Roberts served in the United States Army from 1964 until 1966 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist (SPC4/E-4). Throughout his distinguished career, SPC Roberts received numerous awards, decorations, and citations including, the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. Additionally, SPC Roberts has been a steadfast activist in our community, volunteering his time with numerous organizations and activities including, but not limited to, serving as the current President of the Springfield Golden Agers, Secretary of the Sixteen Acres Civic Association, volunteer for school events at Springfield International Charter School, and working as a poll worker with the Springfield Election Commission.
SPC Roberts retired as a School Administrator with the Springfield Public Schools after 42 years of dedicated service to our students, staff and families. SPC Roberts also served as a former Foster Parent with the Department of Social Services for more than 20 years. He is very active with the American Legion Post 277 serving as the current County Chaplain and was the past Post Commander, past Hampden County Commander, past State Historian, past House Manager. He was also recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Agawam Veterans Cemetery.
Mayor Sarno states, “The City of Springfield has a long and proud tradition of acknowledging and honoring our Veterans. I believe it is important to continue to honor our Veterans who have honorably served our great Nation. I want to thank our Director of Veterans’ Services Tom Belton, Veterans Activities Committee Chairman Bill Walls, Veterans’ Services Deputy Director Joe DeCaro and all of the members of our Veterans Activities Committee for their efforts on making this event possible. Congratulations and thank you to SPC Donald Roberts for your service to our Nation, the Commonwealth and the City of Springfield. I had the distinct pleasure to be one of Mr. Roberts students at Kiley Middle School and I cannot think of anyone more caring and deserving of this acknowledgement. On behalf of the residents of our great City of Springfield we wish you good health and continued success.”
“America is still the greatest Nation on Earth,” Mayor Sarno continued. “We are the beacon of democracy, strength and opportunity, thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of our proud Veterans, like SPC Roberts, and their families. God Bless the United States of America and God Bless our Veterans.”
The City of Springfield and the Veterans Activities Committee will be holding the annual Veterans Day parade this year. The parade will kick off at 11:00 am at Springfield Technical Community College and march down to City Hall for a ceremony.
“I am looking forward to marching with our Veterans, families and officials and I want to encourage all of our residents, who are able, to come down and celebrate and acknowledge all of our proud Veterans this Thursday as we once again hold our annual Veterans Day parade and honor the legacy of all those who have served our Country,” Mayor Sarno said.
Members of the Central High School Air Force JROTC presented the Colors during the ceremony led by Chief Master Sergeant William Butman.
