March 14, 2018

 DMVA News 

Governor Announces Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Awards: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced today that 13 Pennsylvania counties’ veterans’ affairs offices will receive $150,000 in grants and 18 charitable or veteran service organizations will receive $650,000 in grants from the Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF), which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). 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 its 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.

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.).

Do You Know Where Your DD214 Is?: 

DMVA highly recommends that you record your DD214 with your county courthouse so you're able to obtain free certified copies for the remainder of your life and so it's available to next-of-kin upon your death. Read more.

 Around the State 

Betty Somppi, 102, (Erie County) Recognized During Monument To Women Veterans: 

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, as men throughout the country signed up to be shipped out to Europe and the Pacific, 26-year-old Betty Somppi, of Erie, Pennsylvania, would do the same. She became one of the first to be a part of the Women Auxiliary Army Corp, a women’s branch of the United States Army before female soldiers were integrated into the male units. Read more.

Remote Veteran Apnea Management Platform: 

Army veteran Walter Broadnax recently found Sleep Apnea Relief. “I wake up joyful,” says Army veteran Walter Broadnax, “I forgot what it was like to get eight solid hours of sleep." Broadnax, who receives his medical care at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Medical Center in Philadelphia, has Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is estimated to be the third most common chronic disease among veterans. OSA is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, depression, and driving accidents. Read more.

Veteran Advises Scouts On Dealing With Adversity: 

Earl Granville a nine-year veteran of the Pennsylvania National Guard was keynote speaker at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Boy Scouts of America’s Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner. Granville was steps away from finishing last year’s Boston Marathon when he paused, turned to his running guide and asked to carry her across the finish line. He picked her up and “buddy carried” her on his shoulders across the line while she held an American flag, an image that was broadcast to television screens and computers across the country. Read more.

Operation Veterans’ Hope Helps Homeless Veterans Get Work, Job Skills, And Housing: 

A thrift shop is transforming the lives of veterans in one part of Cumberland County. Providing them with work, job skills, and even a place to call home. The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, just ask Johnathan Locke. “When I got out I was dealing with PTSD. I had lot of issues with that. I was trying to get the help that I needed," said Locke. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Burn Pits Registry: 

Burn pits were a common way to get rid of waste at military sites in Iraq and Afghanistan. At this time, research does not show evidence of long-term health problems from exposure to burn pits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs continues to study the health of deployed veterans. Read more.

Father Missing In Action In Vietnam Inspires Daughter To Serve Veterans: 

Corda Hestle was only 12 years old when her father’s F-105 Thunderchief was shot down while leading a strike mission against surface-to-air missiles sites in North Vietnam. Nearly 52 years after Col. Roosevelt Hestle, Jr. was declared missing in action, the fighter pilot will receive a hero’s burial at Arlington National Cemetery on April 13, 2018. When Corda’s colleagues at VA learned of her father’s story, she was flooded with emails. Read more.

Frieda Lambrecht, Woman, Immigrant, Proud Veteran Of Two Wars: 

Msgt. Frieda M. Lambrecht was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. She served during an era when opportunities for women in the military were expanding. As a soldier in the Army Medical Department, she affected the lives of many wounded soldiers during both wars. In honor of Women’s History Month, the National Cemetery Administration is honored to share Lambrecht’s veterans Legacy. Read more.

G.I. Bucks: 

G.I. Bucks, is dedicated to helping America's military and veteran families find the resources they earned. Membership is free, and open to active and former service members as well as their spouses and dependents. By signing up, enrollees will gain access to over 55,000 exclusive discounts and services across the country. Website.

Meet The 18 Military Veterans Competing At The 2018 Paralympic Winter Games: 

The 2018 Paralympic Winter Games began March 9 in PyeongChang, South Korea. There are 18 veterans among the 74 athletes representing Team USA at the Games, including eight Marines, seven Army veterans, two Navy veterans and one Air Force veteran. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs supports many of them through the Veterans Monthly Assistance Allowance, which provides a monthly stipend for disabled veterans training in paralympic sports. Read more.

Seven Ways You Can Stamp Out Veteran Homelessness: 

While veteran homelessness declined nationally by 46 percent since 2010, there was nearly a two percent increase in 2017. That has led U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) leaders to call on Americans for help in ending veteran homelessness in their communities. About 40,000 veterans are homeless in the U.S. and any sign of an increase means the VA needs to rethink its approach to combating the problem, VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin told members of Congress last month. The key, he said, is getting veterans employed and into sustainable housing. Read more.

Telehealth Program For Rural Vets With PTSD Launches: 

With a focus on improving access to mental health care for veterans living in rural areas, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has launched a pilot telehealth program that will give rural veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder remote access to psychotherapy and related services. Read more.

The Story Behind American Creed Star, Tegan Griffith: 

Tegan Griffith, veteran and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point communication student, recently starred in the documentary “American Creed.” Since then, she has been traveling from Pensacola, PA to Austin, Texas. Griffith has done a lot of work for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans of America in Washington, D.C. During that time, she heard that the film company, Citizen Film, was looking for a female veteran to tell her story. It took a few months of discussing, but Citizen Film decided to go with Griffith. Read more.

The Value Of Recognizing Vietnam Veterans 50 Years Later: 

A coordinated nationwide campaign is being led by the Department of Defense and supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs as part of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration Program. For those of us who served when called upon then, it has been a long time coming. Read more.

