23-05-2025
Granby resident honored during Military Appreciation Day at the State House in Boston
GRANBY, Mass. (WWLP) – Military Appreciation Day was held for the first time at the State House in Boston on Thursday.
The state's highest lawmakers and military members, and their families, gathered in the House Chambers to be recognized. To show the state's appreciation, 135 veterans received governor's citations after being nominated by local legislators, including retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Michael Joseph Slater of Granby.
First-ever Military Appreciation Day at the State House
Staff Sergeant Slater was honored by State Senator Jake Oliveira from the Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester District. In a news release sent to 22News from the Office of State Senator Jake Oliveira, Staff Sergeant Slater served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Combat Engineer with the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division. He earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Combat Action Badge.
Tasked with route clearance—identifying and neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to protect U.S. and allied forces—he routinely faced combat conditions that tested both skill and resolve. For his service, he earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Combat Action Badge.
Since Slater's military retirement, he has developed outreach programs and expanded access to vital resources for local veterans. He continues this work at the Springfield Vet Center, providing one-on-one support to those who have served.
'It was a moving ceremony and an important reminder that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off,' said Senator Oliveira. 'Staff Sergeant Slater represents the very best of our military community—not only through his heroism in combat, but also through his deep, ongoing commitment to veterans across Western Massachusetts.'
'I was proud to stand alongside Staff Sergeant Slater at the State House as we paid tribute not just to his service, but to his continued leadership and care for others,' Senator Oliveira said. 'This event reminded us that our military heroes walk among us every day, in our neighborhoods, our town halls, and our veterans' centers, and that they continue to serve long after their tours of duty end.'
Military celebrations and ceremonies will continue across the state through the weekend, and on Monday's Memorial Day.
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