A New Era Begins for Veterans Services in Wayland

For the past 13 years, John Turchinetz has served as the face of Wayland veterans from his office at the Wayland Town Building and at various events throughout town.

On Aug. 16, his long-planned retirement begins. Knowing that Turchinetz planned to retire, Wayland applied some months ago to join the West Suburban Veteran’s District, in order to continue providing veterans' services to Wayland residents. Membership was granted and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services, and Wayland now joins Needham, Wellesley and Weston in the district.

The West Suburban Veteran's District now serves as Wayland's veterans' agent, with Stanley Spear serving as the full-time district director, Matthew Ching as part-time assistant director, and Pat Thompson providing administrative support.

"The District works independently and in accordance with state laws and regulations manages and participates in the administration of benefits available to eligible veterans and their dependents," according to an announcement on the Town of Wayland website. "All Veteran's Agents receive guidance and oversight by the Commonwealth's Secretary of Veterans' Services."

For the remainder of August, veterans' agent hours in Wayland will be weekly on Thursdays from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Beginning in September, the hours will change to weekly on Fridays from 9 a.m.-noon.