DMVA News

DMVA Still Needs To Locate 51 Photos From PA For Vietnam National Memorial:

Help honor those from Pennsylvania who paid the ultimate sacrifice as a result of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund virtual Wall of Faces in Washington, D.C. still needs to locate 51 photos from 10 different counties in Pennsylvania to put a face with a name. To see a full list of names and for information on how to submit a photo, please visit Read more.

DMVA Temporary Assistance Program:

Did you know, DMVA offers temporary assistance for veterans facing an immediate need for necessities in their life including food, shelter and clothing? To learn more, visit the DMVA Temporary Assistance Program. Read more.

Support Pennsylvania Veterans:

DMVA manages six extended care facilities throughout the state that serve 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 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. Donate.

 Around the State

'Bombs In Our Backyard' – PA Military Sites Flagged As High-Risk:

A new online map can help you see if you live near a contaminated military site. ProPublica, a nonprofit news organization, has published several stories and an interactive map as part of a "Bombs In Our Backyard" investigation. Read more.

Montco Community College Named 'Best College' By Military Times:

Montgomery County Community College has been named among Military Times' 2018 "Best Colleges." More than 600 colleges were analyzed in the 2018 survey, where 218 made Military Times' list. Of the 218 school's, only 34 were community colleges, and MCCC was the only community college named from Pennsylvania. Read more.

National Guard Chopper Rescue Of Hunter Is First Of Its Kind In Pennsylvania:

A Black Hawk helicopter piloted by members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard hoisted a hunter to safety after he fell from a tree. The operation in Blair County was the first-ever, in-state rescue mission by the Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, a partnership between the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and civilian rescue technicians. Read more.

New Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedicated In Susquehanna Township:

A veterans memorial garden in Susquehanna Township is expanding, but organizers say they need additional funds to complete the latest project. Read more.

PA Agriculture Secretary, PA National Guard Kick Off ‘Trees for Troops’ Donation Weekend At Carbon County Tree Farm:

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Lt. Col. Michael Siriani of the Pennsylvania National Guard helped kick off the state’s 2017 Trees for Troops weekend, encouraging Pennsylvanians to donate real Christmas trees for distribution to active-duty military and their families. Trees for Troops is a national program that provides free, farm-grown Christmas trees to armed forces members and their families each holiday season. Read more.

PA University Earns Eighth Consecutive Military Friendly Distinction:

For the last eight years, Edinboro University (EU), located in Erie County, has been recognized for embracing military students and dedicating resources to ensure their success in the classroom and beyond. This year, EU earned two national awards for commitment to veterans through the ROTC program and the Veterans Success Center. Read more.

Pennsylvania National Guard Medical Battalion Training Site Hosts Enlisted Leadership:

The Pennsylvania National Guard's Medical Battalion Training Site (MBTS) hosted enlisted leaders from the Regional Health Command Atlantic and several of its subordinate organizations on Nov. 27. The primary mission of the MBTS is to conduct the combat medical specialist MOS transition course. The site offers additional courses such as Comprehensive Medical Training and Sustainment, Combat Lifesaver and Basic Life Support. It also offers customizable training and training support to requesting units and organizations when resources are available. Read more.

Reboot Graduates First Veterans From York County Program:

Three southcentral Pennsylvania veterans were honored recently after completing the first Reboot Combat Recovery program in York County. The 12-week program hosted by local veterans Charles Yost and Sheldon Kauffman addresses the spiritual components of combat and moral injuries. Read more.

State Representative Will Deploy To Middle East In 2018:

State Rep. Matt Gabler announced Thursday he will deploy to the Middle East in early 2018 as part of his service in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Gabler serves as a medical logistics officer in the 28th Infantry Division. He will join approximately 500 soldiers from his division in deploying. Read more.

Woman Raises Nearly $200K For Homeless Marine Veteran Who Gave Her His Last $20 For Gas:

Kate McClure, 27, was driving into Philadelphia on southbound I-95 last month to visit a friend when her car started sputtering. She pulled onto the nearest exit ramp and made it to the bottom just as she ran out of gas. Read more.

Wreaths Sought For Veterans' Graves In North Huntingdon:

Rhonda Hunt is on a mission to place memorial wreaths on the graves of close to 2,100 veterans buried in two North Huntingdon (Westmoreland County) cemeteries this holiday season. Donations so far have raised enough to buy more than 1,500 wreaths through Wreaths Across America, leaving Hunt more than 500 short of her goal. Read more.

