Bruce Mendelsohn Shares Vision for Worcester Veterans Services: Benefits, Memorials & Community Support

Worcester Veterans: Help is Available

“Not all wounds are visible.”

By-Hank Stolz
Photo- submitted

Questions, Concerns, Opinions?

Worcester, MA-As Worcester’s new Director of Veterans Services, Bruce Mendelsohn has established three clear priorities that will guide the department’s work:

Promoting patriotism through recognition of veterans’ service
Delivering outstanding customer service to veterans and their families
Building stronger partnerships throughout the community

Together, those goals aim to ensure every veteran knows where to turn for assistance while also strengthening the city’s appreciation for military service.

“Not All Wounds Are Visible”

One of Mendelsohn’s strongest messages comes from personal experience.

A military veteran himself, he understands how difficult it can be to ask for help or navigate government benefit programs.

“It took more than 25 years to apply for my VA benefits, and that’s 25 years I missed out on these benefits and on the medical care from the VA, because it’s confusing and because my injuries are not visible. Not all wounds are visible.”

He hopes that sharing his own story will encourage other veterans to seek assistance sooner rather than waiting years to receive benefits they’ve earned through military service.

Helping Veterans Navigate Complex Benefits

The Worcester Veterans Services Division helps veterans and their families understand and access both federal and Massachusetts programs.

Services include:

VA disability claims
Chapter 115 state veterans’ benefits
Housing assistance
Employment resources
Behavioral health support
Family services
Referrals to community partners

For many veterans, understanding eligibility requirements and completing applications can feel overwhelming. The city’s Veterans Services Office works directly with veterans throughout that process.

Serving More Than 5,200 Worcester Veterans

Worcester is home to more than 5,200 veterans, representing generations of military service from Vietnam-era veterans to those who served after September 11.

Their needs vary widely, making collaboration essential.

The division works closely with organizations including:

Veterans Inc.
HUD-VASH
Project New Hope
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
State veterans’ agencies
Local nonprofit organizations

These partnerships allow veterans to receive comprehensive support beyond financial benefits alone.

Preserving Worcester’s Military History

Mendelsohn also wants residents to better understand the stories behind Worcester’s many military memorials.

He notes that thousands of people travel city streets every day without realizing the significance of their names.

“Some of your listeners may be driving right now on Gold Star Boulevard. They may not know that the Worcester City Council named that in tribute to the parents of service members who died in the line of duty while fighting for liberty and freedom.”

His office plans to catalogue, preserve, and maintain veterans’ memorials throughout Worcester while encouraging residents to report maintenance concerns through worcvs.org.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Civic Engagement

Beyond serving today’s veterans, Mendelsohn hopes to strengthen civic engagement among younger generations.

By sharing the stories of local veterans and preserving military history, he believes communities can foster greater appreciation for public service, sacrifice, and citizenship.

Connecting students with veterans and community organizations is expected to become an important part of the department’s outreach efforts.

Every Veteran Has Earned the Right to Ask for Help

One of Mendelsohn’s central messages is simple: Veterans should never hesitate to ask for assistance.

Whether someone served decades ago or recently left active duty, the Veterans Services Office exists to help connect them with benefits and services they have earned through their military service.

His advice is straightforward: don’t assume you don’t qualify—ask.