James Arciero named 2024 Legislator of the Year by DAV
From left, Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts Commander Bob Kinsman, former Commander Helen Bennett, state Rep. James Arciero and DAV Auxiliary Commander Dianne Sullivan, June 7, 2024. Arciero was named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the DAV for his support for veterans through legislation. (Courtesy Office of Rep. James Arciero)
Published by Lowell Sun
By Peter Currier
July 5, 2024
LEOMINSTER — State Rep. James Arciero was named the 2024 Legislator of the Year last month by the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts for his work in assisting veterans through legislation.
The award was given to Arciero at the DAV’s annual Joseph R. Harold Awards Banquet in Leominster.
Among Arciero’s legislative actions to benefit veterans is House Bill 4671, known as the HERO Act, which is meant to increase benefits for veterans and their families. Those benefits would include guaranteed medical assistance, behavioral health, vision and dental benefits. The bill would also create an annual Gold Star Family recognition day.
Arciero joined the rest of the state’s House of Representatives in passing the bill, which is now under consideration by the Senate.
“I am deeply honored to be named DAV’s Legislator of the Year. American Veterans are the bravest among us and as a proud member of a military family, I know firsthand the sacrifice families make when their members are overseas and in harm’s way,” Arciero said in a statement.
The Westford Democrat previously advocated for a mental health bill that would expand training at 29 Massachusetts public higher education institutions for addressing the challenges of students who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, a common affliction of veterans who see combat.
Arciero also supported allocating $400 million in funding for the construction of a new Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, which is being rebuilt after the facility was hit with one of the deadliest outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country early in the pandemic. Closer to home, Arciero supported the funding of $50,000 in renovations for the World War I and Westlawn Cemetery veteran grave markers in Littleton.
The DAV was founded in 1920 to support injured veterans and their families through the promotion of legislation.
“Thank you to the DAV for this very special honor. I will continue to ensure the Commonwealth of Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in taking care of our Veterans and their families,” said Arciero.