Other officials in attendance included, State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representatives Angelo Puppolo, Bud Williams and Orlando Ramos, City Council President Marcus Williams and Councilors Gumersindo Gomez, Sean Curran, Victor Davila, Jesse Lederman, Malo Brown, Justin Hurst, Tim Allen and Councilor-Elect Zaida Govan, Michelle Brown representing Congressman Richard Neal’s Office, Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt, Springfield College President Dr. John Cook and Springfield Thunderbirds Mascot Boomer. Members of the Central High School Air Force JROTC, High School of Commerce Army JROTC and the High School of Science & Technology Navy JROTC were also in attendance.
Mayor Sarno, the Department of Veterans Services and the Veterans Activities Committee are pleased to acknowledge this year’s 2021 Veteran of the Year – U.S. Army Veteran SPC Donald A. Roberts.
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 and I believe it is important to continue to honor our Veterans who have honorably served our great Nation. I want to thank our HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, Director of Veterans’ Services Tom Belton, Veterans Activities Committee Chairman Bill Walls – who is also the Elks Lodge #61 2021 Veteran of the Year too, Veterans’ Services Deputy Director Joe DeCaro and all of the members of our Veterans Activities Committee for their efforts on making this event possible. We had a great parade and a wonderful turn out for the ceremony on the front steps of City Hall. I want to thank those who came out to cheer on and support our Veterans. Your continued support of our beloved Veterans is truly appreciated.”
“Again, congratulations and thank you to our Springfield 2021 Veteran of the Year SPC Donald Roberts for your service to our Nation, the Commonwealth and the City of Springfield,” Mayor Sarno continued. “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. America is still the greatest Nation on Earth. We are the beacon of democracy, strength and opportunity, thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of our proud Veterans and their families. God Bless the United States of America and God Bless our Veterans.”
