Dear Friends:

This concludes our fifth full year of operation in support of the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke.

We have had another successful year in obtaining funds for projects and activities for the Veterans at the Home.  In this past year we were awarded funds from the MassMutal Community Fund of the United Way of Pioneer Valley for the Automated Urinalysis Reader - Technology Upgrade Program.  The funds helped replace a Urinalysis Reader that was in declining condition and was only semi-automated with a fully Automated piece of equipment, able to handle the increase volume in the Diagnostic Laboratory at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke.  Also, we have continued activities for the Quality of Life programs through the Community Development Block Grant.  We are very grateful for C.O.M.E.C.C. contributions by employees of the Soldiers' Home and other state employees as well as the CFC contributions by federal employees.

We will continue to seek funds for our Veterans.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and members of The Friends of the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, Inc., everyone who helped in any way and the staff support from the Soldiers' Home, we thank you.

Sincerely,




Frank J. Cackowski, President
Friends of the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, Inc.