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Council committee approves Mark Willette as Veterans Grave Officer
Summary
The City of Chicopee Human Resources Committee approved the mayoral appointment of Mark Willette to the Veterans Grave Officer through March 31, 2030. Willette described his local schooling and long military service; the committee closed public input and voted 4–0 (one member absent).
The City of Chicopee Human Resources Committee on May 14 approved the mayoral appointment of Mark Willette as a member of the Veterans Grave Officer through March 31, 2030.
Mark Willette told the committee he attended Holy Name School and Chicopee High School and served 35 years of active duty, including 31 years at Westover. He said he had discussed the volunteer position with the city’s veterans office before accepting the appointment.
The nomination was presented under Item 1 of the committee agenda. Councilor Abigail Arriaga moved to close public input; the motion, seconded by Councilor Gary Labrie, passed by roll call with Councilors Labrie, Arriaga, Goff and Pniak-Costello voting yes and Councilor Jerry Roy absent. The committee then moved to approve the appointment by roll call; the motion passed with the same tally.
Why it matters: The Veterans Grave Officer supports oversight of veterans’ burial records and related services; appointments to this role affect how veterans’ burial issues and cemetery records are handled locally. The committee’s approval sends the nomination to the council process (as applicable under Chicopee procedures).
Committee members questioned no additional matters on the record and heard no public comments on the nomination. The committee adjourned at 6:18 PM after taking routine business.
The meeting record does not specify additional details about the Veterans Grave Officer’s duties, compensation (if any), or any required oath or onboarding timeline.