 Across the Nation

Boulder Crest Retreat Arizona Ready To Serve Veterans:

Boulder Crest Retreat (BCR) Arizona held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their new location. BCR Arizona is committed to improving the well being of our nation’s veterans. They focus on physical, emotional, spiritual, and economic health, ensuring veterans have the opportunity to live lives of passion and purpose. Read more.

Innovative Program Allows Disabled Veterans To Live At Home:

Local veterans, their families and federal leaders came together at the Mechanical American Legion Post in Mechanicsville, Va. to celebrate an innovative program that gives disabled veterans the ability to control their own care. The veterans-directed home and community based services program allows disabled veterans to live in their own homes instead of nursing homes. Read more.

Legal Help For Veterans:

Some Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities host non-VA legal service providers that can assist veterans free of charge. Read more.

Marine Corps Veteran Tackles Survivor’s Guilt While Transitioning To Civilian Life:

Joseph Stordahl has worn the same wrist band every day since April 24, 2011. On its chipped metal frame, the name Joe Jackson accompanies that date. Jackson was the first marine Stordahl recruited into the U.S. Marine Corps that was killed in action. Read more.

To Overcome Cultural Barriers, VA Outreach Event Aims To Reach More Native Americans:

Employees with the Phoenix Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System teamed up with the Veterans Benefits Administration and veterans service organizations to hold an outreach event for Native American Veterans on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Read more.

Veteran Credits Veterans Affairs (VA) With Not Only Saving His Life, But Also His Caregiver’s Life:

The valley topped out at 119 degrees – enough to ground planes at Sky Harbor International Airport, but for one Phoenix veteran, it was Christmas in June. Michael Nash, a Cold War-era Army veteran, was two years into his battle with a failing liver when he received the phone call from the Phoenix VA. Read more.

Veterans – Help End AIDS:

The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is encouraging veterans to talk to their providers about their HIV status. Everyone should “say yes to the test” at least once. Getting an HIV test in VA is simple, just ask your primary care provider to order a test at your next appointment. Read more.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Announces Rollout And Application Process For New Veterans ID Card:

VA has announced that the application process for the national Veterans Identification Card (VIC) is now available for veterans. This has been mandated through legislation since 2015 to honor veterans, and today’s rollout of the ID card fulfills that overdue promise. Read more.

Veterans Affairs (VA) To Provide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy To Some Veterans With Chronic PTSD:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced it will offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as a treatment option for a small number of veterans with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms resistant to standard options. Read more.

White House Veterans Affairs (VA) Hotline Now Fully Staffed And Operational Around The Clock To Serve Nation’s Veterans:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the White House VA Hotline, first launched in June as part of President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reforming VA, is now fully staffed with live agents working to serve veterans 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. The hotline is now staffed by a team consisting of 90 percent veterans or employees who have a veteran family member. Read more.

Women, Depression And Heart Disease:

Are you a female veteran who’s anxious or depressed? Chances are you may be at a higher risk for heart disease according to a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Boston University School of Medicine. The study appears in the Journal of Women’s Health. 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 Terrafina Relocating To Pennsylvania, Creating 120 New Jobs In Monroe County:

Governor Tom Wolf announced that Terrafina LLC, a food manufacturer of healthy snack options, will be relocating its operations from New York City into East Stroudsburg (Monroe County), and will create 120 new Pennsylvania jobs. Read more.

Wolf Announces New Approvals For Low-Interest Loans To Support 11 Small Business Projects And More Than 125 New Jobs:

Governor Tom Wolf announced new low-interest loan approvals made by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) program for 11 small business projects in nine counties across the commonwealth that will help retain more than 800 jobs and create more than 125 new jobs within three years. “These fiscally responsible investments support a broad array of private-sector enterprises that reflect the formidable strength and diversity of Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Wolf. Read more.

Holiday Rush – Job Searching at the End of the Year:

As the end of the year approaches, many people put their job searches on hold until after the holiday season thinking that businesses and hiring slow down. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are two very good reasons not to take a break from your job hunt. Read more.

Serve Visually Impaired Veterans As A Veterans Affairs (VA) Optometrist:

Optometry is an essential part of VA, especially since there are more than one million visually impaired veterans over the age of 45 in the United States. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness of services as well as career opportunities in the field. Read more.

