Of Local Interest

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.

 DMVA News 

Cabinet In Your Community Event At University Of Scranton: 

Governor Tom Wolf Cabinet officials from Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Human Services, Department of Labor & Industry, Department of Aging and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, will gather at the University of Scranton for the Cabinet in your Community event at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018. We hope to see you there! Don’t forget to R.S.V.P. by May 11 to Cassandra Coleman at [email protected] or call 570-614-2090. Facebook post.

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 on the following Sundays, May 6, 13, and 20, 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!

 Around the State 

Aging Veterans Need Help With Decorating Graves For Memorial Day: 

Joseph Sincavage recalled watching helplessly as a fellow senior veteran stumbled and fell at an area cemetery. It was during one of their annual missions to place Memorial Day flags at the graves of every person who served in the military. With their forge-ahead mindset, participating veterans often resist allowing physical limitations and the risk of pitted cemetery grounds to stand in their way of completing the task. Read more.

Desert Storm Vet And Longtime Reservist Gets Quilt: 

Alvin Russell Self spent 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve as a member of the 844th Engineer Battalion’s “C” Company. The combat engineer was deployed to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, helping to construct airfields and buildings and perform other vital tasks. The unit was always in danger of ambush, but was fortunate to return home without any casualties. Read more.

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania (IUP) Saluted For Military Friendliness: 

IUP has been named to Victory Media’s 2018-19 list of military-friendly schools. This is the seventh year IUP has been selected for the list, which honors institutions with the best experience for military students. Read more.

Philadelphia Airport Opens Larger Lounge for Military Families: 

The United Service Organizations (USO) of Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey recently opened a new 4,600-square-foot facility at Philadelphia International Airport that's like a first-class lounge for military families. The Liberty USO center, relocated from Terminal A-East to the top of Terminal E, has a full restaurant-style kitchen, men's and women's bunkrooms, a family playroom, theater-style seats, showers and quasi-concierge services. Read more.

Volunteers Make Cushions To Help Veterans And Remember The Fallen: 

It can be hard for veterans to come home from a war zone and integrate back into society. One local meditation and yoga studio is aiming to help those in need by making cushions for veterans. But that's not their only purpose. Two organizers from the studio are partnering with the Mindful Memorial Foundation's Bridge project to honor fallen warriors and help vets heal, one cushion at a time. Read more.

West Carroll (Cambria County) Local Youth Uses Eagle Scout Project To Honor Veterans: 

Derek Yingling, an active member of Boy Scout Troop 501, is an Eagle Scout candidate. He chose the flag retirement ceremony as his project to achieve the Eagle Scout award. As part of the project, Yingling constructed three flag depositories and posted them in the community for people to bring their worn-out flags in advance of the ceremony to be held June 14, 2018, at 6 p.m. Read more.

Bensalem High School To Dedicate Veterans' Wall: 

The Veterans' Wall at Bensalem High School (Bucks County) will be dedicated during a ceremony on May 19, 2018, and the community is invited to attend. The Veterans' Wall is a project by the Bensalem Alumni Association and the Bensalem Township School District. It honors all graduates of Bensalem High School who have honorably served in the military. Read more.

New Efforts To Boost Armed Forces Parade Attendance: 

New efforts are being made to get people out to the annual Armed Forces Parade in downtown Scranton (Lackawanna County) next month. Over the years, attendance has dwindled but organizers are hoping to change that. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. outside the Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center on May 19, 2018. Read more.

Looking For 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 for the Veterans Leadership Program of western PA at [email protected]

 Across the Nation 

Almost 800,000 Veterans Have Been Served By Program: 

Nearly 80 percent of veterans who receive care in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities are overweight or obese. Being obese or overweight is associated with many chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. These conditions are common in veterans. “Preventing further increases in the rates and impacts of obesity among veterans is our greatest public health challenge,” said Dr. Carolyn Clancy, executive-in-charge at VHA. Read more.

Exploring The Role Of Project-Based Vouchers In The HUD-VASH Program: 

To end homelessness among veterans, the U.S. departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veteran Affairs (VA) have substantially expanded their collaborative permanent supportive housing program. Read more.

Having Trouble Sleeping?: 

Veterans returning from deployment find great relief coming back to their families, homes and their own beds. The feeling of familiarity and support can do a lot for a veteran recovering from the stresses of deployment. But, while veterans may take comfort in spending days with loved ones and friends, at night they may have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. Read more.

