DMVA News
DMVA Mobile Veterans Outreach Team Will Be At The Following Events:
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Mobile Veterans Outreach Teams will be at the upcoming Pennsylvania events:
• Senior Expo sponsored by Sen. Tom Killion, Thursday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Penn State Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Rd., Media, PA 19063 (Delaware County);
• Senior Expo sponsored by Sen. Jim Brewster, Thursday, Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., The Palisades, 100 5th Ave., McKeesport, PA 15132 (Allegheny County);
• 9th Annual Senior Health Fair sponsored by State Rep. Dan Deasy, Friday, Sept. 29, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Pamphilus Church, 1000 Tropical Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15216 (Allegheny County);
• Senior Expo sponsored by State Rep. Mark Keller, Friday, Sept. 29, 1-4 p.m., Newport Family Life Center, 27 West Shortcut Rd., Newport, PA 17074 (Perry County);
• Veterans Resource Fair at The Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall, Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Greene County Fairgrounds, 107 Fairgrounds Rd., Waynesburg, PA 15370 (Greene County);
• National Fire Prevention Week Open House, Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-5 p.m., 35 N. Stratton St., Gettysburg, PA 17325 (Adams County)
For a full list of upcoming veteran and military related events, including dates and times for the mobile outreach team, visit events calendar.
Fort Indiantown Gap Environmental Program Wins 2016 Secretary Of The Army Environmental Award For Sustainability:
The Pennsylvania National Guard’s environmental office sustainability team, staffed by both Pennsylvania National Guard members and Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs civilians, won the 2016 Secretary of the Army Environmental Award for sustainability. The sustainability team achieved major milestones and outperformed 53 other states and territories to win the sustainability award. Read more.
Around the State
Flu Shots For Veterans:
The seasonal flu vaccine is available at the Coatesville VA Medical Center and the Spring City and Springfield community based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). All eligible military veterans are encouraged to get a free influenza vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available in your community. Read more.
Ken Burns' 'Vietnam War' Draws In Pennsylvania Vietnam War Veterans:
The Department of Veterans Affairs was so concerned about the realism of Ken Burns' new PBS documentary “The Vietnam War” that it issued a warning — viewing it could traumatize veterans. But Westmoreland County Vietnam veterans who have watched the documentary say it's also a healing experience. Read more.
Memorial Park Dedicated To Fallen Susquehanna County Soldier:
Family members, friends and community members gathered in Hallstead, PA (Susquehanna County) on Sept. 23 to dedicate the new Spc. William “Billy” Evans Memorial Park. Evans, a Pennsylvania National Guard soldier, was killed in action by a roadside bomb in Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 19, 2005. He had just turned 22. Read more.
New Documentary Tells The Stories Of Harrisburg's African-American Heroes:
Growing up ... I would also ask myself if there were any African-Americans from the city of Harrisburg that would become successful professionals after defending the U.S. I can think all the way back to my elementary and even high school textbooks, never hearing mention of historical African-American pioneers, especially from Harrisburg, PA. Read more.
NY Soldier Killed In Korean War To Be Buried In Pennsylvania:
The Pentagon says the remains of a western New York soldier killed during the Korean War will be buried this weekend in Pennsylvania. The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced earlier this year that the remains of 24-year-old Cpl. William Sadewasser were identified through dental records and DNA samples contributed by relatives. Read more.
The Huey And The Vietnam Veteran:
The sound of the iconic Huey helicopter is unmistakable to a Vietnam veteran. The rhythmic thumping of the rotors is hypnotic and often takes vets back in time to when they served during the Vietnam War. "In Vietnam, almost every veteran has a story to tell about a Huey," said Jim Haga, president of Liberty War Birds, a nonprofit based in the Lititz, PA. Read more.
Training In Fort Indiantown Gap May Bring Increased Military Activity:
A military training exercise happening over the next month may bring increased military activity to Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County, the Pennsylvania National Guard announced. About 4,500 members of the Army and Air National Guards, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Reserves will participate in the training. Read more.
