DMVA News 

Westmoreland County Event: Disabled Veterans Fishing Outing: 

- May 12, 2018, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Foggy Mountain Lodge, 117 Foggy Mountain Ln., Stahlstown, PA (Westmoreland County)
- Point of contact: Larry Myers at 724-454-9345 or email [email protected] 
- Free to qualifying applicants: handicap accessible; stocked trout; expert mentors; fly casting contest with prizes; equipment provided; no license required; and grilled lunch cooked and served by Boy Scouts. Space is limited to 12 qualifying participants.
- Website.

Pennsylvania Women Veterans Survey: 

ATTENTION WOMEN VETERANS: Understanding the needs and unique challenges of Pennsylvania's approximately 60,000 women veterans is the first step in making sure the right benefits, services and programs are provided. Governor Tom Wolf's administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs are working to identify these challenges and improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania's women veterans. COMPLETE THE SURVEY TODAY: Read more.

DMVA Is Looking For Volunteers To Help Prepare The Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial Located In Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Prior To Memorial Day: 

We need your help! Each year, DMVA cleans the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial in Lebanon County, in preparation for Memorial Day. This year the clean-up will happen each Sunday, starting April 29 until the week prior to Memorial Day, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Volunteers are needed to complete the work. Tasks include painting and operating a pressure washer (you will get wet). If you are interested, please reply to Brian Natali by emailing [email protected]. We hope to see you there!

Four Military Heroes Inducted Into The Southwestern Veterans’ Center Hall Of Fame: 

The Southwestern Veterans’ Center (SWVC) in Pittsburgh recently inducted four military heroes into their Hall of Fame. The SWVC is one of six veterans homes operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Today we honor true American heroes for sacrifices they made preserving our freedom and securing our safety while serving in foreign land during tumultuous times,” said Rich Adams, SWVC commandant. “We are honored to induct these men into the Hall of Fame, where we can all pay homage to their legacies for years to come.” Read more.

Employment At DMVA Veterans Homes: 

The DMVA operates six veterans homes throughout the commonwealth with a variety of employment opportunities available, particularly in nursing. For detailed information about available jobs, go to website.

 Around the State 

Homeless Vets To Receive Rental Assistance: 

Homeless veterans in Pennsylvania will receive rental assistance to help them find permanent homes, as part of a program provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Approximately $500,000 is being awarded to address the needs of the state’s homeless veterans through both housing and supportive services. Read more.

Pennsylvania SeniorLAW HelpLine: 

1-877-PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529) A toll-free, statewide telephone service providing legal information, advice, brief services and referrals to Pennsylvania seniors. This is a free and confidential service for adults 60 years of age and older. Expanded services for seniors experiencing financial exploitation and/or elder abuse include identity theft, deed fraud, lost or stolen wallet, loan document forgeries, credit card fraud, home improvement fraud, unauthorized use of bank accounts, scams: IRS, check scams, sweepstakes, reverse mortgage scams, healthcare scams, and investment scams, abuse of power of attorney, domestic violence. HelpLine Contact Information: 1-877-PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529); 215-988-1242 (Philadelphia County); 610-910-0215 (Delaware or Chester County); 610-910-0210 (Bucks or Montgomery County); Interpretation services available in 150 languages.

Pets For Vets: 

Pets for Vets, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 32 chapters in 25 states and the District of Columbia has four chapters in Pennsylvania (Erie, Lancaster, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). Their goal is to help heal the emotional wounds of military veterans by pairing each one with a shelter dog that is specifically selected to match his or her personality. Professional animal trainers rehabilitate the dogs, which are otherwise facing euthanasia, and teach them good manners to fit into the veteran’s lifestyle. Training can also include desensitization to wheel chairs or crutches as well as recognizing panic or anxiety disorder behaviors. Interested veterans should contact Cathy Lile at 302-740-1907, or email [email protected]. Website.

 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]

Care For Veterans As A Spinal Cord Injury Nurse: 

Spinal cord injury (SCI) nursing at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a challenging and rewarding career that’s essential to the lives of many of our nation’s heroes. You’ll treat acute and chronically ill patients with complex physical and psychosocial needs using your advanced clinical knowledge and skills. Read more.

