Page 6 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026 HONORS | FROM Page 1 nor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, Veterans Services Deputy Secretary Andrea GayleBennett and Senate President Karen Spilka and a keynote address by Brig. Gen. George “Chris” Hackler, who is Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and Senior Commander of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center. The Healey-Driscoll Administration created Military Appreciation Day in May 2025 to honor those who proudly serve both our country and communities. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community Congratulations Class of 2026 Graduates! Mid-grade Regular 4.08 4.45 5.07 $4.67 Full Service ULS $3.989 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! Established 1978 to be honored during the ceremony. This year’s 138 honorees were recognized and presented with an offi cial citation and a challenge coin in appreciation for their service. “Military Appreciation Day is about recognizing the people across Massachusetts who step up to serve something bigger than themselves,” said Governor Healey. “Our veterans, service members and military families strengthen our communities every single day through their leadership, sacrifi ce and commitment to others. As an administration, we are committed to making Massachusetts the best state in the country for veterans and military families, from transforming care at our Veterans Homes to expanding services and support across the state. We are proud to honor Pictured from left to right: Councillor-at-Large/fellow nominee Marc Silvestri, Police Sergeant Joe Singer, Retired Police Offi cer John Cafarelli and State Representative Jessica Giannino. this year’s recipients and grateful for all they have done, and continue to do, for Massachusetts and our country.” “As the daughter of a U.S. Navy veteran, my respect and gratitude for our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families runs deep,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “While we can never fully repay our debt, we can ensure the sacrifi ces of those have worn the uniform, and the families who have stood beside them, are remembered and recognized.” “John Cafarelli has dedicated his life to serving others, fi rst through his courageous service in the United States Marine Corps during the Gulf War, and later through nearly three decades with the Revere Police Department,” said Representative Jessica Giannino. “From protecting our nation abroad to protecting families here at home, John’s career refl ects an extraordinary commitment to duty, leadership, and community. I am proud to have nominated him for this well-deserved recognition during Military Appreciation Day at the Massachusetts State House.” “John carries on his family’s legacy of service, not only to our country, but to our community as well. His passion for public safety, strong community ties, and respect for our nation’s values make him an ideal recipient of this award. Thank you to Representative Giannino for recognizing John Cafarelli as this year’s honoree,” said Mayor Patrick Keefe. “Officer John Cafarelli not only served our country as a United States Marine but returned home to serve his own community here in Revere for three decades as a police officer. John was an outstanding offi cer, and whether serving as a patrol offi cer, school resource officer, or member of our SWAT team, we always knew that if John was there, he had our backs,” said Police Chief Maria LaVita. “The military provided him with unmatched fi rearms training and expertise, and we were fortunate to have him pass those skills along as one of our department’s fi rearms instructors. Service truly runs in his blood, and I was proud to see him honored at the State House for Military Appreciation Day.” The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by SGT Amy Fichera, 215th Army Band, Massachusetts Army National Guard. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made historic investments to strengthen services, improve care and rebuild trust with the veteran community across Massachusetts. Over the past three years, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has: • Transformed the Veterans Homes at Chelsea and Holyoke, achieving full state and federal licensure, strengthening leadership and improving quality of care • Increased staffing, implemented modern electronic medical records systems and established new quality improvement programs to ensure better outcomes for veterans • Secured historic funding for the Veterans Homes, including unprecedented investments to support long-term sustainability and high-quality care • Launched the End Veteran Homelessness initiative, making the largest dedicated investment in state history to connect veterans with stable housing • Funded the construction for dozens of affordable units dedicated to veterans through partnerships with MassHousing • Enacted the HERO Act, delivering nation-leading benefi ts for veterans and military families, including expanded fi nancial support and access to services • Launched the Massachusetts Veteran Ready Business program, certifying employers committed to hiring veterans and connecting them to job fairs, hiring resources and employment opportunities • Provided landmark grants to veteran community organizations, supporting mental health peer support and suicide prevention programs statewide • Expanded the Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (SAVE) program, strengthening peer outreach and ensuring equitable access to support across all regions of the state The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains committed to ensuring that every veteran in Massachusetts has access to the care, support and opportunities they deserve. 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