DMVA News

Pennsylvania Veterans Honored With Wreaths At DMVA's Soldiers’ And Sailors’ Home Cemetery In Erie:

Members of the community and volunteers from the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie will place wreaths on each of the 1,324 graves in its veterans cemetery in coordination with the national Wreaths Across America program on Saturday, Dec. 16. The annual event places wreaths at more than 1,200 locations across America, at sea and abroad to honor service members who have served and sacrificed. Read more.

Governor Wolf Announces Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Opportunities:

Governor Tom Wolf announced that the 2017-18 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) is accepting grant applications for programs and services benefiting Pennsylvania veterans. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will award up to $800,000 in VTF grants to non-profit organizations, veteran service organizations and county directors of veteran affairs across the state. Grant applications must be received no later than 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, 2018. Read more.

DMVA'S Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center, Scranton, Holding Open House:

DMVA's Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center will hold an open house on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2017 from 1-4 p.m. Attendees can take a tour, meet the staff, enjoy refreshments, participate in activities, experience the comradery of fellow veterans and learn about the admissions process. For more information, contact the admissions office at 570-961-4348 or visit website.

Governor Wolf Reminds Pennsylvanians That The Holiday Season Is The Perfect Time To Give In Support Of Those Who Gave:

Governor Tom Wolf reminds Pennsylvanians that, in the spirit of the holiday season, this is the perfect time to support programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We should remember to honor our veterans every day, not just on Veterans Day,” Wolf said. “This is the time of year when many of us look for ways to share our good fortune and donate to a worthy cause, and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ programs that support our veterans and those currently serving are a wonderful way to give to those who have sacrificed so much for us.” Read more.

 Around the State

Berks County Remembers Pearl Harbor, Veterans On 76th Anniversary:

Benjamin Cimochowski is 97 years old, and even though he fought in World War II so long ago, he's still trying to forget the horrors of war. "Horrible. I try to forget everything that I did, and that's hard to do, I guess," Cimochowski said. Read more.

Delco Officials, Veterans Send Holiday Care Packages To Troops:

Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and county employees will once again spread cheer to Delaware County troops who are either overseas, stationed on base in the United States, or recuperating in a veteran's hospital this holiday season. County Council announced that they as well as county and court employees, will collect items and holiday greetings as part of the annual "Holiday Cheer for Troops" program during its public council meeting on Dec. 6. Read more.

Holiday Gift-Giving With A Sense Of Local History; Area Museums Have Great Offerings:

Put aside that onslaught of holiday catalogs that have piled up on the coffee table or at the end of the breakfast counter, and, as Marley’s Ghost told old Ebenezer Scrooge in the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol," “Hear me. My time is nearly gone.” With some imagination, such an admonition could be applied to those last-minute gift-givers among us. Read more.

Lebanon VAMC Opens New Infusion Clinic:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Lebanon VA Medical Center (VAMC) opened the facility’s new 7,000 square-foot Infusion Clinic during a recent ceremony. “Earlier this year, we celebrated our 70th anniversary of care for veterans in south central Pennsylvania and the opening of this clinic marks yet another milestone in our service to veterans,” said Robert. W. Callahan, Jr., medical center director and CEO. Read more.

Motorcycle Club Honors Fallen Officers In Erie County:

A local motorcycle club made up of law enforcement officers and military veterans have honored the sacrifice made by local police officers who died in the line of duty. The Erie County chapter of the Enforcers Law Enforcement and Veteran Motorcycle Club visited local cemeteries to clean up the gravesites of 14 known officers from Erie County who died on the job, and to place wreaths on the graves to honor and remember their service. Read more.

Floor Layers, Carpenters, Painters Union Refurbish Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service Center:

Sixteen floor layers and carpenters from the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters’ Locals 251 and 158 teamed with the District Council 21 Painters Union to refurbish the veterans Multi-Service Center located at 213 N. 4th St. in Philadelphia. The facility, which assists struggling veterans with employment and provides transitional housing for the homeless, serves more than 3,500 veterans and families annually. Read more.

PA Air National Guardsmen Aid In Search And Rescue Mission At Sea:

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh were at the tip of the spear during a search and rescue mission in the western Pacific Ocean when a fishing boat with seven fisherman on board capsized about 900 miles southwest of Guam on Nov. 21, 2017. Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen Lt. Col. Troy Wing, Lt. Col. Hilary Ayanru, Capt. Kelman Khersonsky, 1st Lt. Brandon Rader, Staff Sgt. Erin McBane and Senior Airman Alexis Smith, who were at the time deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, were first to locate the capsized fishing boat after searching from the sky in a KC-135R aircraft, an aircraft normally used for midair refueling. Read more.

