Rowley Selectman Bob Snow Receives Military Appreciation Medal

ROWLEY — Selectman Bob Snow, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, received an appreciation medal from the state for his service on Monday night.

Rep. Kristin Kassner had nominated Snow for recognition at the first ever Massachusetts Military Appreciation Day, which was held in the State House Chambers last May.

Snow was one of 125 honorees, including Rowley resident and Air Force veteran Jennifer Cornelius.

The medal, which Kassner presented at the Selectmen’s meeting earlier this week, commemorates Snow’s recognition at the appreciation day and his service to the country.

“I was so proud to nominate Bob Snow for being a Marine … but [also] for being so much more than that — being an educator, a historian, and being involved in the town,” Kassner said. “You stood up to serve and you’re still serving.”

Snow served in the Marine Corps from 1969–1971 as a security guard and as the commanding officer’s driver at Marine Barracks Boston. 

In addition to driving the colonel, Snow had several other duties, including transporting officers to local VA hospitals. He said he became the “de facto Marine liaison,” getting to know the veterans and seeing their progress or regression every month. 

Snow shares these stories from his service with the community today. Sen. Bruce Tarr said this helps people recognize the sacrifice that veterans make.

“You always enrich our experiences and understanding of what our veterans have gone through,” he said.

Snow’s service didn’t end in 1971, though, Kassner said. He has also been serving his community in various roles, including as a Selectman for roughly 18 years, as a representative on the Eastern Essex Veterans Board, on the planning and light boards, and as a representative to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.

On the weekends, Snow served as a docent on the USS Cassin Young in Charlestown and gives lectures on the fantail on Saturdays, Select Chair Sheri David added.

“He continues to work tirelessly to help support our veterans, and this honor is well deserved,” David said.

Snow was speechless when receiving the medal, which he quipped is “very unusual for me.”

“This is quite an honor,” he said. “It was a wonderful day to be with all of the veterans up at Beacon Hill.”