LUDLOW, Mass. — Bill Koss is a lifelong Ludlow resident. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis for four years in the 1960s. 

"I worked in the combat center," Koss said. "I was fortunate enough to be able to go on several test tops and F101 voodoo jets, and let me tell you, that's an experience. But I've made many, many fiends that I'm still in touch with in  the air force. and let me tell just a great experience."

Even as a retired veteran, Koss is still serving his community.

For the last decade, he has participated in the Ludlow Memorial Day Parade, working with the town's community television station to recognize the men and women who served.

"I was like the commenter," he said. "I have a script of everybody in the lineup for the parade, and I just give a little talk about each organization."

Koss said Ludlow has made great strides over the last few years to support veterans.

Including the town's first-ever stand alone veterans center which opened in late April.

As a veteran who has seen his share of loss during his service, he said it means a lot both veterans and non veterans can appreciate the sacrifices those who served have made.

"I've got a lot of friends that I've lost," he said. "That ended up in Vietnam and we were friends in South Carolina. But you don't have to be a veteran to realize what it means but it means a little bit more if you were a veteran."

For a look at services available at the new veterans center, you can visit our website.