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Description
Docket #0579 - Hearing to discuss resources available through Boston’s Veteran Services during the COVID-19 pandemic
A
A
B
B
Today
we
are
having
a
hearing
on
docket
zero,
five,
seven
nine
hearing
to
discuss
resources
available
through
Boston's
veterans
services
during
Kovach
nineteen
pandemic
I
sponsored
this
hearing,
and
it's
referred
now
to
the
to
this
committee.
I
want
to
thank
the
panelists
for
being
here
today.
I
also
want
to
thank
my
colleagues
for
attending
as
well.
B
The
pianist
that
I
have
so
far
that
are
with
us
now
are
from
the
city
of
Boston,
commissioned
of
Rob
Santiago
Tom
Lyons,
who
was
the
former
deputy
commissioner
for
the
City
of
Boston
veterans
and
is
also
active
in
Veterans
Affairs
throughout
the
state
in
in
the
founder
of
the
South
Boston
Vietnam
Veterans
Memorial
Committee
:
Coleman
II,
who
is
an
officer
with
the
disabled
american
veterans.
National
officer
is
also
the
former
secretary
for
the
state
agency
veteran's
services.
We
have
carolyn
mason
holy,
who
is
the
women's
veterans
program
manager
at
the
VA.
B
We
also
extended
an
invitation
to
Andy
McAuley
who's,
the
CEO
of
the
New
England
Center
phone
and
home
for
veterans.
At
this
time,
I'd
like
to
I
also
see
Brian
Bishop
there,
as
well
at
this
time
in
Brian's,
be
Deputy
Commissioner.
At
this
time,
I
would
like
to
ask
rob
Santiago
if
he
can
give
us
an
overview
of
what
he
sees
from
his
experience
as
the
commissioner
during
this
pandemic.
You
know
what
services
we're
focused
on
in
trying
to
help
our
veterans
and
our
military
families
as
well.
Thank
You,
commissioner
Thank.
C
You
counsel
in
good-afternoon
council
in
members
of
the
Boston
City
Council
and
colleagues
and
fellow
Bostonians
councilman.
First,
thank
you
for
setting
up
this
call
to
discuss
what
is
available
for
our
veterans
and
their
family
during
these
very
uncertain
times.
As
we
all
know,
our
military
and
veterans
have
always
answered
the
call
in
times
of
crisis
and
on
Thursday
they
have
left
their
families
to
face
the
enemy
seen
and
unseen.
They
have
given
their
blood,
sweat
and
tears
and
even
their
lives
to
protect
our
freedoms
and
our
way
of
life.
C
When
there
was
a
need,
they
answered
the
call
now
it
isn't
coming
upon
us
to
return
the
call
in
their
time
of
need.
During
this
global
pandemic,
we
will
continue
to
serve
all
our
veterans.
The
Boston
office
of
veteran
services
has
been
working
at
a
hundred
percent
operational
capacity,
and
our
contingency
plan
has
been
acted.
Our
office
has
been
in
constant
contact
with
local
state,
federal
and
nonprofit
organizations,
some
of
which
are
here
on
this
call
today.
C
This
is
to
ensure
that
our
veterans
and
their
families
are
taken
care
of
and
to
be
there
to
help
alleviate
any
fears
and
anxiety
associated
with
this
unprecedented
time
in
our
history.
I
also
want
to
thank
Mike
that
a
Veteran
services
they
have
seriously
stepped
up
to
the
challenges
of
working
remotely
I
can
confidently
say
that
we
have
not
skipped
a
beat
in
providing
services
and
administering
the
benefits.
Our
veterans
and
their
families
have
earned
our
financial
assistance
program.
C
Mass
General
Laws
chapter
115,
has
seen
a
moderate
increase
with
262
enquiries,
thus
far
and
yielding
27u
cases
that
have
been
submitted
to
the
state
for
processing.
With
the
current
increase
in
unemployment.
We
expect
these
numbers
to
grow
at
this
time,
we're
only
requiring
a
valid
DD
214,
which
is
a
military
discharge
paper
and
the
Boston
residency
verification.
Once
normal
operations
resume
will
be
requiring
those
apples
to
provide
all
documentation
for
verification
and
final
eligibility
for
chapter
115.
Here
in
Boston,
we
have
made
it
easier
for
our
veterans
and
their
families
to
apply.
C
We
have
generated
an
online
applications
that
can
be
accessed
via
our
website
at
Boston
that
God
slash
veterans
for
those
that
are
speaking
to
apply
for
chapter
113.
We
will
also
assist
veterans
and
their
families
who
did
not
meet
the
criteria
for
chapter
115.
A
need
must
be
proven
and
each
application
will
be
handled
on
a
case-by-case
basis
for
our
current
clients,
our
veterans
benefit
specialists
are
making
regular
calls
to
check
in
on
them
and
to
ensure
that
they
are
okay.
C
This
includes
asking
about
food
and
medical
prescription,
access
and,
and
the
Affordable
veterans
who
may
be
ill
and
in
need
of
assistance.
Today
we
have
had
eleven
food
inquiries
as
we
work
with
volunteer
organizations
at
local
food,
pantries
and
food
banks
to
make
sure
those
veterans
receive
their
food
items.
As
for
our
volunteer
force,
we
have
had
more
than
600
in
and
around
Boston
sign
up
to
be
volunteers,
to
assist
veterans
and
their
families.
The
search
for
surge
and
volunteerism
came
from
the
implementation
of
our
pen,
pal
and
Buddy
Program.
C
Today,
we
have
matched
more
than
250
volunteer
pen
pals
to
veterans,
in
the
hope
of
ensuring
that
our
veterans
don't
feel
isolated
and
lonely.
This
also
creates
a
conduit
for
our
office
to
maintain
awareness
of
potential
issues
among
our
veterans
and
their
families.
We
are
proud
of
our
continued
working
relationships
with
our
veteran
services
organizations
and
nonprofit
providers.
This
is
this
works
to
bridge
the
gap
between
our
veterans
and
their
needs.
C
We
thank
the
New
England
Center
in
home
for
veterans,
disabled
american
veterans
veterans,
legal
services,
VA
boston,
health
care
system,
just
to
name
a
few.
These
dedicated
individuals
are
on
the
front
lines
working
tirelessly
to
ensure
our
veterans
and
their
families
remain
healthy
and
are
taken
care
of,
especially
during
this
crisis.
Finally,
yesterday
we
mobilize
Bostonians
to
honor
the
service
of
a
World
War,
two
veteran
and
Purple
Heart
recipient
October
Cerullo,
who
celebrated
his
99th
birthday.
This
is
at
the
heart
of
what
we,
as
a
department
and
veterans
community,
do
to
honor
service.
C
It
was
heartwarming
to
witness
the
Boston
community
coming
together.
This
outpouring
of
support.
Let
us
all
know
that
we
are
not
alone
and
we
will
get
through
this
together.
As
a
city,
you
can
rest
assured
know
that
our
office
is
prepared
and
engaged
to
guarantee
our
veterans
and
their
families
are
taken
care
of
and
their
service
and
sacrifices
are
continuously
recognized.
They
deserve
they've
served
us
and
we
will
continue
to
serve
them.
I'll
get
council,
Flynn
and
Boston
City
Council
members.
Thank
you
for
this
opportunity.
B
Thank
you,
Thank
You,
Commissioner,
Santiago
and
before
we
go
on
to
the
next
panelists
I'd,
also
like
to
recognize
the
recognize,
my
colleagues
that
are
here
with
us
council
Authority
councillor,
Kenzie
Bach,
councillor,
andreia
Campbell
and
councillor
and
Easter
sabe
judge
as
well.
If
there
are
other
City
Council's,
I
will
also
mention
them
after
the
next
panelist
yep
and
the
council
president
is
Kim.
Janey
he's
also
here
with
us.
B
A
You
councillor
Flynn
and
the
Commissioner
in
other
counselors
and
people
on
the
panel
thanks
for
the
opportunity,
councilor
to
at
least
share
a
little
bit
about.
