February 29, 2024 (Cape Cod, MA) – Heroes In Transition (HIT) has tapped Timothy Whelan of Brewster, a well-known public servant, to join its Board of Directors.
Whelan’s history with HIT dates back to November 2009 when he first met the nonprofit’s founders, Cyndy and Kenneth Jones, shortly after the death of their only son, Marine Captain Eric A. Jones, who was killed in a helicopter crash while flying a combat mission in Afghanistan. At the time, Whelan was the Massachusetts State Police Sergeant responsible for overseeing the police detail for Jones’s funeral.
Nearly 15 years later, Whelan is deepening his connection to the organization that Cyndy and Kenneth formed to honor their son’s life, service, and ultimate sacrifice.
“As Heroes In Transition crosses this 15-year milestone of providing for our nation’s heroes, I’m very excited to be in a leadership role with my fellow board members as we see our footprint expand,” Whelan said. “It’s our goal to reach more veterans and their families so we can get them the services they need and they deserve.”
“As a Marine veteran and a longtime public servant, Timothy understands why it’s so critical to support those who are serving and have served our country,” said HIT Executive Director Nicole Spencer. “His background and expertise will serve as an invaluable asset as HIT takes the next steps in its growth. And his passion for giving back and helping his fellow veterans will play an important role in the work we’re doing.”
Whelan has had a long relationship with HIT, most recently serving as the keynote speaker at its 14th Annual Fall Gala last September. In recent years, he has helped kickoff the nonprofit’s annual Ruck4HIT, delivering impassioned speeches to inspire participants in the 36-hour relay race. The race, which covers 200 miles and crosses through all 15 towns on Cape Cod, raises funds to support HIT’s 13 programs which assist active service members, veterans, military spouses, military couples, and military families throughout the region.
“Being a veteran myself, I’ve seen firsthand the ongoing need for the type of services that Heroes In Transition provides,” Whelan said.
Whelan enlisted in the Marines in 1989, serving five years with Headquarters Company, 25th Marines. Last year, he was elected Junior Vice-Commandant for the Marine Corps League Detachment 125 of Cape Cod.
In 1992, he graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Academy, serving 21 years with the State Police. He retired as a Sergeant in 2013.
Following his retirement, Whelan was elected as a State Representative for the 1st Barnstable District in 2014, serving four terms that included sitting on the Ways and Means, Public Service, and Elder Affairs committees.
He currently works as a Quality and Safety Department of Transportation Specialist for RoadSafe Traffic Systems. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Whelan holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Western New England University.
In 2007, Whelan and his wife, Dr. Lisa Whelan, moved to Cape Cod. They have two daughters, Maggie, who lives in Chicago, and Katie, who lives in Quincy.
About Heroes In Transition (HIT)
Founded in 2009 following the death of U.S. Marine Captain Eric A. Jones, Heroes In Transition (HIT) is now in its 15th year. The Mashpee-based nonprofit provides support to veterans, service members, and military families that is not readily available through other organizations. Its services include a Families In Transition (FIT) and veterans equine therapy program; financial assistance; fishing excursions; bimonthly outings for military couples; a REBOOT/REGROUP health and wellness program for veterans, service members, and spouses; and an annual Spring and Fall Couples Retreat. To learn more about HIT, visit www.heroesintransition.org.
