On Friday, September 12, Senator John Velis received a Quilt of Valor for his service to our country and contributions to veteran relief, including securing funding for the rebuilding of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, Mass. The presentation took place on the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) grounds at Storrowton Village Gazebo on the first day of The Big E.
Attendees included Theresa Perrault, Mass. State Coordinator for the Quilts of Valor, and three other representatives of the pro-style graphics chapter of the Quilt of Valor Foundation of Charlton, Mass.; Mayor Christopher Johnson of Agawam, Mass.; Mayor William Reichelt of West Springfield, Mass.; West Springfield Chief of Police, Jay Gearing, and staff; ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy, and staff; and the senator’s friends and family, including his wife, Emily, and son, Carson.
Of Velis’ commitment to veterans, Johnson said, “[He] is a steadfast advocate for our veterans, and his work on behalf of Agawam’s veteran community reflects a deep and personal commitment to service. From securing vital resources for local programs to ensuring access to mental health and housing support, Senator Velis consistently goes above and beyond. His own military service brings authenticity to his advocacy, and his dedication has made a lasting impact on the lives of those who have served. The Quilt of Valor is a fitting tribute to a leader who honors veterans not just in words but through meaningful, lasting action.”
Senator Velis was born in Westfield, Mass., to Susan and Jim Velis. He is one of three children; he has a brother named Adam and sister Jennifer. Velis attended Westfield High School and graduated in 1998. He attended Roxbury Community College then graduated from the University of South Florida in 2004 with Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He continued his education at Suffolk University Law School in 2008 when he earned his Juris Doctor (JD).
Velis practiced law with his uncle for a spell before securing an internship at the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts Treasurer's Office. During President George W. Bush’s term, Velis interned at the White House.
He enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 2011 and is currently servicing in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps as part of the 3rd Legal Operations Detachment. While on active duty in Afghanistan, Velis participated in the War in Afghanistan’s Operation Enduring Freedom and taught the Rule of Law to tribal leaders. He also brought warring parties together to achieve peaceful solutions, overseeing all International Security Assistance Force-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (ISAF-NATO) Rule of Law efforts throughout the Zabul Province in the war-torn nation. Velis served a total of two tours in Afghanistan.
From 2014-2020, he served in the House of Representatives and represented the 4th Hampden District. In August of 2017, Velis was sent to South Korea for a month to participate in joint military training exercises with the U.S. Army and allies. On July 4, 2018, he was promoted to Major while on deployment in Afghanistan. Bronze Medal.
Velis has been a member of the Massachusetts Senate since 2020. He previously represented the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire Districts, which include his hometown of Westfield. He currently represents the Hampden and Hampshire Districts. He married his wife, Emily, in 2021 and the couple welcomed their son, Carson James Velis, in 2022.
During his time in the Senate, Velis has prioritized the needs of the communities he represents; through state budgets and other legislation, he has secured millions in funding and bonds for infrastructure projects throughout his district. He is the chairman of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use & Recovery. In the 2021—2022 legislative session, he helped usher Mental Health ABC 2.0 into law, which is a monumental piece of legislation that ensures a mental health wellness exam for every resident.
For the past two sessions, Velis has served as chairman of the Joint Committee on Veteran & Federal Affairs. He spearheaded the passage of a $400 million bond bill for the construction of a reimagined Soldier’s Home and led efforts to prevent the closure of the Leeds VA Medical Center in Northampton, Mass. Velis also authored the SPEED Act, which has been hailed as this generation’s most impactful bill for veterans and their families.
Within West Springfield, Velis makes a point to attend community events and holds regular office hours at the West Springfield Council on Aging to engage with constituents. He has worked to increase access to services like MassHealth, transportation and affordable housing for seniors. He collaborated with the Hampden and Hampshire County District Attorneys to prevent the financial exploitation of older adults in response to the public’s growing concern with elder abuse cases. The Council on Aging also received funding for a new transportation vehicle that aids the center to provide rides for medical appointments and grocery shopping.
Velis sponsored numerous bills to address local needs, including legislation to expand high school students’ access to industry-recognized credentials and the establishment of an elementary and secondary school robotics program. West Springfield was granted earmark funding for its 250th anniversary celebration, which afforded the town picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles and updates to the historical fountain in the town common. Additional funding was provided for the town’s master plan study.
“We are very proud of your service,” said Perrault. “We want to say thank you and welcome home to you. We wrap the veteran in the quilt for a sense of comfort and kindness, to remind you that you are safe. It is a privilege to serve, honor and comfort you. Though we may never know the depth of your sacrifice, let this be a gesture of gratitude from a grateful nation.”
“Thank you so much, this is too kind,” said Velis. “I did not expect this at all today, but I’m touched.” He invited his son to the stage to receive the quilt with him.
Eastern States Exposition and the Quilt of Valor Foundation thank Senator John Velis for his fortitude through his years of service and continued support to the veteran community.