What's
what
I
see
has
been
going
on
in
in
Boston
in
a
Chrysler
Commonwealth?
First,
let
me
commend
the
Commissioner
for
the
job
that
he's
doing
in
his
staff
of
doing
during
these
difficult
times.
A
The
flexibility
to
be
able
to
take
more
veterans
on,
but
particularly
with
the
chapter
115
program,
is
really
really
critical
at
this
time
and
their
the
outreach
that
has
been
going
on,
particularly
with
our
veterans,
who
may
be
alone
in
an
apartment,
or
maybe
alone,
at
a
nursing,
home
I.
Think,
as
you
know,
a
counselor
I'm
chairman
of
the
board
of
trustees
at
the
Chelsea
so
design,
and
we
have
seen
firsthand
the
isolation
and
sometimes
the
depression
that
the
veterans
are
going
through
right
now
in
terms
of
not
having
contact
with
family
I'm.
A
Also
on
the
board
is
bright,
Marines
and
I'm,
proud
to
say
that
bright
marine
provided,
25
iPads
to
superintendent
copy
and
the
folks
at
the
soldiers
home.
So
those
veterans
who
are
not
only
in
the
dorms
but
in
the
long-term
care
facility
over
there
have
the
ability
to
make
connection
with
their
families.
A
I
think,
would
be
the
folks
if,
if
they
know
of
a
veteran,
not
just
at
the
Chelsea
soldiers
home,
but
even
in
a
nursing
home,
if
they
think
about
finding
ways
to
get
them
connected
with
their
families
during
this
difficult
time,
it
certainly
would
would
be
a
blessing
to
that
individual
I
think
the
VA
is.
Is
it's
opened
up
a
lot
of
beds?
I
know,
weeds,
unfortunately,
have
lost
17
veterans
to
the
Colgate
19
outbreak
and
several
were
sent
to
the
VA
hospital
in
West
Roxbury
for
the
medical
care.
A
So
they've
been
very
was
planted
to
us
and
we
had
to
have
it
there.
A
veteran
transported
from
the
Chelsea
sold
his
home
over
to
the
VA
facility,
so
as
much
as
we
have
had
had
all
the
protocols
in
place
prior
to
this
pandemic,
I
think
everybody
would
agree
that
nursing
home
soldiers
homes
in
other
facilities,
we
have
a
large
group
of
people.
A
You
can
have
all
the
protocols
in
place,
but
once
it
gets
in
it
really
just
creates
havoc
for
all
the
residents
in
that
facility.
So
that's
kind
of
where
I'm
at
you
know
again.
I
would
just
encourage
people
if
they
know
a
veteran
who
particularly
is
alone
reach
out,
make
sure
they
were
okay
and
just
find
find
ways
to
connect
with
our
veterans.
D
D
With
you
here
today
again,
you
know
as
a
proud
member
of
John
F
Kennedy
chapter
3
of
the
DAV
and
and
serving
member
of
the
national
interim
legislative
committee.
It's
a
real
honor
to
talk
a
little
bit
about
what
DAV
is
doing
and
and
some
of
the
coordination
we've
had
as
well
as
some
of
the
work
we've
done
at
the
national
level.
D
First
off
I
know
that
Commissioner
Santiago
talked
about
chapter
mass
general
law,
chapter
115
benefits,
but
they
really
are
a
critical
lifeline
for
many
of
our
veterans
and
Families
encourage
all
of
the
counselors.
Please
get
the
word
out
to
your
constituents
whether
or
not
they
served
in
wartime
or
during
peacetime
as
long
as
they
have
a
condition
discharge,
that's
under
honorable
conditions
or
honorable
conditions
served
in
the
military
or
their
spouse
or
their
the
child
of
a
dependent
who
served
in
the
military.
Whether
or
not
the
actual
spouse
is
still
alive
or
not.
D
So
if
it's
a
widow
or
a
widower,
someone
who
was
married
to
someone
who
at
one
point
serve
the
United
States
military,
please
contact
Commissioner,
Santiago's
office,
it's
a
it's,
a
very
comprehensive
benefit
that
they
offer
over
there
and
it
can
help
a
lot
of
people
during
these
difficult
times
and
I.
Just
really
want
to.
Thank
you
know
the
mayor,
his
administration
and,
in
particular
the
Commissioner
and
his
staff.
They
see
the
deputy
secretary
Bishop
on
the
line
here
as
well
to
how
they
responded
during
this
crisis.
D
Just
in
Rijeka
when
Tom
Tom
talked
about
that,
the
flexibility
of
the
outreach
is
really
bad.
Our
standard,
you
know,
DV.
We
are
celebrating
100
years
of
advocacy
comradeship
this
year
as
we've
as
we've
done
throughout
our
history.
As
a
congressionally
chartered
organization,
we
stand
ready
to
assist
veterans
and
their
families,
especially
those
that
have
been
negatively
impacted,
ivakova
at
nineteen
pandemic.
D
In
fact,
just
this
month,
DV
was
at
the
forefront
nationally
of
getting
the
federal
government
to
correct
huge
oversight
in
the
in
the
recent
plan
to
pay
economics
general
effects
of
twelve
hundred
dollars
a
month
to
two
individuals
in
middle
to
low
income.
You
know
what
we
noticed
when
this
plan
first
came
out.
D
Is
that
many
veterans,
you
know,
while
many
veterans
are
submitted,
tagged
returns
for
2018
or
2019
have
already
received
their
economic
impact
checks,
depending
on
their
income
payments
for
some
disabled
veterans,
who
don't
typically
file
taxes
were
left
up
and
would
have
would
have
gone
without.
These
are
very
low-income
veterans
sustain
themselves
mostly
on
VA
benefits
and
maybe
a
little
bit
of
Social
Security.
So
on
April
17th,
through
DS
leadership,
the
Department
of
Veterans
Affairs
announced
an
agreement
to
work
directly
with
the
IRS
in
the
US
Treasury
Department.
D
So
there
would
be
no
additional
paperwork
for
these
veterans
to
file
and
ensure
delivery
of
checks
by
jointly
identifying
eligible
veterans
and
their
beneficiaries,
who
may
have
been
left
out
of
the
initial
waves
of
funds
so
for
single
veterans
who
haven't
filed
tax
returns,
who
receive
VA
compensation?
No
additional
actions
required,
but
veterans
in
your
community
that
have
dependents
will
be
required
to
update
their
information
with
the
IRS
to
receive
the
extra
money.
D
D
You
know,
veterans
with
disabilities
are
disproportionately
more
vulnerable
to
the
impact
of
this
there's
four
point:
seven
million
disabled
veterans
nationwide.
This
creates
a
unique
set
of
challenges
to
individuals
when
service-connected
illnesses
and
place
many
of
our
individuals
at
higher
risk
categories.
D
Now,
especially
with
the
prospect
that
they're
facing
a
dire
financial
situation,
but
there
is
help,
in
addition
to
resources
from
the
federal
government
and
city
and
state
DAV,
did
announce
an
unprecedented
event
to
help
veterans
through
a
Cove
8:19
relief
fund
veterans
have
a
service-connected
disability
who
found
themselves
unemployed
or
in
financial
straits,
then
go
to
DAV
dot,
backslash
coltd
relief
and
apply
for
a
grant
of
two
hundred
and
fifty
dollars.
It's
it's
a
little
bit.
I
know
it's
not
a
lot,
but
it's
something.
D
$250
means
something
to
someone
who
doesn't
have
any
income
coming
in
the
door,
and
you
know
they're
gonna
keep
doing
it
until
the
funds
run
out.
You
just
need
to
be
a
service-connected
disabled
veteran.
You
do
not
have
to
be
a
member
to
a
p10
this.
In
addition,
our
benefit
specialists
are
all
working
for
handling
claims.
