New veteran services office opens in Springfield

A new veteran's office. A new veterans office is officially open for service in Springfield. And 22 News reporter Aretha Odaya joins us live in studio to detail this milestone for the city. That's right. Just last week, there was the completion of the new veterans home in Holyoke, marking a major milestone. Now, there is an office for veterans in Springfield to get the support and resources they need right in the heart of the city. 1550 Main Street, the 1550 Main Street building, is the new executive office for veteran services. It has a space to hold events as well as an array of services like financial benefits, employment and training, as well as women's services. City officials and veterans today gathering for the ribbon-cutting, sharing their connections and respect for those who have served. This really brings us an opportunity to have a fixed structure, open access for our veterans, their families and their loved ones, and now to have a beacon. Here in the center of the city is a real opportunity for us. The office has been in the making for over a year, and it's included as part of the executive office's operating budget for fiscal year 2027, costing about $52,000 a year. And the building is a 10-year lease, so it will be imprinted here in Springfield for years to come. Now, the veterans' office is open for residents Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Working for you, Aretha Odaya, 22 News.