DMVA Digest

A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

September 6, 2017

Building Bridges Foundation Offers Equine Therapy For Veterans:

Maj. Gen. (ret.) Eric Weller, Pennsylvania's deputy adjutant general for veterans affairs, paid a visit to Building Bridges Foundation at Anderson Farms to learn more about equine therapy for veterans. Read more

Governor Tom Wolf Thanks PA National Guard Heading To Texas:

Gov. Tom Wolf was on hand for the send-off of a number of the approximately 200 Pennsylvania National Guard members who departed over the weekend via both air and a ground convoy to assist in hurricane recovery efforts in Texas. Read more.

Pennsylvania Army National Guard Sends Helicopters, Crew To Texas:

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that 10 soldiers from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard departed in two Pennsylvania CH-47 Chinook helicopters to join hurricane relief efforts in Texas. The National Guard members departed from Muir Army Airfield at Fort Indiantown Gap and flew to Grand Prairie airport near Dallas, TX. Read more.

Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program Ends In One Year:

Eligible veterans who served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations from Aug. 2, 1990 to Aug. 31, 1991 have less than one year to collect a special one-time payment to honor their service and sacrifice. Applications for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Bonus are due by Aug. 31, 2018. Read more.

 Around the State

After 23 Years Of Addiction, 'Mom Dukes' Now Helps Veterans Survive:

Jeffrey R. Jones, an Army combat veteran who has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and drug addiction since serving in the second Gulf War, embraced Jodi Savits, his Fresh Start counselor, friend, and lifeline. Read more.

Vietnam Veterans Receive Quilts Of Valor:

Six Centre County Vietnam War veterans recently were presented with quilts of valor by members of Happy Valley Quilts of Valor. Read more.

 Across the Nation

American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. Launches National Campaign For Military Suicide Awareness:

American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. is launching a national campaign for military suicide awareness with a walk-a-thon in Washington, D.C., Sept. 23. Read more.

Combat Translators Saved Their Lives. Now These Veterans Are Fighting To Bring Them To The U.S.:

Fraidoon "Fred" Akhtari served the U.S. military for 13 years as an interpreter in Afghanistan, knowing he would become a target of the Taliban for enlisting with the Americans, but hoping peace would ultimately flourish because of their efforts. Read more.

Rutgers University R Heroes Program - 2,400 Tickets Available To Rutgers Vs. Morgan State:

Sept. 16, 2017, 3:30 p.m., High Point Solutions Stadium, 1 Scarlet Knight Way, Piscataway, NJ, 08854
Website.
Point of contact: Jessica Koffie, 609-553-4851
Rutgers University R Heroes program invites all retired and active military personnel to attend a Military Appreciation Day football game against Morgan State for free.

September Marks Suicide Prevention Month:

The message from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the friends and families of veterans during Suicide Prevention Month is simple: Be there. “We know that in 2014, an average of 20 veterans a day died in this country from suicide, which is 20 too many,” said VA Secretary David J. Shulkin. “This is a national public health crisis requiring a national public health approach. When it comes to preventing veteran suicide, VA can’t – and should not – do this alone.” Read more.

 Employment Opportunities

This listing is offered as a resource to both Pennsylvania's veterans and businesses that seek to employ veterans. The DMVA has not investigated the positions being offered or the businesses listed, and does not warrant or guarantee either the availability or the terms and conditions of the positions listed. Please contact the employers represented in this listing directly. To have an employment opportunity listed please email: [email protected]

Lancaster Career Night:

Sept. 19, 2017, 5:30 p.m.
Register.
This event will provide you the opportunity to meet and speak with management and financial advisors, and explore career opportunities.

Military Hiring Fair Career Event:

Sept. 14, 2017, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K St., Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County)
Questions contact [email protected]
Register.
Join local and national employers for a hiring fair for veterans, military service members, and military spouses. Jobs will be available for all ranks and levels of experience.

Military Spouse Employment Assistance:

Call 1-877-696-7226 or email [email protected]
The Military Spouse Corporate Career Network is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization that focuses on employment readiness training programs, job placement solutions, and no-cost services to all military-affiliated spouses, retired military spouses, and caregivers to war wounded heroes.
Website.

