City Council President Jesse Lederman and Councilors Kateri Walsh and Tim Allen, Frank Ott from the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, members of the Springfield Police Department and Springfield Facility Division were also in attendance.
Bill Walls, Chairman of the Springfield Veterans' Activities Committee served as the emcee, and the Springfield Central High School Air Force JROTC provided the posting of the colors.
Al Rodriguez served in the United States Army, earning the rifle-marksman badge and served as a Food Service Specialist being responsible for every aspect of food preparation, including administration, procurement, storage, and distribution for the personnel where he was stationed, which included the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) at Fort Bliss, Texas. Rodriguez is very proud of his service and takes great pride in our community events that honor, recognize and respect all of our veterans. Serving as the Municipal Group Coordinator for our Facilities Division, Al is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of City Hall, Symphony Hall and the Campanile Clock Tower. He also helps to coordinate all of the various and numerous events that are held here in City Hall. From flag raisings ceremonies, press conferences, and all of our numerous events that honor and commemorate our veterans, Al is always there behind the scenes doing all the onsite preparation work. In addition, Al’s community involvement is also near and dear to his heart. Along with his beautiful wife Jackie, Al served as the Rays of Hope co-chair for 2020-2021, helping to raise awareness and thousands of dollars for Breast Cancer. Al’s love for his country, our City of Springfield and the community is greatly appreciated and commendable.
Officer Francisco Luna served honorably in the United States Army as a Sergeant earning such medals and ribbons as the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon, just to name a few. Luna's commitment and devotion to our community and especially to our Springfield Police Department is truly appreciated by all. Of note, in April 2021, Officer Luna, along with two fellow officers, responded to a call for service and saved the life of a baby boy after performing CPR. For his actions, Luna was honored with the National Guardsman of the Year Award.
Mayor Sarno states, “Congratulations to Al Rodriguez and Officer Francisco Luna for being named this year's Veteran of the Year and Parade Marshall. The Veteran of the Year Award is given on an annual basis to a Springfield resident who is a veteran and continuously volunteers their personal time to better our community and never seeks recognition for the work they’ve done, and I can think of no one more deserving then our own Al Rodriguez. Officer Luna is proud of his service, having served our Country with distinction and also saving the life of a baby boy back in 2021 when responding to a call for service as a Springfield Police Officer. Congratulations to two well-deserving individuals. On behalf of the City of Springfield, the Veterans' Services Department and the Veterans' Activities Committee, we join with your family, friends and co-workers to thank you for your service and honor you as this year's Veteran of the Year and Veteran's Day Parade Marshall."