D
D
Let
us
help
you
file
the
service-connected
claim
and
get
you
get
you
the
needed
income
and
benefits,
and
services
and
health
care
services
that
you're
eligible
for
also,
if
you
have
a
claim-
and
you
think
that
that's
somehow
been
worsened
or
you've
noticed
issues
with
that
or
additional
additional
medical
issues,
please
contact
same
service
national
service
officers.
We
want
to.
We
want
to
help
you
and
want
to
help
get
your
claim
where
it
should
be
on
may
19th
DAV
is
hosting
a
national
virtual
job,
fair
from
noon
to
4
o'clock
Eastern
Standard
Time.
D
This
is
in
partnership
with
recruit
military.
There
are
companies
that
are
still
hiring
and
looking
for
veterans,
we
encourage
people
to
go
to
DAV
and
to
jobs,
dot
da
V
dot
org.
They
can
register
for
that.
There's
also
numerous
virtual
job
fairs
going
in
in
and
around
the
country
in
Boston,
one
I
believe
coming
up
on
August
20th.
D
Finally,
really
on
behalf
the
DAV
I'd
like
to
thank
and
recognize
the
real
heroes,
this
crisis,
our
first
responders
and
health
care
workers
Austin,
is
suffering,
but
we
have
demonstrated
that
we're
capable
of
meeting
the
challenge
for
the
three
strength
of
our
people
that
are
on
the
front
lines.
Many
of
these
workers
began
their
careers
and
received
their
training
in
the
United
States
military.
D
So,
thanks
to
the
many
veterans
and
family
members
that
are
currently
serving
in
the
Guard
and
reserves
that
are
in
our
first
responder
and
public
safety,
rank
I
think
as
distinguished
itself
as
a
leader
during
these
terrible
days
and
large
part
of
that
is
to
those
who
did
and
still
wear
the
uniform
of
this
nation
and
for
their
families.
So
again,
thank
you.
It's
for
any
questions.
Counselor.
Thank
you
to
the
council
for
your
in
total
for
your
leadership
on
this
issue
and.
B
B
Hi
Carolyn,
can
you
hear
me
now?
Yes,
hi,
thank
you
for
joining
us
and
we
we
wanted
to
ask
you
and
first
of
all
thank
you
for
the
incredible
work
that
you
are
doing
and
the
VA
is
doing.
Can
you
give
us
an
update
on
the
woman's
outreach
program?
What
impact
this
coronavirus
is
having
on
women
veterans,
I.
E
Will
thank
you
again.
My
name
is
Carolyn
Mason
wali
I
am
the
woman
veterans
program
manager
at
VA,
Boston
and
I
wanted
to
say
thank
you
to
council
Atlanta
and
to
all
the
council
members,
community
partners
and
Boston
that
are
joining
us
in
my
position
at
VA
Boston.
My
role
is
to
be
an
advocate
and
oversee
the
services
that
we
provide
for
women.
I.
E
Think,
though,
that
my
message
is
a
little
bit
broader
than
that
and
I
can
go
into
specifics
for
women
veterans,
but
the
message
that
the
whole
is
that
VA
continues
to
provide
care
to
women,
to
veterans
both
inpatient
and
out
patient.
As
we
know,
we
have
changed
the
way
that
we
do
business
by
drastically
transforming
much
of
our
outpatient
care
to
the
use
of
video
and
telephone
care.
Our
care
to
women
veterans
has
at
this
time,
has
continued
in
that
vein.
E
Our
teams,
both
in
primary
care
and
many
of
our
specialty
services,
mental
health,
gynecology,
medical
and
surgical
services,
has
transformed
to
video
that's
in
telephone
care.
Our
inpatient
have
been
transformed
to
prepare
for
the
surge
we
have
developed
plans
and
unit
to
care
for
whole
good+
patients
in
many
of
our
specialties,
mental
health,
community
living
centers,
FBI,
spinal
cord
injuries,
our
inpatient
medical
emergency
care
and
ICU
level
care.
E
We've
developed
some
innovative
care
in
some
services,
including
printing,
our
own
swabs,
using
a
3d
printer,
making
our
own
hand
sanitizer
using
grants,
grant
funds
to
you
to
utilize,
uber
and
lyft
to
deliver
meals,
purchasing
iPads
for
inpatients
in
our
various
units
to
connect
with
family
and
friends.
Our
women
veterans
issues
that
we're
seeing
in
this
pandemic
really
are
rather
unique.
E
First
of
all,
how
do
we
navigate
pregnancy
during
a
pandemic?
How
do
you
confirm
pregnancy
refer
to
care
for
maternity
care
deal
with
the
deliveries
in
hospitals
where
women
are
rather
afraid
to
go
because
of
the
covert
outbreaks
and
then
provides
support
after
the
delivery?
Our
maternity
care
coordination
program
here
envision,
one
in
New
England,
has
reached
out
to
all
of
our
patients
who
are
currently
either
pregnancy,
pregnant
or
postpartum,
making
sure
that
they
know
that
we
are
still
here
that
we
are
still
helping
to
navigate
the
system,
particularly
in
this
awfully
scary
time.
E
Our
intimate
partner
violence
program
has
stepped
up
services
and
outreach
to
both
men
and
women,
who
may
be
living
and
violent
in
violent
homes,
particularly
during
this
time
of
quarantine
and
stay
at
home
orders.
The
concern
for
these
veterans
is
really
heightened,
and
this
goes
beyond
the
veteran
community
as
well.
We're
seeing
great
greatly
increased
symptoms
in
veterans
who
are
experiencing
mental
health
issues.
E
E
E
B
Thank
you,
Thank
You
Carolyn,
and
thank
you
for
being
on
this
call
with
us.
At
this
time.
I
would
like
to
ask
my
City
Council
colleagues.
If
they
would
like
to
speak,
give
an
opening
statement
and
kind
of
weave
that
in
what
they
a
question
for
the
panelists
and
then
we
could
also
take
it
taken
up
for
additional
follow-up
from
the
from
the
from
the
public
as
well.
The
first
person
I
had
that
came
on
the
call
was
councillor
Michael,
Flaherty,
council,
Authority,
Thank.
F
You,
mr.
chairman
thinks
you
ever
see
for
hosting
the
hearing,
also
as
the
lead
sponsor
and
I
recognize
all
the
folks
that
are
around
this
hearing
and
also
thank
them
for
all
the
great
work
in
their
respective
roles
and
categories.
I
know
that
they
know,
and
I
can
speak
on
behalf
of
all
the
bosses.
We
counsel
colleagues
here
and
that
the
work
the
ed
fluent
does
on
behalf
of
veterans
on
the
council,
its
unmatched
during
my
tenure
and
the
council.
F
As
the
longest-serving
member
of
the
City
Council
is
advocacy
on
behalf
of
the
men
and
women
that
serve
our
country
and
their
families
speaks
for
itself
and
obviously
it's
a
great
asset
that
we
as
a
council
have
in
council,
Flynn
but
I.
Think
all
of
you
know
his
great
work
and
attention
to
detail
in
this
space.
So
we're
we're
proud
and
happy
to
have
him
as
a
colleague
in
the
council,
keeping
us
abreast
of
what's
happening
with
respect
to
our
veterans
and
I
know.
I
am
and
I
know.
F
I
speak
for
all
of
my
colleagues
where
we're
ready
and
available
to
jump
in
behind
it
any
time
he
needs
us.
Our
veterans
issues
so-
and
this
is
obviously
an
interesting
time
for
us-
you
know
I
veterans
and
their
families
who
have
served
that
country
and
have
made
those
sacrifices.
They
deserve
access
to
coordinated
research
resources
knowing
all
the
year
round,
but
especially,
you
know
during
the
Cova
19
and
whether
that's
through
housing,
insecurity
of
food
insecurity,
the
need
to
get
tested,
the
need
to
maybe
potentially
get
retested.
F
Our
small
business
owners
I
mean
veterans
makeup,
you
know
every
facet
of
our
city
and
it's
through
their
great
contributions
that
we
are
the
great
city
that
we
are.
So
if
we
should
be
helping
folks,
it
should
be
a
veteran's.