Whitley East Is Hiring Veterans: 

- Starting pay up to $17/hr
- Email resumes or apply in person to: Whitley East, LLC, 64 Hess Rd., Leola, PA (Lancaster County)
- Ask for Christy Serra or email [email protected] 
- Whitley Manufacturing, a premier modular construction company, is looking for experienced people in all trades of construction, including but not limited to plumbing, electrical, roofing, drywall, framing.
- Website.

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.

Presbyterian SeniorCare Job Fair: 

- April 27, 2018, 9 a.m–noon
- PA Careerlink, Allegheny East, 2040 Ardmore Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Please call 412-436-2225 if you have any questions.
- Presbyterian SeniorCare is recruiting for full and part-time opportunities.
- 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.)

Community Town Hall Meeting Honesdale PA: 

- April 25, 2018, 5 p.m.
- Park Street Complex, Old Cafeteria, 648 Park St., Honesdale, PA (Wayne County)
- Point of contact: William Klaips at 570-830-7042
- Veterans, family members, community stakeholders and the public are invited to attend the open forum discussion with Mr. Russell E. Lloyd, director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA. VA employees will be on-hand to assist with information on available services.
- Facebook page.

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 Erie County Historical Society for prospective volunteers. The sessions are open to the public.
-Read more.

Face Of America Gettysburg: 

- April 27-29, 2018
- Participating athletes can select between the classic two-day bicycle ride from the Pentagon in Arlington, VA or the two-day northern route, from historic Valley Forge, PA. Both routes go through the historic Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg for the final miles. Each ride honors our military, veterans and active duty, both disabled and able-bodied.
- Website.

Camp Lejeune Community Assistance Panel (CAP): 

- April 27, 2018, 5-8 p.m., Public Meeting April 28, 2018, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh, Green Tree, 500 Mansfield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has been assessing the health risks from hazardous substances in drinking water at Camp Lejeune since the 1980s. The purpose of the CAP is to voice the concerns of the affected community of Marines and their families and to provide input on ATSDR’s public health activities.
- Link to livestream of meeting will be available the day of the meeting
- Website.

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.

SFC Liam Nevins Memorial Trap Shoot: 

- April 28, 2018, 10 a.m.
- West Chester Gun Club, 200 E. Boot Rd., West Chester, PA (Chester County)
- Any questions please call 610-696-4577
In memory of SFC Liam Nevins. Nevis, a former Owen J. Roberts student, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013. He was a member of the 19th Special Forces Green Berets.
- Tickets.

Military & Veterans Appreciation Breakfast: 

- May 1, 2018, 7:30-9 a.m., optional activities, 9-10 a.m.
- Fort Indiantown Gap, Bldg. 4-134 Colonel St., Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Reserve your spot today: Call the Chamber office at 717-273-3727 or email [email protected] 
- Please join to celebrate and honor the military and its impact on the Lebanon Valley. The event costs $10 for active or retired military or reserves and $20 for chamber members and public.
- Register.

Cental Pennsylvania WWII Roundtable: 

- May 3, 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 speaker will be Quentin Stambaugh of Spring Grove, PA who served our country as a waist gunner and radio operator on a Mitchell B-25 bomber in the South Pacific. The mission is to locate WW II veterans who are able to share their WW II experiences with the public. Meetings are open to the public without any admission fees or memberships.
- Website.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- May 5, 2018, 9-11 a.m.
- Uncommon Ground Coffee House, 380 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa, PA (Beaver County)
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- The event will include buffet breakfast and storytelling and there is a suggested donation of $10. Uncommon Grounds is a faith-based coffee house run by the Church Army USA.
- 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.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- May 9, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Memorial Park Presbyterian Church, 8800 Peebles Rd., Allison Park, PA (Allegheny County)
- Breakfast is $12 and attending without breakfast is free.
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [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.

The Wall That Heals: 

- May 9, 2018, 7 p.m. the opening ceremony and exhibit opens and will remain open for public viewing 24-hours-a-day until 2 p.m., March 13, 2018
- State Capitol, Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- Additional information is available by calling 717-772-0500
- The Wall That Heals exhibition features a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and a Mobile Education Center.
- Website.