Wolf Administration Joins New York Blower In Celebration Of Expansion In Lawrence County And Creation Of 22 New Jobs:

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) officials, on behalf of Gov. Tom Wolf, joined company executives and local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking for the expansion of New York Blower (NYB) in New Castle, PA (Lawrence County). Read more.

 Veteran Events

This listing is offered as a service to individuals and organizations to promote their veteran and military-oriented events being held in Pennsylvania. The information is taken directly from emailed submissions from requestors. DMVA is not responsible for incorrect information submitted. Please send details on events to [email protected] and include the following key pieces of information: 1. Name of event, 2. Date of event, 3. Time of event, 4. Address of event, 5. County of event, 6. Event website, 7. Point of contact name, 8. POC phone number, 9. POC email address, and 10. Additional details/coordinating instructions (fees, pre-registration, etc.)

MilitaryShare Food Assistance Program:

Second Monday monthly, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
VFW Post 8685, 126 North 16th Ave., Altoona, PA (Blair County)
Call Patti Robinson at 814-312-3212 to pre-register.

Every fourth Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
American Legion Post #44, 309 Point Township, Northumberland, PA (Northumberland County)
Call Dick Simpson at 570-847-1974 to pre-register.

First Wednesday of the month, 3 p.m.
Airville Volunteer Fire Company, 3576 Delta Rd., Airville, PA (York County)
Call Dawn Moskos at 717-246-1446 to pre-register.

Starting Sept. 13 & every third Friday, 2-5 p.m.
Palmyra Memorial Post 6417, 232 E. Main St., Palmyra, PA (Lebanon County)
Call Tina Snavely at 717-980-6880 to pre-register.

All veterans, service members and their families in need. Proof of military service, such as DD214, Military ID or VA Medical Card is required to register. Participants must pre-register to be eligible.

A Special Screening Of The Vietnam War Film:

Sept. 6, 2017, 6:30 p.m.
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
WQED invites you to a special one-hour screening of "The Vietnam War," a new 10-part documentary by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.
R.S.V.P.

VA Community Mental Health Summit 2017:

Sept. 8, 2017, 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 South Lincoln Ave., Building 37, Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
Questions or to R.S.V.P.: 717-272-6621, ext. 5726 or 4288 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Lebanon VAMC's 5th Annual Community Mental Health Summit. This year's Summit is designed to bring together key stakeholders of the veteran and local community. We hope to further enhance access to mental health services and to further address the mental healthcare needs of veterans and their family members.

Montgomery County Recorder On The Road:

Sept. 8, 2017, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
1885 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, PA (Montgomery County)
Website.
Veterans discount photo ID card and discharge recording program. Veterans must bring their DD 214 and photo identification (such as a driver's license) to receive their Montgomery County Discount Identification Card in minutes on site.

American Veterans Appreciation Day:

Sept. 9, 2017, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Raystown Lake, Seven Points Recreation Area, Oak Shelter, Huntingdon, PA (Huntingdon County)
Point of contact: Bruce Cavanaugh at 717-514-9118
Website.
The American Veterans Appreciation Day is being held to honor and show appreciation to all veterans for their service to our country. Open to all veterans and their families.

Patriots In The Park:

Sept. 9, 2017, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Mt. Pisgah State Park (Bradford County)
Point of contact: Nicole Harris, 570-297-2734 or email [email protected]
All active duty military personnel, veterans and their families are invited to enjoy a day in the outdoors at Mt. Pisgah State Park. Ride your motorcycle to the park, canoe and kayak across Stephen Foster Lake or fish for bass, try a compound bow or crossbow out on the archery range, and locate some geocaches using A GPS. Equipment is provided.

9th Annual Major General Frank H. Smoker Jr. Foxhole Invitational Golf Tournament:

Sept. 9, 2017, registration at 11:30 a.m., shotgun start at 1 p.m.
Blue Mountain Golf Course, 628 Blue Mountain Rd., Fredericksburg, PA (Lebanon County)
Point of contact: Jamie Kersey, [email protected] or call 717-813-7581 for additional details.
Help us honor veterans and pay tribute to Pennsylvania’s rich military history. The event is $65 per person and includes a steak dinner and cash prizes. Visit the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum Website for sponsorship opportunities and team registration forms.

Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP®):

Sept. 11, 18, 25, and, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 24, 31, 6-8 p.m.
Halcyon Activity Center, 728 Walnut St., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
To register call the Recovery InSight, Inc. office, 877-597-9497, Ext. 10
Develop a daily maintenance plan, identify triggers and how to deal with them, identify early warning signs, develop a crisis action plan, and learn how to live a healthy, independent life. Workbook, snacks and drinks provided. Certificate received upon completion of all eight-week sessions

Suicide Prevention Walk & Remembrance:

Sept. 11, 2017, noon-12:30 p.m.
Erie VA, Second Floor Pavilion (Erie County)
Please join us as we remember those who have lost their lives to suicide.

Walk With A Veteran:

Sept. 14, 2017, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County)
Point of contact: Jeff Hawks, 717-258-1102 or email [email protected]
Website.
Veterans of all services are invited. Share your experiences with local middle-school students and explore the Army Heritage Trail together. Lunch is included.

James E. Van Zandt VAMC Health & Wellness Community Summit:

Sept. 14, 2017, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., registration, 8:30-9 a.m.
John P. Murtha Center for Public Service & National Competitiveness, campus of Pitt-Johnstown, 450 School House Rd., Johnstown, PA (Cambria County)
Point of contact: [email protected]
This free summit will address key issues that affect veterans, their families, and the community, including suicide prevention, teaching kids to cope, advanced treatments for injured service members, and access to care and services for veterans.
Register.

Veterans' Cafe':

Sept. 15, 2017, 8:30-10 a.m.
Lebanon VA Medical Center, Building 37, 1700 South Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
This event is being held as part of the Lebanon VA's celebration for the 70th anniversary of their first patient admission and will feature the stories of an Army chaplain who served two tours in Iraq with the infantry during Operation Iraqi Freedom and an Army Korean War veteran who fought during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and spent 33 months in a communist POW camp.
Please R.S.V.P. no later than Sept. 11 to 717-272-6621, ext. 4298 or [email protected].

6th Annual March For The Fallen 5K 14-Miler 28-Miler:

Sept. 16, 2017
Fort Indiantown Gap (Lebanon County)
Register.
For questions, email [email protected]
The March for the Fallen is a greater community event hosted by the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Training Center at Fort Indiantown Gap to honor the memory of all who have fallen in the defense of our nation.

Free Making $ense Of Finance Conference Coming Up For Service Members:

Sept. 16, 2017, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA (Franklin County)
Registration and conference information are available at Free Making $ense Conference.
Pennsylvania Military Finance Alliance, a cooperative effort that includes the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, is sponsoring a free one-day conference to educate members of the military and their families on the unique financial and investment decisions they will face.

The Mutt Strut At Upper Frick Park In Pittsburgh:

Sept. 16, 2017, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Upper Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
Spend a beautiful day in the park and make a difference in the life of a veteran – register now to attend the 2017 Pittsburgh Mutt Strut!
Register.

Out Of The Darkness Community Walk:

Sept. 16, 2017, registration at noon, walk at 1 p.m.
Johnsonburg Community Center, 600 Market St., Johnsonburg, PA (Elk County)
Point of contact: Alyse Martinez, 814-594-7182 or email [email protected]
When you walk in the Out of the Darkness Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow AFSP to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.
Register.

Honor Flight Philadelphia WW-II & Korea Veterans:

Sept. 18, 2017
Flourtown Country Club, Flourtown, PA (Montgomery County)
Veteran application.
Point of contact: JoDean at 610-627-1494
Honor Flight Philadelphia recognizes veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by taking veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial, as guests, at no charge to the veteran. Top priority (for which applications are being accepted) is given to World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans from all wars.

PA Veteran Farming Project:

Sept. 22, 2017, 1-4:30 p.m.
Chester County Economic Development Center
The PA Veteran Farming project is co-sponsoring a workshop for those interested in leasing land to farm. Cost is $10 and attendees will learn about: farm leasing from a legal perspective; farmland leasing options through land trusts; protecting your farmland through land trusts; farmer panel and networking opportunities.

Visit the website for more information.

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