By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer
Photo/Vicki Greene
Marlborough – The city of Marlborough has recognized Michael A. Ferro as its 2019 Veteran of the Year. Ferro served in the National Guard from 1970 to 1978 and has been involved in countless city veteran services and activities for 35 years.
President of the Marlborough Veterans Council Richard Jenkins presented Ferro with a plaque at the May 6 City Council meeting. Council President Edward J. Clancy read a proclamation from Mayor Arthur G.Vigeant.
Ferro was a supply and transport specialist first stationed in Fort Jackson, S.C. He was honorably discharged in 1978 but hasn’t stopped working for his fellow veterans in the city of Marlborough. He served as commander for the Italian American War Veterans Post 45 and has been commander of the American Legion Post 132 for the last six years. Ferro served as president, treasurer and leader of the honor guard of the Marlborough Veterans Council over many years.
“We are here to recognize a man for his unselfish and many times, unseen devotion for helping others, especially in the veteran community,” Jenkins said. “Mike has never said no to a veteran in need. Many times, he’s generously given of his own resources of both time and money.”
One of the highlights of Ferro’s years of work with the city’s veteran community, while at the Veterans Council, was responsibility for facilitating the design, installation and helping with fundraising for the MIA-POW chair outside of the library.
Ferro humbly said he was surprised at the honor.
“I think the last award I got was in grammar school. This is amazing,” he said. “My hat goes off to my wife Christine who’s the real commander here.”
As Memorial Day approaches, Ferro said he always thinks of his father who served in World War II.
“I’ve been doing this work for a lot of years and I always think of him when I march in the parade,” he said.
Ferro also works with local funeral home directors to ensure all veterans receive military honors, gives veterans rides to the hospital when needed and visits grammar schools to share his experiences. Jenkins added that Ferro is “always present” during the flag decorating of graves around Memorial Day.