Veterans Gather For Big Army-Navy Game While Collecting Toys For The Kids:

The celebration of Army vs. Navy football game at the Farrell Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286 (Mercer County) brought out four area World War II vets, which does not happen very often. “There’s not many of us left,” said Bob Davis, a veteran of both the Army and Navy. “I’m the only WWII vet in Wheatland.” And although he was wearing a Navy ball cap, Davis did not mind that the Army won this year’s game. He said he was not cheering for either team. He served in the Navy in World War II and joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard after the war. Read more.

Veterans Receive Early Christmas Thanks To Cumberland County Honor Guard:

Christmas came early for more than 40 veterans who reside at the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Cumberland County. Veterans received a catered lunch, music from the Sweet Adelines, presents and a visit from Santa. Read more.

'Wall Of Faces' Still Seeking One Photo Of Westmoreland Vet Killed In Vietnam:

In about a year and a half, the “Wall of Faces” project in Washington, D.C., was able to solicit photos of nearly every Westmoreland County veteran killed during the Vietnam War. Only one remains missing: James R. McClelland of Irwin. Read more.

 Across the Nation

10 Ways To Maintain Your Weight Over The Holidays:

During the holiday season, it is difficult and sometimes unrealistic to lose weight. With Thanksgiving and Christmas, temptations of large portions, unhealthy food choices, and tradition are frequent. Maintaining weight is a more realistic goal to set during the holidays when you're spending time with family and friends. Read more.

Atlanta Veterans Affairs (VA) Doctor Assists Patients In Native Puerto Rico:

Dr. Norberto Fas knew he needed to help his fellow Puerto Ricans following the destruction left by Hurricane Maria. The storm’s powerful 140-mph winds and destructive surge left much of the Caribbean island without potable water, electricity, or adequate health care. Fas, who is deputy chief of staff at the Atlanta VA Health Care System, said he was heartbroken to see such destruction in his native country, but at the same time he knew there was no doubt he had to help. Read more.

Female Veterans Lead 2018 Charge:

For Gina Ortiz Jones, the military was more than just a career, it was a path to the American dream. “I know what it’s like to be on free and reduced lunch. I know what it’s like to live in subsidized housing,” Jones said. Jones won an ROTC scholarship to study at Boston University. After graduation, she served a total of more than 15 years in the U.S. Air Force and the national security sector. Read more.

Google Uses Veterans Affairs (VA) Expertise To Help Individuals Identify Signs Of PTSD:

Noticing the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) early and finding the right treatment option can help people recover. That’s why Google called on VA when it was looking to use a tool that helps visitors determine if they might be experiencing PTSD. Researchers at VA’s National Center for PTSD developed the PC-PTSD-5, a simple and effective, medically-validated survey to test the likelihood of having PTSD. Read more.

Interagency Grant To Study Non-Drug Approaches To Treat Pain:

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Defense, and Veterans Affairs have jointly funded $81 million in research projects to investigate non-drug approaches to pain management for service members and veterans. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, is the lead agency on the research initiative, called the NIH-DoD-VA Pain Management Collaboratory. Read more.

Locals Salute Veterans, Remember Pearl Harbor:

Delaware residents honored surviving local veterans of Pearl Harbor, in a ceremony at the Port City’s historic World War II USO building. They came in their ball caps and their jackets with the campaign ribbons, a few in wheelchairs, a couple in their old uniforms and fatigue caps. Read more.

Los Angeles VA Hosts Homeless-To-Housed Veteran Stand Down:

The greater Los Angeles Healthcare System recently hosted its third annual Homeless-to-Housed Veterans Stand-Down. The yearly event presents a safe space for homeless veterans to receive critical services in housing, health, employment and general well-being, with a focus on providing veterans permanent or interim housing options. Read more.

Modernizing Veterans Affairs (VA) To Better Serve Veterans:

At VA, delivering a consistently positive experience for both our veterans and our employees is a priority. That’s why we’re implementing initiatives to update our technological capabilities and shift workplace culture across the agency. According to Melissa Sue Glynn, the presidential nominee to lead VA’s Office of Enterprise Integration (OEI), modernizing systems and processes will “change how the department operates to foster agility and ensure appropriated resources delivered to our veterans.” Read more.

