Rep. Stanley Honors Kelly Durkee-Erwin at 2nd Annual Statewide Military Appreciation Day

BOSTON – State Representative Tom Stanley proudly honored Kelly Durkee-Erwin of Waltham at the 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House’s historic House Chamber. 

Hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature, the event recognized the contributions of veterans, active-duty service members and military families from across Massachusetts. The ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, Veterans Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a keynote address by Brig. Gen. George ‘Chris’ Hackler, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and Senior Commander of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration created Military Appreciation Day in May 2025 to honor those who proudly serve both our country and communities. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community to be honored during the ceremony. This year’s 138 honorees were recognized and presented with an official Governor’s citation and a challenge coin in appreciation for their service.

“Military Appreciation Day is about recognizing the people across Massachusetts who step up to serve something bigger than themselves,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our veterans, service members and military families strengthen our communities every single day through their leadership, sacrifice and commitment to others. As an administration, we are committed to making Massachusetts the best state in the country for veterans and military families, from transforming care at our Veterans Homes to expanding services and support across the state. We are proud to honor this year’s recipients and grateful for all they have done, and continue to do, for Massachusetts and our country.”

“I’m proud to recognize Kelly Durkee-Erwin for her hard work both in the Waltham community and across Massachusetts to support veterans,” said Representative Thomas M. Stanley. “Her contributions reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication of our local military community, and I’m honored to celebrate her at this statewide event.” 

“It was an honor and a privilege to join the second annual Military Appreciation Day class of 2026,” said Kelly Durkee-Erwin, Nominee. “I was humbled by the sheer numbers of years of military service in the MA House chambers. To be able to sit in the Representatives' seat knowing that our early nation was shaped in that chamber, in the state where the first National Guard muster was held in 1636, was stunning. I'm just blessed to be able to work and volunteer in the service of Veterans, Military, and Families on a daily basis. Thank you to Representative Stanley for selecting me."

The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by SGT Amy Fichera, 215th Army Band, MA National Guard. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen. 

Military Appreciation Month observances conclude on Monday, May 25, with formal Memorial Day ceremonies at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries at Agawam and Winchendon.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made historic investments to strengthen services, improve care, and rebuild trust with the veteran community across Massachusetts.

Over the past three years, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has:

• Transformed the Veterans Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke, achieving full state and federal licensure, strengthening leadership, and improving quality of care.

• Increased staffing, implemented modern electronic medical records systems, and established new quality improvement programs to ensure better outcomes for veterans.

• Secured historic funding for the Veterans Homes, including unprecedented investments to support long-term sustainability and high-quality care.

• Launched the End Veteran Homelessness initiative, making the largest dedicated investment in state history to connect veterans with stable housing.

• Funded the construction for dozens of affordable units dedicated to veterans through partnerships with MassHousing.

• Enacted the HERO Act, delivering nation-leading benefits for veterans and military families, including expanded financial support and access to services

• Launched the Massachusetts Veteran Ready Business program, certifying employers committed to hiring veterans and connecting them to job fairs, hiring resources, and employment opportunities.

• Provided landmark grants to veteran community organizations, supporting mental health peer support and suicide prevention programs statewide.

• Expanded the Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (SAVE) program, strengthening peer outreach and ensuring equitable access to support across all regions of the state.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains committed to ensuring that every veteran in Massachusetts has access to the care, support, and opportunities they deserve.

View a full list of 2026 Military Appreciation Day honorees on Mass.gov.