Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 9/8/2021
WESTERN MASS. – The veterans of East Longmeadow, Hampden and Wales have someone new in their corner. Michelle Barrett began as the Veteran’s Service Officer for the Eastern Hampden District in the first week of August.
Barrett, herself, is a disabled veteran. During her time in the Army from 1994 to 2000, she served as a food service sergeant – managing the feeding of troops – and a combat life saver, which provides basic medical field care and preparation for transport in wartime. Barrett suffered from back and hip issues due to constant lifting and running.
After she left the military, it took 15 years for her to receive all of the medical care she needed, including nearly a decade before receiving hip surgery. When a commander from Disabled American Veterans asked if she wanted to be a part of their chapter in Tennessee, Barrett said, “it took a lot of encouragement,” but her experience with seeking veterans’ resources made her want to help other veterans. She underwent training and became certified.
For the next seven years, Barrett volunteered her time working with veterans in Tennessee, and then, Chicopee, where she spent three years as the department service officer for women with military sexual trauma.
“I wanted to be one of those people that people could go to and feel comfortable asking for help,” Barrett told Reminder Publishing.
When the job in the Eastern Hampden District became available, Barrett made the switch from volunteer to professional.
“What Massachusetts wants – what I want – is for veterans to get the benefits they deserve,” Barrett said. To ensure that, Barrett handles the veteran’s budgets for the towns in the Eastern Hampden District. She also processes claims from those seeking medical help.
Barrett receives claims from veterans of different eras, but mainly World War II, Vietnam and Korea. She spoke about the people that she has met in her time working for veterans, including a 94-year-old from Hampden who told her stories of being a woman in the Marine Corps years ago.
The opportunity to serve is what Barrett is most looking forward to bringing to the towns. “I am so excited to meet the veterans and let them know who’s here for them.”
Veterans can speak with Barrett by phone or in-person from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St., East Longmeadow, 525-5400 ext. 1416, and Tuesday at the Hampden Senior Center, 104 Allen St., Hampden, 566-5588. On Thursday, she splits her time between East Longmeadow and the Wales Senior Center, 85 Main St., Wales, 267-4140.