State Rep. James Arciero recently honored long-time Navy veteran and Littleton resident Doug Wood for Wood’s recent election as State Commander of The Massachusetts Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Wood was elected the VFW’s State Commander during the 101st State Convention held at the Doubletree Hilton in Leominster. Friends of Littleton Veterans later hosted a personal event for Wood, congratulating the long-time veteran who has advocated on behalf of veterans’ needs since the early 2000s.
“Doug Wood exemplifies exactly what veterans across the Commonwealth and our nation should aim to be: stalwart, humble and compassionate to fellow men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice by joining the military,” Arciero said. “Our veterans, and those who continue to serve, to uphold some of the most noble characteristics and qualities we can hold as Americans including integrity and honor.”
Wood, who joined the Navy in 1981, has served as the Adjutant of Westford Post 6539 — previously earning the District 15 Commander position in 2018. He has also served all department leadership positions within the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Massachusetts.
Mr. Wood’s 20-year naval career began in 1981 after finishing one academic year at Southeastern Massachusetts University.
After finishing Naval Nuclear Power School and joining the Nuclear Power Training Unit, he was ordered to USS Tinosa (SSN-606) where earned his Silver Dolphins — an official insignia for enlisted submarine personnel and one of the most prestigious awards in the Navy.
In 1986, he was assigned as an instructor to the Nuclear Power Training Unit, also completing the Engineering Watch Supervisor qualification during the process. Four years later, he was assigned to USS.
George Washington Carver (SSBN-656B), completing two strategic deterrent patrols. He earned the Strategic Patrol Pin during the process.
His next assignment was on the USS Philadelphia (SSN-690), where he served as the ship’s refueling supervisor during a one-year deployment. His following commands include Commissioning crew of the USS Seawolf (SSN-21), the Historic Ship Nautilus, and the USS Connecticut (SSN-22) before retiring in 2001.
Awards he earned during his Naval career include the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Medal and Arctic Service Medal.
“As a former member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, it is always an honor to recognize local heroes who have spent their life’s work protecting and serving our nation,” Arciero said. “I congratulate Doug on his noteworthy Naval career and his continued leadership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.”
