Brault chosen as 2011 Tracy Award winner

Date: 5/30/2012

May 30, 2012

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE — Louis Brault Jr., thought something might be up when he saw members of his family and American Legion Post 275 gathering for the presentation of this year's Charles H. Tracy Award on May 24.

Although the annual award is supposed to be a surprise, Brault realized he was the winner of the recognition that goes to a Chicopee veteran who offers outstanding volunteerism and community service.

Named for the Chicopee native who won the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Civil War, Brault is the fifth veteran to receive the honor.

Brault retired after 32 years of service as a major in the Army National Guard. He started his military career at age 18 in 1970, enlisting in the Navy and serving as a Seabee. After leaving active duty he joined the Army National Guard and attended Officer Candidate School.

He is currently the commander of Post 275 and does much for his fellow vet.

Among his many support activities, he organizes six visits every year to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, including two picnics and Christmas events.

He organized a dinner for the 181st Infantry Unit of the Army National Guard upon the unit's return from Iraq and recently organized care packages for the deployed members of the 439th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Brault has also served on the Chicopee Parade Committee and helped organized the city's 10-year memorial to the attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

Mayor Michael Bissonnette said that Brault was "definitely a go-to guy."

He has also played Santa Claus for the past eight years at the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield.

Brault said that for younger veterans the primary issues are education, health benefits and employment. For older veterans, there is a greater emphasis on health benefits.

Brault praised the efforts of the city's Veteran's Department and said they are very helpful to vets.

When asked why he donates so much time helping veterans, he said, "Because I'm still able to because I can."