New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Board of Directors of the Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans Housing Program, Inc., better known locally as the Veterans Transition House (VTH), is pleased to announce the selection of Mrs. Priscilla Fonseca as the 2016 Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year. Mrs. Fonseca is the 21st recipient of this award.
Mrs. Fonseca entered military service in June, 1949. She served in the U.S. Air Force as a Corporal in the Supply Division, beginning in Denver CO, and eventually in Langley, VA. She served for two years, and was honorably discharged. She met her husband, Frank, while on leave in Virginia. They were married for 28 years, and she has 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
She moved back to New Bedford, and received her BA and MA degrees in History/Bicultural Studies from SMU/UMASS Dartmouth and taught for a number of years locally and also at the American School in Milan, Italy.
Mrs. Fonseca became a member of the DAV and The American Legion, becoming a Commander for District 9 and also a Chaplain. She has been hosting the local Veterans Advocate Program on Channel 18 for the past 18 years. She previously was the adjutant for the NB Veterans Council, and was a part of developing the Women’s Veterans Memorial at Ft. Tabor.
Mrs. Fonseca will receive the 2016 Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year Award at a special dinner presentation to be held at Rachel’s Lakeside at 6:00 pm, on November 10, 2016.