Waste Management Hiring Diesel Technicians In Camden NJ:

Text waste to 51893 or call 877-220-5627 for more information.
Requirements: two years experience, Must be at least 18 years of age and must have a valid driver's license with clean driving record.
$1,500 sign-on bonus.
Apply.

Waste Management Is Now Hiring Diesel Mechanics & Jr. Diesel Mechanics In Sewell, NJ:

Text waste to 51893 or call 877-220-5627 for more information.
Requirements: two years experience required for diesel mechanics; no experience required for jr. mechanics. Must be at least 18 years of age and must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
Apply.

West Chester University To Get Funding To Train Veterans To Be Teachers:

West Chester University will receive approximately $112,000 in funding under the federal Troops to Teachers grant program as part of a more than $272,000 award shared with Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. The universities will partner with Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Pittsburgh Public Schools and Chester Upland School District to prepare military veterans to be teachers. 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.)

Special Screening And Community Conversations Journey To Normal Women Of War Come Home:

- Dec. 7, 2017, 1-4 p.m.
- AMC Lowes Waterfront, 300 W. Waterfront Dr., West Homestead, PA (Allegheny County)
- Point of contact: Tamara (Ivosevic) Perconte at 412-395-6223 or email [email protected]
- Admission is $12. Movie begins at 1:30 p.m. and group discussion to follow in theater. Together we will explore how we can begin bridging the military-civilian cultural gap in understanding.
- Reserve your seat.

WWII Round Table - They witnessed Pearl Harbor:

- Dec. 7, 2017, 7 p.m.
- Grace United Methodist Church, 433 East Main St., Hummelstown, PA (Dauphin County)
- Point of contact: Bev at 717-319-3430
- Come hear their first-hand accounts from Pearl Harbor survivors, Richard "Dick" Schimmel of Allentown and William Bonelli of Philadelphia.
- Prior to the meeting, enjoy dinner in the Fellowship Hall consisting of baked ziti, meatballs, green beans, salad, rolls and dessert.
- Website.

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]
- Unite veterans of all service eras, their spouses, family and community friends to learn about the military experience.

Wills For Heroes:

- Dec. 9, 2017, time slots: 11 a.m.; Noon; 1 p.m.; 2 p.m.; 3 p.m.; 4 p.m.
- Arcadia University, Grey Towers Castle, 450 South Easton Rd., Glenside, PA (Montgomery County)
- Point of contact: email Gabriele Miller-Wagner at [email protected] or Hannah Suhr [email protected]
- Invitation to ALL Pennsylvania military veterans and first responders to obtain FREE estate plans. Schedule appointments online and use the password, "Arcadia." Website.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:

- Dec. 13, 2017, 9-11 a.m.
- Robert Morris University, RMU Yorktown Hall, 8256 University Blvd., Moon Township, 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 Town Hall:

- Dec. 13, 2017, 10-11 a.m.
- H.J. Heinz Campus Learning Exchange, 1010 Delafield Rd., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County). Attendees can park for FREE at the medical center.
- R.S.V.P. by Dec. 12, 2017 to [email protected]
- Our town halls allow veterans, their families and the general public to meet with VA leadership. Attendees can ask questions, tell us what we are doing right and point out ways we can improve our services.
- Facebook page.

Introduction To The Community Leadership Coure For Veterans:

- Dec. 13, 2017, noon-1 p.m.
- Moorhead Federal Building, Room 1609, 1000 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County), or dial-in at 844-358-7954, access code, 737742573
- Point of contact: Nick Boyko at 412-395-6084 or [email protected]
- This lunch and learn is an introduction to the Community Leadership Course for Veterans (CLCV). CLCV is an initiative of Leadership Pittsburgh, Inc. aimed at leveraging the skills and experience of post 9/11 veterans by exposing them to new leadership networks and opportunities for service to the southwestern Pennsylvania community, and fast-tracking their success in the region as high-potential leaders.
- Website.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) At Night:

- Dec. 14, 2017, 6-8 p.m.
- Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County). Parking located at the Carnegie Science Center (north lot) for $7, or park for free at the nearby casino. All guests must use the press gate entrance to the stadium.
- R.S.V.P. no later than Dec. 10, 2017 to 412-623-9029 or [email protected] or Register. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- This event has been generously underwritten by the Pittsburgh Steelers and includes free food, wine and beer. 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. The events open to the public, and you don’t need to be a veteran to attend.
- Facebook page.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:

- Dec. 16, 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.