DMVA News
On Veterans Day, PA Remembers Those Who Served:
"Pennsylvania's Adjutant General Tony Carrelli and I are committed to doing everything we can for our veterans and active military members and have been working to expand services and outreach throughout Pennsylvania," said Gov. Tom Wolf. Read More.
Gov. Tom Wolf And Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli Thank Pennsylvania’s 820,000 Veterans For Keeping America Safe, Free:
Gov. Tom Wolf wants every one of the approximately 820,000 veterans across the commonwealth to know that they are truly appreciated for keeping America safe and free. “Veterans from all eras are a big part of our history – heroes who have sacrificed greatly to preserve our freedom and secure our future,” Wolf said. Read more.
Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General, Spoke At Veterans Day luncheon:
Rajant, a provider of industry-leading Kinetic Mesh technology, hosted its fourth annual Veterans Day luncheon in support of Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors. Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general, spoke about the need to honor the country’s veterans, specifically highlighting how Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors helps veterans and their families. Read more.
Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli And Sec. Russell Redding Announced Veterans, Military, And Their Families Day At 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show:
Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli and State Agriculture Sec. Russell Redding announced Jan. 11, 2018 as "Veterans, Military, and Their Families Day" at the 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show. “Our servicemen and women not only sacrifice for our country, they develop skills that transfer extremely well to agriculture careers when they return home, and they bring a diversity of perspective that strengthens our industry," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. Read more.
Around the State
50 Years After The Vietnam War, Veterans Law Clinic Helps Agent Orange Victims:
Fifty years after the Vietnam War, some veterans are still dealing with health effects caused by Agent Orange. A law clinic at Penn State is working to get veterans the help they need. John Gority, from Duncansville, PA (Blair County) remembers getting up close and personal with the herbicide “Agent Orange” when he was in Vietnam. Read more.
A Chance To Show Their Appreciation:
The Pittsburgh Steelers took part in Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA). OTA was founded in 2004, and since then they have provided care packages and essentials to 161,000 deployed troops. Read more.
A PA Veteran Tells Her Story:
"As a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard for 15 years, I had never before been called to serve as part of wartime operations. While I was anxious about deploying, I was proud to join generations of Americans who have answered our nation's call," said Maj. Nicole Reigelman of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Read more.
Central PA Veterans Take 'Overwhelming' Trip To Arlington National Cemetery:
It wasn't Dale Cupernall's first trip to the historic cemetery. The U.S. Navy veteran from York County had been in Arlington National Cemetery during his military career to bury some of his fallen comrades. Read more.
Community Mission – Help Area Veterans Navigate Challenges:
Veterans comprise a bit under 10 percent of Cambria County’s population. Most finished their time in the military and then uneventfully acclimated back into civilian lives. Some wrestle with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, depression, physical pain, drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and difficulty finding employment. Read more.
Freedom Path Dedicated As Part Of Veterans Day Ceremony In City Park:
About 200 people bundled up in coats, hats and scarves to honor past and present military members on Veterans Day. The gathering took place at the Veterans Grove section of City Park in Reading, PA (Berks County) with a special dedication of the new Freedom Path, a brick walkway that connects the grove's monuments to vets of World War I, World War II and the Korean War, as well as a Vietnam Memorial. Read more.
Local Woman Volunteering Time To Index Veterans' Graves:
Shelby McHenry is spending her time indexing Cambria County veterans’ graves. Currently, all deceased veterans from the county are listed in six books. Each book has 5,000 entries, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Read more.
Military Dad Surprises Pennsylvania High School Student:
It was quite a special surprise for a Delaware County teen this Veterans Day weekend. Jasmine Vega, a freshman at Archbishop Carroll High School, Radnor, PA (Delaware County) was attending her school's father-daughter dance on Friday night. Read more.
PA Attorney General Focuses On Veterans Issues:
The opioid epidemic that has killed thousands of people across northeastern and central Pennsylvania region hits the veteran population particularly hard. Statistics show veterans are twice as likely as non-veterans to die from overdosing on painkillers. Read more.
PA Sen. Lisa Baker Working To Support Veterans Through Several Proposed Bills:
“Those defending freedom heed the call of duty,” Baker said in a news release. “We must be just as vigilant in supporting them.” Sen. Baker, who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee is working to advance several bills to assist those who bravely put country before self. Read more.
Partnering To Eliminate Veteran Suicide:
"As the Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, it is my responsibility to assure that all our veterans receive safe, reliable, high quality healthcare, a task which I cannot accomplish alone. Each and every day I rely heavily on the dedicated and professional staff at Wilkes-Barre, and it’s Community Based Outpatient Clinics, to assure that our veterans receive the care that they have so bravely earned," said Russell E. Lloyd. Read more.
