Email Address

info@bilingualveteranshq.org

Phone Number

(+1) 413-731-0194

Our Location

281 Franklin Street Springfield, MA 01104

The Staff | BVOC Board of Directors

Gumersindo Gomez Biography

Gumersindo Gomez is a decorated U.S. Army veteran and a dedicated advocate for veterants; services. He began his military career in June 1966, serving a distinguished 20-year tenure that included deployments to Vietnam, Germany, Honduras, and various U.S. bases. Rising through the ranks to become a First Sergeant, Gumersindo held key roles such as Drill Sergeant, Senior Drill Sergeant, and Communications Sergeant. After retiring in August 1986, he moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he established the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Massachusetts, Inc. in 1987, which has provided critical support to veterans and their families for over 37 years.

In addition to founding the veterants’ outreach center, Gumersindo has spearheaded numerous initiatives to aid homeless veterans and those struggling with addiction. He established Springfield’s first transitional home for homeless veterans in 1996 and expanded with an additional veterans’ residence in 2015, providing sober living and support services. In 2006, he launched the city’s first Hispanic drug and alcohol program, and in 2016, he completed a 20-unit apartment building for homeless veterants, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of veterans in need.

Gumersindo leadership extends beyond his local work. He has been the State Council President for the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) in Massachusetts since 2014 and was elected to the VVA National Board in 2016. Actively involved in local politics, Gumersindo has also served on the Springfield City Council and the City Democratic Committee. He and his wife, Eva Gomez, a fellow veteran, have three children, including Adam Gomez, the first Puerto Rican State Senator in Massachusetts, and are proud grandparents to 27 grandchildren and six great-granddaughters.

"IF YOU ARE FREE, THANK A VETERAN"

Mr. Gumersindo Gomez

Founder & CEO

David B. Failey

President

David B. Failey Biography

David B. Failey is the President of the Board at the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center of Massachusetts, Inc. (BVOC), where he has served since 2023, after previously holding the position of Treasurer starting in 2021. With a lifelong commitment to service, education, and community empowerment, David has utilized his extensive skills in leadership, martial arts, and advocacy to make a positive impact in the lives of others. His military experience as a United States Army Combat Engineer from 1980 to 1982, combined with his service in the Massachusetts National Guard from 2000 to 2002, has been foundational to his dedication to veterans and community outreach.

Beyond his military service, David has over 51 years of experience in martial arts, particularly in Shotokan Karate-Do, where his work has focused on behavior modification, discipline, and bullying prevention. He has taught martial arts and self-defense across various organizations, including the Springfield YMCA and Scan 360, and has worked with veterans, children with autism, and local schools to promote discipline and personal growth. His commitment to community development also includes publishing efforts; from 1992 to 1994, he launched La Voz Cristiana de Nueva Inglaterra, the first Christian magazine in Western Massachusetts, as well as the Hispanic Yellow Pages, connecting the Hispanic community to businesses and services.

In addition to his professional roles, David has a long history of volunteer work. Since 2009, he has been deeply involved with BVOC, serving as a Case Manager and Stand Down Committee member, and conducting workshops on domestic violence prevention, home-buying education, and entrepreneurship for veterans. His leadership also extends to his role as Treasurer of the Betty Laws Fights Back organization and as an Advisory Board member of the Greater Springfield YMCA. Through his work in martial arts, publishing, and advocacy, David continues to help others build confidence, stay safe, and achieve personal growth.

The Staff | Board of Directors

The Bilingual Veterans Headquarters Foundation* team offers vital support services, including benefits assistance and job guidance, to empower both English and Spanish-speaking veterans in their transition to civilian life.

Paul Rasid

Treasurer

Wanda Miranda

Secretary

Heriberto Colon

Board of Director

Paula Cecchetelli

Board of Director

Robert C. Proulx

Board of Director

Henry Morris

Board of Director

Launa L. Wentworth

Board of Director