Falmouth’s Allan Wilson Honored at Massachusetts State House for Military Appreciation Day

Boston — State Representative Thomas Moakley proudly honored Allan Wilson of Falmouth today during the first-ever Military Appreciation Day ceremony at the State House, paying tribute to his lifetime of service, resilience, and tireless dedication to the veteran community on Cape Cod and beyond. “I am honored to be recognized by State Representative Moakley and so proud to stand with the board members, advisory council, volunteers and citizens of Falmouth to honor, serve and connect veterans across the upper cape”, said Wilson.

Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state, and community leaders to honor those whose service might otherwise go unrecognized. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community—whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard, Reservist, or military spouse—to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals who exemplify commitment to service and community were recognized from districts across Massachusetts. 

Wilson began his military service in Houlton, Maine with the Army National Guard in 1968, training at a time when the United States was deeply engaged in the Vietnam War. Later assigned to an artillery unit in Virginia, Wilson trained on 105mm howitzers. His unit’s responsibilities went beyond traditional artillery work — they built critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges to ensure the swift and safe transport of arms in emergency situations. During one of these missions, Wilson suffered a devastating accident that resulted in the loss of part of his right hand. Wilson spent several months undergoing surgeries and recovery in Virginia, ultimately regaining the strength to continue serving. Following his service in Virginia, Wilson returned to Maine, where he was assigned to train fellow National Guard units in chemical and biological warfare. In 1974, he transferred to Enfield, Connecticut, and received an honorable discharge from the Army National Guard that same year.

Following his military service, Wilson dedicated himself to education and coaching, working at the University of Hartford and serving as the Director of Development at Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, serving children living with chronic illnesses, such as cancer and sickle cell. He relocated to Cape Cod, where his new chapter of public service would leave an indelible mark on the Falmouth veteran community.

In 2016, alongside the late Joe Quintiliani, Wilson launched Veteran Coffee Breaks in Falmouth — informal gatherings designed to bring local veterans together, share resources, and build community. Held once or twice a month, the sessions included presentations by the VA and support for both veterans and their families.

Recognizing the need for a more permanent and welcoming space for local veterans, Wilson and Quintiliani envisioned a new senior and veterans center in Falmouth. After Joe’s passing in 2018, Wilson continued to champion the project. In 2021, Falmouth approved a proposal to transform the town’s Senior Center into a new veterans center — a project informed by a comprehensive 6–8 month survey that asked local veterans and their families what services and support they needed most.

Over the course of nearly two and a half years of renovations and planning, Wilson helped shape what has now become a vibrant community hub for veterans. Officially opened on Memorial Day 2024, the center offers a wide range of programs, from educational talks on health and wellness, fraud prevention and financial wellness to community-building initiatives like dog training for veterans, fellowship and Guitars for Vets, where veterans can receive a guitar after completing 10 lessons.

Thanks to Wilson’s leadership and vision, the new facility reflects not only the practical needs of Falmouth’s veterans but also a deep sense of fellowship and belonging. Allan Wilson’s decades-long journey from soldier to community leader reflects the enduring strength of the veteran spirit. “Allan’s service to the nation and community did not stop when he took off his uniform. He continues to be a leader here in Falmouth, uniting local veterans and agencies to help bring life changing resources to an underserved population”, said Moakley.