More Than 200 Advocates Attend White House Veterans Affairs Conference:

Recently, as part of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans and Military Families Month, (VA) Secretary Dr. David Shulkin and Deputy Secretary Thomas Bowman spoke to more than 200 attendees at the White House VA Conference for state, local and tribal leaders. The conference, organized by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, provided an opportunity to build relationships between the administration, state, local, and tribal leaders who are leading efforts to better serve veterans. Read more.

Navajo Code Talker, Marine Veteran George B. Willie Sr. Remembered For Heroic Service To The Nation:

Navajo Code Talker, Marine veteran George B. Willie Sr. passed away after a storied life of service to our nation. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a 17-year old in 1943. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) honors the heroism, commitment and dedication of Willie and his comrades that made up the elite Navajo Code Talkers. Read more.

Philippine Scout, Army Veteran Shares Story Of His Escape From The Bataan Death March:

Amado Ante enlisted with the Philippine Scouts in February 1941 at the age of 22. Just five months later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a military order calling all organized military forces in the Commonwealth of the Philippines into active service of the United States Armed Forces. Ante responded to the call and was assigned to the 12th Quartermaster Regiment, Company B. Just hours after the Pearl Harbor attacks, Japanese forces invaded the Philippines. Read more.

Statement By Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Dr. David Shulkin – Permanent Community Care Legislation:

President Donald J. Trump is working to ensure his administration fulfills its commitment to America’s veterans so they receive the care they deserve. Under President Trump's leadership, major reform bills have been enacted including Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, the Forever GI Bill, and Appeals Modernization, among others. I am pleased that Congress is working on the last piece of business this year in considering proposals for permanent authorization of community care for veterans. Read more.

Staying Active In The Winter Months With My HealtheVet:

Most of us tend to "slow down" during the winter, with shorter days and longer nights. However, physical activity over the winter is just as important as during better weather months. Exercising regularly has proven benefits. These include lower blood pressure and blood glucose, improved sleep and mood, less fatigue, joint pain and constipation. So keep moving during cooler weather and keep track of your exercise goals in My HealtheVet with these tips: Read more.

Stress Management Made Easier:

Stress. We've all felt it. We all deal with it differently. But what do you do when it becomes overwhelming? Even better, how do you prevent it from becoming overwhelming? The signs of stress can range from physical symptoms such as muscle tension, sweaty palms, and difficulty sleeping to emotional symptoms such as feeling worried, fearful, fatigued, and irritable. Read more.

The Storied History Of The Army-Navy Football Game:

On a cold November afternoon in 1890, two branches of the U.S. Armed Forces turned to face one another on the field of battle. The New York Sun warned of freezing temperatures that Nov. 24 and reported in a blurb on page 2: “About 180 New Yorkers will go up to West Point at 11 o'clock this morning on a special train. The game will be called at 2 p.m. and will be followed by a hop.” Read more.

U.S. Cracks Down On Firms Making Predatory Mortgages To Veterans:

The U.S. is taking steps to stamp out the practice of service members and veterans being pressured into taking mortgages they don't need, a move that officials say will lower consumer costs and could lead to financial penalties for lenders. The actions stem from a probe by Ginnie Mae, a government-owned corporation that guarantees payment on $2 trillion worth of mortgage-backed securities. Read more.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels Show Schedule:

U.S. Navy Blue Angels show information and schedule for 2018 and 2019. Website.

Veterans Court Success – Honor Returns:

A dad and son embrace, both are sobbing. Two years earlier they were barely speaking. There is not a dry eye in the courtroom. “There is no other day quite like graduation day in Veterans Court. This is the pay off,” says Amy Earle, Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator. Today four men celebrate freedom and family as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Read more.

Veterans In Touch – HOPE:

The winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere will occur at 10:28 a.m. central time on Dec. 21, 2017. It is the longest night of the year. Various cultures celebrate with lights and candles to remind us that the light will return. These celebrations are symbols of hope. 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]

Waste Management Residential, Rolloff & Swing Drivers West Sunbury And Greenville PA Hiring Event:

- Dec. 18, 2017, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Butler Hauling, 1436 West Sunbury Rd., West Sunbury, PA (Butler County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: A minimum of one year of CDL driving experience; two years required for diesel mechanics; must be at least 21 years old and hold a Class A or B commercial driver's license with air-brake endorsement. Please bring a copy of your resume. Up to a $3,000 Sign on bonus
- Apply.

Avo Photonics, Inc Of Horsham Is Hiring Manufacturing Technicians:

- Avo Photonics is seeking qualified technicians for first and second shift electronics and optoelectronics manufacturing.
- Point of contact: Douglas W. Turrell at 215-441-0107 or email [email protected]
- Website.

