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Belton calls services for veterans a shared responsibility

Date: 5/31/2011

May 30, 2011

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD — Thomas Belton, the candidate for the position of Veterans' Services Director, explained to Reminder Publications the challenge to meet the needs of the city's veterans is one that requires being shared by the entire community.

Belton has been nominated by Mayor Domenic Sarno to the the position recently filled by Daniel Walsh III, who resigned last month. The City Council will have to confirm Belton's appointment.

A Springfield native, Belton entered the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War. He was wounded in September 1968. His decorations include the Purple Heart, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, as well as 12 other medals, and campaign ribbons. He received a meritorious combat promotion to sergeant in August 1969 and was discharged from the Marine Corps in August, 1970.

Active in veterans' groups in the city, Belton has served as the president of the Maple High Six Corners Neighborhood Council and is a current member of the Springfield Historical Commission. He was selected as Veteran of the Year in 2003 by the city of Springfield.

Belton has been employed by the city for the last 18 years and is the organizational development coordinator who has presented a wide range of training programs for municipal workers.

Acknowledging the influx of new veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the financial restrains municipalities are facing, Belton said the challenge is to "continue delivering the quality of services veterans deserve today."

Financial considerations aside, he added communities must be aware of veterans' needs and how to meet them.

He believes that veterans' groups and social service agencies and programs must collaborate.

The issues veterans face frequently involve others than just themselves, Belton said.

"How do we help prepare the families for returning veterans?" he asked. "How do they get the services?"

Recalling his own experiences, Belton said a returning member of the military could be "almost a stranger in your own house."

He noted that families don't know how to react to post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition seen in military personnel who have served multiple tours of duty in combat zones.

"It's not simple," he said of the shift from active duty service to civilian life at home. "There are a lot of transitions that have to take place."

Sarno said, "I'm very pleased to have this opportunity to nominate Thom Belton for this position. Thom has demonstrated a hard work ethic during his 18 year career with the city of Springfield and I'm confident that the Springfield City Council will confirm his nomination."



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