I
know
that
and
I
can
see
a
commissioner
Commissioner
Rob
Santiago
is
with
us
in.
He
cares
deeply
about
fellow
veterans
he's
doing
a
phenomenal
job
on
behalf
of
our
veterans,
alongside
of
other
leaders
that
we
have
here
at
Khomeni
and
Tommy
Lyons,
they
kind
of
summed
it
up
best
in
their
opening
remarks,
as
well.
F
So
I'm
here
to
listen
just
what
some
of
those
concerns
Act
see.
If
we
do
have
situations
where
we
need
to
be
doing
more
in
line
of
food
distribution,
housing,
financial
services,
rent
and
mortgage
relief,
isn't
this
support
all
the
things
that
we're
doing
currently
in
response
to
our
code
with
19
response
to
our
residents?
We
need
to
make
sure
that
our
veterans
are
included
in
that,
so
anything
I
can
do
to
help
in
to
support
chairman
Flynn.
F
The
first
align
a
lot
of
my
colleagues
in
making
sure
that
you
know
we
better
understand
the
resources
that
are
available
right
now
for
our
veterans.
We
also
want
to
identify
any
gaps
that
may
exist
for
for
for
veterans
in
their
families,
and
so
I
look
forward
to
hearing
more
of
the
testimony
and
want
to
thank
everyone
from
participating,
but
also
thank
you
for
all
for
the
great
work
that
you
all
do
in
your
respective
capacities
to
help
our
veterans
to
help
our
veterans,
families.
Thank
you.
Thank.
B
G
You
so
much
counselor
plant
I
was
having
such
issues.
I
kept
getting
booted
out
for
some
reason,
but
thank
you
for
your
leadership
as
always
on
these
issues.
I
know
for
you,
it's
personal
as
well
as
professional
in
terms
of
making
sure
that
this
population
of
folks
doesn't
get
left
behind.
So
I
appreciate
your
continued
leadership.
Thank
You,
commissioner
I'm
taking
I
sorry,
my
two-year-old
is
running
around
stairs
Thank
You
Commissioner
to
all
the
panelists
and
I,
see
my
dear
dear
friends
on
the
call
as
well.
So
thank
you.
G
I
don't
have
a
lot
of
questions.
I
was
taking
notes
and
my
participation
in
this
hearing.
It's
just
sort
of
learning
from
the
panelists
where
the
gaps
are
and
where
we
can
do
better
as
a
collective
to
close
those
gaps
and,
more
importantly,
to
make
sure
that
the
resources
that
are
available
are
getting
out
to
our
constituents.
G
B
H
You
so
much
mr.
chair.
First
I
would
just
like
to
thank
you
for
your
amazing
leadership
on
on
this
issue.
You
have
been
a
strong
champion
on
all
things.
Veterans
and
military
affairs
certainly
want
to
thank
the
administration
for
all
of
your
work.
Like
many
of
my
colleagues
interested
in
understanding
the
gaps
want
to
make
sure
that
we
are
supporting
our
veterans,
certainly
deeply
concerned.
You
know
watching
not
just
across
the
Commonwealth
but
across
our
country,
as
we
look
at
different
facilities
that
are
that
are
serving
our
vets
and
seeing
what
they
are
going
through.
H
With
this
pandemic,
I
I
I'm
interested
in
the
gaps
I'm
also
interested
in
disproportionate
impact,
as
I'm
sure
you
all
know.
You
know
african-americans
black
people,
certainly
other
populations
have
experienced
disproportionate
impact
and
we
look
at
the
number
of
confirmed
cases.
I
wonder
if
that
is
playing
out
among
our
vets
and
if
you
could
speak
to
that
and
how
we
are
trying
to
address
that
and
closing
that
gap
in
terms
of
services.
H
B
I
Thank
you,
mr.
chair,
and
thank
you.
Everyone
who's
here
today,
I
particularly
appreciate
everyone's
presence
and
sort
of
longevity
of
experience
in
this
field,
not
just
with
your
own
service,
but
with
the
with
the
service
of
the
work
that,
following
your
own
personal
service,
I'm,
particularly
pleased
with
the
focus
that
Carolyn
was
sharing
on
women
veterans.
It's
a
field
that
sometimes
often
forgotten
so
I
appreciate
that
and
the
you
know,
continued
efforts
on
behalf
of
everybody
and
I
echo.
I
The
thanks
of
of
our
chair
of
this
committee,
councillor
Ed
Flynn
and
his
work
I'm
particularly
pleased
that
there
was
a
great
showing
I
think
Commissioner
Santiago
referenced
it
earlier
and
on
the
99th
birthday
of
one
of
our
city's
residents
in
South
Boston.
What
a
wonderful
way
to
celebrate
a
birthday
during
this
difficult
time
so,
like
my
colleagues
here
to
really
learn
and
listen
and
understand
and
and
appreciate
that
the
needs
of
our
veterans
being
met
in
particular
during
this
time.
I
am
curious,
I
suppose.
I
If
anyone
has
an
answer
to
this
question
through,
you
are
through
the
facilities
that
you
either
represent
or
work
with.
Do
you
see
a
similar
need
to
the
PPE
and
access
various
equipment?
The
same
way
we're
seeing
that
in
more
traditional
healthcare
facilities,
I
suppose
the
VA
is
a
more
traditional
healthcare
facility,
but
some
of
these
other
places
where
our
vets
are
is
that
is
that
seen
as
a
significant
need
as
it
is
in
other
places.
Thank
you
again.
Thank.
B
You
councillor,
sabi,
George
and
I,
believe
that's
that's
all
of
these
City
Council's
I
have
at
this
time
if
more
come
on,
I
will
introduce
them
and
recognize
them,
but
at
this
time
maybe
we
could
have
our
piano
us.
We
also
have
Vienna
Richardson
and
the
veterans
legal
services
that
does
tremendous
work
on
on
veterans
and
military
families.
B
A
Mr.
chairman
Tom
Lyons,
here
and
again,
I
think
the
questions
are
the
concerns
that
the
counselors
have
certainly
the
concerns
that
those
of
us
in
the
veterans
community
have
been
looking
at
and
talking
about.
Let
me
just
speak
a
little
bit
about
these
a
Chelsea
soldiers
home,
because
it's
it's
unique
in
the
sense
of
we
have
close
to
200
veterans
living
in
a
dorm
style
environment,
and
we
also
have
a
long-term
care
facility.
A
A
If
they
move
from
place
to
place
wherever
they
go,
we
take
their
temperature,
anybody
coming
onto
the
campus,
delivering
materials
or
whatever
it
may
be,
with
taking
their
temperature
we're
a
state
facility,
but
we
are
also
in
need
of
the
ppes
equipment
not
only
for
the
people
in
a
hospital,
but
also
for
the
staff
who
work
tirelessly
with
our
veterans
in
our
dorm,
so
I
think
the
same
issues
that
hospitals
are
looking
at.
We
are
looking
at
on
campus
as
well.
I,
don't
know
the
break
could
break
up
up
the
demographics
I'm.
A
So
as
a
small
campus
of
veterans,
we're
constantly
looking
every
every
day,
we're
looking
at
making
sure
those
veterans
who
who
are
on-site,
are
taking
care
of
and,
as
I
said
earlier,
with
donation
at
25,
I
pad
making
sure,
particularly
the
veterans
in
the
long-term
care
have
are
having
a
connection
with
their
family.
Thank.
D
Thank
You,
counselor
and
yeah.
Thank
you
excellent
questions.
You
know
there
are
yeah
I
know
that
we're
look
it's.
What
are
the
gaps
in
terms
of
in
terms
of
getting
these
services
out
to
individuals
and,
and
you
know,
and
when
we
look
at
specialty
populations
or
than
the
veterans
community,
you
know
we
do
know
that
there
are
gaps
and
difficulties
and
barriers
involved
with
getting
all
women
veterans
in
to
get
services.
