View the link to read the lastest Vet Center news, including TacticalTaco Tuesday, 2nd Annual Veterans Lift-a-thon , Hours, Groups, and more.

DMVA Digest
A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
April 11, 2018

 DMVA News 

Wolf Administration Announces Benefits Available For Amputee And Paralyzed Pennsylvania Veterans: 

During National Limb Loss Awareness Month the Wolf Administration is reminding veterans about its Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program. This pension program is one of the many ways that the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs continues to serve the veterans who have served our nation. Read more.

Use Code C To Donate To The Military Family Relief Assistance Program On Your 2017 Income Tax Form: 

There's only a few days left to file a 2017 Income Tax Return! Did you know that you can donate to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program which provides financial assistance, in the form of grants, to eligible Pennsylvania service members and their family members by entering Code "C" next to the donation line on your 2017 Income Tax Return? Read more.

DMVA Operates Six Veterans Homes Located Throughout The Commonwealth: 

DMVA's six veterans' homes located throughout the commonwealth are all accepting applications for admission and one of them could make the perfect home for you or your spouse! The homes are located in: Allegheny County; Blair County; Chester County; Erie County; Lackawanna County; and Philadelphia County. For more information, call DMVA's Bureau of Veterans Homes at 717-861-8906 or visit website.

 Around the State 

Box Truck Carries Names Of Military Veterans Across Central PA: 

A standard box truck used by M.B.S. Home Improvement travels around central Pennsylvania for projects, particularly in York County. What it carries, however, is more than just work supplies. There are names written all around it for a rolling tribute. The signatures represent veterans who served in all branches of the military and across all eras. Read more.

Funeral Announcement For Soldier Killed During The Korean War (Housekeeper, G.): 

The remains of Army Master Sgt. George R. Housekeeper, Jr., 28, of Lansdale, who have been unaccounted for since the Korean War, have been identified by the Defense POW / MIA Accounting Agency and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors, in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Read more.

Housing Vouchers To Homeless Veterans Across PA: 

In what Washington County Housing Authority Executive Director Stephen Hall is calling a first for his agency, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to award six housing vouchers to homeless veterans. VA has teamed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development since 2008 for the program, but the latest round of $500,000 in funding for Pennsylvania aims to help 85 homeless vets in 13 housing authorities across the state. Read more.

National Guard Troops Are Being Sent To The Southern Border: 

The Trump Administration is sending hundreds of National Guard troops to the U.S. Mexican border to crack down on newly resurgent border crossings. What can those troops expect once they get there? "Deployments can be rough," said retired active duty officer with the Pennsylvania National Guard, Lt. Colonel Judah Whitney. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Receive Appointment Reminders Via Text Messaging: 

More than nine million U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care appointments go unutilized each year due to missed appointments. To increase access to health care for all veterans, the Veterans Health Administration has created VEText, an interactive mobile solution to remind veterans of upcoming appointments via text messaging. Our goal is to offer a quick and easy way to confirm and/or cancel appointments and then make every attempt to schedule another veteran into that time slot. Read more.

Adoption Reimbursement For Veterans: 

Veterans with a service-connected disability that results in infertility will now be able to receive reimbursement for adoption expenses as a result of a new rule recently approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The final interim rule was published in the Federal Register on March 5, 2018, and became effective upon publication. With this rulemaking, VA may provide reimbursement for qualifying expenses in the adoption of a child under18 years of age. Read more.

Benefits For Veterans’ Spouses, Dependents, And Survivors: 

Family members and dependents of service members who have died or were seriously injured in the line of duty may be eligible for many types of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. These benefits may be used to advance in a career, get an education, or provide supplementary income. Surviving spouses may benefit from VA guaranteed home loans, too. Explore other VA benefits you may have earned as a spouse, child, or parent of a veteran or servicemember. Read more.

Braille And Talking Book Program For Veterans: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently partnered with the Library of Congress to promote the Braille and Talking Book Program for veterans. The program, which is administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and sponsored by the Library of Congress, is already being used at many VA facilities across the country. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, the program offers books in a number of formats. Read more.

