Veterans Services Director Michael Ingham, second from left, receives citations and proclamations from City Councilors Michael S. McGonagle, Thomas J. Sullivan and Joseph J. Bevilacqua. (Alex Guittarr photograph for WHAV News.)
After 32 years of service to Haverhill and its veterans, Veterans Services Director Michael Ingham is retiring. He received accolades from Haverhill city councilors Tuesday.
Mayor James J. Fiorentini sent a message to the City Council, saying Ingham officially leaves Sept. 28, despite the mayor’s best efforts to convince him to stay. Fiorentini described Ingham as dedicated and passionate about the position, constantly reaching out to veterans and raising the level of service that veterans can expect.
The City Council took some time during the meeting to applaud Ingham for his efforts. Council Vice President Thomas J. Sullivan mentioned that the position was very near and dear to his heart, as his father had held the post in the past. Sullivan said Ingham has done a great job, despite limited pay and resources provided to his position, as well as the changing needs of veterans and challenges that meeting those needs provides.
Councilor Michael S. McGonagle described Ingham as being a friend to veterans and a great resource of information for them as well. McGonagle especially knows Ingham from their work in the Veterans Alliance of Greater Haverhill and how hard he worked to help veterans.
“Michael was one of the resources that we needed because he knew exactly what the need was from an agency on how to help the different veterans organizations throughout the city,” McGonagle said.
Councilor Joseph J. Bevilacqua described Ingham as diligent and thorough. However, he said Ingham’s most important quality was his ability to bring respect back to veterans. Recognizing Vietnam veterans were not always respected, he feels that people like Ingham have managed to turn that around and help people realize the importance of veterans. He said, “The fact that we’re able to sit here in this room is because of the fact that people like you, veterans here, and ones that were not able to come home took care of that issue for us.”