DMVA News 

Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Reminded To Apply For Bonus Program: 

Eligible veterans who served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations from Aug. 2, 1990 to Aug. 31, 1991, have six months to collect a special one-time payment to honor their service and sacrifice. Applications for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Bonus are due by Aug. 31, 2018. Read more.

Cabinet In Your Community Event Coming Up In March: 

Governor Tom Wolf administration cabinet officials, including Pennsylvania's Adjutant General and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, will gather at Elizabethtown College to talk about issues that are important to you and your region at the Cabinet In Your Community event on March 15. We hope to see you there! R.S.V.P. by calling 570-614-2090 or email [email protected] by March 9, 2018.

Tax Time Offers Opportunity to Help Pennsylvania’s Military Families: 

Individuals filing their 2017 Pennsylvania personal income taxes can help Pennsylvania’s military personnel and their families by donating part or all of their refund to the state’s Military Family Relief Assistance Program. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), provides grants of up to $3,500 to Pennsylvania members of the armed forces and their families who have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control. The tax form includes instructions on how to donate. Read more.

DMVA's Southwestern Veterans' Center In Pittsburgh To Host Open House: 

You're invited! DMVA's Southwestern Veterans' Center (SWVC), Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), will host an Open House on Friday, March. 30, 2018. Come and witness the first-class care available to PA veterans and their spouses. The staff at SWVC is ever mindful of our mission and considers it a privilege to serve those who served their country. We extend an invitation to all interested persons to visit us. Read more.

37 Photos Of PA Veterans Who Died As A Result Of The Vietnam War Still Needed For Memorial In D.C.: 

In an effort to preserve the legacy of those who sacrificed all in Vietnam, DMVA is working with Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in D.C. to find a photo for every Pennsylvanian whose name is listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Read more.

 Around the State 

19 Places In Pennsylvania With The Most Veterans: 

Most Pennsylvania veterans live in rural counties and communities, including those in central Pennsylvania. In every county in the commonwealth, veterans make up at least 10 percent of the population, according to census data gleaned during a 2016 survey. Read more.

Black Veterans From Johnstown Have Served Their Country Faithfully: 

Walter Gray Jr. was a lifer in the military. He joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1972. The challenges of being an African-American in the service made it tougher for him than his white counterparts. “All of my past experiences created the sergeant I became,” Gray said. Read more.

Wolf Administration Says Increases For Mental Health Will Benefit Vets: 

Governor Tom Wolf’s budget secretary Randy Albright said that while Governor Wolf’s spending plan doesn’t include $750,000 in funds previously allocated to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to help veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, most veterans get mental health treatment through programs overseen by the Department of Human Services. Read more.

Wolf Administration Announces Business Fee Exemptions Saved Veterans And Reservists Nearly $200K: 

Governor Tom Wolf and Acting Secretary of State Robert Torres announced military veterans and reservists saved almost $200,000 thanks to business and professional licensing fee exemptions in 2017. Read more.

A Brief History Of Black Soldiers In The Pennsylvania National Guard: 

Numerous black militiamen held positions during the Revolutionary War. As many as 5,000 blacks, both slave and free, fought for independence. Many historians state that the Army was very integrated during the Revolution and would not reintegrate again until 1943. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Air Force Veteran Shares How Vocational Rehabilitation Changed His Life: 

Russell is a veteran and a vocational rehabilitation counselor and has overcome several barriers to achieve success in his life. Read more.

Coaching Into Care: 

Coaching Into Care is a national telephone service of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) which aims to educate, support, and empower family members and friends who are seeking care or services for a veteran. The goal is to help veterans, their family members, and other loved ones find the appropriate services at their local VA facilities and/or in their community. Read more.

Commemoration Of The 50th Anniversary Of The Vietnam War: 

In 2017, President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act designating March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Our nation’s Vietnam War Commemoration is an opportunity for all Americans to recognize, honor, and thank Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice during one of the longest wars in our country’s history. As a commemorative partner, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) joins nearly 10,000 organizations across the nation supporting the Department of Defense in this mission to honor and thank our Vietnam veterans. Read more.

Concierge For Care Program To Connect With Recently Separated Service Members: 

Concierge for Care is a health care enrollment initiative that connects with former service members shortly after they separate from the service. “Our goal is to give transitioning service members one less thing to worry about,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. Read more.

For This Veteran, A Journey Of Trauma And Recovery: 

In February 2009, Mary Torczon suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) when an improvised explosive device exploded about 20 feet from her as she was passing near an Iraqi police checkpoint near Mosul. Read more.

New Initiative Aims To Raise Awareness Of Women As Veterans: 

March is Women’s History Month and 10 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers around the country will display an exhibit featuring 10 women veteran athletes, with an expanded exhibit also available online. Women veterans often report feeling unrecognized and underappreciated. Read more.

New Innovation Podcast Launches With Powerful Episode On Suicide Prevention: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is excited to announce the inaugural episode of the VA Innovation Experience podcast! In this first episode, Andrea Ippolito, a founding member of the team that launched the highly successful VA Innovators Network, hosts a powerful episode about two of VA’s efforts to reduce and eliminate veteran suicide. Read more.

Program Aims To Help Veterans With Diabetes Fend Off Foot Ulcers: 

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New York Harbor Healthcare System are making steady progress on a four-year, $1.1 million award from the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service to find a way to prevent the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers in veterans who had a previous foot ulcer that healed. Read more.

Trump Nominates Former Army Captain As New Top Benefits Official: 

After a nearly two-and-a-half-year wait, the Veterans Benefits Administration is poised to get a new permanent leader. President Donald Trump nominated Army veteran Paul Lawrence as the next under secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for benefits, a post that has been staffed by a series of acting officials since Allison Hickey stepped down from the job. Read more.

