DMVA News 

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.

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.

Submit Employment Opportunities And Veteran Or Military Related Events To Be Included In The DMVA Digest: 

As a service to Pennsylvania’s veteran community, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs 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 application details to [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.).

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.

Pennsylvania Offers New License Plate Honoring PA National Guard: 

Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard can now proudly show their service through the display of a military license plate. The new plates feature the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors of blue, white, and yellow along with a National Guard-approved emblem on the left-hand side of the plate. Pennsylvania is printed at the top of the plate, while PA National Guard is printed at the bottom. Read more.

 Around the State 

Allentown's New Memorial Day Event Promising To Put 'Memorial' Back In Celebration: 

An integral part of the three-day Great Pennsylvania Music & Arts Celebration (PennMArt) at Allentown Fairgrounds (Lehigh County) will include “extensive programming to recognize the contributions of U.S. veterans, and to showcase Pennsylvania’s deeply rooted role in the country’s military history,” organizers say. Read more.

DuBois Vet Center Continues Its Mission Of Helping Veterans: 

The DuBois Vet Center (Clearfield County), continues its mission of providing services to veterans in an 11-county area. “We try to provide as much information for veterans as possible because they have questions and we try to provide them as much information as possible to help with problems they’re experiencing,” said David K. Grey, veterans outreach program specialist. Read more.

Groups Renovate Veteran’s Home: 

Home Depot and Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors joined together recently to renovate a house for an Army veteran in Carbon County. Nestled away in the woods in Penn Forest Township, near Albrightsville, you could hear the continuous popping of nail guns. It all brought a smile to Army veteran Patrick Martin's face. Read more.

Hazleton Soldier Helping Student Veterans At Bloomsberg University: 

Santana, a senior communications major at Bloomsburg University (BU), serves as a member of the U.S. Army and also is president of the BU Student Veterans Association. Read more.

Monuments And Memorials In Harrisburg: 

Throughout Harrisburg there are numerous monuments and memorials dedicated to workers, soldiers, victims, state lawmakers and more. They are big and small, stone and granite and they all tell a story. Read more.

PA Churches Collecting Items For Homeless Veterans: 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties is collecting personal-care items to be donated to the American Red Cross' Central Pennsylvania region. The items and "notes of thanks" will be put into backpacks for homeless veterans through Totes of Hope Resiliency. Read more.

Spring 2018 Prescribed Burn Season At Fort Indiantown Gap Begins: 

Fort Indiantown Gap has begun its spring prescribed burn season to reduce the risk of wildfires at Fort Indiantown Gap, Lebanon County. The burns will be conducted on approximately 3,640 acres, as conditions permit, March 5 through May 4 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Local residents may notice smoke originating from or in the vicinity of the installation while burns are being conducted. Read more.

What's That Noise? It Could Be Fort Indiantown Gap Training: 

If you hear blasting sounds this month, it could be coming from Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, PA (Lebanon County) where live-fire training exercises are scheduled. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Arizona Veterans’ Group Strives To Enhance Lives: 

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a nonprofit organization that lifts up veterans across the country by providing opportunities, resources and services to those in need. DAV Chapter 16 in Prescott, Arizona, is special to those in its community. Chapter 16 has helped veterans in need since it was founded in 1950, enhancing the lives of area veterans. Read more.

Buffalo Soldier Makes History Serving As Superintendent Of Veterans Cemeteries: 

America’s national cemeteries were first authorized on July 17, 1862 as part of a congressional act to fund the Union military forces during the Civil War. Initially, national cemeteries were intended for the burial of those who served with the U.S. forces. A majority of early national cemeteries were established in the defeated South and, out of necessity, numerous federal laws were passed to protect the cemeteries and graves of Union soldiers buried there. Read more.

Caring For Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury: 

Family caregivers play an important role in recovery. They offer support, encouragement, and guidance to an injured family member, and help ensure the treatment plan established by the medical professionals caring for the veteran is followed. Read more.

Healing The Brain And Body With Mindfulness, Meditation, And Spirituality: 

It is one of the most overwhelming feelings I experienced, knowing there’s active deterioration in my brain when managing a flare-up with multiple sclerosis (MS). The body sends many confusing signals, leaving a feeling of vulnerability, deep concern, and weakness. Iraq was terrifying, sharing a space with hostile enemies in a war zone. MS is terrifying because you’re at war within yourself. You have a destructive battle going on in your body, and you are playing both sides. Read more.

How Intimate Partner Violence Affects Women Veterans: 

Dr. Katherine Iverson is a clinical psychologist and researcher in the Women's Health Division of the National Center for PTSD. She is also a researcher at the Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR). Both centers are located at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System. In addition, she is an associate professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on women's health and trauma, in particular, interpersonal violence and intimate partner violence. Read more.

