Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEPTEMbER 4, 2026 Saugus welcomes a new VSO Retired Army Colonel Joseph R. Connell, with 30 years of active duty, takes charge of Saugus Veterans’ Services Office By Mark E. Vogler Several town officials noted R etired U.S. Army Colonel Joseph R. Connell began active duty this week as Saugus’ new full-time Veterans Service Officer (VSO), filling an important Town Hall position which had been vacant for nearly two months. Last week’s announcement of Colonel Connell by Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s Office drew favorable reviews from local veterans, town officials and VSOs from other communities across the region. “We had a good meeting and we spent about an hour together,” Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti told The Saugus Advocate after his visit on Tuesday (Sept. 1). “I also took him to Veterans Park, Riverside Cemetery Veterans lots and the American Legion. He seems to be motivated and ready to get to work. I think he’ll do well for the Veterans of Saugus. Looking forward to working with him,” said Castinetti, a retired U.S. Navy captain who has been active in the town’s veterans activities for many years. on The Advocate Newspapers Facebook page that they had high expectations for Connell, who retired as a colonel following 30 years of active-duty distinguished service in the United States Army. “Welcome to Saugus. We are fortunate to have you,” Selectman Jeff Cicolini wrote in a post accompanied with an American flag. Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta posted, “This is great news for Saugus.” “His qualifications are very impressive,” Panetta said after Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting. “I haven’t met him yet, but I am looking forward to it. His first day was Monday [yesterday], and I was away in NH, and came home today for my meeting,” she said. Former Selectman Corinne Riley, who is actively involved in veterans events in the community, said she is looking forward to meeting Connell. “His service and experience is very impressive,” she said. Former Saugus VSO Jay Pinette also welcomed Connell. “As a former VSO, I understand how critical the position is,” PinJ& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. ette said. “The officers and members of the S/Sgt Arthur F. DeFranzo VFW Post 2346 stand ready to assist the VSO as needed in supporting our local Veterans and their families.” Connell fills the vacancy left by former Saugus VSO SueAnn Cheung, who resigned in early July after a little more than nine months on the job to become director of the Brookline Veterans’ Services Office. Cheung, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, made Saugus history last Sept. 26 when Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced he had hired her to become the town’s first full-time VSO. The press release issued by the Town Manager’s Office last Friday emphasized that the new VSO “brings an exceptional combination of military command experience, executive leadership, municipal government service and community involvement to Saugus.” “Joe Connell has devoted his life to service and leadership, and we are extremely fortunate to have someone with his experience and commitment joining the Town of Saugus,” Town Manager Scott C. CrabS LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping military readiness. His military decorations are READY TO SERVE SAUGUS: New Saugus Veterans Service Officer Joseph R. Connell. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) tree said. “His 30 years of distinguished military service, including combat command and senior leadership assignments, together with his municipal and private-sector experience, give him an exceptional background to advocate for our veterans and military families.” Connell achieved the rank of Colonel during a 30-year active-duty Army career that included senior command and leadership assignments in the United States, Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the press release. He commanded approximately 500 soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment during a 15-month deployment to northern Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where his battalion conducted combat and stability operations. Connell later served with the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan and subsequently became Chief of Staff for the Commander of United States Forces–Afghanistan, helping lead and coordinate a complex multinational and interagency headquarters during a significant period of U.S. operations in Afghanistan. From 2010 until his retirement in 2014, Connell served as Senior Army Advisor to the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, advising senior leadership on organization, personnel, training, operations, logistics, mobilization planning and the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraq Combat Service Medal and Afghanistan Combat Service Medal, among numerous other awards and honors. Connell also served as a senior trainer at the Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center, where he trained, coached and mentored battalion commanders and units preparing for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. As Veterans’ Service Officer, Connell will lead the Town’s efforts to support Saugus veterans and their families and help ensure they receive the benefits, services and assistance they have earned. His responsibilities will include administering benefits under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 115, assisting veterans with state and federal benefits and claims, connecting veterans and their families with available programs and resources and serving as an advocate and liaison with local, state and federal agencies. “Public service did not end for Joe when his military career ended,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “He continued to give back through local government, veterans initiatives and community organizations. That commitment to service, combined with his leadership experience and understanding of government, will be tremendously valuable to Saugus veterans and their families,” the town manager said. Following his military career, Connell continued serving in senior executive and management positions in the private sector. His experience includes serving as Director of Global Security for Thermo Fisher Scientific and holding senior project, operations and security leadership positions with Siemens, Stanley Black & Decker Security Solutions and State Street Corporation. He currently serves as Northeast VSO | SEE PAGE 12
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