D
We
know
that
you
know
in
the
lgbtq+
community
a
lot
of
veterans,
positive
experience
and,
as
a
result,
don't
necessarily
seek
out
traditional
manner
and
services
when
they
come
out,
and
we
also
know
in
in
the
city
of
Boston
that
you
know
it's,
you
have
to
do
very
specific
outreach
in
order
to
reach
all
veterans
and
particularly
in
the
african-american
latina
communities.
You
know
that
you
know
we
need
to.
D
We
need
to
make
sure
that
we're
we're
hitting
those
communities
as
hard
as
we
can
and
convincing
all
of
them
that
that
you
know
that
their
experiences
may
be
in
the
past
or
necessary
to
be
their
experiences
in
the
future
and
that
it's
a
very
welcoming
environment
at
the
Boston.
You
know,
Department
of
Veteran
services
and
and
the
commissioners
creator
and
Deputy
Commissioner
have
created
an
extremely
inclusive
environment
out
there.
D
But
I
would
ask
all
of
the
counselors
and
your
staff
that
whenever
anyone
calls
you
with
a
constituent
problem,
particularly
around
finances
or
housing,
health
care
things
of
that
nature.
Honestly,
the
first
question
out
of
here
should
ask:
is:
did
you
ever
serve
in
the
military?
And
if
the
answer
is
now,
the
next
question
should
be.
Were
you
ever
married
to
someone
who
is
you?
D
Are
you
a
dependent
child
of
someone
who
ever
served
in
the
military
and
if
the
answer
is
yes
to
any
of
those
questions
honestly,
the
next
step
should
be
a
commissioner
Santiago's
office.
The
chapter
115
benefit
is
statutorily
benefited.
It's
not.
You
know,
there's
no
pool
of
money
that
runs
out
you
you're,
it's
a
civil
right
that
you
have
as
a
result
of
being
a
resident
of
the
Commonwealth
and
also
it's
it
can
cover
everything
from
immediate
financial
assistance.
You
know
provided
immediately
up
to
I
think
25
26
hundred
dollars
for
a
family.
D
It
covers
all
of
your
medical
costs,
premiums,
co-payments
deductibles,
you
know
it's,
it
can
cover
extraneous
costs,
for
you
know
everything
from
a
mortgage
payment.
That's
in
arrears
to
to
you
know,
broker
water
heater,
you
know
whatever.
That's
all
that
I,
you
know
that's
kind
of
dependent
upon.
You
know
whether
the
state
approves
those
extreme
is
cost,
but
they
are
eligible
for
that
and
really
honestly
getting
the
word
out
making
sure
everyone
who's
ever
worn.
The
uniform
have
been
married
to
someone
who
won
the
uniform.
Even
if
that
person
is
deceased.
D
A
If
I
could
just
add
to
that,
you
know
one
of
the
area's
I
think
that
could
be
very
helpful,
particularly
with
the
widow
of
a
veteran
who
who
may
not
know
that
Dame
and
may
also
be
a
be
able
to
take
advantage
of
medical
as
well
as
the
financial
and
I
think
for
so
many
of
our
elderly.
The
medical
benefits
that
can
go
a
long
way
in
helping
them
with
their
quality
of
life.
B
Thank
you
Tom
and
before
I
ask
Commissioner
Santiago
and
Deputy
Commissioner
Bishop
to
speak.
I
had
the
opportunity
of
work
closely
with
raw
being
with
Brian
on
outreach
to
African,
American
veterans
veterans
and
the
Latino
community
in
the
lgbtq+
community
as
well.
But
broadband
Brian
and
Mayor
Walsh
are
doing
an
excellent
job
in
outreach
to
our
veterans
and
military
families.
I
want
to
say
thank
you
to
Mayor
Walsh
Commissioner
Santiago.
C
C
One
of
the
things
that
I
was
doing
was
having
commissioners
different
various
neighborhoods,
where
what
we've
noticed
that
it's
sometimes
hard
to
reach
those
veterans
in
those
communities,
but
but
just
echo
what
what
Coleman
said
I
think
it's
a
very
important
that,
when
a
constituent
does
call
your
office's
that
they
be
asked
if
they
have
served
in
the
chair
now
a
lot
of
them
depending
on
how
you
phrase.
That
would
say
yes,
yes,
and
no
so
the
way
common
phrase
that
I
think
would
be
the
best
way
to
communicate.
C
It
is
have
you
ever
served
in
the
Armed
Forces,
because
they
are
folks
that
serve
in
the
Armed
Forces,
who
don't
think
that
they're
veterans,
so
that
determination
should
be
made
by
our
office
if
they're,
a
veteran
or
not
so
by
starting
out
by
asking
them
if
they
serve
in
the
military.
Any
other
five
branches
is
very
important.
One
of
the
things
that
of
myself
and
deputy
commissioner
Bishop
was
also
doing
prior
to
the
pandemic,
was
individually
reaching
out
to
the
different
organizations
and
the
leadership
of
those
organizations
to
talk
to
them.
C
Rather
it
be
the
African
American
of
veteran
organizations
out
there,
that's
decided
by
Haywood
Pannell.
You
know
the
triad
veterans
group
myself.
Well,
you
know
with
Tony
Molina
and
Berto
Rican
monument
associations
and
those
groups,
and
also
the
LGBT,
the
Boston
pride.
We
were
actually
going
to
do
a
lot
of
great
things
with
lots
of
pride
this
year,
but
all
that
is
being
put
on
hold.
So
one
of
the
things
that's
great.
A
great
partnership
that
I
have
right
now
is
with,
with
ammo
and
legal
veteran
services
we're
trying
to
get
the
word
out
there.
C
The
chapter
130
is
available
for
our
veterans,
then
it's
very
that
they
know
that
this
program
has
been
around
so
good,
Civil
War,
and
it
still,
if
some
amazing
me
that
a
lot
of
our
veterans
and
their
families
don't
know
that
it's
there
for
them,
one
of
the
things
that
we're
gonna
we're
doing
in
the
office
and
that
it's
very
important
to
meet.
You
also
get
out
there.
C
Instead,
we
also
want
to
serve
those
veterans
that
do
not
qualify
for
chapter
115,
so
we're
gonna
have
as
part
of
our
part
of
our
budget,
the
boss
and
veterans
alleviation
funds.
So
that's
that's
in
the
goal
is
to
focus
and
expanding
our
services
and
benefits
for
our
veterans
and
their
families.
So
this
is
gonna
be
a
very
big
program
for
us,
so
you
know
we're
doing
everything
we
can
we've
taken
out
of
the
box
and
trying
to
be
innovative
and
triggering
out
ways
to
reach
our
veterans.
You
in
the
city
of
Boston
them.
C
C
Obviously
in
chapter
115,
the
the
Welcome
Home
bonus
as
well,
and
also
a
lot
of
federal
programs
through
the
veterans,
benefits
of
Association
veteran
benefits
affairs
for
them
and
again
by
getting
to
drop
in
your
constituents
and
try
and
identify
whether
veterans
are
in
their
families.
We
could
have
found
that
information
to
them
and
see
what
their,
what
they
are,
what
they,
what
they're
able
to
qualify
the
Corps.
J
There
we
go
yeah
Thank
You,
mr.
chairman,
and
everybody
it's.
It
is
so
great
to
to
be
here
alongside
mr.
Santiago
and
this
great
staff
in
the
city.
Boston
I
started
my
work
here
and
it's
so
great
to
be
back
and
to
actually
sit
down
and
really
evaluate
where
we
are
and
where
we
want
to
go,
and
the
vision
and
and
the
leadership
of
the
Commissioner
is-
is
just
spot-on
right
now.
Our
biggest
issue
that
we
have
here
is
outreach
and
I.
J
Think
the
President,
Cheney
and-
and
the
questions
that
have
been
asked
here,
is
that
how
do
we
get
that
information
out
and
it's
funny
because
the
Commissioner
and
ice
it
literally
will
sit
at
the
end
of
the
day
and
say:
how
can
we
make
this
better?