Pennsylvania Airmen Helped Reopen Dover Air Force Base In 1951:
It was January 1951, and war was raging on the Korean Peninsula. North Korean forces were threatening South Korea, and Americans everywhere were concerned about communist aggression. To ramp up American defenses, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 148th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Reading Airport was ordered to active duty with orders to reopen Dover Air Force Base. Read more.
Pennsylvania Body Shop To Donate Recycled Ride To Army National Guard Veteran:
Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster, PA, announced it will be donating a completely refurbished 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid to a decorated U.S. Army National Guard veteran who has fallen on hard times. They will make the donation with State Farm as part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program. Read more.
Philadelphia Clinic Marks One Year Helping Soldiers Transition To Civilian Life:
Transitioning from soldier to civilian after serving in the military isn’t easy. One recent University of Pennsylvania graduate, who wishes to remain anonymous, says that when she returned from serving abroad in the Army, she knew she needed someone to talk to. Administrators at the Department of Veterans Affairs connected her to Penn Medicine’s Steven A. Cohen Military Clinic. Read more.
Retired Army Major Promoting Women's Memorial For Fellow Veterans:
Retired U.S. Army Maj. Kathy Silvia of Chambersburg, PA (Franklin County) is concerned that the contributions of female service members are often forgotten, perhaps, in part, because they might do their jobs without fanfare. Because of those concerns, Silvia became an ambassador for the Women In Military Service For America Memorial. Read more.
Suicide Crisis Reaches Beyond Combat Veterans:
Darcel Rideout often found her 10 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard to be “exhilarating,” but the stresses of the job and the time away from family took a toll on her, and she battled with depression during the last few years of her service. “When you’re serving in the military,” Rideout said, “there are a lot of sacrifices that you have to make." Read more.
Veterans Can Get Tax-Free Online Shopping For Life:
A policy change that took effect on Veterans Day allows honorably discharged veterans to shop online tax-free for life at all Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores. Veterans in Pennsylvania and in New Jersey would be impacted by the change. Veterans can visit ShopMyExchange.com to verify eligibility and begin shopping tax-free online on. Read more.
Veterans Caught In Cross Hairs Of Medical Marijuana Laws:
At 68, Tom Mertz, who served with the Marines in the Vietnam War, is prescribed a laundry list of medication to manage his many health problems, including slow-acting and fast-acting oxycodone, one of the painkillers fueling a deadly opioid epidemic. He wonders if medical marijuana might help him with his chronic pain, which is one of the 17 health conditions that Pennsylvania allows to be treated with cannabis. Read more.
Veterans Courts Can Provide Key Assistance To Those Who Served:
About a year ago, Lawrence County launched a “Thank A Vet” program that provides a free ID to veterans whose discharge is on record with the register and recorder of deeds, enabling them to receive discounts at participating businesses. Read more.
Wrestling For PA Wounded Warriors Tournament Has Raised More Than $41,000:
Over the past four years, the Wrestling for PA Wounded Warriors tournament has raised more than $41,000 to help wounded veterans from Pennsylvania. "We're pretty proud of it and it's a worthy cause," said Demonte "Spike" Temple, an organizer of the event. Read more.
Across the Nation
Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program (VADIP):
Now, it’s easier than ever to get affordable dental coverage. Delta Dental is proud to offer valuable dental benefits to help create smiles, improve health and enhance lives of veterans.
Website.
Great American Smokeout – Why We Quit:
Are you ready to stop smoking? The American Cancer Society's 41st annual Great American Smokeout on Nov. 16, 2017 is the perfect time to plan your quit program. The Great American Smokeout calls on smokers to make a plan to quit or light their last cigarette. Website.
Veterans Affairs (VA) To Host Events Across Country To Reach Homeless And At-Risk Veterans:
This year, Veterans Day also marked the first day of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, an annual initiative to educate the public on how they can help fix the critical problems of homelessness and food insecurity. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting 24 Stand Downs in communities across the country, from now through Nov. 19, 2017. 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]
Veterans Job Fair:
A free hiring event for veterans, transitioning military personnel, National Guard members, Reserve members and spouses is being held on Nov. 16, 2017, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Citizens Bank Park, One Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County). For more information or to register contact Recruit Military at 513-683-5020 or visit the website.
Governor Wolf Announces New Approvals Supporting Seven Business In Our Sites (BOS) Projects Statewide, Projected To Create More Than 3,300 Jobs:
“The Business in Our Sites program is a critical business development tool that allows us to prepare an arsenal of pad-ready sites for future business growth in Pennsylvania,” said Governor Wolf. “The projects approved will take sites in need of redevelopment and prepare them for Pennsylvania’s businesses of tomorrow, today.”
