The Town of Belchertown announced on April 10 the appointment of Dustin Ruby as its new Veterans Service Officer, following the departure of Charly Roque whose last day was March 12.
The appointment is significant for local veterans, as the Veterans Service Officer plays a key role in connecting former service members and their families with benefits and support. Steve Williams, Town Manager for Belchertown, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dustin Ruby to the Belchertown team. His impressive military background, hands-on experience helping veterans access the benefits they’ve earned, and deep commitment to community service make him an outstanding fit for this role. We are confident that Belchertown’s veteran community will be well served, and we look forward to the relationships he will build with our veterans and their families.”
Ruby is a United States Army National Guard veteran who has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and on stateside missions supporting Operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. He also worked as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan alongside Special Forces through the National Ground Intelligence Center.
Before joining Belchertown, Ruby was Deputy Director of Veterans Services for Chicopee. In that position he assisted veterans with state and federal benefits such as Chapter 115 programs and Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims. He is a federally accredited Veterans Service Officer and currently serves as President of the Western Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association.
Ruby has lived in Massachusetts with his wife and two children for more than eleven years. He expressed eagerness to serve local veterans and foster strong connections within the community.
Veterans or family members seeking assistance are encouraged to contact Ruby directly at the town’s office at 4 Berkshire Avenue after his official start date on April 17.