Historic New York Boxing Gym Opens Its Doors To Veterans: 

Not even the rumble of the F Train can drown out the sounds of shuffling shoes, jump ropes and the rhythm of gloved hands striking heavy bags at Gleason’s Gym – America’s oldest active boxing gym. Muhammad Ali, Jake LaMotta and Mike Tyson have trained at the “cathedral of boxing.” Located on the banks of the East River in the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood of Brooklyn, Gleason’s Gym is owned and operated by Vietnam Veteran Bruce Silverglade. Read more.

Home Loans And Housing-Related Assistance: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan programs may be used to obtain homes, condominiums, or manufactured homes or refinance an existing home loan or install energy-saving improvements. Read more.

Improving Veterans’ Mental Health Through Physical Therapy: 

Exercise and physical activity are essential to both a healthy body and mind, just ask Kerry Schofield, a Vietnam veteran who’s making the most of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' weight management program, "MOVE." He and his wife do gym sessions three times a week with one of the many physiotherapists and it’s had positive effects on his mental health. Read more.

Military Order Of The Purple Heart To End U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Assistance Program: 

The Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., or MOPH, a Virginia-based nonprofit, announced this month that it will no longer be able to provide assistance to those in need through its National Service Program. Read more.

Researcher Discusses The Challenges Living With Chronic Pain: 

As a primary care physician, I am particularly interested in how we provide chronic pain care in primary care settings. I have pursued three related lines of research that are important to me as a physician. The first of those is for patients who are taking opioid medications long term. For these patients, the process of stopping or reducing those medications, sometimes referred to as opioid tapering, can be very challenging. We need to understand how to deliver high-quality pain care during and after opioid tapering. Read more.

Share The Possibilities This Mental Health Month: 

What do the words “mental health” mean to you? For some, these words bring to mind symptoms and conditions such as struggles with anxiety, insomnia, anger, isolation and depression. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Every day, veterans prove that mental health means building a stronger you. Read more.

Statement By U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Secretary Robert Wilkie: 

Under President Donald Trump, the VA has benefitted from some of the most significant legislative reforms in the history of the department. With funding for VA’s Choice program set to run out soon, America’s veterans need Congress to come together to support this crucial program and pass legislation that will make it permanent. Read more.

Talking About Sexual Abuse: 

Many veterans of all backgrounds have had unwanted sexual experiences during their military service or at other times. Because of this, public discussions about these topics may bring up painful memories and feelings. Read more.

Text Message Appointment Reminders Now Available: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Durham Health Care System now offers text messages direct to your mobile device, as another convenient option for veterans to receive appointment reminders. Text message appointment reminders are sent automatically 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. Read more.

The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare-VISN 4: 

VA Healthcare VISN 4 served 304,608 veterans from across the nation, primarily from PA, DE, NJ and OH in fiscal year 2017. VISN 4 is working hard to transform toward personalized, proactive, patient-driven health care. Read more.

The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Introduces New Feature That Allows Veterans To Securely Access Medical Images Online: 

VA recently released a new online feature through the My HealtheVet portal that allows veterans to access their medical images and associated study reports online. The feature allows veterans with a premium account to view, download and share copies of their radiology studies, such as X-rays, mammograms, MRIs and CTs. Read more.

The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Uses Whole Health To Prevent Veteran Suicide: 

Suicide prevention is VA’s top clinical priority. Every suicide is a tragedy, and we will not relent in our efforts to connect veterans who are experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis with lifesaving support. Read more.

T-Mobile Will Give Its Biggest Discount Ever To The Military: 

In keeping with the practice of giving customers what they want, T-mobile asked its veteran employees what they needed. The veterans answered truthfully. T-Mobile listened in a big way. Read more.

Video Connect Expands Veterans’ Access To Health Care: 

More and more veterans are receiving health-care treatment virtually, thanks to efforts by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand telehealth. One of the recent successes has been with VA Video Connect, which allows veterans to connect with their health-care teams over live video from a computer, tablet or smart phone from the comfort of their homes, thereby increasing their access to VA health care and reducing travel times. Read more.

When The Effects Of Sexual Trauma Persist: 

The realization struck Tony in a self-help meeting in Michigan as he listened to others share their stories of the challenges they had faced, and the ways they had found help. It was years after he had experienced sexual trauma in the military and years after he had left the Army, wrestled with drug problems, and lost a job. 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]

Governor Tom Wolf Announces IRIS USA Expanding Into PA And Creating 95 New Jobs: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced that IRIS USA (IRIS), a manufacturer and distributor of injection-molded plastic products, will expand operations into Pennsylvania and establish a manufacturing facility in Hazle Township, Luzerne County, creating 95 new jobs. “Manufacturing has such a strong history in Pennsylvania, and with this expansion, IRIS is helping continue that tradition today,” Governor Wolf said. Read more.

