Rep. Joe McGonagle was pleased to join the Hanscom Federal Credit Union Charitable Foundation and his colleagues to honor former Tuskegee Airman Brigadier General Woody Woodhouse as Emeritus Chair of the foundation in a ceremony at the State House. The event was emceed by Hanscom President and CEO Peter Rice, and featured remarks from McGonagle, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Massachusetts Executive Office of Veteran’s Service Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett and more who spoke of Woody’s incredible character and charisma. Many guests inquired about Woody’s secret to longevity, as he approaches his 100th birthday in January of 2027 and heard him tell stories of his time as a Black man entering the service.

“I have had the tremendous honor of getting to know Woody over the years,” said McGonagle. “He is an incredible man who has lived an incredible life and I never get tired of listening to his stories and absorbing his wisdom. He chose to fight for a country in a time where people like him were still discriminated against. Yet, he persevered. This ceremony is about showing Woody the impact he has on the veteran community and the Commonwealth as a whole.”

The Hanscom Federal Credit Union Charitable Foundation aims to empower financial readiness of military and veteran communities to support their overall wellness.