As some of you have heard by now, Governor-Elect Baker has named a new Secretary of Veterans’ Services. I have great confidence that Boston Veteran Services Commissioner Francisco Urena will make a great Secretary and I wish him all the best. Over the last 8 years, DVS has done tremendous work transforming this agency and the way in which we deliver services to the men and women of Massachusetts who have proudly worn our Nation’s uniform and our Gold Star families. I remain extremely humbled by all of the hard work and professionalism of my staff, our providers and the thousands of veterans advocates with whom I work with on a daily basis. I also want to thank Governor Deval Patrick for his faith in me and his outstanding leadership on veterans issues. Also, I thank Secretary John Polanowicz has been a great leader, supporter and friend (you know that has to be true if I can say that many nice things about an Army guy!). As well as former Secretary Judyann Bigby for her support and friendship and all of my colleagues at EOHHS. I can confidently say that we lead the nation in veterans’ services and that is a direct reflection of my staff and all of you. I know that work will continue under Commissioner Urena’s leadership. The Commissioner is no stranger to DVS and as a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he has shown a true commitment to the veterans community both as a VSO for the City of Lawrence and in his role as Commissioner in Boston. He understands the issues we deal with on a daily basis and is well suited to ensuring we continue to lead the nation in veterans’ services (of course we will, he is a Marine Staff Sgt.) Being Secretary has been the 2nd greatest honor of my life (sorry, but the best job title I ever had or will have is Corporal, USMC - Ooh Rah!). I have made so many friends and come to appreciate all of you for your commitment, character and kindness. I will especially treasure those Gold Star Families who have welcomed me into their lives and will never forget that I and my family live in the greatest country in the world because of their sacrifices. It may be overused and sound cliche but I continued to be inspired by the words of President Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Thank you, Happy New Year and Semper FI! Coleman
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 18:52:17 +0000
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