Wolf Administration And Gobble Inc. Discuss Hiring Nearly 200 Workers In Lancaster County: 

Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak and executives from Gobble Inc. met to discuss the company’s plans to build a new distribution facility in Lancaster County and hire up to 200 employees. “Businesses like Gobble are growing in Pennsylvania and we need a skilled workforce to meet that demand so our economy can thrive,” said Secretary Jerry Oleksiak. Read more.

Veterans’ First Fridays: Reentry Job Search Group, Exoffenders and Employment: 

- May 4, 2018, 9-11 a.m.
- PA CareerLink, Allegheny East, 2040 Ardmore Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Point of contact: Melissa Handlovitch at 412-436-2225 or email [email protected] 
- The event focuses on employment topics for veterans and spouses with criminal backgrounds. Employers and PACareerLink® service providers will discuss job search, pathways to employment and other employment topics.
- Register.

Quick Track Workshop: 

- May 18, 2018, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- PA CareerLInk, 243 Schneider Dr., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Call 171-273-2090 to pre-register or email [email protected] 
- At Quick Track Workshop you will develop a professional resume and cover letter and learn and practice interview techniques. If you land a job you could be eligible to receive a referral to Dress for Success.
- Register.

Career Opportunities At United Way Of Lebanon County: 

- United Way of Lebanon County is a great place to work, and there are currently two openings to join the team.
- Positions available: early childhood outreach coordinator, and marketing and communications manager
- Website.

Waste Management Hiring Diesel Mechanics: 

Waste Management is hiring diesel mechanics in Elizabeth, PA (Allegheny County), and Ambridge, PA (Beaver County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record and two years of experience working on inspections, diagnosis and repair of diesel and gas powered equipment and vehicles.
- Apply.

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 and framing.
- Website.

 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.)

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 Ground 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.

Mental Health Awareness Fair: 

- May 9, 2018, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Strawberry Square Atrium, 320 Market St., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- Point of contact: Janelle Codling at [email protected] 
- Governor Tom Wolf has proclaimed May Mental Health Awareness Month. Raise awareness and understanding of mental illness and substance use disorders.

Vetfest 2018: 

- May 9, 2018, 11 a.m.
- Municipal Services Bldg., 1401 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- More than 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.

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.

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

- May 11, 2018, 9 a.m.-noon
- Fort Indiantown Gap, Bldg. 14-99 (Conference Room), Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Damon Frantz 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.

Veterans Symposium Focusing On PTS, Depression, Opioids, Suicide And Family: 

- May 12, 2018, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- The Chapel of the Four Chaplains, 1201 Constitution Ave., Philadelphia Navy Yard-Bldg 649, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- Point of contact: Christine or Michelle at 215-218-1943 or email [email protected] or [email protected] 
- Topics being discussed will include how the faith community, veterans advocates and our community respond to the crisis of opioid overdose, mental illness, suicide, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and how families are responding as well.
- Register.

Veterans Stand Down: 

- May 12, 2018, 10 a.m.-noon
- Lackawanna College, Scranton Campus, 501 Vine St., Scranton, PA (Lackawanna County)
- Point of contact: Sandi Opshinsky at 570-963-6830 or email [email protected] 
- Services available: hot meals, shelter, barbers, clothing, drug & alcohol treatment services, benefits & claims assistance and employment assistance.

World War 1 History Symposium: 

- May 12, 2018, 10 a.m.
- U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County)
- For information please call 717-245-3972
- Observing the 100th Anniversary of the First World War (1914-1918), four presentations examine a world calamity that fundamentally changed America. Join us for an engaging full-day program on the history of the First World War.
Register.

Your Money, Your Goals – Free Financial Workshop: 

- May 14, 2018, 1-2:30 p.m.
- CareerLink, 243 Schneider Dr., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Call 717-273-2090 to pre-register or email [email protected] 
- Workshop will include topics on budgeting, creative ways to save, the difference between a credit report and credit score, debt reduction information, home purchase options, and one-on-one private counseling available.
- Register.

Hersheypark Military Appreciation Weekend: 

- May 18-20, 2018
- Hersheypark, 100 Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA (Dauphin County)
- Save 40% on tickets and receive free parking during Military Appreciation Weekend.
To receive free parking, show your valid Active & Retired/DOD/Civilian Military ID. Purchase up to 10 discount one-day admission tickets with your military ID at ticketing services the day of your visit. Discount not available online.

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 are provided as needed as well as a one-year membership to Trout Unlimited.
- Facebook page.