Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

The Martha’s Vineyard Veterans Transitional and Affordable Housing Committee, initiated by the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Veterans Services Program and facilitated by Dr. Robert Tankard, outreach worker/advocate and Tom Bennett, director of veteran services, are grateful that the town of Oak Bluffs has designated a parcel of land to build 12 units of housing for Island veterans. Community Services and the team wish to thank the town, who will soon be issuing an RFP to begin construction and operation of the units.

The Martha’s Vineyard Veterans Transitional and Affordable Housing Committee met for two years as they planned and advocated with cooperation from the town of Oak Bluffs to bring the purchase of land for the veterans housing project to fruition. Future community support of this most important initiative will be sought, is welcomed, and much needed.

Listed are the dedicated veterans and other community advocates who worked tirelessly for the past two years on this important project. Community Advocates: Jane Chandler (committee co-chair), Anita Botti and Margaret Stafursky. veteran advocates: David Berube (committee co-chair), Chaplin, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), United States Air Force (USAF); Tom Murphy, First Lieutenant, United States Army (USA); Benjamin Mayhew III, Specialist E-4, USA; James Bishop, Corporal, United States Marine Corps (USMC); Tom Smith, First Lieutenant, USA; Paul Schultz, Specialist E-4, USA; Bruce Montrose, Sergeant, USMC; Randy Dull, Sergeant, USA, (present VSO Director).

Dr. Robert Tankard, MVCS veterans outreach worker/advocate

Tom Bennett, MVCS director of veteran services