With Documentary On War Now Airing, Three From Delco Talk About Experience In Vietnam:
When PBS prepared to air the Ken Burns and Lynn Novick 10-part documentary “The Vietnam War,” those in charge planned events to involve veterans in some of their larger markets, including Philadelphia’s WHYY. Not surprisingly, WHYY took advantage of having Media Mayor Bob McMahon as one of those veterans. Read more.
Across the Nation
Disabled Military And Vets Enjoy Healing Power Of Fly Fishing:
"I don't pull trout out of a hole," said Ed Tansue, "it was trout that pulled me out of a hole." Tansue, who lives in Saylorsburg, PA (Monroe County), was awaiting a trip down a section of the Delaware River in a drift boat, fly-casting for whatever might be there. Tansue was among 10 participants in Project Healing Waters. Read more.
Home Video Brings 1938 Civil War Reuinion To Life:
Seventy-five years after the Battle of Gettysburg, the surviving members on both sides of the Civil War gathered on the battle field one last time. Louisville resident Ron Crimm, now in his 80's and retired from the Kentucky state legislature, was just three-years-old when his father took him to a 1938 Civil War reunion to get a first-hand account of an historic generation that was quickly fading away. Read more.
Pledge To “Be There” For Veterans In Need:
Suicide is a public health crisis and VA is launching a national effort to reduce suicide by identifying the warning signs, pointing people to the best resources, and showing how everyone can help. Over the past 14 years, suicide among civilian adults has increased by 23 percent, but among Veterans it is up 31 percent. Read more.
Some Veterans Report Challenges Meeting Monthly Bills: Are You One Of Them?:
Are you an active duty service member or veteran? If so, make your voice heard by taking less than 10 minutes of your time to complete this voluntary, anonymous and confidential survey. The National Disability Institute (NDI) has been working closely over the past several years with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and VA to identify opportunities to improve the overall financial wellness of veterans, service members and their families. Read more.
VA Heading In Right Direction, Secretary Shulkin Tells Veterans:
Recently, Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin struck a positive tone that the country's largest, but widely embattled health care system was addressing the problems that have plagued it for decades. Read more.
Veterans Who Drank Poison In Oscoda Are Getting A Second Look:
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) says it will update the 2001 public health assessment for Wurtsmith, a Strategic Air Command nuclear B-52 bomber base in northeast Michigan which closed in 1993 at the end of the Cold War. Read more.
Volunteers Are The Enabling Force Behind VA’s Summer Sports Clinic:
Veterans and volunteers participating in VA’s Summer Sports Clinic, which wrapped up last week in San Diego, remained all smiles despite the cold wind and gray skies. As they reached day four of sporting events that teach resilience, coordination, dexterity and grit an aura of satisfaction and confidence could be felt at the various sports fields and beaches. 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]
A+ Teachers Is Now Hiring:
A+ Teachers is now hiring substitute teachers, guest teachers, substitute nurses and classroom aides for school districts in Dauphin, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties.
Point of contact: Nancy Gundy at 717-561-2222 or email [email protected]
Short and long-term assignments, referral bonuses, clearance reimbursement program and more!
Inspector Level 1 Fluid Conditioning Products, Inc.:
Inspector level 1 first shift
Point of contact: Susan Niggel at 717-627-1550 or email [email protected]
A qualified candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to read blueprints, and understand basic dimensional Inspection methods.
Planning Specialist:
Part-time contractor position (27 hours per week) located in the Construction and Facilities Management Office (CFMO) of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PAARNG) at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA.
Apply.
Workforce Development For The Agriculture And Food Industry In Pennsylvania:
Pennsylvania’s proposed training program for technicians who service farm equipment is inching closer to reality. The state Department of Agriculture hopes to roll out the apprenticeship in October, two years after announcing that it was working with dealers and manufacturers to develop the program. Read more.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, under Gov. Tom Wolf, has launched a workforce development initiative, part of which is to promote and expand the state’s agriculture education opportunities, as well as career and technical education (CTE) programs. Read more.
Point of contact: Scott J. Sheely, CWDP Special Assistant for Workforce Development at 717-346-0426 or email [email protected]
Dauphin County Female Mentors For Veterans Court:
We are looking for interested veterans to serve as volunteer mentors to participants of Dauphin County Veterans Court.
