House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North
Reading) has appointed Representative David F. DeCoste (R-Norwell) as his
designee to the Massachusetts Post-Deployment Commission, which will develop
recommendations for programs to assist the state’s service members as they
transition to civilian life after deployment.
The Commission will study the barriers facing military
personnel returning from deployment and identify ways the state can better
assist these veterans with accessing education, employment, healthcare, housing
and other services. The Commission will
also develop recommendations for providing mental health counseling services to
returning veterans for treating post-traumatic stress injuries, and improving
communication between mental health support services and veterans who may
benefit from these services.
Representative DeCoste is a 22-year veteran of the United
States Army, where he achieved the rank of Major. He currently serves on the Joint Committee on
Veterans and Federal Affairs, as well as the Joint Committees on Housing and
Public Service.
“Veterans transitioning back to civilian life often face
significant barriers when trying to secure housing or a job,” said
Representative Jones. “With his
extensive military background, Representative DeCoste understands the many
challenges facing our returning service members. I am confident he will use
this expertise to help the Commission identify the most effective ways to
improve the delivery of services to our veterans.”
Representative DeCoste is one of six legislators serving on
the Commission, which will be chaired by Secretary of Veterans Services
Francisco A. Ureña and include representatives from several of the state’s
executive agencies. In addition to Major
General Gary W. Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National
Guard, the Commission will also include representatives of three
Massachusetts-based veterans organizations: Leroy Ashwood, President & CEO
of Brave for Veterans, Inc. of Norwood; Sharon Tracy, Executive Director of
Quabbin Mediation, Inc. of Orange; and John Downing, CEO & President of Soldier
On, Inc., which has offices in Leeds and Pittsfield.
The Massachusetts Post-Deployment Commission was created by the Legislature as part of An Act relative to housing, operations, military service, and enrichment, also known as the HOME Act, which Governor Charlie Baker signed into law on July 14.
The Massachusetts Post-Deployment Commission was created by the Legislature as part of An Act relative to housing, operations, military service, and enrichment, also known as the HOME Act, which Governor Charlie Baker signed into law on July 14.
The Commission is scheduled to file a report containing its
findings and recommendations with the Legislature by September 17, 2017.
Representative DeCoste represents the 5th Plymouth District,
which is comprised of the towns of Hanover, Norwell and Rockland.
