Serving Those Who Served

A Conversation with Belmont’s Veterans Services Officer

By Jeffrey North

In every community, veterans are our living connection to history, service, and sacrifice. In Belmont, the responsibility for ensuring these neighbors receive the benefits, care, and respect they have earned rests with the town’s veterans service officer. For this installment of Vision for a Better Belmont, we sat down with Bob Upton, who leads this initiative, to learn how Belmont supports its veterans, the challenges they face, and how all of us can contribute to building a stronger community for those who have served.

BCF

What led you to become Belmont’s veterans service officer (VSO), and how has your own background shaped your approach?

Upton

Eleven years ago, I had the opportunity to accept this role in Belmont to help veterans and their families learn about the benefits to which they are entitled. We at the town of Belmont, the MA Executive Office of Veterans Services, and the Massachusetts Veterans Advocate Office are eager to connect them with these benefits.

In 1970, during the Vietnam War era, I enlisted in the Massachusetts Army National Guard with 10 of my buddies. In 1974, I went on active duty as a Massachusetts National Guard recruiter, serving for six years. During the following years as a member of the guard, I served in many roles, including chief noncommissioned officer  of the Massachusetts National Guard Family Program. I retired from the Massachusetts National Guard as a master sergeant with 28 years of service.

Upon retirement, I took on a full-time role as a Department of Defense contractor program specialist for the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, covering the tristate area of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. My main responsibilities included preparing guard and reserve soldiers and their families for potential mobilizations and active-duty call-ups.

My role as Belmont’s Veterans Service officer is, in many ways, a continuation of the duties I held in previous roles.

BCF

What does a typical day look like in your role, and what are some of the lesser-known parts of your work?

Upton

I get to meet with or speak with many of our Belmont veterans and their families to understand their needs, injuries, or illnesses, and connect them to the benefits they may be entitled to. It’s essential to help them explore the resources and the help available to them or their family members.

This is the case in every town. Every community has a VSO responsible for its own veterans. We will always offer support, information, and referral to all veterans wherever the need arises.

For example, I recently met with a 35-year-old resident of another town who was working on a local construction project in Belmont. Someone referred him to me for guidance. He had been injured while serving in the military, but he later learned that he had medical issues that he felt were service-connected. I spoke with him about the process of filing a Veterans Administration (VA) claim. I suggested that he reach out directly to his own community VSO and follow up by providing supporting medical documentation to support his claim.

BCF

About how many veterans live in Belmont, and what are their demographics—such as age groups or service eras?

Upton

Today, Belmont has just over 400 veterans who have served in each of our armed forces. Of those, 51 are women (remember, 10,000 nurses served in-country during the Vietnam War).

Most of our living Belmont veterans are of the Vietnam and Gulf War eras (Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm) and the War on Terror. We also have Korea-era and WWII-era veterans, although those older veterans are leaving us every day. The WWII and Korea veterans don’t ask for benefits; they will say, “leave the benefits for someone else.” The Vietnam era vets come in to seek help reluctantly. I have had so many instances where I’ve had to explain and strongly encourage them to consider filing for benefits.

BCF

What are some of the events or activities that help you in your role as the veterans service officer in Belmont?

Upton

Having served in this role as VSO, I have come to know and meet so many wonderful and supportive people who help me with this VSO responsibility. The local VFW, American Legion, and AMVETS leaders have been truly amazing and most helpful in introducing me to their members.

I know that I can count on so many within our leadership and staff employees of Belmont town government throughout the year, but especially when we plan for our recognition events and activities such as Veterans Day, National Purple Heart Day, and Memorial Day. The Cemetery Department and DPW staff have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that the burial grounds are well-maintained and groomed. I know that I can rely upon them for their full support. It truly is a community effort.    

BCF

What services, benefits, or assistance can local veterans and their families access through your office or outreach efforts?

Upton

Recently, the Veterans Services Office has been relocated to the Beech Street Center. I conduct interviews there, meet with veterans, or set appointments with clients in advance whenever possible. I encourage veterans or their family members to call my office with questions or inquiries at 617-993-2725.

We host a monthly coffee hour at the Beech Street Center, where we gather socially with 15 to 30 veteran attendees regularly. The regulars include a few World War II veterans, a few Korean War veterans, and some Vietnam War veterans. We have had two female veterans attend, and we hope that more will take the time to join us.

We don’t see many younger vets; however, they know we’re here. We’re making the effort to reach out to them directly and would really welcome their attendance. Understandably, the coffee hour takes place during work hours, which may not be practical for working-age veterans.

At these events, we learn about those who might need help. We encourage them to enroll in the VA health care system, obtain their VA card, and initiate the claim process if necessary. At times, a significant amount of paperwork or supporting documentation is required, but I am always happy to assist when possible.

