September 21st marked the three year anniversary of the UVA Veterans Residence in Pittsfield, MA.

Special guests included: Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Honorable Gordon H. Mansfield; U.S. Housing and Urban Development Regional Director, Taylor Caswell; Berkshire County Sheriff, Carmen C. Massimiano Jr.; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Director of Homeless Veterans Affairs, Peter Dougherty, and Director of Leeds VAMC, Mary A. Dowling.

The celebration kicked off at 10:00 A.M. with the Taconic High School Band from Pittsfield playing the National Anthem followed by a Presentation of Colors by the Berkshire County Sheriffs Department.

David Mintz, Esq., chair of the board of directors of the United Veterans of America, Inc., welcomed all attending, recognized the many public officials present for the event, and introduced John F. Downing, President/CEO of the United Veterans of America, Inc.

The United Veterans of America, Inc. honored two veterans the UVA Local Hero Volunteer Award. An award given to a male and female veteran that has displayed a compassion and willingness to serve other veterans in need.

James Canavan, Director of Housing and Business Development at the UVA, described plans for forty, low cost apartments for veterans to be built at the Pittsfield Veterans Residence. (More on Apartments)

Taylor Caswell (left), Regional Director of Housing and Urban Development, ensured veterans that the UVA and HUD are working together for better veteran housing accommodations.

Deputy Secretary US Department of Veteran Affairs, Honorable Gordon H. Mansfield, presented the VA medical system and the VA's mission to serve all the medical needs for veterans across America. Mr. Mansfield led a dedication of the Sgt. 1st Class Daniel H. Petithory Greenhouse, in honor of Sgt. Petithory and his service in Afghanistan.

The event concluded with a meal provided by the veterans from the UVA's Pittsfield Residence.

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