Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Department of Veterans' Services Director Joseph DeCaro were honored to join with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Veteran Advocate Colonel (Ret.) Bob Notch, and the keynote speaker from the U.S. Navy and Agawam-native, Captain Jennifer McGuire Haveman, along with local officials and the Navy Office of Community Outreach to celebrate Navy Week in the Springfield and Connecticut River Valley region Wednesday at Springfield Technical Community College, the home the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
As part of the Connecticut River Valley Navy Week celebrations going on from September 22nd to September 28th, the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach, National Park Service, and the Massachusetts Office of the Veteran Advocate joined with us on Wednesday in Springfield for an official “Navy Week” proclamation ceremony.
Christian DiLuzio, the Office of the Veteran Advocate Western Regional Liaison, served as emcee for the ceremony. Our very own Songstress of Springfield and 2024 Springfield Museums Ubora Awardee Vanessa Ford performed the National Anthem. The Springfield High School of Science and Technology (SciTech) JROTC team joined and presented the colors. The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Drill Team also performed. Mayor Sarno presented a proclamation declaring Navy Week in the City of Springfield. Colonel Notch shared a Navy Week proclamation on behalf of Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. The National Park Service offered a guided tour of the Springfield Armory Historic Site following the ceremony.
Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) President John Cook, Superintendent of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site Kelly Fellner, Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt, representatives on behalf of State Senator Adam Gomez and State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, MA Office of the Veteran Advocate Chief of Staff Scott Pitta, Communications Officer Anthony Langone Jr., and Liaison to the Central region Paul Furbush II were all in attendance with many proud veterans and supporters.
Mayor Sarno stated, “What a proud moment to see Captain Jennifer McGuire Haveman return home here to Western Mass to share about her incredible journey with the US Navy, especially with Navy Medicine. Her story was so heartfelt and we deeply appreciate her being with us for Navy Week. Special thanks to the National Park Service, Colonel Bob Notch and the Massachusetts Office of the Veteran Advocate, the Western Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officer Association, Blue Star Families of New England, VOICE, and of course our dedicated Veterans Services team here in the City led by Joe DeCaro. I learned quite a bit today and am so grateful that the Navy Office of Community Outreach, all the sailors and personnel, along with their fleet and equipment, that are here to engage with our community. Godspeed and thank you for your service.”
This event was being held in collaboration with the U.S. Navy’s Office of Community Outreach, U.S. National Park Service, Massachusetts Office of the Veteran Advocate, City of Springfield, Western Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officer Association, Blue Star Families of New England, and VOICE.
Navy Week brings Sailors, naval capabilities, and mission insights directly to communities across America. Since 2005, more than 100 markets have participated, and this inaugural Navy Week in the Hartford–Springfield region aims to celebrate our shared heritage and the Navy’s 250- year journey.
The Springfield and Connecticut River Valley Navy Week will be uniquely anchored around The Big E — New England’s iconic multi-state fair — offering the Navy an opportunity to engage with thousands of visitors across the six-state region. With many events taking place throughout a region known for its innovation, education, and industry — Navy Week aims to build lasting partnerships in one of the Northeast’s most dynamic population centers.
For more details on Connecticut River Valley Navy Week, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/navy-weeks/
