DMVA Digest

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

October 11, 2017

Support Pennsylvania Veterans:

DMVA manages six extended care facilities throughout the state that serve more than 1,300 eligible veterans and their spouses. The facilities accept monetary donations to their respective Resident Welfare Funds which are used to provide activities, trips and entertainment to residents. If you want to support Pennsylvania's nearly one million veterans, making a monetary donation online or by mail to a Resident Welfare Fund at a state veterans' home is a great way to show your support. Visit donate.dmva.pa.gov

Tell Us About Events Or Jobs For Veterans:

As a service to Pennsylvania’s veteran community, DMVA is committed to sharing notices from employers who are interested in hiring veterans as well as sharing information about veteran or military-oriented events being held in Pennsylvania, via the DMVA DIGEST. We encourage you to submit your event or employment opportunity for consideration to be included in the weekly Digest. To submit an employment opportunity, please email [email protected]. To submit an upcoming veteran or military-oriented event being held in Pennsylvania, please email [email protected] with the following details: 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 (required fee to attend, pre-registration, etc.).

 Around the State

Duquesne Grad Student Joins 100 Mile Veteran March:

A small group of veterans plan on walking from Pittsburgh to Erie next weekend. Anthony Powell, a veteran and graduate student at Duquesne, will be participating in the 40th annual March for Diabetes which stretches 100 miles from Erie to Pittsburgh and raises money and awareness for diabetes research. Read more.

Fly-Fishing Trip To Help Disabled Veterans Heal:

Some 20 veterans are set to gather this weekend in Bedford County for a Project Healing Waters trip along Yellow Creek, Bobs Creek and the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. It’s the first outing there for the program, which helps disabled veterans fly fish across the country and even overseas. Read more.

Marine Vet Given Keys To Trafford House At Hero Walk:

A Marine veteran received keys to a house in Trafford at an annual walk honoring Pennsylvania veterans. Eric Seitz was a Marine for four years, serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the 5th annual Murrysville Hometown Hero Walk, Seitz was presented with keys to a house in Trafford. Read more.

Unclaimed Veterans Deserve A Proper Military Funeral:

As many as five of 64 unclaimed bodies that were set for mass interment could be veterans, according to Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni. If those bodies turn out to be veterans, they will have a military funeral, likely held at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, a local veterans affairs official said. Read more.

Veterans Finding A Way To Heal At Traveling Wall:

Only in recent years many Vietnam veterans have seen their service recognized, but a traveling version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in State College gave them a chance to share their stories and heal. Read more.

Veterans Lauded During Tour Of Honor:

Recently a six-bus convoy of the Bucks County Tour of Honor left Parx Casino in Bensalem and departed for Washington, D.C. On board the buses were 150 Bucks County World War II and Korea veterans.Read more.

Why So Many Veterans Go Hungry And VA’s New Plan To Fix It:

When Greg Stegall left the Navy at 30 years old, he found himself utterly adrift. Struggling to find work, Stegall put his son in a boarding school for disadvantaged children and asked his parents for money and food. Nearly 30 years later, Stegall, now 58, oversees a program at a Pennsylvania food bank that delivers meals to hungry veterans, but still regularly sees other veterans in similar situations. Read more.

 Across the Nation

Army Veteran Among Heroes Who Saved Lives At Las Vegas Shooting:

Rob Ledbetter's battlefield instincts kicked in quickly as bullets rained overhead. The U.S. Army veteran who served as a sniper in Iraq immediately began tending to the wounded, one of several heroes to emerge from the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Read more.

Highland Lakes Honor Guard Needs Members To Give Veterans Final Salutes:

At its peak, the Highland Lakes Honor Guard membership hit about 25, which gave commander Charlie Taylor some flexibility when it came to scheduling events in which the unit participated. “But now, it’s tougher,” he said. “Our numbers are down.” Read more.

VA, DoD, HHS Evacuate Hurricane Maria Medical Patients:

Approximately 35 medical patients from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have arrived in Shreveport, LA, via military aircraft and smaller private planes, since Sept. 24, 2017. Upon arrival, patients were transported to local hospitals across the community. Read more.

Veterans ID Cards To Be Available Starting In November:

Veterans Affairs officials will start issuing new veterans ID cards next month, giving recipients an easy way to provide their military service for business discounts and other promotions. A VA spokesman said they’ll be made available for no cost to any veteran who applies through the department’s website. 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]

Governor Wolf Announces Relocation of Royal Industries International, Inc. Into Pennsylvania:

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that Royal Industries International, Inc., a manufacturer of promotional products, will relocate its facility from Brooklyn, NY to Allentown, PA (Lehigh County), creating 80 new Pennsylvania jobs. Read more.

