Brighton Marine 2025: Year In Review
Brighton Marine on Campus: Looking Back on Highlights from 2025
In 2025, Brighton Marine Inc. strengthened our commitment to Veterans and their families through growth in housing, healthcare, and hope. Throughout the year we partnered with more than 20 different service organizations on the Brighton Marine campus, leading to a variety of successful outcomes including accessible housing, economic mobility, community engagements, and healthcare. We ended the year with more than 180 residents on our BMI campus. Here’s a reflection on some of the highlights from the past year, many of which would not be possible without the enthusiastic support from the Boston community and our local partners.
Honoring Service and Strengthening Community
Brighton Marine proudly recognized the dedication of Veterans and those who support them, while deepening connections across our community. These moments reflect our commitment to honoring service and building lasting relationships.
Veteran Housing Building Dedicated to Derrick Hassell for 46 Years of Service
This May, we had the pleasure of honoring long-time employee and community member, Derrick Hassell, by renaming the Veteran Housing Building. The Derrick Hassell Veteran Living Community building is home to more than 25 Veterans on the Brighton Marine campus. Derrick, recently promoted to Director of Maintenance, has been working on our campus maintenance team for 46 years, and counting. His service is another demonstration of how our work at Brighton Marine is more than just a career. Rather, it is a place of shared passion for service, community, and our mission.
East Boston Jr ROTC Joined Brighton Marine in On Campus Traditions
Twice this year, we enjoyed the company of our long-time partner, the Boston Public School’s East Boston Jr ROTC Program. Every Veterans Day and Memorial Day, Lt. Col. (Ret.), Senior Army Instructor Lee E. Fife and his Jr ROTC Cadets display US Flags on our campus, and this year was no exception. Brighton Marine provides an annual scholarship to Jr. ROTC cadets who have demonstrated leadership, participated in community service, and are enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution.
Veterans Day Brought the Community Together in Celebration and Remembrance
Our Veterans Day celebration spanned an entire week and reached across Boston and the Allston–Brighton community. The week began with Brighton Marine joining the Boston Veterans Day Parade downtown, again partnering with organizations such as Brighton Elks, Soldier On, and the East Boston JROTC. The team also visited Saint Columbkille Partnership School for its annual Veterans Day celebration, where students generously contributed to support Brighton Marine’s Veteran programs and services.
Our on-campus residents took part in a tribute event at the Veronica Smith Senior Center, joined by fellow local Veterans, Winship Elementary students, and the USS Constitution Honor Guard. Brighton Marine also attended the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services’ annual celebration at Faneuil Hall, where state leaders honored award recipients and announced a legislative package aimed at expanding benefits and modernizing services for Veterans. The week concluded with a campuswide Veteran Celebration Lunch, bringing together residents, their families, and community members to honor the spirit of Veterans Day.
Empowering Veterans Through Engagement and Opportunity
We also focused on creating meaningful experiences and opportunities that empower Veterans. These included outdoor activities that promote well-being, as well as programs that support career growth and economic mobility.
Annual Boston Harbor Fishing Trip Offered Veterans Connection and Relaxation
Over the summer, Brighton Marine continued its tradition of hosting an annual fishing trip for our Veteran residents in partnership with The Fishing Academy. The event offered participants a day on the waters of Boston Harbor, where they enjoyed the outdoors and strengthened connections within the Veteran community. Beyond the excitement of catching striped bass, the trip provided a peaceful setting for camaraderie and shared experiences, an important part of fostering well-being and belonging among our residents.
MassHire Career Fair Connected Veterans with Employment Opportunities
In October, we partnered with MassHire of Massachusetts to host the Veterans Career and Resources Fair. This event connected local veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses and the public with meaningful career opportunities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partner organizations, the Allston-Brighton community and the greater Boston area. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and the successes of 2025 would not have been possible without your unwavering support and commitment. Together, we look forward to an engaging and collaborative 2026, continuing to create meaningful change for Veterans and their families.
