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department leadership 2024-2025
JODY FREITAS
CHRISTINE TRON
JODY FREITAS
STATE COMMANDER
Jody Freitas originally enlisted in the Massachusetts Army National Guard during his senior year of high school in February 1992. He completed basic training and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. . After completion of Initial Entry Training he was assigned to the Carpentry Masonry Platoon of the 180t
STATE COMMANDER
Jody Freitas originally enlisted in the Massachusetts Army National Guard during his senior year of high school in February 1992. He completed basic training and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. . After completion of Initial Entry Training he was assigned to the Carpentry Masonry Platoon of the 180th Engineer Detachment at Camp Edwards. He left the army with an honorable discharge after his original enlistment was completed. After the September 11th terrorist attacks, he reenlisted with the 272nd Chemical Company out of Camp Curtis Guild. Once again he attended training at Fort Leonard Wood for reclassification as a Chemical Operations Specialist. In 2004 his unit was activated with the 42nd Infantry Division in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3. He served as a member of the 1st Decon Platoon from June 2004 until October 2005. Upon redeployment he remained a member of the 272nd Chemical Company and served as a member of the CERFP team as well as becoming a Biological Detection Specialist with a BIDS Identifier. He served in support of Border Patrol during Operation Jump Start and was discharged honorably in 2015 after a total of 15 years of service.
Mr. Freitas has been a member of the VFW since 2006 upon returning from deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3. As a member of Post 8349 he was elected to the position of Trustee. Upon moving to the central part of Massachusetts he transferred his membership and became a life member of Post 523. He was elected to the position of Post Quartermaster in 2013 and remained in that position until 2016. He was elected to the position of District Quartermaster in 2014 and remained in that position until 2017. In 2016 he was elected to the positions of Post Commander, and in 2017 to District Junior Vice Commander. He received an honorary appointment as National Aide de Camp in 2017. In 2018 he was elected as District Commander. He is also a member of the Military Order of the Cooties, a Life Member of the VFW National Home, and a Life member of the Disabled American Veterans
TROY HENKE
CHRISTINE TRON
JODY FREITAS
STATE SR VICE COMMANDER
Troy entered the US Army Reserve at 17 years of age during the summer of his Junior year, with the rank of PV2. He completed BCT at Fort Sill, OK. Subsequently returned home to graduate from St. Mary's High School in Westfield, class of 2001. Upon graduation he attended AIT at Aberdeen Proving Gr
STATE SR VICE COMMANDER
Troy entered the US Army Reserve at 17 years of age during the summer of his Junior year, with the rank of PV2. He completed BCT at Fort Sill, OK. Subsequently returned home to graduate from St. Mary's High School in Westfield, class of 2001. Upon graduation he attended AIT at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD where he became Army certified as a 52D; Power Generation, Equipment Repair, and Electric Supply. Troy moved to the State of Maine upon graduation from AIT and worked as a Corrections Officer for five years at the York County Jail in Alfred, ME. Troy deployed to the country of Paraguay for a medical mission in 2002. He was then activated in December 2003 for OIF II and deployed to FOB Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq with the 323rd Maint. Co. out of Devens, MA. for 12 months. Troy returned home in February 2005 and was discharged honorably in June 2008. Troy joined the VFW in 2016, becoming a life member of Post 872 in Southwick, MA. Troy has held many positions in the VFW to include Post Chairman, Surgeon, Chaplain, and Trustee. At the District level he served as Adjutant and two terms as Commander. He also serve as Post Chairman for PP/VOD/and Teachers Award. Served as District PP/VOD Chairman 2018-2019.State Inspector 2020-2021. Troy's
Greatest accomplishment at the Post level: Development and dedication of the Veterans Memorial Foyer at the Southwick Regional School.
Greatest District commander accomplishment: work on the Holyoke Soldiers Home Coalition and the passing of the Bond bill to reconstruct a new Home in Holyoke.