Wolf Administration Officials Announce New Apprenticeship Program For Jobs In Agriculture:

Wolf administration officials today introduced a new apprenticeship program to prepare agriculture equipment service technicians for ‘Jobs that Pay’ by developing hands-on skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Pennsylvania will face more than 1,000 job openings as current farm equipment mechanics and service technicians retire by 2027. Read more.

CCBC And Shell Host Industrial Manufacturing Events For Veterans And Residents:

Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) and Shell Oil Company are joining forces to host two events on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017 to inform and educate area residents about employment opportunities in Beaver County. Read more.

Mentors For Dauphin County Veterans Court:

Veterans are needed 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.

Pennsylvania Veteran Farmer Project, Paid Apprenticeship:

Jamison Farms in Latrobe, PA (Westmoreland County) is currently accepting applications for a six-month paid apprenticeship.
For details and how to apply, visit website.
Apprentice will have the opportunity to learn aspects of the farm from livestock care, to slaughtering, butchering, and special events. While working closely with the experienced personnel much of the time, they will also have independent responsibilities. Starting salary commensurate with experience and will increase with acquisition of skills and knowledge.

Pennsylvania VFW Is Seeking Candidates For Secretary/Administrative Assistant:

Secretary for the department adjutant
For more information call the state adjutant at 717-234-7927.
To apply, email your cover letter, resume, business writing samples, and contact information to: state adjutant at [email protected] or mail it to, PA VFW State HQ, 4002 Fenton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17109-5943.
Work week up to 35 hours from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Salary to be negotiated during the interview process.

The Substitute Teacher Service Is Hiring:

The Substitute Teachers is now hiring certified teachers, guest teachers and substitute aides.
Point of contact: Mary Dwyer at 610-566-6466 ext. 235 or email [email protected]
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.)

FY18 Veterans Town Hall Schedule:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a series of veterans town hall meetings for fiscal year 2018. If you cannot make it personally please join the town hall meetings on Facebook. During the Facebook Live session, you will be able to ask questions and have them answered during the Town Hall. For a full list of town hall meetings, visit: website.

'We Can Do It!' WWII Exhibit:

Now through Nov. 28, Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hagen History Center, 356 W. Sixth St., Erie, PA 16507 (Erie County)
Point of contact: 814-454-1813
Admission: $7.50 for adults; $5 for seniors, children and students with ID.
Visitors to the exhibit will learn about the development of the jeep, a uniquely American invention produced by the American Bantam Car Company in Butler, PA, and hear the stories behind Rosie the Riveter and the local Tuskegee Airmen whose contributions helped to turn the tide of the war. World War II artifacts will be on display, courtesy of the Heinz History Center and the Erie County Historical Society.

Spring Creek Chapter Of Trout Unlimited Veterans:

Second and fourth Sunday of each month through November 2017, 1 p.m.-dusk
Fishermans' Paradise, 1150 Spring Creek Rd., Bellefonte, PA 16823 (Centre County)
Point of contact: Jim Lanning, 951-231-8000 or email at [email protected]; or Dan Van Winkle, 609-203-5051 or email at [email protected]
Open to all veterans and active duty military personnel. Fishing gear, supplies, and fishing license (as needed) are provided.

Freedom Day USA Free Dental:

Oct. 12, 2017
Total Health Dentistry, LLC 524 Washington St., Huntingdon, PA 16652 (Huntingdon County)
Please call to reserve an appointment time at 814-643-9414
Free cleaning, exam, X-rays and other dental services such as fillings/extractions.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:

Oct. 13, 2017, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Comfort Inn & Conference Center, 699 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills, PA 15235 (Allegheny County)
R.S.V.P. to [email protected] or 412-623-9029 and mention the DMVA Digest.
The VBC is a nonprofit that creates communities of listening around veterans and their stories. Veterans from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan share their stories. They are open to the public, and you don’t need to be a veteran to attend. website.

Veterans Recognition Pancake Breakfast:

Oct. 14, 2017, two seating times, 8 and 8:30 a.m.
Good Hope Fire Station, 1200 Good Hope Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 (Cumberland County)
Please make a reservation by calling 717-975-2235. registration deadline is Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017.
State Rep. Greg Rothman Invites veterans and families in the 87th District to a veterans recognition pancake breakfast.

