Chicopee Veteran of the Year Brian Belanger receives Charles H. Tracy award

May 30, 2023 | Lauren LeBel
llebel@thereminder.com

Brian Belanger was presented with a proclamation from Mayor John Vieau.
Reminder Publishing photo by Lauren LeBel

CHICOPEE — Prior to any Memorial Day programs in Chicopee, Veteran of the Year Brian Belanger was presented with the Charles H. Tracy Award on May 25.

Veterans, cadets, family and friends of Belanger gathered in the Chicopee City Hall auditorium for the ceremony which began with a presentation of the colors from the Chicopee High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. The national anthem was performed by Sydney Benoit.

Veterans Director Stephanie Shaw said, “Since this award ceremony started 15 years ago, we have been given the opportunity to recognize well deserved veterans for their commitment to the city of Chicopee and the veteran community.”

Shaw acknowledged past recipients of the Charles H. Tracy Award that were also in attendance.

“Often, veterans find the need to continue service once they come home and it’s only appropriate we continue to recognize them in their communities,” she said.

Jacqueline Lynch from the Chicopee Historical Society shared the history of Tracy. Tracy — a Chicopee native — was a soldier that was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1897 during the American Civil War for two acts of bravery.

Mayor John Vieau said Belanger was nominated for the award by three veterans associations.

“He’s a graduate from Chicopee High School, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1985 to 2007. He was deployed twice and is a veteran of Desert Storm/Desert Shield, having served abroad in the early 1990s and he was asked to leave his family once more in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom,” he said.

Vieau shared some of the many awards and recognitions Belanger has received over the years.

“But it wasn’t his service in the military that brings us here tonight, it’s his service to Chicopee,” he said, adding, “His dedication to the veterans of this city, their families and the associations is always [displayed] by his attendance at ceremonies, volunteering at the Veterans Home in Holyoke [and] monthly birthday parties.”

Vieau said Belanger has spearheaded many fundraisers including breast cancer research, Wreaths Across America and Salvation Army, to name a few.

“Just about any time anyone needs something, he always comes running … Eager to help and a smile on his face,” shared Vieau.

Vieau presented Belanger with a proclamation and he shared a few words Belanger thanked the American Legion Post 452 and said he could not do it without them. He also thanked those who nominated him, along with Shaw, for all her work in helping veterans.

Belanger went on to recognize his wife and children for being there for him.

“I’m honored to be the Charles H. Tracy award winner,” and look forward to serving as the Veteran of the Year, Belanger said.

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