After eight years of service, the Select Board gave a final salute to Veterans Agent Roy Oliveira, who will retire from his post at the end of the month.

Oliveira, who joined the town as its Veterans Agent in 2010, is stepping down to focus on family. Although he is leaving his office behind, he does hope to remain active in the town’s veterans community he has made a mission of helping.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve the veterans and their families in this community, and I hope I’ve served them well” Oliveira said, also thanking town employees, the Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly, and the Veterans Advisory Board for their work as well.

Oliveira noted his biggest accomplishment during his tenure was the establishment of Dartmouth’s Veterans Memorial Grove. A project six years in the making, it officially opened with a somber dedication ceremony last month.

“To me, that was the culmination of a career,” Select Board member David Tatelbaum noted. “That was a beautiful event, and it was most deserving monument put together there.”

He will miss serving Dartmouth and its citizens the most. He noted another proud achievement that stands out in his career is managing a program which provides financial assistance to military widows.

“When they come to pick up their checks a lot of people say ‘gee, I don’t know what I would’ve done without this’ and ‘this is a lifesaver,’” Oliveira said.

While he is ending his career with the town, he hopes to still be available to make an impact on the community.

“I hope to continue to support veterans in the community,” Oliveira said. “Any time you need anything, I’m just a phone call away.”

Select Board members presented Oliveira with a plaque commemorating his service, and shared their thoughts on how he has made an impact on the community.

“Taking care of our veterans is one of the most important things the community can do, and the world can do, and I know you’ve done very well,” said Select Board member Frank Gracie. “You’ve been a tremendous leader.”

Chairman Shawn McDonald noted everyone he’s talked to has nothing but positive things to say about Oliveira.

“Every time i talk to someone regarding the service they’ve gotten from Roy, its been nothing but the best,” McDonald said as he held the plaque before presenting it to Oliveria. “Its with a heavy heart that I do this.”