Navy Veteran Saw A Lot Of Action In World War II: 

To say that World War II Navy veteran Linus Bishop saw action in the South Pacific would be a huge understatement. “It was hell, I’ll tell you,” he recently said. “I didn’t come home for two years and we were right in the middle of it (combat) the whole time. We saw a lot of action.” Read more.

Phoenix Veteran Thanks The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) For Saving His Life: 

Phoenix resident Dave English turned 53 not that long ago. Normally birthdays are happy events, but turning 53 for Dave was a bit different. And maybe a bit ominous. “I had two cousins die of heart attacks,” he reported. “Both were 53. Read more.

Returning To Vietnam: 

Most had never met before, but they shared a bond few can understand. Fifteen men gathered at an airport in Los Angeles, shook hands, chatted and then boarded a plane bound for the one place each had once desperately wanted to escape forever. Veterans of one of America’s bloodiest wars, these men were returning to battlefields they left in uniform decades ago. Some were searching for closure, others had more complex reasons to go back. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Continues To Study And Improve Care For Gulf War Veterans: 

The end of February 2018 marks the 27th anniversary of the end of combat operations of the first Gulf War, which includes the buildup of Operation Desert Shield and combat in Operation Desert Storm. Nearly 700,000 men and women served in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Since then, VA researchers have studied conditions affecting Gulf War veterans and are identifying the best ways to diagnose and treat them. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) To State Veterans Directors – We’re Advancing Technology To Improve Access, Services To Veterans: 

Scott R. Blackburn, the executive in charge of VA’s Office of Information and Technology spoke to the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs about advancing technology to improve access and services to veterans during the organization’s mid-winter conference. Read more.

Veteran Athlete Lives Life On Her Own Terms Despite Two Autoimmune Disorders: 

When Bernardine “Bernie” Donato joined the Navy at the end of 1974, there were not any physical fitness requirements. During her overseas tour in Okinawa, she took up skydiving. Read more.

Women Veterans Make History: 

Throughout our history, the important contributions of women in our nation’s defense and as part of the veteran population cannot be overstated. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dedicates Women’s History Month in March to remember women who served our nation throughout history. This observance grants deserved recognition and acknowledges the achievements of women in the military. 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]

Local Nonprofit Looking For Transportation Drivers: 

- Local non-profit organization is looking for part-time and full-time transportation drivers. $12/hr plus benefits.
- Point of contact: 724-431-0063
- Responsible for transporting passengers in a timely, safe and courteous manner as well as providing assistance to individuals with mobility impairments to and from vehicles.
- Apply.

Paid Apprenticeship At Dillner Family Farms: 

The Dillner Family Farm is a fourth generation family-owned fruit and vegetable farm located in West Deer Township in Gibsonia, PA (Allegheny County) since the 1940’s. Eight greenhouse and high tunnel structures extend the growing season to provide more variety of farm fresh produce. They participate every week during the growing season in several Pittsburgh area farmers' markets, providing fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables and other farm products.
Apply today.

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 Residential, Rolloff, Swing & Oilfield Drivers and Diesel Mechanics In West Sunbury, PA (Butler County): 

- March 7, 2018, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Butler Hauling, 1436 W. Sunbury Rd., West Sunbury, PA (Butler County)
- Point of contact: Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627
- Walk-ins welcome, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Please bring a copy of your resume. Additional information and requirements are available on our website.
- 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 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.

Trout Unlimited Winter 2018 Fly Fishing Program: 

- March 10, 2017, 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.

Recognizing The Crisis: Movement For Recovery: 

- March 12, 2018, 6-8 p.m.
- Red Lion Hotel, 4751 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- Point of contact: 1-855-859-8808
- Join us for an informational discussion on substance abuse and the community. This seminar integrates professional expertise with the hope to champion awareness and sustained recovery in response to the evolving opioid and substance abuse crisis.
- Website.

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.

Veterans Job Fair: 

- March 22, 2018, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- A free hiring event for veterans, transitioning military personnel, National Guard members, Reserve members and spouses.
- Website.

Starting Or Growing A Veteran-Owned Business: 

- March 23, 2018, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- PA Careerlink Lehigh Valley, 555 Union Blvd., Allentown, PA (Lehigh County)
- Point of contact: Shannon Degiglio at 610-382-3082 or email [email protected] 
- Attend this free, interactive workshop to learn from business experts the nuts and bolts of starting and running a successful business. Attendees will leave with a completed feasibility plan and access to follow on courses by university professors. Open to all era service members and their spouses.
- Register

MilitaryShare Fresh Express Program: 

- March 23, 2018 and every 4th Friday of the month, noon-2 p.m.
- Selinsgrove VFW Post #6631, 940 US 522, Selinsgrove, PA (Snyder County)
- Point of contact: Angie Shipe at 570-541-5155 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.
- Website.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- March 27, 2018, 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. The events are open to the public, and you don’t need to be a veteran to attend. If you'd like to have breakfast at the event, cost is $12.
- Facebook page.

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