How
can
we
get
that
word
out?
How
can
we
consistently
get
the
motivate?
That's
I
guess
that's.
Another
thing,
too,
is
to
motivate
people
to
to
ask
the
questions
and
and
veterans
or,
if
they're,
spouses
of
veterans
whatever
reach
out
to
us.
J
It's
it's
so
it's
it's
amazing
that
we
are
in
office
that
very
few
people
know
exists
and
it's
just
not
in
Boston,
when
I
was
in
summer,
one
spent
four
years
in
Somerville
and
still
consistently
kept
doing.
Yes,
we
have
a
veteran
service
officer.
Really.
How
long
has
that
been
there
only
about
160
years,
but
it's
one
of
those
things
where
we
have
to
continuously.
J
It
is
an
advocacy
location
that
you
can
come
and
get
information
on
housing,
employment
if
you
want
to
volunteer
as
we've
seen
through
this
pandemic,
six
hundred
people
within
the
Boston
area,
and
that
happened
within
days
of
Mayor
Walsh,
making
that
announcement
people
come
out
of
the
woodwork
say
if
you're
a
veteran,
we
want
to
help
you
if
or
if
you're,
a
veteran
saying
I
want
to
get
back,
and
that
is
today's
veteran.
Today's
veteran
wants
to
give
back.
They
don't
just
want
to
sit
at
the
post.
J
They
want
to
go
out
and
make
a
difference
in
people's
lives
and
I
think
our
office
now
has
the
fire.
We
have
the
energy
and
we
had
the
desire
to
go
out
and
make
sure
that
every
single
veteran
in
the
city
of
Boston
and
speaking
with
former
secretary
knee
you
know
everyone
in
the
Commonwealth
we're
the
only
state
in
the
United
States
of
America
have
this
program
a
chapter
115
of
financial
assistance.
J
We
lead
the
way
little
Massachusetts
up
here,
but
yet
we
make
sure
that
our
veterans
and
their
families
we're
not
left
behind
and
as
we
continue
to
do,
that
with
great
leadership
and
great
partners,
we're
gonna
do
amazing
work
and
people
all
of
you
who
sit
on
the
City
Council.
All
of
you
who
sit
in
public
service,
all
of
you
who's
sitting
down
profits.
Thank
you
so
much
for
giving
us
this
opportunity
to
give
back
to
our
veterans
in
their
and
I
yield
back
Thank.
B
K
So
my
name
is
Anna
Richardson
I'm,
the
co-director
at
veterans,
legal
services.
We
are
a
legal
aid
organization
for
veterans
in
Massachusetts,
so
we
can
help
if
you
have
a
veteran
who
is,
has
a
court
matter
like
housing,
family
debt
accessing
any
of
these
benefits
that
we're
talking
about
whether
it's
chapter
115
be
a
snap
MassHealth.
K
Historically,
we've
provided
our
services
on-site
at
locations
like
the
New,
England,
Center
and
home
for
veterans,
the
bedford
VA
and
the
chelsea
soldiers
home
as
part
of
their
kind
of
wraparound
services
and
obviously
in
the
current
environment.
That's
not
workable,
so
I
will
send
some
follow-up
written
materials
to
mr.
Lopez
that
include
a
flyer
about
our
virtual
services,
where
folks
can
call
in
for
a
consultation.
We
also
have
an
informational
fire
about
chapter
115
that
we've
been
sending
out
to
food
banks
and
other
resources.
K
K
Here's
how
to
let
us
know
if
you
see
unmet
needs
emerging
in
this
community
and
here's
how
we
can
work
together
to
meet
those
and
this
online
benefits
application
is
the
first
of
its
kind
for
the
chapter
115
program,
it's
something
you
know,
we've
been
urging
for
a
long
time
that
their
office
took
the
lead
and
implementing
in
this
crisis
to
be
sure
that
these
benefits
were
available.
Even
if
you
know
a
veteran
can't
walk
in
to
a
file,
an
application
in
person
which
is
historically
how
this
program
has
been
administered.
So
just
incredible
leadership.
K
That's
been
shown
at
this
level
to
get
the
word
out
and
to
broaden
access
as
much
as
possible.
That
I
think
has
you
know,
led
to
other
communities
changing
how
they're
administering
the
program
as
well.
So
that's
that's
been
greatly
appreciated.
That
said,
we
can
always
do
more
to
speak
a
little
bit
to
the
demographics
question.
Post
9/11,
the
two
fastest
growing
demographics
of
veterans
are
women
and
people
of
color,
and
they
historically
have
had
you
know
varying
needs
as
compared
to
their
prior
generations
of
veteran
counterparts.
K
K
While
we
have
everybody
on
here,
is
the
crisis
line
through
VA,
because
I
know
my
staff
are
seeing
a
huge
number
of
people
calling
who
are
feeling
really
overwhelmed
by
what's
going
on
right
now
and
we're
making
a
lot
more
referrals
to
that
than
we
have
in
the
past
for
suicide
prevention
and
urgent
mental
health
concerns.
So
that
number
is.
K
But
we've
lost
60,000
veterans
to
suicide
in
the
last
decade,
so
you
know
anything
that
we
can
do
to
reach
out
to
provide
those
additional
services
support,
hope
you
know
things
like
the
Buddy
Program
that
Commissioner
Santiago
implemented
that
add
those
social
interactions
and
additional
psychosocial
support
are
all
really
really
important.
So
I
just
really
commend
Boston
for
your
leadership
on
this,
but
please
look
to
us
as
a
partner.
K
We
are
here
to
help
I
know
the
courts
are
technically
closed
as
far
as
the
courthouses
go,
but
certain
business
is
still
happening
and
we're
seeing
things
like
you
know:
people
having
their
utilities
shut
off
by
their
landlord
or
illegal
lockouts
problems
with
family
problems
with
debt
collectors
and,
as
we
have
a
new
demographic
of
folks
who
are
eligible
for
all
of
these
benefits
that
have
not
historically
accessed
them.
That
presents
its
own
challenge.
E
I
had
a
couple
of
different
thoughts.
Thoughts
for
Chuck
were
talking
about
how
VA
may
be
a
little
bit
different
than
some
of
our
city.
Hospitals,
I
was
thinking
about
the
the
need
for
PPE
and
stresses
on
the
supply.
One
of
the
things
that
BA
had
I
think
has
done
extremely
well,
VA
Boston
in
particular,
and
is
that
we
activated
an
incident
management
team
has
really
kept
a
close
eye
on
all
of
our
resources,
including
PPE,
and
stresses
on
staff.
E
Our
employees
are
like
other
facilities
very
stressed
in
when
you
see
over
and
over
the
the
degree
of
illness
and
the
degree
of
severity,
of
the
cases
that
come
in
and
including
including
the
death
of
our
veterans.
It
hits
very
hard.
We
have
in
particular
worked
very
closely
with
our
regional
partners.
For
instance,
we
had
some
team
of
nurses
come
down
from
White
River
Junction,
which
has
not
seen
the
same
type
of
surge
as
we
have
here
in
Boston.
E
E
The
the
needs
that
come
up
we
reach
out
to
our
New
England
partners
first,
and
then
we
also
have
our
partners
from
all
across
the
country
that
are
there
on
a
moment's
notice
to
help
each
other.
One
of
the
other
issues
that
various
people
have
brought
up
was:
how
do
we
reach
our
veterans,
particularly
particularly
isolated
folks,
who
are
maybe
financially
challenged?
Have
food
insecurity
be
in
part
of
a
rather
marginalised
group
such
as
the
LGBTQ
community
and
women
veterans,
as
a
minority
in
VA,
part
of
what
we've
been
doing
is
taking
a
look
at.
E
How
do
we
reach
out
to
veterans
and
how
do
we
get
messages
to
them?
I
know,
personally,
in
our
women
veterans
program,
we've
looked
at.
How
do
we
reach
out
on
social
media
on
the
Internet
in
writing?
