Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 28, 2023 Veterans Service Officer briefs selectmen on universal challenges ahead for the country and veterans community By Mark E. Vogler N ew Veterans Service Officer Paul J. Cancelliere said he believes the more visible he and his office become in the community, the better job he will be able to do in serving the veterans of Saugus. “I took this position because Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! ALL MAJOR BRANDS Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes SMOKER’S DELIGHT! 15 HANDMADE CIGARS! Four-Year-Old Tobacco * 100% Long Filler * Cellophane $43.95 STORE HOURS: Mon. - Sat.: 9AM - 7PM Sunday & Holidays: 9AM - 6PM SPECIAL SALE! TRAVEL HUMIDORS & BUNDLES! --------HUMIDORS ON SALE! STARTING AT $99. COMPLETE! --------A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 local troops asked me to apply for the role,” Cancelliere, a 25year veteran infantry officer, told selectmen at last week’s meeting (July 19). “My connection to the Town of Saugus is the veterans and their families,” he said. Cancelliere, a longtime Wakefield resident, is well-acquainted with Saugus veterans leaders and the veterans-related organizations in town. “I am familiar with many veterans’ organizations, including the Saugus Veterans Council, the VFW Post and the American Legion Post 298,” he said, noting that he is a member of the Saugus Veterans Council and attended a recent council meeting. There are currently 19 Saugus veterans or family members receiving Chapter 115 benefits, according to Cancelliere. He is also reviewing 23 open cases with veterans seeking federal veterans benefits from the Veterans Administration. “Since I arrived, I have answered 53 calls, 35 were on my personal cell phone as I still have not changed the voicemail on the phone at the desk,” he told selectmen. In his brief speech, Cancelliere said he wanted to share “two simple facts about our military” so selectmen would understand the challenges: Our 50th Anniversary Chris 2023 Saugus Veterans Service Officer Paul J. Cancelliere (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) The first is that 77 percent of about two million students between 17 and 21 don’t not qualify to serve in the military. The major reasons include obesity, ill health or a medical condition; the use of narcotics, self-medication and illegal substances; poor academic performance in schools; a poor police record that disqualifies a prospect for a security clearance; lack of physical fitness, and tattoos and piercings. “Many of these obstacles can be overcome by seeking a waiver,” Cancelliere said. The second point that he wanted to emphasize is that 83 percent of the soldiers, sailASKS | FROM PAGE 3 derful family. Even though we had all of those children, we got along so well. My father had a milk route before I was born. Q: Please tell me how it was living on the farm on Walnut Street. A: They were wonderful days. I couldn’t have had a better childhood. We had a large house – two separate staircases to upstairs – girls on one side and boys on the other. Q: How many people lived on the farm? A: Thirteen – 11 kids and two parents. My mother had 15 babies and 11 made it. I am the last one left of the 11. I was born on the farm. Nine of us were born on the farm and two others were born in Saugus Hospital. Q: How big was the farm? A: About five and a half acres. We had cows, the horse, ors and airmen currently serving on active duty come from a military family – a situation he called “unsustainable.” “These two points were shared by the Secretary of the Army, Christine E. Wormuth, to the members of the Military Officers Association of America in the summer of 2022,” Cancelliere said. “This year our country celebrates the 50th anniversary of the All-Volunteer Force. Prior to 1973 troops were drafted into our military. Throughout American history just one percent of the American population have served in our military to defend our country,” he said. pigs, chickens, geese, donkeys, ponies and all kinds of farm animals. Q: So, how was the garden? A: We grew a lot of vegetables. I think almost every vegetable you can think of, but I don’t remember pumpkins. We had corn, squash, beets, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes and beans. We had a big field of potatoes. Potatoes was our most popular crop Dad had a vegetable stand on Walnut Street. He sold all kinds of vegetables: fresh tomatoes, string beans, corn, squash, cucumbers. If I felt like eating something, I would clean it on my dress. I imagine that everybody in town knew about the Gould Family Farm. I’m sure everybody knew the Goulds. My father was very generous and kind to the customers, especially people who were strugASKS | SEE PAGE 6
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