Description: Senator John C. Velis will be at the Library to reflect upon his two tours in Afghanistan following the one year anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

John is a Bronze star Army veteran and State Senator serving as the Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs in the Massachusetts Legislature. In 2013, John deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. While in Afghanistan, John oversaw all ISAF-NATO rule of law efforts throughout Zabul Provide. In 2018, John deployed again to Afghanistan to work on peace and reconciliation efforts, and to assist with Afghan elections. During his two tours in Afghanistan, John worked closely alongside Afghan guides and translators, and got to intimately know the Afghan people and their culture. When U.S. troops withdrew in August of 2021, and the Taliban returned to power, John worked to help evacuate Afghan allies and their families who were in danger.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Adult Services at 413-736-4561 x. 3.