Fertile Valley Farm In Honesdale, PA Is Hiring:

- Looking for a motivated, hard-working individual to work at a small dairy and beef operation, spanning all aspects of daily farm life.
- Apply via email to [email protected]. Include two references, a resume or description of experiences, and availability.
- Facebook page.

PA Disabiity Rights Advocate/Project Lead Position Opening:

- Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) seeks an Advocate/Project Lead in the Harrisburg office. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Dec. 22, 2017.
- Point of contact: Shelley Moore at 717-236-8110 or email [email protected]
- Job posting.

Slippery Rock University Receives Grant To Train Veterans To Be Teachers, Bernstine Says:

State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver, Butler, Lawrence Counties) announced that Slippery Rock University, along with West Chester University in the southeastern part of the state, will receive more than $272,000 in funding under the federal Troops to Teachers grant program. “I believe the extensive training, vast experience and patriotism of our nation’s veterans make them excellent candidates to lead our classrooms,” Bernstine said. “Programs like Troops to Teachers help us give back in a small way to our veterans while putting some of our most upstanding citizens before our future generations.” Read more.

UPS Job Openings:

- The UPS facility in Throop, PA (Lackawanna County) has openings for non-strategic collections associates, Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Point of contact: Jennifer Compton at 570-969-3394 or email [email protected]
- Apply. Please note vacancies are listed as a Scranton, PA Location on the website.

Waste Management Hiring Heavy Equipment Mechanics In Philadelphia, PA:

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: one year of prior heavy equipment diesel maintenance experience. Must be at least 18 years of age and must have a valid driver's license with a 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.)

National Alliance on Mental Health Family Support Group:

- Dec. 13, 2017, 7-8:30 p.m.
- 640 Centre Ave., Reading, PA (Berks County)
- Point of contact: 610-685-3000 or email [email protected]
- NAMI connection is a safe group of families helping other families who live with mental illness.
- Website.

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.

Wreaths Across America Ceremonies At Indiantown Gap National Cemetery:

- Dec. 16, 2016, ceremony begins at noon, candlelight memorial service begins at 4:30 p.m.
- Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Parking is available at the Arrowheads Community Club and bus transportation is provided to the cemetery. Transportation will begin at 10 a.m.
- Facebook page.

Waste Management Residential, Rolloff & Swing Drivers West Sunbury And Greenville, PA Hiring Event:

- Dec. 18, 2017, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Butler Hauling, 1436 West Sunbury Rd., West Sunbury, PA (Butler County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: A minimum of one year of CDL driving experience; two years required for diesel mechanics; must be at least 21 years old and hold a Class A or B commercial driver's license with air-brake endorsement. Please bring a copy of your resume. Up to a $3,000 Sign on bonus
- Apply.

DMVA'S Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center In Scranton Is Inviting The Public To an Open House:

- Jan. 7, 2018, 1-4 p.m.
- Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center, 402 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA (Lackawanna County)
- Point of contact: admissions office at 570-961-4348 or email [email protected]
- DMVA's Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center will hold an open house on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2017 from 1-4 p.m. Attendees can take a tour, meet the staff, enjoy refreshments, participate in activities, experience the comradery of fellow veterans and learn about the admissions process. For more information, contact the admissions office at 570-961-4348.
- Read more.

MilitaryShare Fresh Express Program:

- Jan. 9, 2018 and every first Tuesday of the month, 2-4 p.m.
- American Legion Post #572, 323 S. Williamson Rd., Blossburg, PA (Tioga County)
- Point of contact: Scott Ostrom at 717-682-10570-971-2758 or email [email protected] to pre-register.
- Registration is required for the free MilitaryShare distribution. MilitaryShare, a collaborative program of local food banks and the PA National Guard, is desgined to provide fresh, nutritious foods for veterans and military families in need.

Fly Tying Instruction:

- First and third Thursday of each month beginning Dec. 7, 2017, 6-8 p.m.
- American Legion Post #34, 1388 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster, PA (Lancaster County)
- Point of contact: Bill Nolan at 717-875-7426 or email [email protected]
- Donegal Trout Unlimited veterans service program is offering a free program to veterans, designed to teach the basics of fly fishing. All equipment and supplies will be provided free of charge.
- Facebook page.

National Alliance On Mental Illness Recovery Support Group:

- Every Thursday night, 6:30-8 p.m.
- 640 Centre Ave., Reading, PA (Berks County)
- Point of contact: 610-685-3000 or email [email protected]
- NAMI connection is a recovery support group for individuals 18 and over with mental illness that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope.
- Website.

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