A former U.S. Army officer with experience in military service and workforce development has been selected to lead Worcester’s efforts to serve veterans and their families.
City Manager Eric D. Batista recently appointed Bruce R. Mendelsohn as the city’s new director of veterans services. In the role, Mendelsohn oversees the Division of Veterans Services, which helps eligible veterans and their families obtain local, state and federal benefits while connecting them with community resources.
“I deeply appreciate the opportunity to continue serving my fellow veterans and look forward to working with them, their families, community organizations and city staff to ensure they get the recognition and assistance they earned,” Mendelsohn said in the city’s announcement.
In an interview with The Worcester Guardian, Mendelsohn said the position represents a full-circle moment in a career built around service.
“The symmetry of this role is an elegant bookend to my career: As a young Army Lieutenant, I was taught by my NCOs and higher-ranking officers how to take care of soldiers,” he said. “Decades later, I’m excited to embrace that role again—this time, applying knowledge, skills, and experience I gleaned in previous professional roles. It’s a huge responsibility and I have a lot to learn.”
Mendelsohn said his own military experience gives him a firsthand understanding of the challenges many veterans face after leaving active duty.
“Being a veteran, I understand the challenges many fellow veterans face—whether it’s transitioning from the military to civilian life, applying for and securing benefits from the VA and/or the Commonwealth, or understanding the wide range of services and benefits which we’re fortunate to be able to access,” he said. “I have a lot to learn—and fortunately, the department staff are experts and they’re helping me get up to speed.”
He added that, despite his leadership role, he is still learning.
“Most veterans will recognize the irony of my current predicament: I’m the ‘Leader’ but I’m also the Learner.”
The Division of Veterans Services administers Chapter 115 veterans’ benefits on behalf of the state, assists veterans with applications for local, state and federal benefits, provides referrals and advocates for veterans and their families seeking assistance. While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers federal healthcare, disability compensation and other benefits, the city’s office helps veterans navigate those systems and connect with additional state and local resources.
Batista said Mendelsohn’s background made him a strong choice to lead the department.
“Bruce’s commitment to public service and his military service make him exceptionally well-qualified to lead our Veterans Services Division,” Batista said in the announcement. “His leadership experience, dedication to community engagement, and passion for serving others will help ensure Worcester’s veterans and their families continue to receive the support and recognition they deserve.”
Looking ahead, Mendelsohn said one of the biggest challenges facing veterans is navigating the often-complicated systems that provide services and benefits.
“Beyond lifelong service-related health issues many of us face (issues which can be visible and invisible), veterans and their families or caregivers often get frustrated trying to navigate the policies, procedures, and systems that govern the allocation and distribution of services and benefits for which they may be eligible,” he said. “That said, City officials and most residents are very supportive of veterans and Veterans’ Services.”
He said his initial priorities align with City Manager Batista’s goal of increasing recognition of veterans throughout Worcester.
Among those priorities are increasing engagement with residents of all ages, particularly Worcester Public Schools students, at events honoring active-duty service members and veterans; repairing and maintaining the city’s veterans memorial squares; supporting the construction of new Purple Heart and Gold Star Families memorials on Worcester Common; and increasing the department’s visibility in neighborhoods where veterans live.
Mendelsohn was commissioned as a second lieutenant through Fordham University’s Army ROTC program in 1990. He served as a platoon leader with the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea and later as an executive officer with the 8th U.S. Army in Germany before being honorably discharged.
He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Airborne School, the 8th U.S. Army Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare School and the U.S. Army Adjutant General Officer Basic Course. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Vassar College and a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California.
Before joining the city, Mendelsohn worked for the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board.
As he begins his new role, Mendelsohn said he wants Worcester veterans and their families to know one thing.
“Any veteran or family member seeking help from our department will be heard and helped.”
Have a story tip, community concern, or insight to share? Email Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
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