By
telephone
we
had
a
mailing
that
went
out
Friday
to
all
women
veterans
that
have
used
VA
Boston
in
the
last
two
years.
That
came
out
from
mr.
Inge
and
myself
and
just
trying
to
trying
to
keep
in
mind
all
the
different
ways
that
our
veterans
communicate
with
us
and
with
their
community
at
large.
E
So
it
really
is
continuing
to
to
reach
out
in
any
way
we
can
think
of.
I
do
also
want
to
mention
and
give
a
lot
of
appreciation
to
Bob
Knox
and
the
Greater
Boston
veterans,
collaborative
which
has
been
doing
weekly
summits
on
veterans
resources
and
needs
in
the
collaboration
among
members
of
that
team
has
been
phenomenal.
E
One
other
community
of
veterans
that
I
was
just
thinking
about
that
we
in
Boston
have
a
large
number
of
is
the
student
veteran
population.
I
was
really
pleased
to
see
Veterans
Benefits
Administration,
continuing
GI
Bill
benefits
to
our
students
during
this
pandemic,
particularly
when,
when
schools
are
closing
and
trying
to
figure
out
how
do
they
provide
education
online
and
from
where
I
think
that
transformation
has
been
huge
and
we've
talked
to
a
lot
of
veterans
about
that
that
issue.
E
B
You
Thank
You
Carolyn
and
before
we
open
it
up
to
the
to
the
public,
if
there's
any
public
one
on
the
call,
we
also
have
Brian
Reeves,
that
is
with
us
in
the
New
England
Center
in
home
for
veterans
I've
been
working
closely
with
Sheila
Dillon,
with
Rob
Santiago
and
mati
Martinez
working
closely
with
these
with
the
center.
But
Brian
are
you:
are
you
on
there
with
us
I.
L
First
of
all,
thanks
for
inviting
us
to
this
and
appreciate
everybody's
time
minutes
here
we
all
have
a
common
goal
and
common
interest
right
now
that
rises
above
all
else,
I
would
say.
First
of
all,
I've
been
it
started
out
a
little
rough,
but
we
are
getting
the
PPE.
We
need
through
the
city
of
Boston,
thanks
to
you
and
to
Commissioner
Santiago
that
have
been
taking
the
time
to
check
in
on
us,
but
through
Mima
and
through
the
Boston
City
Government
we've
been
able
to
keep
up
with
PPE
and
it
function.
L
It
boils
down
to
basically
gloves
and
masks
right
now,
it's
mandatory
in
our
building
that
all
folks
are
wearing
masks.
What
we're
seeing
is
a
decline
in
our
population
because
we
haven't
been
filling
up.
The
bathtub
so
to
speak
is
quickly
because
the
hoops
to
get
in
here
are
a
little
more
stringent,
because
we
can't
just
let
anybody
in.
As
you
know,
we
did
testing
a
couple
of
weeks
ago.
L
We're
we're
very
happy
with
the
results
of
that
testing
less
than
3%
of
our
folks,
and
so
that's
rather
remarkable,
and
we
want
to
keep
it
that
way
and
knock
on
wood.
It
stayed
that
way,
so
we
can't
do
it,
but
couldn't
do
it
without
the
help
of
the
city
and
state
government
that
is
getting
us
through
this,
so
I
appreciate
it.
Thank.
B
You
Brian
and
thank
you
for
joining
us,
and
you
know
we're
proud
of
the
outstanding
work
that
u.s.
senator
is
doing
and
helping
work
with
homeless
veterans
and
providing
excellent
job
training,
housing
options,
drug
treatment
programs
as
well.
So
thank
you
to
the
center
at
this
time,
I'd
like
to
see
if
there's
any
anyone
from
the
public
that
would
like
to
tell
would
like
to
testify.
B
J
B
Remember
when
you,
when
they
first
dedicated
the
South
Boston
Vietnam
Veterans
Memorial
in
South,
Boston,
you
and
several
others
were
the
founder
of
it.
But
at
that
time
Tom
the
you
know,
the
community,
the
the
city
or
the
state
of
the
country
really
didn't
welcome
Vietnam
veterans
home
there
weren't
these
services
and
programs
for
veterans.
But
it's
people
like
you
that
really
thought
that
attitude
and
made
sure
today's
veterans
got
the
services
that
they
bet
they
yearn.
So
thank
you,
Tom
and
just
want
to
give
you
the
last.
The
last
comments
here.
A
How's
that
can
hear
me
now.
Mr.
Jenner
yep,
hey
now
talking.
Thank
you
for
the
father.
Yes,
we
have
taken
great
pride
in
what
we
did
thirty-nine
years
ago,
but
equally
we
are
as
proud
that
we've
gone
back
to
our
Vietnam
Memorial
every
year
since
that
dedication
in
1981,
which
speaks
to
what
we
did
back
then
was
a
commitment
and
dedication
to
remember
our
friends,
and
you
know
also
the
owner,
one
of
the
service
of
the
men
and
women
back
back
then
I.
A
Thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
be
on
this
panel
today,
I
feel
like
I'm,
the
elder
statesmen.
Have
you
having
been
involved
in
the
veterans
community
for
so
many
years?
But
but
it's
always
it's
always
hard
for
me
to
know
that
there
are
veterans,
young
non-government
and
all
veterans
who
still
care
about
how
we
take
care
of
our
men
and
women
who
had
served
in
their
family.
So
thank
you
for
the
opportunity
and
always
available.
If
you
need
me.
Thank.
B
You
Tom
and
I'd
like
to
ask
Commissioner
Santiago
again
thank
you
to
the
Commissioner.
Thank
you
to
Mayor
Walsh
for
day,
one
being
there
for
our
veterans
during
this
pandemic,
but,
more
importantly,
for
always
being
there
for
our
military
families
as
well.
So,
commissioner,
Santiago,
do
you
have
any
closing
closing
comments?
Thank.
C
You
come
to
clean
and
yes
and
I
just
want
to
echo
something
that
you've
said
of
mayor
Walsh
as
it's
been
fantastic
in
taking
care
of
veteran
population
and
their
family,
and
it's
a
it's.
It's
easy
to
work
for
him,
but
it's
also
harder
for
mrs.
Ely,
because
he
always
told
me
I
was
asking
for
something
you
got
it,
but
he's
hardly
in
the
sense
they
tell
me.
What
more
can
we
do,
because
there's
always
more
than
we
could
do
so
always
keeps
me
on
my
toes.
C
J
C
Whenever
I
needed
either
go
when
a
breakfast
call
me
do
you
like,
we
have
breakfast
meeting
each
Tommy,
we
have
lunch
meeting
so
now,
I'm.
Looking
for
that
third
person,
there
has
a
dinner
meeting,
so
we'll
figure
that
I
think
that
but
well.
Thank
you
all
both
especially
for
your
leadership.
You
know,
because
you
guys
have
the
corporate
knowledge
and
our
veterans
community
here
in
the
here
in
Boston
and
and
of
course,
in
Salem
Massachusetts.
C
Thank
you
all
very
much
for
your
leadership
and
being
on
the
line,
it's
great
to
see
that
that
City
counselors
are
also
very
proactive
and
ensuring
that
this
part
of
their
constituency
is
taken
care
of
as
well,
and
that
my
office,
of
course,
is
available
to
you
for
anything
whether
it
be
heroes
squares.
Rather
it
be
a
housing
opportunity
or
anything
just
please
get
a
hold
of
myself
or
Bryan
crews,
but
it's
been
great
to
see.
Come
back
from
Somerville
I'm,
very
happy
that
he's
back
when
I
asked
them.
You
know
why!
C
B
D
You
counselor,
thank
you
to
everyone,
the
Commissioner.
Thank
you.
It's
a
real
pleasure
and
honor.
You
know
working
with
you
and
answer
in
being
in
the
City
of
Austin.
During
this
time,
knowing
you're
at
the
helm,
you
and
Brian
it's
you
know
really
the
collaborative
efforts
we
I,
don't
think.
