By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Veterans Services Office, Fairhaven Police & Fire Departments, and Bristol County Outreach held a veterans support event on Thursday, 11/13/25, to connect veterans with a variety of services available from local, state, and national organizations.
Participants included: Local Veterans Services Officers; The Veterans Transition House; The Vet Center; The Veterans Association of Bristol County and Veterans Activities Programs; Seven Hills; Stepping Stone Peer-to-Peer; Community Counseling & Southeastern Mass. Public Health Collaborative (blood pressure clinic).
US Navy veteran Ray Landry took home some of the freebies that the organizations were handing out. He said he thanked the groups that were there for the work they do to help veterans.
“So many people are struggling with addiction,” said Mr. Landry. “It’s sad, but we’ve got good people, generous with their knowledge.”
Fairhaven Police Department Lt. Kevin Swain said the turnout was steady most of the morning, with a number of veterans getting connected with services.
He said it was nice to see the various agencies coming together to help veterans.
Michael Bouvier told Itzel Chavez of Cornerstone Caregiving about the Fairhaven Police Department’s support person, who accompanies them on calls involving mental health or addiction issues. The position, however, is just part time.
“It’s not enough,” he said.
Cornerstone provides home care through the Veterans Administration. Ms. Chavez said it is one of the benefits that many veterans do not even know is available.
If you are a veteran and want to learn more about the benefits you have earned by your service, contact your city or town’s Veterans Service Officer. Every municipality in Massachusetts is required to have a VSO.
In Fairhaven, contact VSO Mike Jenney at 508-202-4603. The office is located at the Fairhaven Senior Center, 229 Huttleston Ave.
In Acushnet, contact Brad Fish, 508-998-0207. The office is located in town hall, 122 Main Street, and is open 19 hour a week, so call for hours.
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- US Army Veteran, Chris “Ace” Azevedo, of the New Bedford Veterans Center, gives a smile for the camera as he staffs the table at the Veterans Support Fair at the Fairhaven Recreation Center on 11/13/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Itzel Chavez, of Cornerstone Caregiving, listens while Michael Bouvier explains the Fairhaven Police Department’s Community Outreach Program during the Veterans Support Fair at the Fairhaven Recreation Center on 11/13/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- US Marine Corps veteran, Louis Matos, staffs the Disabled American Veterans table at the Veterans Support Fair at the Fairhaven Recreation Center on 11/13/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Ashley Correia and Kristy MacMillan of the Southeastern Mass. Public Health Collaborative pose for the local free sheet while staffing their table during the Veterans Support Fair at the Fairhaven Recreation Center on 11/13/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Michaela Manzone, of AdCare Treatment Centers, and Jackie Maloney and Danny Martinez, of Steppingstone Peer-2-Peer, pose for the local free sheet during the Veterans Support Fair at the Fairhaven Recreation Center on 11/13/25. Photo by Beth David.
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Click here to download the 11/20/25 issue: 11-20-25 VetsSupport
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