Continue Serving America By Transitioning To A Job With The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA): 

Transitioning service members have a unique chance to choose from many civilian career paths at the VA. Military experience, skills and deep understanding of veteran patients can go a long way to improve the lives of fellow veterans. Read more.

Debunking The VA Privatization Myth: 

There is no effort underway to privatize the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and to suggest otherwise is completely false and a red herring designed to distract and avoid honest debate on the real issues surrounding veterans’ health care. Read more.

Helping Veterans Respond To An Opioid Overdose: 

Forty percent of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid. Throughout April, VA Women’s Health Services (WHS) is bringing awareness to opioid risks, promoting best practices for the safe use of opioids, and providing education for overdose-reversal naloxone kits, informing women veterans how to respond to an opioid overdose in the event of an emergency. Read more.

Improving Correspondence With Veterans: 

As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) ongoing improvement of managing taxpayer dollars, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has deployed the Centralized Benefits Communications Management Program (CBCM) nationally. The program represents a new centralized printing and mailing process system designed to improve productivity and streamline correspondence with veterans on compensation benefits and pension burial claims. Read more.

Nationwide ‘Baby Shower’ For Mother’s Day: 

To honor and support veterans welcoming new children into their families in 2018, 60 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers (VAMC) around the country will host baby showers between May 5-16, 2018, the weeks surrounding Mother’s Day, in partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “The Nationwide Baby Shower will ensure veterans have what they need to focus on the joy of growing their families in those stressful first weeks,” said acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. Read more.

Researchers Help Vets At Risk Of Suicide Build Mutual Support Network: 

When Jesse Brown thinks back on his life, there’s a sharp dividing line around that grim day in September 2001 when terror struck the U.S. “Before 9-11, I was happy. I was good,” said Brown. Then with the New York Army National Guard’s 145th Maintenance Company out of Staten Island, Brown took part in search and rescue at ground zero. He took in nightmarish scenes of victims in the rubble. Read more.

Should Military Veterans Be Protected From Deportation?: 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are moving to deport military veteran Xilong Zhu despite a directive from Defense Secretary James Mattis, meant to protect non-citizen troops from deportation. Many believe if you fought for our country, you should be allowed to stay, but immigration hardliners argue the law is the law and anybody who is here illegally should be subject to deportation, no matter what they've done. Read more.

Wounded Troops Share Stories, Strength: 

Eight wounded service members returned to Afghanistan recently as part of the 24th iteration of Operation Proper Exit to bring a message of hope and resiliency to soldiers deployed here. The event facilitated frank discussions about the best outcomes for some of the worst injuries soldiers face. The panel discussion addressed posttraumatic stress disorder, suicide prevention as well as U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services and rehabilitation. Read more.

 Employment Opportunities 

On-farm apprenticeships (OJT) for Veterans eligible for VA Educational Benefits: see https://www.troopstotractors.org/positions

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 Tom Wolf Announces Grant Approval To Robert Morris University Through Manufacturing PA Initiative To Strengthen Pennsylvania's Workforce: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of a Pennsylvania Manufacturing Training-to-Career grant to Robert Morris University (RMU) in Allegheny County designed to provide those seeking jobs, in particular veterans, in the manufacturing sector with the skills they need to gain employment in a competitive global economy. The grant is part of Governor Wolf’s new Manufacturing PA initiative. Read more.

Veterans' Seminar Apprenticeships, Training And Education: 

- April 25, 2018, 1-3 p.m.
- PACareerLink, 285 Beaver Valley Mall, Route 18, Monaca, PA (Beaver County)
- Point of contact: Dianne J. Funkhouser at 724-728-4860 ext. 202 or email [email protected] 
- Registration for this event is highly encouraged and seating will be limited. This is a free seminar for veterans and their dependents. Explore options in apprenticeship, training, and education. Representatives from many unions, training, and education providers will present and discuss opportunities for both veterans and dependents. A representative will explain Chapter 31 and other U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits.
- Website.

HIRE Vets Medallion Program: 

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the launch of the HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration, an effort that will recognize up to 300 employers for their investments in recruiting, employing, and retaining our nation’s veterans. Read more.

CDL-A Drivers Needed: BMF Transportation, LLC: 

BMF Transportation, LLC, a Lancaster, PA based, certified veteran-owned small business, is seeking hard working CDL-A Drivers to join its small but growing company immediately. Interested? Visit Website or call 610-563-9167 to learn 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.)

