Haverhill Seeks New Veterans’ Service Officer as Buckley Gives Notice

Amanda Buckley, left, at her confirmation as veterans’ service officer. She appeared with Mayor James J. Fiorentini before the City Council. (WHAV News file photograph.)

Haverhill is advertising for a new veterans’ service officer.

Amanda Buckley, who has served in the role since January of last year, gave her notice when she learned her U.S. Marine fiancée is being transferred to another base, according to Shawn Regan, spokesman for Mayor James J. Fiorentini. Buckley, a former U.S. Marine captain and the first woman to hold the job, replaced Michael Ingham, who retired in 2018. She previously served as Haverhill’s solid waste and recycling coordinator and continues to serve as a member of Haverhill’s Vietnam Memorial Ad Hoc Commission. Committee Chairman Ralph T. Basiliere told WHAV he has witnessed Buckley’s resolve and dedication in both roles.

“Amanda Buckley was like a breath of fresh air. Her intellect and her empathy made her really the gold standard for veterans’ service officers. As a commissioner, she always saw something that I failed to see and she was instrumental in our success. The Commission is sad to see her go and we wish her and her family well,” Basiliere said.

Buckley’s last day on the job is May 29, Regan said.

A 2011 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Buckley was responsible for environmental and hazardous waste-related operations during her time in the Marines. Prior to coming to work for the City of Haverhill, she was an intern for the town of Georgetown and served as a military academic advisor at Southern New Hampshire University.

According to the job description, the post of veterans’ service officer pays between $50,000 and $60,000 annually. The job entails determining veteran eligibility for benefits through reviews of military discharge papers, Veteran Administration records and related documents; deciding the extent of financial need and the amount of aid to be given; counseling veterans and their families about available benefits; arranging for veteran burials; and related duties.

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