Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Dedicates Housing Unit for Military Veterans in Memory of Jack McGlynn

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office formally dedicated the Housing Unit for Military Veterans (HUMV) in memory of Sergeant John J. “Jack” McGlynn, Sr., a World War II Veteran of the U.S. Army’s 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, and a former member of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.

HUMV opened earlier this year at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction as the Commonwealth’s only specially designed unit to provide incarcerated Veterans with targeted programming, guidance and support services.

The U.S. Army’s 23rd Headquarters Special Troops was known as the Ghost Army for its efforts to deceive the German Army utilizing inflatable tanks, sound effects and impersonations over 21 missions from 1944-45. While the Ghost Army’s story did not become widely known for more than six decades, Sgt. McGlynn went on to a distinguished career in public service, including five terms as Mayor of Medford and more than four years as Special Sheriff and Director of Special Projects for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.

“Jack McGlynn was a man of incredible compassion, who dedicated his life to improving those of others,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “We are honored that this unit – conceived to help those who have served our nation set their lives on better paths – will now carry his name. His story and that of the Ghost Army and its ingenuity, will serve as inspirations for those Veterans in our custody seeking to write new chapters in their lives.”

“Our father would be honored and overwhelmed with this dedication, knowing that he is once again working with his fellow Veterans,” said former Special Sheriff McGlynn’s children.

Participation in HUMV is voluntary and geared toward creating a community among former military service personnel by fostering an environment of shared experiences and common goals. Programs offered to those in HUMV are tailored for Veterans and include substance abuse treatment, vocational programming, employment readiness, visits from the Department of Veterans’ Services, a weekly speaker’s series and transitional assistance.

Governor Charlie Baker marked the formal opening of the unit with a visit and discussion with Veterans in March. Since January, 102 pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates have participated in HUMV, including 21 transfers from outside Middlesex County.

Sheriff Koutoujian with five of Jack McGlynn’s six children, including former Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn (second from left).

– Submitted by Sheriff Koutoujian’s office. Photos courtesy Sheriff’s office and Lisa Evangelista.