Christopher-ACE-Azevedo

Christopher-ACE-Azevedo is a dynamic and mission-driven leader with a lifelong record of service to veterans, first responders, and the broader community. Guided by the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty, excellence, leadership, and duty first, he has dedicated more than three decades to public service across the military, behavioral health, emergency services, and federal government sectors.

He holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology (2025) and dual bachelor’s degrees in social sciences and clinical psychology (2022). He currently serves as a Therapist for Pillars Healthcare Group at Meta Addiction Specialist, where he provides individual and group therapy, diagnoses mental health disorders using the DSM-5-TR, develops and implements treatment plans, and ensures full compliance with state, insurance, and organizational standards.

Alongside his clinical work, he serves the Department of Veterans Affairs as an Outreach Specialist, advocating for veterans by connecting them with essential services and resources. He maintains strict HIPAA compliance, manages government vehicles used for outreach, and conducts community-based engagement to identify veterans in need.

His commitment to first responders spans more than a decade through his volunteer service with the City of New Bedford’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing peer mentorship and critical incident debriefing (CIB) for police, fire, and EMS personnel following high-stress or traumatic events.

Prior to his clinical and outreach work, he served 18 years as a Firefighter/First Responder for the City of New Bedford. In addition to responding to emergencies on Ladder 4, Engine 5, Engine I, and Engine II, he led station operations, supervised crews of 4–5 firefighters in the absence of the officer in charge, ensured full compliance with Massachusetts Fire Codes, and maintained apparatus readiness.

A proud veteran of both the United States Army and United States Navy, he brings extensive operational expertise including small unit tactics, long-range surveillance, clandestine mission planning, logistics, communications, and combat deployments during the Gulf War (Navy) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Army). His leadership included planning and executing 72–96-hour missions with minimal support and managing logistical and communication structures for long-range reconnaissance teams.

His dedication has earned recognition at the local, state, and national levels, including:

• 2018 South Coast Veteran of the Year
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6643 Recognition (2018)
• Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 499 Recognition (2018)
• City of New Bedford Resolution for
• Outstanding Service to Veterans (2018)
• U.S. House of Representatives Recognition for Aiding Veterans in Need (2018)
• 2019 Southeastern Red Cross Hero Award
• 2019 Massachusetts State Senate
• Recognition for Outstanding Service to Community Veterans

Military Awards & Decorations

• Combat Infantryman Badge (First Award)
• Basic Parachutist Badge
• Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster – 2 awards)
• Army Achievement Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Service Medal (2 awards)
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Armed Forces Service Medal
• Army Service Ribbon
• Naval Sea Service Ribbon (Three Awards)
• Kuwait Liberation Medal – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait Liberation Medal – Government of Kuwait