Point of contact: Chuck Leach, Dauphin County senior mentor at 717-579-9651
Website.
Veterans Court is a court program specifically designed for veterans involved in the criminal justice system. This program serves as an alternative to incarceration by placing individuals into an intensive treatment program, coupled with court intervention, helping them return to a productive lifestyle.
Workshop For Civil And Non-Civil Service Jobs:
Sept. 29, 2017, 9-11 a.m.
PA CareerLink, 6395 State Route 103 North, Lewistown, PA (Mifflin County)
Point of contact: For more information or to register call 717-248-4942
Interested in working for the state of Pennsylvania, but not sure where to begin? If so, plan on attending an informational workshop regarding civil and non-civil service positions within the Pennsylvania Commonwealth. Read more.
Delaware Valley Veterans Career Fair:
Oct. 5, 2017, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Veteran Recruiting will host a veteran career fair aboard the Battleship New Jersey
Point of contact: Kevin O'Brien at 215-525-5776 or email [email protected]
Register.
Free parking, lunch and professional headshots offered. This is a free career fair open to service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Free Certified Logistics Training For Veterans:
First session Oct. 10–13, 2017
Employment Skills Center, 29 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, PA 17013 (Cumberland County)
Point of contact: Callie Hazan at 717-243-6040, ext. 4429 or [email protected]
Three-week training to prepare participants for careers in the material handling and logistics field. Participants will receive blended online and classroom instruction to prepare them for the Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) and Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) exams. The CLA and CLT are industry-recognized certifications developed by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC).
Website.
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.)
Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Community Town Hall Meeting In Montrose, PA:
Sept. 27, 2017, 5 p.m.
VFW Post 5642, 16972 State Route 706, Montrose, PA 18801 (Susquehanna County)
Media interested in attending should R.S.V.P. to [email protected]
Veterans, families, community stakeholders and the general public are invited to attend the open forum discussion to share their experiences with the leadership of the VAMC Wilkes-Barre. Veterans Affairs Employees will be on-hand to assist with information on available services. Media have been invited to attend and may be present.
The Vietnam Traveling Wall:
Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2017, open 24 hours and is free to the public.
Greene County Fairgrounds, 107 Fairgrounds Rd., Waynesburg, PA (Greene County)
Point of contact: Rick Black, 724-998-0598 or email [email protected]
Brochure.
PA ABLE Community Event Including Enrollment And Resource Fair:
Sept. 28, 2017, 4:30-8 p.m.
The Circuit Center, IBEW #5, Five Hot Metal St., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
Register.
Attend this free community event to gain valuable information on the PA Treasury Department’s PA ABLE program, a savings program for people with disabilities.
Butler County Stand Down:
Sept. 29, 2017, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
American Legion Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Lane, Butler, PA (Butler County)
Point of contact: Dhana LeFevre at 724-287-6797 or Allyson Rose at 724-284-5114
A day of free services, support and resources for homeless veterans, veterans at risk of homelessness, service members, community members, and families in need.
Website.
Out Of The Darkness Community Walk:
Sept. 30, 2017, registration at 10 a.m., walk at 11 a.m.
Presque Isle State Park, Rotary Pavilion, Erie, PA (Erie County)
Point of Contact: Trevor Pearson, 814-323-5049 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 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. Register.
Veteran Support Service Car Show:
Oct. 14, rain date Oct. 15, 2017, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Post 403 American Legion Auxiliary, 4035 Manchester St., Glen Rock, PA (York County)
Point of contact: Sharon Krout at 717-235-5157 or [email protected]
Please come out to the car show and see veteran support services available, such as Recorder of Deeds for DD 214 registration, assistance to canine support and financial aid.
Public Invited To Cheer On Vietnam Heroes At Honor Flight Celebration:
Oct. 15, 6 p.m.
Parking lot of The Lamb Tavern, 865 W. Springfield Rd., Springfield, PA 19064
More than 150 veterans of the Vietnam War will return from a trip to Washington, D.C. as guests of Honor Flight Philadelphia, and receive a red-carpet entrance to a celebration that will be held in their honor. Read more.