(File Photograph.)
In preparation for Veteran’s Day, the Haverhill Rotary Club is paying tribute to local veterans who volunteer for their community.
The Rotary Club is holding its third annual Veteran’s Day Awards Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 8, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Haverhill Country Club.
The event is focused around handing out various Veteran’s Service Awards to active or retired military personnel from the local community who have a demonstrated history of volunteerism within the Haverhill area. Event co-chair Megan Shea tells WHAV 13 people have already been nominated, and more are expected. Shea says that the awards nominees can expect revolve around their individual volunteer work, such as assisting other veterans or advocating for veterans’ services. She says veterans can never get enough recognition and that the volunteer work of these veterans has a lot in common with Rotary Club International.
“One of the mottos of Rotary Club International is ‘Service Above Self. And, obviously, these individuals are really an example of service about self,” Shea said.
The event is also featuring a keynote speaker, Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs Francisco A. Ureña. Ureña enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps directly after high school, taking on Diplomatic Security assignments with the Department of State and serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom during his eight years in the military. He also served as a Veterans Service Officer in Lawrence and Boston prior to becoming the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs. Shea says that he done great work to help veterans transition back into civilian life.
“He has a great commitment to veterans and making sure that his department does all they can to support veterans and give them the services that will help them move from military service to community and personal service in the community,” Shea said.
Tickets for the event are $25. Proceeds from last year’s event benefitted charitable causes related to veterans’ interests and needs. Amongst them was Rebuilding Together, which fielded a team of members from the Haverhill Rotary Club to complete a home repair project to improve the conditions of a veterans’ home.