Veterans Service Officer briefs selectmen on universal challenges ahead for the country and veterans community

By Mark E. Vogler

SAUGUS – New Veterans Service Officer Paul J. Cancelliere said he believes the more visible he and his office become in the community, the better job he will be able to do in serving the veterans of Saugus.

“I took this position because local troops asked me to apply for the role,” Cancelliere, a 25-year veteran infantry officer, told selectmen at last week’s meeting (July 19). “My connection to the Town of Saugus is the veterans and their families,” he said.

Cancelliere, a longtime Wakefield resident, is well-acquainted with Saugus veterans leaders and the veterans-related organizations in town. “I am familiar with many veterans’ organizations, including the Saugus Veterans Council, the VFW Post and the American Legion Post 298,” he said, noting that he is a member of the Saugus Veterans Council and attended a recent council meeting.

There are currently 19 Saugus veterans or family members receiving Chapter 115 benefits, according to Cancelliere. He is also reviewing 23 open cases with veterans seeking federal veterans benefits from the Veterans Administration.

“Since I arrived, I have answered 53 calls, 35 were on my personal cell phone as I still have not changed the voicemail on the phone at the desk,” he told selectmen.

In his brief speech, Cancelliere said he wanted to share “two simple facts about our military” so selectmen would understand the challenges: The first is that 77 percent of about two million students between 17 and 21 don’t not qualify to serve in the military. The major reasons include obesity, ill health or a medical condition; the use of narcotics, self-medication and illegal substances; poor academic performance in schools; a poor police record that disqualifies a prospect for a security clearance; lack of physical fitness, and tattoos and piercings.

“Many of these obstacles can be overcome by seeking a waiver,” Cancelliere said.

The second point that he wanted to emphasize is that 83 percent of the soldiers, sailors and airmen currently serving on active duty come from a military family – a situation he called “unsustainable.”

“These two points were shared by the Secretary of the Army, Christine E. Wormuth, to the members of the Military Officers Association of America in the summer of 2022,” Cancelliere said.

“This year our country celebrates the 50th anniversary of the All-Volunteer Force. Prior to 1973 troops were drafted into our military. Throughout American history just one percent of the American population have served in our military to defend our country,” he said.