We've
seen
them
in
decades
in
the
city
of
Boston
right
now
to
try
to
get
more
of
these
benefits
and
services
out.
It's
testament
to
your
leadership.
D
The
mayor's
ambulator,
the
City
Council
in
terms
are
even
doing
these
hearings
and
making
sure
we
get
the
word
up.
You
know
asking
the
difficult
questions
about
where
the
gaps
are
and
what
we
can
be
doing.
You
know
I
just
say
at
the
you
know
one
thing
we
need
to
think
about
what
is
going
on
right
now
and
who
can
we
help
right
now,
but
we
also
really
need
to
take
some
time
to
think
about
what
is
a
postcode
that
19
world
look
like
and
particularly
for
our
veterans
and
their
family
members.
D
When
we
come
out
of
this,
when
we
emerge
from
from
our
arms
and
get
back
to
whatever
the
new
normal
it's
going
to
be,
there
is
going
to
be
a
huge
demand
for
services.
Our
economy
is
going
to
be
a
very
difficult
shape.
People
are
coming
out
as
Carolyn
mentioned.
You
know
we
have
people
that
are,
you
know
sequestered
right
now,
with
you
know
their
abusers
and
and
other
people
that
are,
you
know
that,
are
you
know,
causing
them
both
physical
and
mental
health
in
anguish?
D
Over
these
past
few
weeks,
we've
got
people
that
are
coming
out
that
have
lost
their
jobs
that
are
in
financial
distress,
and
you
know
we,
as
veteran's
advocates,
really
need
to
be
ready
to
serve
all
these
folks.
I
know
the
DD
is
thinking
about
it.
I
know
all
of
my
counterparts
here
on
the
line
are
thinking
about
it.
D
Commissioner,
I
just
I,
think
you're
going
to
be
you
in
your
shop,
we're
going
to
be
really
busy
and
do
our
best
to
keep
the
customers
coming
in
to
come
and
see
you
because
you
know
we
do
recognize.
A
lot
of
people
are
going
to
need
help
after
this,
and
you
know
we
it's
on
all
of
us
elected
appointed.
You
know
officials
and
individuals
in
the
community
of
advocates
to
recognize
that
and
to
be
ready
to
step
up
and
meet
that
challenge.
So
thanks
for
getting
the
ball
rolling
on
this
councillor
Flynn.
Thank
you
all.
B
G
Thank
You
counsel,
Flynn,
and
and
thank
you
to
all
of
the
panelists
I,
have
a
team
member
who's
also
participating
in
taking
notes
to
make
sure
we're
giving
resources
out.
But
I
just
want
to
thank
the
Commissioner
again
and
Brian,
and
in
Commissioner
Brian
Commissioner
and
your
team
on
all
of
the
volunteers
who
stepped
up
to
really
serve.
G
It's
been
remarkable
in
the
sense
that
when
we
do
have
issues
coming
up
and
I
think
Coleman
said
it
right
when
we
have
people
calling
constituents
calling
I
feel
like
I'm
running
a
call
center
out
of
my
home
to
be
able
to
go
to
your
office
Commissioner
and
to
get
immediate
resources
and
an
access
to
information
is
just
fantastic.
We
can't
say
that
for
every
issue.
Frankly,
and
sometimes
you
have
to
navigate
on
the
state
side,
and
that
could
be
a
little
bit
more
challenging.
G
So
I
really
appreciate
you
guys
today,
I
appreciate
you
councillor,
Flynn
of
raising
up
these
issues
and
also
providing
some
expertise
on
the
panel
and,
lastly,
just
something
that
really
resonated
with
me.
And
it's
something
that
honest
said
and
that
I
think
connects
to
what
Coleman
is
saying.
What's
every
conversation
we're?
Having
is
always
we're?
G
Maybe
this
is
the
time
that
we
exert
such
action
on
some
of
these
issues,
that
these
issues
are
no
longer
issues
and
the
suicide
piece.
I
thought
was
critically
important
that
that
that
it
was
raised
on
this
call,
because
it's
veterans,
of
course
dealing
with
mental
health
issues.
But
it's
whole
communities
that
are
dealing
with
some
of
the
mental
health
components
that
we're
seeing
that
we
need
to
do
I,
think
a
little
bit
more
and
so
just
having
those
hotline
numbers
to
text.
G
I
was
just
actually
on
a
call
in
between
I
had
to
jump
off
for
a
couple
minutes
jump
back
on
to
some
of
the
domestic
violence
cases
that
are
real
and
really
unsettling.
So
I
appreciate
the
raising
up
of
issues
that
I
think
you
guys
have
been
grappling
with
for
a
while
and
considering
me
a
partner
in
the
work,
but
when
we
come
out
of
this
really
rolling
but
rolling
up
our
sleeves
and
saying
we're
not
going
back,
we're
not
gonna,
be
talking
about
the
same
issues
in
five
or
ten
years.
G
B
You
councillor
Campbell,
and
it's
it's
an
honor
really
to
well
we're
closely
with
all
my
colleagues
who
have
excellent
records
in
support
of
veterans
and
military
families.
All
of
the
City
Council's
I'm,
proud
to
work
with
on,
especially
in
this
issue.
Councillor
sabi
George.
Will
you
have
final
final
comments?
I
think.
I
You
mr.
chair,
and
thank
you
again
to
everyone
who
participated
today.
It's
certainly
I
think
this
hearing
has
presented
an
opportunity
for
you
all
to
share
some
of
your
work.
That
I
know
through
my
travels
across
the
city
as
an
at-large
councillor,
don't
don't
seem
to
ever
end
so
I,
just
you
know,
on
behalf
of
all
of
us
and
I.
I
Think
I
echo,
my
colleagues
and
just
thanking
you
for
your
work
on
behalf
of
all
of
our
residents,
because
really,
by
extension,
you're,
not
just
helping
the
veteran
and
many
of
you
have
referenced
the
services
that
are
there
available
to
the
family
of
the
veteran.
So
by
doing
that,
you
certainly
support
our
communities
and
our
residents
and
their
families
in
tremendous
ways,
and
not
just
in
times
of
crisis,
certainly
in
times
of
every
other
day
and
I
think
it
was
Coleman
that
maybe
mentioned
the
sort
of
post
Colvin
era.
I
You
think
about
everything
that
we
do
as
a
city.
We
have
to
make
sure
that
these
conversations
in
depth
aren't
just
happening
during
the
time
of
crisis,
because
we
know
that
your
members
do
often
deal
with
with
a
crisis
and
not
just
related
to
their
veteran
service
into
their
service
to
this
nation,
but
as
it
relates
to
the
crisis
that
any
resident
might
might
experience
and
in
particular,
it's
times
an
amplified
experience
due
to
the
impacts
of
military
impacts
of
military
service.
I
B
You
councillor
sabi
George,
and
thank
you
for
your
leadership
as
well.
I,
don't
believe
that
there's
any
more
City
Council
is
on
council.
It
Janie
I,
don't
believe
it's
on
so
I'll
just
like
to
conclude
by
saying
thank
you
to
the
panelists
and
for
the
for
your
tremendous
work
on
this
issue.
I
want
to
say
thank
you
to
Commission
of
Santiago
and
his
team
mayor,
Walsh
and
Tom
Lyons,
and
a
nanner
and
Coleman,
and
the
New
England
Center,
and
the
VA
woman's
program.
B
We're
proud
to
have
such
a
wonderful
group
of
people
working
together,
advocating
for
a
veteran's
advocating
for
military
families.
I
was
talking
to
rob
Santiago
the
other
day
and
we
are
talking
about
when
a
veteran
serves
so
doesn't
be
a
family
and
it's
critical
that
we
continue
working
hard
to
getting
these
services
and
programs
benefits
that
these
veterans
earn.
So
our
our
city
of
Boston
veterans
Department,
is
in
excellent
shape
under
the
leadership
of
Commissioner,
Santiago
and
Mayor
Walsh.
So
I
just
want
to
say
thank
you
to
everybody.