CHRISTINE TRON
CHRISTINE TRON
ERNEST CARRUTHERS
STATE JR VICE COMMANDER
State Surgeon Christine Tron earned her eligibility to the Veterans of Foreign Wars when she was deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, assigned mostly in the Enemy Prisoner of War camp on the Saudi-Iraqi border. During her three decades in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps, she was
STATE JR VICE COMMANDER
State Surgeon Christine Tron earned her eligibility to the Veterans of Foreign Wars when she was deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, assigned mostly in the Enemy Prisoner of War camp on the Saudi-Iraqi border. During her three decades in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps, she was awarded Primary Military Occupational Specialty 97B82SPL (Counterintelligence Agent, Instructor, Battle Staff NCO, Polish Language), Secondary MOS 97E5LCZ (Interrogator, Czech Language), and Additional MOS 98Z5O (Military Intelligence Career Management Field). Her Decorations and Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (1st OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1st OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3rd OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global war on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (w/”3” device), Army Service, Ribbon, and Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon. Christine has served in a wide variety of positions including leadership at the post and district levels including as commander in each, has been appointed to a number to state positions including VFW Home for Children, Patriot’s Pen Chair, Voice of Democracy Chair, VAVS Representative to Boston-Jamaica Plain, and Representative to Soldiers’ Home Chelsea. She is the recipient of many awards for her dedicated excellence to veterans including Deborah Samson Award, from U.S. House of Representatives, MA Senate (2), MA House of Representatives (5), Governor’s Citation, and State VAVS Volunteer of the Year (2). Christine views her opportunity to serve the Veterans of Foreign Wars as the state surgeon as an extension of her career as a volunteer to support our veterans, families, and the community.
ERNEST CARRUTHERS
ERNEST CARRUTHERS
ERNEST CARRUTHERS
STATE QUARTERMASTER
Ernest Carruthers enlisted in the United States Navy in the spring of 2003 and shipped off to the Navy’s only bootcamp at Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, IL. Upon successful completion of basic training, Ernest went to Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX for his initial A school where he learned t
STATE QUARTERMASTER
Ernest Carruthers enlisted in the United States Navy in the spring of 2003 and shipped off to the Navy’s only bootcamp at Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, IL. Upon successful completion of basic training, Ernest went to Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX for his initial A school where he learned the basics of law enforcement and anti-terrorism and force protection.
Upon successful completion of Master-at-Arms A School Ernest was assigned to his first duty station at Mobile Security Squadron Six, Detachment 26 which fell under Naval Coastal Warfare Group 2.
During his time at Det 26 Ernest served primarily on the boat teams, however in September 2005 Ernest and the rest of Det 26 reported to Port Hueneme, California where they met up with about 425 other sailors from across the fleet and stood up the first Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion. After a few days of processing they were all shipped to Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX where they would begin training in conducting detainee operations, land navigation, building searches, convoy training, etc.
After several months of training and a short visit home around Christmas Ernest arrived in Kuwait in early January 2006 for a few days of additional training and orientation. By the third week of January Ernest would arrive at Ft. Suse in the Kurdish region of Iraq, by way of FOB Warrior in Kirkuk. Ernest served on the QRF team at Suse. It was here that he earned his VFW eligibility.
Ernest returned to Norfolk, Virginia on September 27, 2006, 3 days after his second wedding anniversary, the second one he missed due to this deployment.
Ernest had a few other missions while assigned to Det 26. In March of 2007 his unit was tasked with providing pier side and waterside security for the commissioning of the USS New Orleans, an amphibious transport dock ship, in New Orleans.
His unit was also deployed aboard the USNS Comfort, a floating hospital and surgical center, to provide shipboard and water side security as the Comfort embarked on a several months long humanitarian mission to central and South America. It was aboard the Comfort on August 4, 2007 at 0 degrees latitude and 84 degrees west that Ernest and the rest of the pollywogs were initiated in a time honored tradition and became trusty Shellbacks.
Following his time at Det 26 Ernest transferred to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME where he served at the shipyard police department in a variety of roles as a section leading petty officer, installation traffic officer, training department leading petty officer, and the department supply officer. During his time at the shipyard, the shipyard successfully de-fueled the USS Hyman Rickover and refueled another Los Angeles class submarine. It was while stationed in Maine that Ernest and his wife Christine had their 2 children, Scott and Annabelle.
After his tour at the shipyard Ernest transferred to Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy where he finished his time up and separated from the Navy as a Petty Officer 2nd class to begin school at Suffolk University.
In the spring of 2015 Ernest graduated from Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. In the spring of 2016 he followed that up with a master’s degree in tax. In November of 2017 he became licensed by the Commonwealth as a Certified Public Accountant.