Boots To Business Starting Or Growing A Veteran-Owned Business: 

- April 12, 2018, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- THINK Center, 7 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA (Luzerne County)
- Point of contact: Shannon Degiglio at 610-382-3082 or email [email protected] 
- Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and designed for veterans and their dependents.
- Register.

Choose U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA): 

- April 13, 2018, 9 a.m.-noon
- Fort Indiantown Gap, Bldg. 14-99 (Conference Room), Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of Contact: Damon Frantz, LCSW at 717-861-6357 or email [email protected] 
- The Lebanon VA Medical Center’s Transition and Care Management team will be available to meet with service members and veterans to provide information about VA healthcare, benefits, and services available through the Transition and Care Management Program.
- No appointment is required. If you wish to enroll, please bring a copy of your DD214.

Financial Education Webinar – “Cents and Sensibility”: 

- April 13, 2018, 1 p.m.
- Point of contact: Edward M. Butler at 717-214-3718 or [email protected] 
- This webinar will review the financial education curriculum, Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management.
- Register.

Veterans And Spouses Recruitment: Presbyterian SeniorCare: 

- April 13, 2018, 1-3 p.m.
- PaCareerLink, 304 Wood St., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Point of contact: Melissa Handlovitch at 412-436-2225 or email [email protected] 
- This recruitment event is free to veterans and spouses. A representative will be at the Downtown location to speak with veterans and spouses. Registration is encouraged.
- Register.

A Little Bit Country And A Little Bit Rock And Roll: 

- April 14, 2018 – doors open at 4:30 p.m., dinner starts at 5 p.m.
- Hopwood Amvets Post 103, 123 Buttermilk Ln., Hopwood, PA (Fayette County)
- Point of contact: Patty Tegge at 724-430-1241 or email [email protected] 
- Event features tribute artists Elvis, Patsy Cline and Garth Brooks, basket auction and a 50/50.

Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training: 

- April 17, 2018, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
- 220 East Lehman St., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Register with Tamela Keppley at 717-274-3415 or email [email protected] 
- Objectives will be to discuss facts concerning suicide and suicide prevention, recognize warning signs, how to ask questions concerning suicide, persuade someone to get help, and refer them to the proper resource.

Vietnam War Commemoration Program: 

- April 19, 2018, doors open at 12:30 p.m., ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m.
- Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor's Center, 1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing, PA (Bucks County)
- R.S.V.P. at 215-737-2311 or email [email protected] 
- Open for all those who served during the Vietnam War Era and would like to be honored.

Veteran X Program Day At The Phillies: 

- April 21, 2018, 4:05 p.m.
- Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- For groups of 25 or more, contact Tony Burns at 215-463-5000 ext. 5326
- The Veteran X Program is a peer-led group welcoming all veterans. For every ticket sold, The Veteran X Program will receive a rebate that will assist in enhancing its programs.
- To order tickets visit Website. Choose April 21 and enter code DMVA.

Army Seeks Volunteer Oral Historians In Erie: 

- April 26 and 27, 2018, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Erie County Historical Society, 356 W. Sixth St., Erie, PA (Erie County)
- To register, or for information, contact Karl Warner at 717-245-4491 or email [email protected].
- The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center’s Veterans Ambassadors Program is a nationwide initiative that trains volunteers as oral historians to collect veterans’ stories for inclusion in the Army’s historical archives. An Army Heritage Center representative will conduct training sessions April 26-27 at the for prospective volunteers. The sessions are open to the public.
-Read more.

Free QPR Suicide Prevention Training: 

- April 28, 2018, 9 a.m.-noon
- WellSpan Philhaven’s Grace M. Pollock Training & Community Center, 283 S. Butler Rd., Mt. Gretna, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Holly Leahy at 717-274-3415 or email [email protected] 
- This presentation consists of how to apply suicide prevention techniques through Question Persuade Refer (QPR). QPR is intended to offer hope through positive action. QPR is also intended to help recognize the warning signs, clues and suicidal communications of people in trouble and to act vigorously to prevent a possible tragedy. Breakfast will be included and participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Website.

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 A