Rep. Linda Dean Campbell (right) joined Gov. Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Francisco Urena at the Statehouse ceremony. (Courtesy photograph)
The Merrimack Valley’s own state Rep. Linda Dean Campbell won praise from veterans service officers across the state Wednesday at their association’s annual legislative luncheon held at the Boston Statehouse.
Methuen-based Campbell, who also represents Haverhill, received the Legislator of the Year award from the Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association during the event attended by Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Speaker Robert DeLeo and Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs Francisco Urena.
A 12-year Beacon Hill legislator, Campbell has long advocated for area veterans. A former paratrooper and intelligence officer who served in Germany, Campbell previously served on the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
Last fall, Campbell was among those at the Statehouse to encourage Baker to sign the BRAVE bill into law, creating support for veterans and their families including tax credits and educational opportunities.