Kevin Lambert

Kevin Lambert

Gov. Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray recently honored U.S. Army veteran and recently appointed Director of Special Populations for the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) Kevin Lambert.

Following a 16-month tour of duty in Iraq, in which he suffered multiple injuries that led to his medical discharge, Lambert, a U.S. Army specialist, chose to continue his call to service by assisting other veterans who make the often difficult transition back to civilian life.

“We are honoring Kevin for not only heroically serving our country but for returning home and graciously continuing that service to his fellow servicemen and women,” Patrick said.

 In his new role at DVS Lambert has pioneered multiple veterans’ outreach efforts that have received national recognition. His newest endeavor, known as the Statewide Homelessness and Reintegration Program (SHARP), focuses on peer support and outreach for veterans seeking assistance for a multitude of issues including, homelessness, substance abuse, judicial system issues and reentry from incarceration.

 As part of its mission, DVS works to secure federal compensation and other benefits for eligible veterans and administers needs-based benefits programs through veterans’ service officers across Massachusetts.