Lowell Veterans Commission confirms chair, secretary and plans Fourth of July parade

LOWELL -- November 12, 2025, Lowell Veterans Commission formalizes leadership and maps out 2026 events. Paul Paradise was confirmed as chairperson and Michael Peoples as secretary by unanimous voice vote at the November 12 meeting, with the vice chair position held open pending fuller attendance. Simone Ratinayong, director of constituent services for Congresswoman Lori Trhan's office, told the commission that the ongoing partial federal government shutdown has furloughed most agency liaisons, leaving the VA, IRS, HUD, Social Security, and several other federal bodies temporarily unable to accept congressional inquiries, though the passport office and USCIS remain open with delays. Ratinayong noted that the Richard Star Act, which would allow medically retired veterans to collect both full military retirement pay and full VA disability benefits, is currently stalled in committee, with Trhan as a co-sponsor. Veteran Service Officer Eric Lamash reported collecting nearly 40 Coaches for Vets care packages containing jackets, gloves, and hats for distribution to veterans in need, and said the commission holds just over $6,000 in available funds following a donation from the now-disbanded Franco American organization.