Vets honored

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE The parents of Captain John Maloney the Chicopee Marine who lost his life in Iraq on June 16, 2005 were honored at the sixth annual Veterans Day observation at American Legion Post 452 on Thursday.

Lydia Maloney and George Clark received a plaque from the Council on Aging, the Veterans Service Office, Westover Air Reserve Base, and Post 452, the sponsors of the sixth annual event.

John Maloney died when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. His widow, Michelle, received the Bronze Star for Valor awarded to her husband posthumously for his leadership displayed in 109 days of fighting.

John Maloney graduated from Chicopee High School and on Memorial Day next year, the playing field at Chicopee High School will be re-named in his honor.

Lydia Maloney thanked the community for the honor and asked the audience to support the men and women who are serving their country.

Congressman Richard E. Neal said that regardless of how one views the Iraq war from a political standpoint, everyone should agree the troops serve "with honor, valor and dignity everyday."

Neal called on the audience to support legislative efforts to increase funding to veterans hospitals.

"You can't nickel and dime the vets," Neal said.

Brigadier General Wade Ferris, commander of the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base and the speaker for the event, said he is humbled every time he speaks before veterans.