In 2014 Ernest joined the Franklin VFW and has served as the Post Quartermaster since the elections in 2015 earning All State and All American honors several times. Ernest has gone on to serve as a district junior and senior vice commander before 2 years as the district commander where he earned All American District Commander honors for 2020-2021 his final year as commander. He now serves the district as a trustee. He has received appointments at the state and national levels. Ernest is also a member of the Franklin Elks, the American Legion, an at large member of AmVets, a member of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, serves on the board of the O’Connell Valor Fund, and is an active member of the Franklin Veteran Council.
Ernest, his wife Christine, and their 2 kids have made Franklin their home since 2012.
DOUG WOOD
ERNEST CARRUTHERS
CRAIG DEOLD
STATE CHAPLAIN
PSC, Doug Wood was elected State Chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Massachusetts at its 103rd State Convention. Doug Wood joined the Navy in 1981 after completing 1 year at Southeastern Massachusetts University. Upon completion of Naval Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Power Training
STATE CHAPLAIN
PSC, Doug Wood was elected State Chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Massachusetts at its 103rd State Convention. Doug Wood joined the Navy in 1981 after completing 1 year at Southeastern Massachusetts University. Upon completion of Naval Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Power Training Unit, he was ordered to USS Tinosa (SSN-606) where earned his Silver Dolphins. In 1986, he was assigned as an instructor at the Nuclear Power Training Unit, also completing Engineering Watch Supervisor qualification. In 1990 he was assigned to USS George Washington Carver (SSBN-656B), completing 2 strategic deterrent patrols, earning the Strategic Deterrent Patrol Pin. His next assignment was USS Philadelphia (SSN-690). After making 1 deployment, the ship was sent for refueling, where he was the refueling supervisor. His following commands include Commissioning crew of USS Seawolf (SSN-21), Historic Ship Nautilus, and USS Connecticut (SSN-22). His awards include Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (5 Awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Medal, and Arctic Service Medal. He retired from the Navy in 2001. Doug joined VFW Post 4485, Somersworth, NH in 1992. He has served as a Post Adjutant, Judge Advocate, Quartermaster and Senior Vice Commander. He is currently the Adjutant of Westford Post 6539. He has served as District 15 Adjutant and District 15 Commander in 2017-18 where he was an All State District and Massachusetts District of the Year. Doug has served in all the department leadership positions. Doug reside in Littleton, MA.
CRAIG DEOLD
ERNEST CARRUTHERS
CRAIG DEOLD
STATE JUDGE ADVOCATE
Craig earned his commission through the US Army’s Early Commissioning Program at Valley Forge Military College in 1991. He served honorably in the USAR, as a Military Intelligence Officer, through 2010 with assignments in the 383rdMilitary Intelligence Company (TECHINT), US Army Japan(G-2), A Company,
STATE JUDGE ADVOCATE
Craig earned his commission through the US Army’s Early Commissioning Program at Valley Forge Military College in 1991. He served honorably in the USAR, as a Military Intelligence Officer, through 2010 with assignments in the 383rdMilitary Intelligence Company (TECHINT), US Army Japan(G-2), A Company, 325th Military Intelligence Battalion (BFSB), and the 3200nd Strategic Military Intelligence Detachment. Craig was activated and deployed in support of Operation Joint Forge to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1998-99 as a Team Leader ofthe Allied Military Intelligence Battalion’s Technical Intelligence Team, supporting the NATO/SFOR Weapons Storage Site Inspections. Craig was additionally activated and deployed in 2003-04 in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, assigned to the CENTAF Combined Air Operations Center’s Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance Division (A-2) as the Analysis, Correlation & Fusion Cell Chief. Based at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, he was further forward deployed to various locations throughout Iraq and Djibouti, coordinating intelligence operations with other governmental agencies and US and allied forces in the theater.
Craig joined the VFW in 1999 as a member of the Fair Lawn Memorial Post 281 (NJ) and served on the District 2 Color Guard. Craig became a Life Member in 2001. After his deployment in 2004, Craig was a member of the VFW Old Colony Post 1788, before joining the VFW Boston Police Post 1018. As a member of the Police Post, Craig has served in a myriad of positions, culminating with 5 years as the Post Commander, earning All-State honors four times and All-American honors three times, as well as being named the second ever national #StillServing Post of the Month in June 2021. Craig also has served as the District 5 Commander for 2 years, earning All State and All American District honors in his second year, as well as District of the Year, 2022-2023. At the Department level, Craig has served as the Loyalty Day Chairman, Patriots Pen Chairman, and the Voice of Democracy Chairman. He was named the Department Member of the Year for 2019-2020 and received State Commander’s Awards in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. Craig has received National appointments as National Aide de Camp (3x), National Assistant Inspector General, National Veterans Services Committee, and National Programs Committee. Additionally, Craig is a member of American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the Military Officers’ Association of America.
