North Shore Veterans Counseling Services, Inc., serving 35 cities and towns north of Boston, would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Sen. Frederick Berry and his staff for the restoration of our funding in the new state budget.

NSVCS was excluded from the House budget and faced the prospect of having to close its doors, leaving many veterans and their family members without the services we offer. Sen. Berry filed an amendment so that we could be included in the Fiscal Year 2008 budget.

It is refreshing to know that our elected officials really stand up and take the time and effort to hear the concerns of a small nonprofit, whose only mission is to work with those who have served this country, whether it be in peacetime or in time of war. It is reassuring to know that there are officials who indeed care for the well-being of those who serve and have served.

I also want to thank the offices of Sen. Thomas McGee, and state Reps. Brad Hill, Mary Grant and Anthony Verga for their support of this organization throughout the years.

God bless our elected officials and the tasks that they face every day. God bless our troops and God bless every single American veteran for the valuable service they have given to this country.

LYNN M. MORAN, Executive Director
North Shore Veterans Counseling Services, Inc.
Beverly