Helping our Veterans

Helping others is something that Ted Mulvehill and Martha Buckley know how to do extremely well. The two have been working together in the Veteran’s Services Office in the Norwood Town Hall for about two decades, and each day they deliver assistance to our towns veterans. This help comes in many forms, such as medical care, grave markers, and vocational and educational opportunities.
Over the past few years there have been a great many changes in the office. When Mulvehill first came on board in 2000 he began working with the department secretary Martha Buckley. It was a time of peace when Mulvehill first began, but he states that “September 11, 2001 changed everything”. The offices’ caseload began to substantially increase due to wartime status, and he worked alongside Buckley to meet the needs of every new and old veteran.
In Norwood alone, there are roughly 2,500 citizens that are eligible for the benefits of Veteran’s Services, says Mulvehill. About 1,250 of those are actual veterans, while the rest are family members. It is therefore fitting that the office motto is taken from Abraham Lincoln- “to care for him who has borne the battle, and his widow, and his orphan”.
As the Fourth of July approaches, it provides the perfect opportunity to remember and thank those aforementioned veterans- as well as shed light on those who help them.
The Fourth of July commemorates The United States separation from Great Britain and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence- but it is also a day to celebrate freedom, and all the liberties given to Americans everywhere. Our veterans have kept this country safe for 241 long years. So, on a day that honors freedom- it is fitting to honor those who have continuously preserved that freedom.
With the concept of reflection and change, it should be noted that Buckley retired this year after 51 years of service. 27 of those years dedicated to Veteran’s Services. Although Buckley was not available for a quote, Mulvehill explained that Buckley’s job changed with the office. She transitioned from pencils to carbon paper and typewriters to the electronic age of email and printers and faxes, and she did it well. The duo worked together for 17 years and “she was an essential and effective part of our operations. She is missed”.
During this time of remembrance, it is nice to know that there is a place in our town that is continuously providing veterans and their families with the help they deserve.