Governor Wolf Announces New Project Approval For Pipeline Investment Program Project:
Gov. Tom Wolf announced a new Pipeline Investment Program project approval through the Commonwealth Financing Authority that will create up to 200 jobs and bring natural gas energy to more than 115 households, businesses, and other properties in Wyoming County. Read more.
Warwick Family Service Employment Opportunity For Veterans:
Job opportunities available at a residential treatment facility for children in Warminster, PA (Bucks County).
Contact Jason Thompson at 267-525-7000, ext. 2204 or email [email protected]
Apply.
Waste Management Hiring Experienced, Non-Experienced Residential Drivers & Residental Helpers In Homer City:
Text waste to 51893 or call 877-220-5627 for more information.
Requirements: No experience required for non-experienced residential driver position; six months related experience for helpers; one year for residential. Residential helper must be 18 years of age, (No CDL required) Must be 21 for residential drivers. Must hold current Class A or B commercial drivers license with air-brake endorsement.
Apply.
Waste Management Is Now Hiring Residential, Rolloff And Swing Drivers In West Sunbury And Greenville:
Text waste to 51893 or call 877-220-5627 for more information.
Requirements: must be at least 21 years old, must hold a current Class A or B commercial drivers license with air-brake endorsement and minimum one year of commercial drivers license driving experience two years for swing driver). Up to $3,000 sign-on bonus.
Apply.
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.)
Veterans Job Fair:
- Nov. 16, 2017, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Citizens Bank Park, One Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
Point of contact: Recruit Military at 513-683-5020
- A free hiring event for veterans, transitioning military personnel, National Guard members, Reserve members and spouses.
- Register.
McKean County Veteran Resource Fair:
- Nov. 16, 2017, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- University of Pittsburgh, Bradford, 300 Campus Dr., Bradford, PA (McKean County)
- Point of contact: Zachariah Pearson at 814-887-3241
- Veterans in McKean County area are invited to attend a free one-stop shop to learn about VA services and community resources available to local veterans and their families. Veterans who have never enrolled in VA healthcare are encouraged to bring a copy of their DD-214 and speak with an eligibility representative on-site to determine if they are eligible for VA services.
- Event.
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) At Night:
- Nov. 17, 2017, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Seven Oaks Country Club, 132 Lisbon Rd., Beaver, PA (Beaver County)
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or [email protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- 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.
- Facebook page.
Stand Down Pittsburgh:
- Nov. 18, 2017, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Point of contact: Toshua Jarrett at 412-481-8200 or email [email protected]
- The purpose of the Veterans Stand Down is to provide hot meals, clothing, shelter, barbers, employment assistance, benefits and claims assistance, as well as drug & alcohol treatment services to homeless veterans. The program is successful because it brings these services to one location, making them more accessible to homeless veterans.
- Website.
Veterans Thanksgiving Banquet:
- Nov. 19, 2017, 10:30 a.m.
- Heritage Baptist Church, 502 E. Adele Ave., Manheim, PA (Lancaster County)
- Call or text 717-478-1450 or email [email protected] to R.S.V.P.
- Admission is free for the event.
- Website.
Veterans Expo At Montgomery County Community College:
- Nov. 20, 2017, 9 a.m.-noon
- Montgomery County Community College, College Hall, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA (Montgomery County)
- Point of contact: Rep. Harper's District Office, at 610-277-3230 or email [email protected]
- Information for veterans of all ages, with special emphasis on services for men and women returning to civilian life. Featuring organizations that provide support, education, employment and more to veterans. The Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds will be onsite to issue ID cards to Montgomery County Veterans (A DD-214 and a picture ID are required for ID card issuance).
- Website.
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:
- Nov. 21, 2017, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Rd., Bethel Park , PA (Allegheny County).
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or [email protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- 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.
- Facebook page.
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:
- Nov. 29, 2017, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Grazie Restaurant (Oxford Athletic Club), 100 Village Club Dr., Wexford, PA (Allegheny County)
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or [email protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- 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.
- Facebook page.
Military Crossroads:
- Dec. 9, 2017, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Spang Crest, 945 Duke St., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- R.S.V.P. by Dec. 1, 2017 at 717-272-8317 or email [email protected]
- Join us as we unite veterans of all service eras, their spouses, family and community friends to learn about the military experience.
Spring Creek Chapter Of Trout Unlimited Veterans Last Chance In 2017:
- Second and fourth Sunday of each month through November 2017, 1 p.m.-dusk
- Fishermans' Paradise, 1150 Spring Creek Rd., Bellefonte, PA (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.