Veterans' Affairs Officer leaves post for federal position

Date: 7/2/2012

July 2, 2012

By Chris Maza

chrism@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — After just nine months on the job, Veterans' Affairs Officer Jason Dieni is leaving Longmeadow for a position with the federal government.

Dieni, who began his service to the town on Oct. 31, has not officially announced when his last day will be, but told Reminder Publications that he begins work at his new position at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, R.I., on July 30.

"I was hired under the Wounded Warrior program and my supervisor is essentially creating a position for me, so I am not exactly sure at this point what my exact responsibilities are going to be," he said, adding that the new position offers him a substantial increase in pay and benefits and the government will also be paying for him to pursue a master's degree.

Prior to working in Longmeadow, he spent two years as an intern with the Springfield Veterans' Services Office, as well as the Springfield Veterans Outreach Center.

Dieni said that his decision to move on was a personal one and was not a reflection on his experience in Longmeadow.

"I only have good things to say about Longmeadow," he said. "The people have been great. Everyone was very welcoming and this is a great place to work."

Dieni was hired by the town in order to come into compliance with state law that requires all municipalities to have a veterans' affairs officer.

Prior to his hire, Longmeadow had pursued the possibility of a regionalized position with East Longmeadow, but the two towns were unable to reach an agreement on a plan and the residents at East Longmeadow's Special Town Meeting voted not to fund the full-time veterans' affairs officer position.

With Dieni on his way out, the town must hire a new person for the position or enter a regional agreement to remain compliant.

Complicating matters is the fact that the veterans' affairs position is one appointed by the town manager. Currently, Longmeadow is still in the process of replacing outgoing Town Manager Robin Crosbie.

A request for comment from Select Board Chair Paul Santaniello regarding a plan for filling the position was not returned as of press time.