DMVA News 

Military Family Relief Assistance Program: 

The Military Family Relief Assistance Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants, to eligible Pennsylvania service members and their eligible family members. Eligible members must have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control. The amount of a grant is based on documented financial need up to a maximum of $3,500. Application forms are available online here.

Programs And Benefits For Older Pennsylvanians In DMVA's Veterans Resource Guide: 

May is Older Americans Month. Did you know that the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ has an online publication called the Veteran Resources Guide? The Guide, a product of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services, is a consolidated listing of programs, benefits and services for veterans and their families offered by state agencies. It specifically contains information from the PA Department of Aging including information on employment, health and wellness, help at home, housing, insurance, legal assistance, prescriptions, and more! Download a copy of the Veterans Resource Guide here.

 Around the State 

A Recognition Of PA Veterans And Their Service To Our Country: 

100 Years of Heroes recognizes the century of service that veterans have given this country and has been created this year to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, which officially ended World War I. With Giant Food Stores as the exclusive sponsor of this 24-week project that will begin Memorial Day and conclude on Veterans Day, PennLive videographers and writers will tell the stories of veterans with a Pennsylvania connection, from World War II through Vietnam and up through the Gulf War and The War in Afghanistan. Read more.

Allentown's Great Pennsylvania Music & Arts Celebration – A New Memorial Weekend Fest: 

Founders of the Great Pennsylvania Music & Arts Celebration festival, which has its inaugural run next weekend at the Allentown Fairgrounds, was inspired by Bethlehem’s Musikfest. It wasn’t Musikfest’s success that spurred inspiration, but the fact that polka, so important to Musikfest’s founding, was disappearing from it. The Great Pennsylvania Music & Arts Celebration also wants to have a strong focus on Memorial Day. A third of the festival grounds, at its south end, will be taken up by the Camp Crane Military Proving Grounds. There will be extensive programming to recognize the contributions of U.S. veterans and to showcase Pennsylvania’s deeply rooted role in the country’s military history. Read more.

Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans To Be Buried With Military Honors After Remains Discovered In Pennsylvania: 

An Army, Navy and an Air Force veteran will get the military funerals they deserve after they were identified amongst dozens of unclaimed bodies at a Pennsylvania coroner’s office. Army veteran Richard D. Wardell, Navy veteran Henry J. Leed Jr. and Air Force veteran William L. Warmkessel will be laid to rest with military honors at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA (Lebanon County). Read more.

Comradery Of Veterans Court Helps Participants Succeed: 

More than half of the people who are released from prison in Pennsylvania reoffend within a few years. Some counties have turned to specialty courts to reduce recidivism, and some are proving especially effective. Friends, family, and mentors recently gathered to congratulate five graduates of Dauphin County Veterans Court. Read more.

Equines For Freedom - Helping Veterans Heal: 

For many Pennsylvania veterans suffering from PTSD--traditional therapy just doesn't work. But an unusual method of healing is helping some find an inner peace on a rural farm in Lackawanna County. Anchor Nick Toma has our story. It's called Equine Therapy pairing the patient with a horse. More and more frustrated vets say this is the answer to their prayers. Read more.

Free Dental Care For Veterans June 9: 

The Aspen Dental clinic in Ross Township, PA (Allegheny County) is among eight western Pennsylvania locations that will be offering free dental care for veterans on June 9 through its annual Day of Service initiative. “Achieving oral health is especially challenging for the majority of U.S. veterans as they are not eligible for dental benefits through the Veterans Administration unless they are 100 percent disabled, have a service-related mouth injury or were a prisoner of war,” said Julia Drabick, a spokeswoman for the national chain of dental clinics. Read more.

Lower Merion, PA (Montgomery County) Memorial Day Events: 

Lower Merion Township will observe Memorial Day with a series of events on Monday, May 28 and the public is invited to honor veterans who lost their lives in service to the nation. The day's events kick-off with the Merion Concert Band performing patriotic and military service songs at 9:45 a.m. at the corner of Lancaster and Argyle roads. Read more.

