Senator Oliveira Honors Army Staff Sergeant Michael Joseph Slater at Inaugural Statewide Military Appreciation Day

BOSTON – Today, State Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) proudly honored retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Michael Joseph Slater of Granby as the inaugural honoree from the Hampden, Hampshire & Worcester District for the first-ever Military Appreciation Day held at the Massachusetts State House.  

The Commonwealth’s first annual Military Appreciation Day was hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS). Held in the historic House Chamber, the event brought together lawmakers, state officials, and community members to honor veterans, active-duty service members, and military families from across the state.  

“It was a moving ceremony and an important reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off,” said Senator Oliveira. “Staff Sergeant Slater represents the very best of our military community—not only through his heroism in combat, but also through his deep, ongoing commitment to veterans across Western Massachusetts.”  

Staff Sergeant Slater served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Combat Engineer with the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division. Tasked with route clearance—identifying and neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to protect U.S. and allied forces—he routinely faced combat conditions that tested both skill and resolve. For his service, he earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Combat Action Badge. 
 
After his military retirement, Slater dedicated himself to supporting fellow veterans. His leadership extended into municipal veterans’ services roles in Granby, South Hadley, and West Springfield, where he developed outreach programs and expanded access to vital resources for local veterans. He now continues this work at the Springfield Vet Center, providing one-on-one support to those who have served.  

“I was proud to stand alongside Staff Sergeant Slater at the State House as we paid tribute not just to his service, but to his continued leadership and care for others,” Senator Oliveira said. “This event reminded us that our military heroes walk among us every day, in our neighborhoods, our town halls, and our veterans’ centers, and that they continue to serve long after their tours of duty end.”  

Created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Military Appreciation Day was established to be a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state, and community leaders to honor those whose service might otherwise go unrecognized. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community—whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard, Reservist, or military spouse—to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals who exemplify commitment to service and community were recognized from districts across Massachusetts.  

The ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, and Senate President Karen Spilka, as well a keynote address by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.