Veterans Remembering Port Chicago: 

A. D. Hamilton, Lawrence Matthews, James Bridges, and Leroy Hughes are the names of just four of the 320 sailors that died in the Port Chicago disaster. On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion occurred at the ammunition depot of Port Chicago. It was the worst home front disaster in World War II. Over 10,000 tons of explosives detonated, sinking two ships and killing over 300 sailors, most of whom were African-American. Read more.

Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund Application Closes March 1, 2018: 

The application deadline for the 2018 Farmer Veteran Fellowship is 5 p.m. on March 1, 2018. Last year, 50 farmer veterans from around the country received more than $200,000 through the fellowship to purchase items like ATVs, breeding livestock and walk-behind tractors. This year, they are looking forward to exceeding those numbers. 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]

Giving Veterans A Chance To Be Part Of Pennsylvania's Medical Cannabis Industry: 

The first medical marijuana grower and processor in Clinton County, Terrapin Care Station, is preparing for distribution but first managers are looking for the right people to staff its plant and veterans are getting first dibs. Read more.

Home Depot Looking To Fill 700 Positions In Pittsburgh Area (Allegheny County): 

Home Depot is looking to hire 700 associates for its Pittsburgh locations. From sales and cashiers to operations and online order fulfillment, opportunities include permanent, part-time and seasonal positions in the company's stores and distribution facilities. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Read more.

PA Army National Guard Offers Assortment Of Jobs: 

On the FOX43 Morning News, Sergeant First Class Mike Schriefer stopped by the set to offer details on the opportunities the National Guard can offer you. Video.

Troops To Teachers Slippery Rock University: 

Troops to Teachers is a convenient, one-year program intended to help current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces with a bachelor's degree in math, science, foreign languages or a related field, earn a teacher certification through Slippery Rock University's (Butler County) College of Education. Contact Mike Vetere at 724-880-9360 or email [email protected]. Website.

Waste Management Hiring Diesel Technicians In Elizabeth, PA (Allegheny County): 

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license with clean driving record. Two years of experience working on inspection, diagnosis and repair of diesel gas powered equipment vehicles.
- Apply.

Waste Management Hiring Heavy Equipment Mechanics In Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County): 

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: two years experience with heavy duty equipment repair.
- Apply.

Waste Management Hiring CDL Drivers In Lafette And Fairview NJ And Beach Lake PA: 

- March 1, 2018, 1-5 p.m.
- 21 Old Beaver Run Rd., Lafayette, NJ (Sussex County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: must be at least 21 years of age, Class A or B CDL with air brake endorsement and one year of previous CDL driving experience.
- $2,000 special bonus & up to $5,000 benefits reimbursement.
- 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.)

WWII Roundtable: 

- March 1, 2018, 7 p.m.
- Grace United Methodist Church, 433 E. Main St., Hummelstown, PA (Dauphin County)
- Point of contact: Charlie Lloyd at 717-503-2862 or email [email protected] 
- The Central Pennsylvania WWII Roundtable provides a forum for WWII veterans, authors, historians, and interested citizens to educate, discuss, study and share their knowledge of and experiences during this global conflict.
- Learn more.

National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) Family-To-Family Education Program: 

- March 1, 2018, and every Thursday, 6-8:30 p.m.
- Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Jonathan Hart 717-272-6621 ext. 5005 to register.
- NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session education program for family, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness.
- Facebook.

Women Veteran Small Business Group: 

- March 2, 2018, 1-3 p.m.
- PA Careerlink Downtown Pittsburgh, 304 Wood St., Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)
- Point of contact: Melissa Handlovitch at 412-436-2225, or email [email protected] 
- This event provides information on small business ownership with a special focus on women-owned small businesses. Overview on how to start a business will be followed by a panel discussion with successful women small business owners.
- Open to veterans and eligible spouses. Go to the website to register.

Trout Unlimited Winter 2018 Fly Fishing Program: 

- March 3 and 10, 1-3 p.m.
- South Hills School of Business & Technology, 480 Waupelani Dr., State College (Centre County)
- To register for this free class, email Dan Kerstetter at [email protected] or Jim Lanning at [email protected] 
- Excellent instructors will guide you through the process of tying your own flies to catch trout on local streams. Equipment and supplies will be provided. Classes are open to all veterans and their families.
- Website.

National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) Homefront Education Program: 

- March 6, 2018, and every Tuesday, 6-8:30 p.m.
- Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- To register contact Jonathan Hart at 717-272-6621, ext. 5005
- NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session education program for family, friends and significant others of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions. It focuses on the unique needs of military and veteran communities, such as post-deployment and post-discharge transitions.
- Facebook.

Veterans Affairs Community Mental Health Summit: 

- March 9, 2018, 8:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Harrisburg Area Community College, The Cooper Student Center, 1 HACC Dr., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- Point of contact: email C. Brubaker at [email protected] or M. Haley at [email protected] with any questions.
- You are invited to Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin Counties Community Mental Health Summit.
- Register.

MilitaryShare Fresh Express Program: 

- March 16, 2018 and every 3rd Friday of the month, 2-5 p.m.
- Palmyra VFW Memorial Post 6417, 232 E. Main St., Palmyra, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Joe Hartzell at 717-644-5182 or email [email protected] to pre-register.
- Registration is required for MilitaryShare distribution. MilitaryShare, a collaborative program of local food banks and the Pennsylvania National Guard, is desgined to provide fresh, nutritious foods for veterans and military families in need.

Stay Connected with the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs:
On the Web
Like us on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter 
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
View our Flickr photos
Email us at DMVA Veterans Affairs - Email Contacts

Click here to Unsubscribe 

PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Bldg. 0-47 Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003