Reading, MA — As we enter the time of year when we recognize our Veterans on Veterans Day, I think of all of the men and women, both current and past, as well as all of those active-duty military who have committed to protecting our country. Whether during wartime or in peace, it is those brave men and women who protect our country and allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have in the greatest country in the world. As a Vietnam-era Navy Veteran myself, I am proud to stand among this loyal group of individuals.
A few years ago, I was struggling with a service-connected disability. I was not sure who I could turn to for assistance. It was at a Joshua Eaton Elementary School Veterans Day celebration that I was introduced to Reading’s Certified Veterans Service Officer (VSO), Will Valliere. For those not familiar with a VSO, it is an individual trained and accredited to help veterans, their dependents, and survivors find, apply for, and manage federal, state, and military benefits at no cost. They assist with writing, submitting, tracking, and appealing VA disability, compensation, pension, healthcare, and survivor claims.
In the eyes of many of us in town, Will Villiere is a true unsung hero. His commitment to serving our country and others is unsurpassed. Will served 32 years in the military, retiring from the Army at the rank of Command Master Sargent. As if 32 years of service to our country was not enough, becoming a Veterans Service Officer meant he was willing to continue serving his fellow veterans to obtain the benefits to which they were entitled. Will personifies what it means to serve.
If not helping a fellow veteran submit a claim to the VA, he is helping to coordinate the care of a dying veteran. He assists veterans’ widows in obtaining benefits upon the death of a spouse. He meets monthly with the many veterans in town at the “Scuttlebutt” meetings, keeping veterans up to date on VA issues, and offers educational programs on a multitude of topics. He helps officiate church services for a fallen veteran, and speaks at many events around town in support of veteran services. The multitude of services and activities in which he is involved are too long to list but please know Will is there if you need him.
I know I speak for others when I say Will Villiere is an unsung hero in the town of Reading. I am happy to introduce Will to all of you who are unfamiliar with the Town of Reading’s Veterans Officer. His advocacy for others and his dedication to veterans unmatched. Will epitomizes the word “service.” We are lucky to have a man like Will Villiere in our town. Thank you, Will, for all you do! You are a true hero! My thanks to all our Veterans!
Steve Adams