Transparency Efforts Of Institutions Receiving GI Bill Payments Expands: 

As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ongoing commitment to expand public transparency and accountability of agency expenditures, VA released data showing GI Bill tuition and fee payments to VA-approved colleges, universities, and other education and training institutions across the country. Though there’s no dispute about the success of the program, veterans and taxpayers still have a right to know where and how much money is being spent at these institutions,” said VA Secretary David Shulkin. 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]

Check Out This $50 Million Home Depot Foundation Training Program: 

The nation’s largest hardware retailer wants to bring back the bygone era of shop class, with a $50 million commitment to train thousands of skilled laborers over the next decade, representatives for The Home Depot Foundation announced Wednesday. The bulk of the funds will go toward programs for approximately 15,000 transitioning service members and veterans, with classes on military installations in carpentry, plumbing and related fields. Read more.

Nonprofit Looking For Transportation Drivers Throughout PA: 

- Non-profit organization is looking for part-time and full-time transportation drivers throughout PA. The job pays $12 per hour 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.

Penn Line Servie Is Hiring In It's Roadside Division: 

- Pennline Services is hiring in their Roadside Division.
- Point of contact: Rebecca Clarkson at 724-887-9110, ext. 229 or email [email protected].
- Website.

Waste Management National Career Day Hiring Event, Butler, PA: 

- March 22, 2018, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites, 200 Fairfield Ln., Butler, PA (Butler County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Learn about our great opportunities for CDL drivers, technicians, heavy equipment operators, and more. Space is limited, and pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Competitive salaries and great benefits sign-on bonuses for select positions.
- Apply.

Wolf Administration Celebrates Groundbreaking Of $60 Million Hershey Plant Expansion, Adding More Than 100 Manufacturing Jobs: 

On behalf of Governor Tom Wolf, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today joined Hershey Company U.S. President Todd Tillemans, and local, state and federal officials to celebrate the groundbreaking on a $60 million expansion and new Kit Kat manufacturing line at the company’s Hazleton, Luzerne County plant. The investment will create more than 100 manufacturing ‘Jobs That Pay’ in a thriving sector of the state’s $135.7 billion agriculture and food industry. Read more.

Waste Management National Career Day Hiring Event Camp Hill, PA: 

- March 22, 2018, 1-6 p.m.
- Camp Hill Hauling, 4300 Industrial Park Rd., Camp Hill, PA (Cumberland County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Learn about great opportunities for CDL drivers, technicians, heavy equipment operators, and more. Space is limited, and pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Competitive salaries, great benefits and sign-on bonuses for select positions.
- Apply.

Veterans Job Fair: 

- March 29, 2018, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- A free hiring event for veterans, transitioning military personnel, National Guard members, Reserve members and spouses.
- Register.

 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.)

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' Mini Stand Down: 

- March 17, 2018 and the third Saturday Of each month, 10 a.m.-noon
- 500 N 13th St, Reading, PA (Berks County)
- Point of contact: Robin Gilmore at 610-656-0827 or email [email protected] 
- This monthly event is free to all veterans and their family members. The organizers will be providing a hot meal, clothing, personal items, access to county agencies, take-home food and one-on-one camaraderie.
Facebook page.

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.

Army Heritage Center Foundation To Host Pennsylvania Premiere Of “Weight Of Honor”: 

- March 22, 2018, 6:30 p.m.
- U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County)
- Point of contact: the foundation at 717-258-1102 or email [email protected] 
- The Weight of Honor follows the lives of the caregivers of catastrophically wounded veterans injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. Filmed over five years, this documentary reveals the thoughts and struggles of the spouses, children, and parents now tasked with caring for once able-bodied and self-assured sons, daughters, wives, and husbands. Lieutenant Colonel David and Mrs. Kim Rozelle will serve as moderators and lead a panel discussion immediately following this one-hour documentary.
- 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

Veterans Town Hall: 

- March 23, 2018, 10-11:30 a.m.
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive Campus in the Learning Exchange, University Dr., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Veterans, families and the public are welcome to attend this veterans town hall session. Senior leadership and front-line employees, including experts from the Veterans Benefits Administration will be available to offer on-the-spot assistance with individual questions and concerns.
- Facebook page.

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.

Vietnam Era Veterans Recognition Day: 

- March 29, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cambria County War Memorial, 326 Napolean St., Johnstown, PA (Cambria County)
- Point of contact: Veteran Community Initiative Office at 814-255-0355
- All veterans and their families are invited to a light lunch and pastries. Memorabilia, equipment, vehicles, and pictures from the Vietnam Era will be on display. Enjoy the camaraderie and music of that era.

Veterans Honoring Veterans – All Heroes Tribute: 

- March 29, 2018, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Temple University, Howard Gittis Student Center South, 1755 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- Registration required. Please click the link below or call 215-204-VETS (8387).
- National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a commemorative holiday which recognizes the sacrifices veterans and their families made during the Vietnam War. Join military servicemembers for a celebration honoring Temple University’s alumni, staff and students who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War.
- Register.

Vietnam Veterans Recognition And Pinning Ceremony: 

- March 29, 2018, 3:30 p.m.
- Patriot Café, Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 South Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Open to Vietnam veterans, Vietnam era veterans and a significant other. Veterans attending the pinning ceremony are encouraged to pre-register at 717-272-6621 ext. 4298 or email [email protected].
- Prior to the ceremony, the medical center will host an information and enrollment fair specifically for Vietnam Veterans who want to enroll in VA health care. The fair will be from 1-3:30 p.m.
- Facebook page.