Veteran Social Center Open House:

Oct. 14, 2017, 8:30-11 a.m.
Paul R. Gordon Veteran Social Center, 645 N. 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 (Berks County)
Point of contact: To R.S.V.P. text or call Liz Graybill at 484-577-6898.
Light refreshments will be served. The Veteran Social Center is handicapped accessible. Bring your business card. The Veteran Social Center is located at the ground floor of the Hope Rescue Mission (corner of 6th and Greenwich).

Invitation to All Pennsylvania First Responders And Military Veterans To Obtain Free Estate Plans:

Oct. 14, 2017, 11 a.m.
Grantville Volunteer Fire Company, 9199 Allentown Blvd., Grantville, PA (Dauphin County)
Point of contact: Gabriele Miller-Wagner at [email protected] or Hannah Suhr at [email protected]
Register. The password is: WFHGRTV. Please register by Oct. 12.
Please note that proof of affiliation or DD 214 will be requested at the event. You will be given notarized legal documents: a will; living will; and health care and financial powers of attorney (or any combination thereof).

Veteran Support Service Car Show:

Oct. 14, 2017 rain date Oct. 15, 2017, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Post 403 American Legion Auxiliary, 4035 Manchester St., Glen Rock, PA 17327 (York County)
Point of contact: Sharon Krout at 717-235-5157 or [email protected]
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, 2017, 6 p.m.
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.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:

Oct. 18, 2017, 9-11 a.m.
Robert Morris University, RMU Yorktown Hall (former Holiday Inn), 8256 University Blvd., Moon Township, PA 15108 (Allegheny County)
R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or [email protected] and mention the DMVA Digest.
The VBC is a nonprofit that creates communities of listening around veterans and their stories. Veterans from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan share their stories. They are open to the public, and you don’t need to be a veteran to attend. Website.
Breakfast is $12. There is no charge to attend the event without having breakfast.

Pennsylvania National Horse Shoe Military Appreciation Night:

Oct. 18, 2017, 7:30 pm
Farm Show Complex (Dauphin County)
Free Admission to all military and their families.
Attend Wednesday Oct. 18, 2017 and receive a free general admission ticket for the Prix de Penn National Grand Prix on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

MilitaryShare:

Oct. 18, 2017 and every 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2-4 p.m.
Calvary Lutheran Church, 208 Woods Dr., Mechanicsburg, PA (Cumberland County)
Call Bob Ardner at 717-682-1012 or email [email protected] to pre-register (Participants must pre-register to be eligible.)
All veterans, service members and their families in need are welcome. Proof of military service, such as DD 214, military ID or VA medical card is required to register. Participants must pre-register to be eligible.

Pittsburgh Veterans Job Fair Sponsored By Disabled American Vets And Recruit Military:

Oct. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (Allegheny County)
Point of contact: Samantha Duncan at 757-965-5808 or email [email protected]
Job opportunities (managerial, sales, logistics, engineering, etc.) from a variety of great companies. Register.
If you can't attend, see online opportunities at website.
290,000 jobs posted online, over four million job seeker profiles have been viewed by employers.

Combat Women Through The Ages:

Penn State Military Appreciation: Combat Women Through the Ages
Oct. 19, 2017, 4:30-6 p.m.
HUB Auditorium on the University Park campus of Penn State.
Website.
An enlightening panel presentation and discussion with women veterans and women military service members. Discussion will touch on various topics related to women in the military to include deployment experiences, leadership, values, role changes, and role expectations for women in the military over the years.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) At Night:

Oct. 19, 2017, 6:30 p.m.
McKeesport Regional Heritage Center, 1832 Arboretum Dr., McKeesport, PA 15132 (Allegheny County)
R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or [email protected] and mention the DMVA Digest.
This event is free, and includes free food, with a cash bar. The VBC is a nonprofit that creates communities of listening around veterans and their stories. Storytelling events, both morning and night, are held throughout Western Pennsylvania. Veterans from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan share their stories. They are open to the public, and you don’t need to be a veteran to attend. Website.

Mental Health First Aid For Military Members, Veterans, And Their Families:

Oct. 23, 2017 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Centronia Ambulance, 4300 Broadway, Allentown, PA 18104 (Lehigh County)
Mental health first aid for military members, veterans, and their families. Preference will be given to individuals in Northampton and Lehigh counties.
Register.

Wings For Our Heroes 2nd Annual Fundraiser:

Nov. 4, 2017, 4 p.m.
Whispering Hollows Estate, 1409 Dunkard Hollow Rd., Alum Bank, PA 15521 (Bedford County)
Tickets can be purchased by calling 814-659-8216 or visit website.
Deadline for tickets is Oct. 17, 2017