Sen. DiDomenico honors Ron Keohan at 2nd annual Statewide Military Appreciation Day

Special to The Advocate

Senator Sal DiDomenico proudly honored Everett’s Ronald Keohan at the second annual Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House’s historic House Chamber. DiDomenico also congratulated Corinne Beckett, of Chelsea, on her nomination, which she received from Rep. Judith Garcia.

“These brave Veterans’ contributions reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication of our local military community, and I was proud to honor my friend Ron Keohan for his distinguished service to our city, state and country. It was also a pleasure to congratulate Corinne Beckett and celebrate them both at this wonderful event,” said Senator DiDomenico. “We should always remember the sacrifice and valor of our heroes, and ensure that they receive everything they need and deserve from our Commonwealth”

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 and Senate President Karen Spilka and a keynote address by Brig. Gen. George “Chris” Hackler, who is 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 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 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.”

“As the daughter of a U.S. Navy veteran, my respect and gratitude for our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families runs deep,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “While we can never fully repay our debt, we can ensure the sacrifices of those have worn the uniform, and the families who have stood beside them, are remembered and recognized.”

The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by SGT Amy Fichera, 215th Army Band, Massachusetts Army 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.

Senator DiDomenico has been a proud supporter of the historic investments made during the Healey-Driscoll Administration to strengthen services, improve care and rebuild trust with the Veteran community across Massachusetts. Over the past three years, the state has:

• Transformed the Veterans Homes at 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.

View a full list of 2026 Military Appreciation Day honorees on Mass.gov. (Courtesy photos)