Vetfest 2018: 

- May 9, 2018, 11 a.m.
- Municipal Services Bldg., 1401 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- Over 50 veterans' resource tables including education, government and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs services, city services, live entertainment, food and much more!
- Facebook page.

Project Frontline: 

- The Salvation Army of Milton, 30 Center St., P.O. Box 178, Milton, PA (Northumberland County)
- Point of contact: Call 570-742-4231 or email [email protected]; or [email protected]; or [email protected] 
- Project Frontline works in cooperation with existing social services assistance programs by providing non-discriminatory service to help veterans, active duty and National Guard members living in the Lewisburg area (Union County) and assisting them out of financial hardship. All cases are processed after an in-person meeting with a caseworker.
- Website.

We Are Seeking Veterans Court Mentors: 

Veterans Court is a specialized treatment court designed to assist military veterans charged with crimes who are struggling with addiction, substance abuse issues, mental health issues and other reintegration obstacles. The Court and its mentors are in a unique position to assist veterans in accessing a support system of government and community based resources in order to regain stability in their lives. To become a Veterans Court mentor, contact Ray Amelio, Veterans Court coordinator at [email protected]

Veterans Family Fishing Program: 

- Second and fourth Sunday of each month through Nov. 25, 2018, 1-5 p.m.
- Fisherman's Paradise, 1150 Spring Creek Rd., Bellefonte, PA (Centre County)
- Point of contact: James H. Lanning at 814-238-2086 or email [email protected] 
- All veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to learn fly fishing, improve your existing skills and learn about conservation projects to keep our streams and watersheds healthy and protected. Fishing gear, supplies, fishing licenses as needed and a one-year membership to Trout Unlimited are provided.
- Facebook page.

Across the Nation 

Cyberknife Gives Veterans More Treatment Options For Cancer: 

A new robotic treatment was recently used for the first time at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Fla. It’s a treatment that will increase the number of options veterans have in their fight against cancer. Staff members in the radiation therapy unit used the Cyberknife M6 machine for the first time to treat a veteran with a cancerous brain tumor. Tampa is only the second hospital in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system to use the Cyberknife. Read more.

Fallen Vietnam Pilots, Crew Members Honored With Monument At Arlington National Cemetery: 

More than 40 years after the end of the Vietnam War, the helicopter pilots and crew members killed in action were honored at Arlington National Cemetery with their own monument. The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association spearheaded the effort to honor the nearly 5,000 pilots and crew members killed during the war. Read more.

Life Insurance: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides veterans, service members and their families with $1.3 trillion in insurance coverage each year. VA also offers a variety of life insurance options. Read more.

Occupational Therapy – Helping Veterans Live Fuller Lives: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) takes a holistic approach to veteran care that includes comprehensive rehabilitation services to improve day-to-day life. As the nation’s largest employer of occupational therapists, helping veterans reclaim their independence and get back to the activities they enjoy is a priority. Occupational therapists at VA make major contributions to the interdisciplinary development of patient care plans. Read more.

The American Veteran – Veterans Train For Boxing In Brooklyn, The Forever GI Bill And Stories Of Courage And Sacrifice: 

The newest episode of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), "American Veteran" features stories about: a veteran’s training program at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn; how VA plans for major natural disasters or catastrophic events; an introduction to the Forever GI Bill and what’s in it for you; Army veteran Ardrena Bailey, an award-winning adaptive athlete; and remembering a World War II veteran who died at Pearl Harbor. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Nationwide Baby Shower For Veterans: 

VA will host baby showers across the country, celebrating over 2,400 veteran mothers and fathers welcoming babies in 2018. VA’s nationwide baby shower event will have all the trappings of a traditional baby shower, from baby-themed games to baby care packages, but behind the celebration is a bigger purpose. VA’s nationwide baby shower plays a critical role in connecting veterans with VA benefits, information and resources as they begin their journey into parenthood. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Physician Named To TIME’s Annual List Of The 100 Most Influential People In The World: 

TIME magazine has named Dr. Ann McKee, chief of neuropathology of the VA Boston Healthcare System, to its 2018 TIME 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. McKee, who is also the director of Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, is well known for her research on the long-term effects of brain injuries in NFL football players and military veterans. Read more.