Specific examples of direct assistance include legal, financial, housing, health care, and medical reimbursement services. Once a veteran or surviving spouse is deemed eligible, benefits are provided by the town through Chapter 115, our state’s benefits and safety net program.

Veterans and their families may access additional benefits and entitlements through the state and the VA, such as health care, disability compensation, hearing aids, eyeglasses, long-term care, burial assistance, and other available services.

BCF

How do you coordinate with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services, the VA, and nearby towns?

Upton

I attend monthly area VSO online or in-person meetings, quarterly regional meetings of the Northeast Veterans Services Officers Association, and annual meetings of the Massachusetts VSO Association. The VA offers many additional educational and training opportunities and regularly sends informational updates and newsletters.

BCF

What are the most pressing needs or challenges Belmont veterans face today?

Upton

Their needs vary, and they cover the full spectrum of needs, including medical and financial assistance, as well as referrals to other service providers. There has been a spike in the need for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) care for Vietnam-era vets, and many vets need medication cost reimbursement. Belmont vets might not qualify for some benefits based on financial eligibility, but their service-connected disability, if authorized by the VA, is covered. As a VSO, it’s important to build strong relationships and establish a level of trust necessary to facilitate the work of connecting veterans to their benefits.

  

BCF

Are there programs or benefits you wish more veterans knew about or used?

Upton

There are numerous resources offered by the state and the VA at the federal level. Our coffee hour is a great on-ramp or a good way for veterans to come and learn more. Although many of the needs of veterans are common to many, there are those needs that are specific to the individual. I encourage veterans to contact me directly.

BCF

If you could wave a magic wand, what would you most like to add or change in Belmont’s Veterans Services?

Upton

The ability to reach more vets, raise the awareness of the vet community, and find more ways to show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice. I am always looking for volunteers to help support this effort.

One example of veterans helping or recognizing other veterans is that of a very special out-of-towner—a Vietnam-era veteran who came to me to ask if he could help identify all the veterans buried in our Grove Street and Highland Meadow Cemeteries.

Of course, we already have that database to start the process, but it was a great offer to provide this help!

This gentleman voluntarily spent a significant amount of time cataloging, identifying, and photographing every service member’s gravesite. He then uploaded all this detailed information, along with the photographs, to FindaGrave.com so that families can visit and honor their loved ones.

BCF

How can schools, youth groups, or civic organizations connect more meaningfully with veterans?

Upton

All of our Belmont schools, and the Belmont Hill School, support our veteran community. Patriotic music programs held at Belmont’s elementary schools during the holidays are well-attended and greatly appreciated by our veterans. Some have even said it makes them feel like “rock stars”! The very talented B-Flats choral group from Belmont Hill School performs annually at our Memorial Day Breakfast at the Beech Street Center.

Every year, leading up to the Memorial Day holiday, Belmont High School student-athletes help place more than 2,500 US flags on the gravesites of our community’s fallen heroes. It’s a long-held tradition and a tribute to the sacrifices made by so many.

In 2024, the Belmont Hill School established its very own Veterans Club. They came to me to ask for my help and to ask how they could support our veterans. This small group of students took it upon themselves to organize a 5K road race and raised over $5,000 in its very first year. They’ve already built relationships with both the Belmont Veterans Memorial Committee and VFW Post 1272 here in Belmont.

Belmont Scouting has always been a great supporter and participant in our programs to honor and appreciate veterans and their families. I have always enjoyed working with them and encourage them to reach out to me for more information about military service or Eagle Scout projects.

BCF

If you could share one message directly with the people of Belmont about veterans and their role in the community, what would it be?

Upton

I would strongly encourage more of our veterans or their family members to reach out to me directly. Only a very small percentage of the overall population has served in the military, but here in Belmont, I know that they are being honored and appreciated.

This is a well-supported 20-hour-per-week position, and I’ve learned how to work with others to get things done. It’s a great job, helping people. It’s very gratifying. It feels good to be able to do something worthwhile for people, for our veterans. We owe our veterans because they made and kept their commitment to us. They raised their right hand and took that oath to preserve, protect, and defend the American constitution. That’s a bond we all share as veterans, and we respect that here in Belmont.

For A Better Belmont

Belmont’s veterans are part of the fabric of our town—neighbors, friends, mentors, and quiet keepers of extraordinary stories. As Bob Upton reminds us, honoring their service means more than just ceremonial observances; it means ensuring that support is accessible, needs are heard, and contributions are valued every day. By learning more about the challenges veterans face and the resources available, each of us can play a role in creating a Belmont where those who served our nation feel fully at home.