New Folds of Honor Chapter In PA And NJ: 

The 16th chapter of Folds of Honor has been activated in eastern PA and NJ. This 16th Folds of Honor Chapter will locally further the non-profit's mission to rally American Patriots around its cause and encourage them to generously contribute to the educational scholarships awarded to the children and spouses of our fallen and disabled service members. The Chapter’s goal is to give the recipients the opportunity to live the very bright future their family members fought to secure for them, and for us all. Membership and volunteer positions are available to support fundraising events and community outreach. To learn more about the mission and upcoming events, visit Website or contact Beth Simmons at 610-442-5718.

Pittsburgh Memorial Day 2018 Events: 

Memorial Day is a holiday unlike any other, mixing solemnity and recognition of sacrifice with what amounts to a celebration of the unofficial beginning of summer. In Pittsburgh, there's no shortages of services and fun activities on Memorial Day. Here are five events you might want to attend. Read more.

Students Donate To Veterans: 

These students and their teachers set their eyes on a goal, and they beat that number with the help of their community. "We hoped to fill three big boxes and we ended up with 15 huge ones," said Brittany Frey, a teacher with the Commonwealth Charter Academy. Students and staff with the cyber school filled the boxes with nonperishable items and clothes. They do a community service project every month as part of the school's "care" initiative. With Memorial Day approaching, the group decided to donate to veterans. Read more.

Veterans Honored During Celebration Of Service Ceremony: 

For more than 90 years, the Pennsylvania National Guard's 28th division has stood on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, PA (Centre County) to honor veterans. "It's a great group of people. It's nice to visit with other veterans and active duty people," Air Force Veteran, 1956-1960, Darryl Brown said. Read more.

Volunteers Clean Up Rose Hill Cemetery Cub Scouts, Veterans, Others Turn Out To Maintain Area: 

For a graveyard, especially one whose maintenance effort seemed to be dying as recently as a year ago, Rose Hill Cemetery was full of life recently. Not only was it a designated “cleanup day” for Rose Hill, as declared by the cemetery’s new leadership, it was also the day for placement of new American flags on the graves of veterans along with the “retirement” of old, battered flags that have decorated those graves for the past year. 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]

Agriculture Jobs For Veterans: 

- Cidermaker, cheesemaker and sustainable fruit and vegetable grower positions available to U.S. veterans.
- Any questions please call 724-691-1087 or email [email protected] 
- Website.

Waste Management Plant Maintenance Technicians In Pittsburgh, PA: 

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age, legally eligible to work in the United States and have four years of relevant work experience.
- Apply.

Veterans’ Expo & Job Fair: 

- May 30, 2018, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel, 1741 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing, PA (Berks County)
- Point of contact: Kimberly Shaffer at 717-285-8123 or email [email protected] 
- The veterans’ expo will connect active and retired military members of all ages and their families with the benefits and resources available to them. In addition, the job fair will provide an opportunity for veterans and employers to meet face-to-face to discuss available positions. Workshops and seminars will be offered on relevant topics.
- Website.

Waste Management Hiring Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic In Philadelphia, PA: 

- 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 and at least one year of prior heavy equipment diesel maintenance experience.
- Sign-on bonuses of up to $2,500 are available.
- 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.)

Community Events Slated For Norwin (Westmoreland County): 

The annual Memorial Day parade in Irwin will begin May 28 at 10 a.m. It will go through downtown and along Pennsylvania Avenue to the Irwin Union Cemetery. Any local service member on leave or who has served in the military may participate. Read more.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Night Event: 

- May 24, 2018, 6:30 p.m.
- Patrick’s Pub, 1207 Spring Run Rd., Coraopolis, PA (Allegheny County)
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected] - Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- Free food and cash bar. 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: 

- June 9, 2018, 8:30 a.m.
- 100 Spring Valley Rd., Farmington, PA (Fayette County)
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected] – 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.

White Oak Vet Center Open House: 

- May 25, 2018, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- White Oak Vet Center, 2001 Lincoln Way, Suite 21, White Oak, PA (Allegheny County)
- R.S.V.P. to Lee Wagner at 412-678-7704 or email [email protected] 
- White Oak Vet Center invites veterans and their families to join us for an open house and free BBQ. Event will be held rain or shine.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- May 26, 2018, 9 a.m.
- Triple Crown Banquet and Conference Center on the Racetrack Level, 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington, PA (Washington County).
- R.S.V.P. by May 21, 2018 to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected]. Please mention the DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- The breakfast costs $15 per guest and every guest will receive $5 in free slot play. 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 PA. 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: 

- June 1, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Comfort Inn & Conference Center, 699 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills, PA (Allegheny County).
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected] – mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- Breakfast is $12 but the event is free to attend. 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) At Night: 

- June 4, 2018, 6:30 p.m.
- Spoonwood Brewing, 5981 Baptist Rd., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County).
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected] – mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- Free food and cash bar. 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.

