Virtual Report Launch: Massachusetts Veteran Needs Assessment: During the Pandemic and Beyond

On February 9, 2021, the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) held a two-part event to launch the report Massachusetts Veteran Needs Assessment: During the Pandemic and Beyond, which was released in December 2020. The event was held as a CNAS webinar.

Nathalie Grogan presented findings from the needs assessment. Research findings included the landscape for veterans in Massachusetts across four life domains: health, housing, financial stability, and social support, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on veterans. The presentation of findings was followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from several veteran serving organizations in Massachusetts and nationwide. The panel discussion was moderated by Rosye Cloud, Director of Brighton Marine and hosted by CNAS MVS Research Associate Emma Moore.

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services Cheryl Poppe delivered keynote remarks at the launch of the panel discussion. Rep. Moulton sits on the House Armed Services Committee. He served in the Marine Corps with four tours of Iraq. Secretary Poppe was appointed the Secretary of Massachusetts Veterans Services in October 2020 and served for 30 years in the Massachusetts National Guard.

Panelists represented a variety of organizations:

• Michael Allard, COO of Home Base
• Michael Dwyer, President and CEO of Brighton Marine
• Meg Harrell, Chief Program Officer of the Bob Woodruff Foundation
• Pamela Johnson, Veteran and Military Family Program Manager at Goodwill Industries
• Kristy Kaufmann, Co-Founder and CEO of Code of Support

Listen:

Read the report: