The FireTeam answers VSO’s call once more and has major plans for Bridgewater
- Fire Team
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Bridgewater’s Veterans Service Officer, Greg Martin, has once again turned to Fire For Effect Foundation Inc for critical support—and once again, they answered without hesitation.
Previously, when Martin encountered a pressing need—a wheelchair-bound Vietnam veteran who could not reliably reach his medical team—he called on FFEF Inc. The organization stepped in and provided the necessary equipment to enable telehealth with doctors. That intervention didn’t just put devices in a home; it restored consistent access to care for a veteran who needed it most.
Now, Martin has called on FFEF Inc again. Drawing on the trust built during that first successful collaboration, The FireTeam rallied support, and FFEF Inc responded to Bridgewater’s VSO with the same urgency and focus.
In this instance, Bridgewater’s veterans community rallied to help 96-year-old Korean War veteran Mr. Levy cook safely from his wheelchair. After VSO Greg Martin saw that Mr. Levy’s range had hard-to-reach rear knobs—despite a mirror his daughter added to help—he visited D&L Appliance in East Bridgewater, where owner and Marine veteran Dave offered an ADA-compliant stove (retail $1,200) for $660 including delivery, installation, and haul-away. Greg then contacted Al Lacerda of the Fire for Effect Foundation and Dave Moore of Bridgewater’s Fellowship Masonic Lodge, who together covered the full balance. Launched on Tuesday, September 23, the effort delivered the new range by Friday, September 26—a swift, collaborative win for a local veteran, with thanks to Dave and Linda Tonioli (D&L Appliance), Dave Moore and the Fellowship Lodge, and the Fire for Effect Foundation.
The message is clear: when VSO Greg Martin calls, FFEF Inc shows up—with practical, immediate help that meets veterans where they are. "What Greg Martin has brought to the Town of Bridgewater is the leadership we have been looking for and to help solidify and maximize his reach and impact is something we will support 100% of the time" says FFEF President Al Lacerda.
This renewed partnership underscores a simple, proven pattern:
The VSO identifies a real, concrete need among local veterans.
The FireTeam connects the dots and amplifies the call.
FFEF Inc delivers targeted assistance—quickly and effectively.
Bridgewater’s veterans have seen first-hand what responsive support looks like. From enabling telehealth for a wheelchair-bound Vietnam veteran to answering Martin’s latest call, The FireTeam and FFEF Inc continue to demonstrate what it means to serve those who served.
What does the future hold? As the season winds down, the Bridgewater Farmers Market and Craft Fair is celebrating a hugely successful year, not only as a vibrant community hub but also as a significant economic driver for the town. This year, the market has been instrumental in attracting new businesses, generating substantial revenue through licenses, and providing crucial funding. These funds have directly supported vital community initiatives, including our ongoing efforts to assist veterans, sponsoring the local firefighters union golf tournament, and backing many other impactful projects that enrich Bridgewater. It's been a testament to how local commerce can directly fuel community well-being.
This year’s momentum—from a thriving Bridgewater Farmers Market and Craft Fair to strong
community partnerships—has done more than energize our town; it laid the foundation for a new initiative we’re proud to introduce: the Back to the Field program. Learn more By Clicking the Button below.
We’ve transformed our progress into a platform that empowers other nonprofits and youth organizations to partner with us and use what we’re building to fundraise for their own missions. This year, we proudly partnered with groups such as 7Line, Angels in America, the Bridgewater 4th of July Committee, and most recently Bridgewater Youth Soccer. Looking ahead, the Fire For Effect Foundation will expand this initiative—known as the Town River Landing project—in 2026. More details to come.
How do I get involved? We need motivated people to help us maximize our impact in the community. We are currently seeking motivated individuals to help expand our impact within the community and grow our initiatives. If you’re ready to take action and be part of something new, please reach out to us here: https://forms.gle/orhRfBahCtqCiCx67
Form more info on future plans click here:
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