6892 or via email here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)