Red, White & You: Honoring Massachusetts’ Military Heroes

Massachusetts has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Lt. Col. Marisol Chalas

Lt. Col. Marisol Chalas, the first Latina National Guard Black Hawk helicopter pilot, was honored at Seton Hall’s Ella Triunfa event for her groundbreaking achievements in military aviation. Chalas, who began her military career in 1990 and was commissioned as an officer in 2001, shared her journey of overcoming adversity, being the “first” and using education and perseverance to break barriers. A graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, she credited her high school physics teacher for inspiring her to pursue higher education and become a marine engineer. Now serving at Fort Knox, Kentucky, overseeing over 4,000 soldiers, Chalas continues to be a role model for young Latinas and service members alike. Her message to students was one of resilience: Setbacks are part of the journey, but determination and support can lead to success. Read more here.

2. Sgt. First Class Jared C. Monti

Sgt. First Class Jared C. Monti, a Raynham native and Medal of Honor recipient, was posthumously honored by the U.S. Army with the naming of a new state-of-the-art research facility in his name. Monti was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2006 while heroically attempting to rescue a fellow soldier under enemy fire, a sacrifice that earned him the nation’s highest military honor. His legacy has been commemorated through numerous memorials and inspired the award-winning country song “I Drive Your Truck,” written after his father shared how he kept his son's memory alive. The new Jared C. Monti Soldier and Squad Research Facility in Natick will focus on enhancing soldier performance and stands as a tribute to his courage and commitment. Read more here.

3. Jack McGlynn (1922-2016)

Jack McGlynn, a Medford native and World War II veteran, served in the U.S. Army's secretive "Ghost Army," a tactical deception unit that used inflatable tanks, sound effects and fake radio transmissions to mislead German forces. His efforts contributed to saving an estimated 35,000 lives during the war. For decades, McGlynn kept his service a secret, honoring his oath of silence until the mission was declassified. In March 2024, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, with his children accepting the honor on his behalf at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Read more here.

4. Jenna Dolan

Jenna Dolan, a trailblazing U.S. Marine Corps aviator, made history in 2003 as the first woman to fly the AV-8B Harrier in combat during the Iraq War, completing 121 combat missions. Inspired by her father, a Vietnam-era Marine pilot, Dolan pursued her aviation dreams from a young age, culminating in her graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996. After transitioning to civilian life, she joined General Electric in Massachusetts in 2009, where she applied her military leadership skills to roles in aviation and energy sectors. Recognized by First Lady Michelle Obama as a model for veterans entering the civilian workforce, Dolan continues to inspire, both as a Marine Corps Reserve colonel and a civilian pilot who performs at air shows. Read more here.

5. Captain Thomas G. Kelley

Captain Thomas G. Kelley, born in Boston in 1939, is a distinguished U.S. Navy veteran and Medal of Honor recipient recognized for his heroism during the Vietnam War. On June 15, 1969, while commanding River Assault Division 152, he led a mission to extract U.S. Army troops under heavy enemy fire in Kien Hoa Province. Despite sustaining severe head injuries from a rocket-propelled grenade, Kelley continued to direct his unit, ensuring the safety of his men and the mission's success. After retiring from a 30-year naval career, he served as Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services from 2003 to 2011, advocating for the welfare of veterans. In honor of his service, the U.S. Navy named a future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS Thomas G. Kelley (DDG-140), after him. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!