Craig and his wife, Laura, reside in South Boston, MA.
BILL LEBEAU
PATRICK LOGUE
PATRICK LOGUE
STATE ADJUTANT
Bill joined the US Army Reserves in July 1987 and graduated from the US Military Police School in December of that year and served eight years with the 344th MP CO 1st Plt. Based in Worcester MA. He deployed in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm in November 1990 until it's completion in May 1991 which
STATE ADJUTANT
Bill joined the US Army Reserves in July 1987 and graduated from the US Military Police School in December of that year and served eight years with the 344th MP CO 1st Plt. Based in Worcester MA. He deployed in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm in November 1990 until it's completion in May 1991 which earned him his VFW eligibility. During Desert Storm his unit was assigned to the 503rd MP Battalion out of Fort Bragg to assist with capturing and transporting POWs. Bill is currently the Commander of VFW Post 7556 in Rochdale, MA. He has an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, over 30 years of public safety experience, and is a former safety director for a large Massachusetts Trucking Company. He is a member of the American Legion Post 138 is Spencer MA and has sat on the board of directors for Project New Hope, a 501c3 nonprofit helping veterans since 2012. Bill has four children and four grandchildren
ERIC SEGUNDO
PATRICK LOGUE
JAMES MORRISSEY
NATIONAL COUNCIL
MEMBER 2021-25
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Eric moved to Massachusetts in 1999. In 2003 he enlisted in the United States Army where he served on active duty with the 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, in Fort Stewart, Georgia.
During his time in the United States Army, Eric serv
NATIONAL COUNCIL
MEMBER 2021-25
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Eric moved to Massachusetts in 1999. In 2003 he enlisted in the United States Army where he served on active duty with the 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, in Fort Stewart, Georgia.
During his time in the United States Army, Eric served as The Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the 3rd Sustainment Brigade Command Group and as the Administrative Assistant to the Brigade Command Sergeant Major and later to the Brigade Commander.
Eric deployed to Iraq in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2005 to January 2006.
Stationed in Taji, Iraq, Eric’s unit was part of a Personal Security Team for the brigade leadership. During his years of active service, Eric received numerous awards to include the Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
After leaving the military Eric continued his mission of service to our military members, veterans and their families, joining the VFW in 2009. Eric served in many elected and appointed positions at the local and state Level. He was elected the 1st Iraq War Veteran to serve as State Commander in 2017. Eric Achieved the high honor of All-American State Commander during his year, the first time since 1999. Eric is married to his wife Melanie, they have 2 children and 6 grandchildren
JAMES MORRISSEY
JAMES MORRISSEY
JAMES MORRISSEY
PAST STATE COMMANDER
James Morrissey joined the Navy after high school and spent a total of 10 years on active duty. His assignments included the USS Macdonough (DDG-39), NAWS Pt. Mugu, and the USS Independence CV-62. He attended aviation ordnance school and F-14 Armament school. Jim earned his VFW eligibility by recei
PAST STATE COMMANDER
James Morrissey joined the Navy after high school and spent a total of 10 years on active duty. His assignments included the USS Macdonough (DDG-39), NAWS Pt. Mugu, and the USS Independence CV-62. He attended aviation ordnance school and F-14 Armament school. Jim earned his VFW eligibility by receiving two Navy Expeditionary Medals and a Southwest Service Medal. He also received two good conduct medals, three Sea Service Ribbons, and two National Defense Service Medals. He is a life member of VFW Post 3264 in Mansfield, MA. Where he has served in various positions including Post Commander 2006-2014 earning all-state Post Commander and all State Quartermaster award. He was an All-American Post Quartermaster in 2017, and served as District Six Commander earning all-state District Commander in 2018-2019. Jim was elected Jr. Vice Commander at the Department Convention for 2021-22. Originally from Marshfield Jim lived in Wareham with his wife Beth.