Rep. James Miceli and iPods for Wounded Veterans Founder Paul Cardello Meet at State House

WILMINGTON, MA - Wilmington resident and US Air Force Veteran Paul Cardello, who is well-known throughout town and beyond as the founder of charity organization “iPods for Wounded Veterans,” has dedicated much of his life to helping fellow his fellow veterans.

Since its inception in 2010, iPods for Wounded Veterans has made its mark both locally and nationally. Although it is mostly known for distributing electronic devices like iPods and iPads to veterans, the organization also makes frequent visits to military hospitals here in Massachusetts and in Washington, D.C. to meet with wounded veterans.In addition, Cardello’s Dear Soldier Program has gathered hundreds of well-wishing letters from school children in Wilmington and Billerica to be delivered directly to veterans.

In October 2015, iPods for Wounded Veterans organized a massive event at the State House in coordination with Representative Jim Miceli, who has long been an ardent supporter of the group. The event, which drew a huge crowd and featured a number of renowned speakers, saw Cardello and the rest of the iPods team present thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics to veteran attendees.

In recognition of the organization’s tremendous charity work over the past year, Bedford VA Medical Center Director Christine Croteau proclaimed iPods for Wounded Veterans as “Volunteer Service Organization of the Year.” Cardello and the rest of the leadership at iPods for Wounded Veterans were presented with an award depicting a golden eagle and a plaque acknowledging iPods for Wounded Veterans for its “sincere, dedicated and devoted services for veterans cared for at the Bedford VA Medical Center.

The plaque goes on to read, “Your efforts providing iPods to our wounded veterans and their recognition at the State House acknowledges their importance to the US and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” In his acceptance of the award, Cardello reaffirmed his commitment to aiding veterans and thanked Representative Miceli, VFW Post 2458 of Wilmington, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 47 of Billerica, Business Agent David Renshaw of Teamsters Local 769 in Miami, and Director Captain David Bourne of the Teamsters Airline Division, “for their tireless efforts on behalf of iPods for Wounded Veterans.”

Just days after receiving the award, Cardello paid a visit to the State House to meet with Representative Miceli for a discussion on the organization’s upcoming events, which includes a trip to the capital’s Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in May.

Miceli reinforced his faith in Cardello and the rest of the organization, stating, “I trusted in iPods for Wounded Veterans to deliver from the very beginning. Their involvement in charitable work for veterans has been consistent throughout, and I look forward to working closely with Paul to assist the organization in any way I am able.” Cardello has expressed interest in holding future events at the State House in coordination with Representative Miceli.

Courtesy Photo: Paul Cardello poses with State Representative Jim Miceli and Legislative Aide Rose McDuffy during a recent visit to the State House in recognition of iPods for Wounded Veterans’ designation as “Volunteer Service Organization of the Year.” Pictured from left to right are: Rose McDuffy, Jim Miceli, and Paul Cardello