BOSTON — The following release was shared with WestfordCAT from the office of Rep. James Arciero for publication and distribution.
State Rep. James Arciero and Jason Main of Operation Camp recently joined Governor Maura Healey for the 12th Annual lighting of the Gold Star Christmas tree at the State House. Mr. Main, who served in the United States Navy for 26 years, is the founder of Operation Camp.
Inspired by the loss of many friends and fellow service personnel in the Iraq war, Jason and his wife founded Friends Never Forget in December 2010 which became ‘Operation Camp” in 2019.
The mission of Operation Camp is to raise funds to provide any child of a fallen military hero with a week of summer camp, at a camp of their choice, with the hopes of giving them at least some fun and enjoyment while dealing with one of the most tragic events that could befall a military family.
Mr. Main is the Veterans Service Officer for the Town of Leicester and is very active in advocacy for veterans, especially in the area of services, benefits and housing for veterans. Jason is a native of Westford and now lives with his wife and children in Shirley.
“It’s both a joyous and solemn event to recognize these special families whose members have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, secure and free. I know as a member of a military family the stress that parents and siblings can feel as their loved one’s service in harm’s way. During this holiday season, it is the least we can do to remember those brave men and women lost in war and show our support for th eons they have left behind,’ said Arciero, whose brother and brother-in-law served many tours of duty in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Joining Governor Healey was Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Secretary Jon Santiago and many legislators to welcome Gold Star families from across Massachusetts.
The large Christmas tree is decorated with star-shaped ornaments and many bright lights. Many of the other decorations are placed on the tree by the Gold Star families before the lighting in memory of their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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