Dartmouth veterans were honored for their service both in the military and at home during a special Veterans Breakfast. 

The breakfast, hosted by the Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly and State Rep. Chris Markey, on November 8, included a special Congressional honor to two veterans for their work in the community.

Joseph Toomey of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9059 and Steve Vieira of the American Legion Post 307, were presented with citations by U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, State Rep. Chris Markey, and Dartmouth Select Board Chair Stanley Mickelson.

The awards honored their work for veterans and the work that their respective organizations does in the community for veterans. 

“I really appreciate the work that is being done,” Keating said. “This is a great community that comes together to remember the people that sacrificed so much so that we could have moments like this.” 

Toomey used his moment at the podium after accepting the citation to highlight another major event to honor veterans: A re-dedication of Memorial Stadium scheduled for November 15 during halftime at the Dartmouth High football game. 

During the breakfast, and before veterans and their families, guest speakers including local and state politicians and active-duty military members spoke about what they do, and are doing, to help keep America and veterans safe. 

The keynote speaker, Lt. Jordan Ortiz, highlighted the U.S. Coast Guard, and its mission of protecting the region’s waterways and land assets like ports. 

Keating spoke of the work in Congress to help veterans who had not received the support they needed.

He noted work resources are coming to Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange at sea, and other risks like exposure to toxic burn pits and increasing support for veteran mental health issues is ongoing. 

“This remains probably one of the most heartwrenching things we’re dealing with,” Keating said. “Can you imagine every day our country on average, over 20 veterans commit suicide… we have to do everything we can to help them now.” 

State Rep. Chris Markey highlighted what is being done at the state level, including integrating veterans’ issues into healthcare education and higher education.