DMVA Needs Volunteers To Help Place Flags At Indiantown Gap National Cemetery: 

May 24, 2018, 8 a.m.
Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
Point of contact: Randy Plummer at 717-865-5254
DMVA Needs your help to place 7,000 flags in the grass along the road that enters into Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. This is a rain or shine event and a chance to honor the men and women who served our country prior to Memorial Day weekend.

Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Day Program: 

May 27, 2018, 2 p.m.
Rain or shine. Free parking provided at Indiantown Gap Community Club and the Memorial Council will provide shuttle-bus transportation to the ceremony. There is very limited handicapped parking on the parking lot adjacent to the Pennsylvania Memorial.
Handicapped visitors using that lot can catch a ride from their parked car to the memorial's plaza in a golf cart provided by the National Cemetery.

Honoring Our Edison 64 Heroes: 

- May 25, 2018, 8:30 a.m., ceremony to commence at 9:10 a.m.
- Thomas A. Edison High School, John C. Fareira Skill Center's, 151 West Luzerne, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- R.S.V.P. by May 21, 2018, by phone 215-400-3900 or fax 215-400-3901
- Edison High School lost more young men to the Vietnam War than any other high school in the nation. Veterans, veterans organizations and invited guests are cordially invited to attend. The guest speaker will be Robert Craven, Vietnam war-era veteran.

Legal And Domestic Relations Clinic For Veterans: 

- May 25, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Lebanon Medical Center, 1700 South Lincoln Ave., Bldg 18, 3rd floor conference room, Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- For more information, contact Sarah Primak at 717-926-0872.
- The clinic is for veterans with legal or domestic relations issues pertaining to expungement, pardon, social security, unemployment compensation, public benefits, housing, bankruptcy, custody/visitation, child support orders, divorce and elder law and appeals. Please bring any and all documentation pertaining to your legal situation.

American Legion – Latin American Post 840 Memorial Day Service: 

- May 27, 2018, 1 p.m.
- The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, 1601 Valley Forge Rd., Valley Forge, PA (Montgomery County)
- Point of contact: Jose Rivera at 215-498-6571 or email [email protected] 
- Since 1978, the Latin-American Post 840 of the American Legion has held an annual memorial ceremony to honor and remember members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives for the good of the country including nine Puerto Rican soldiers who were awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Mercer Memorial Day 500: 

- May 28, 2018, events begin at 8 a.m., honoree ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
- Mercer County Courthouse Square, Mercer, PA (Mercer County)
- Point of contact: Aaron Sines at 724-977-4994 or email [email protected] 
- There is no registration required and the events are free to the public.
- Website.

Lower Merion (Montgomery County) Memorial Day Events – What You Need To Know: 

Lower Merion Township will observe Memorial Day with a series of events on Monday, May 28 and the public is invited to honor our veterans who lost their lives in service to the nation. The day's events kick off with the Merion Concert Band performing patriotic and military service songs at 9:45 a.m. at the corner of Lancaster and Argyle roads. Read more.

Annual North Penn VFW Post 676 Memorial Day Ceremony: 

- May 28, 2018, 11 a.m.
- 2519 Jenkintown Rd., Glenside, PA (Montgomery County)
- Point of contact: Commander Tom Hermansen at 610-506-8350 or email [email protected] 
- The ceremony will include a presentation of symbolic wreaths at the flag pole, and speeches from state and local officials. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
- Website.

VFW Media Post – Memorial Day Cookout: 

- May 28, 2018, 3 p.m.
- 11 Hilltop Rd., Media, PA (Delaware County)
- Point of contact: Pat Flanagan at 610-566-9980
- Website.

Memorial Day 2018 Parades And Ceremonies In Central PA: 

Memorial Day 2018 is May 28. The holiday to remember and honor those who died while in military service is observed annually on the last Monday of May. For a he multitude of parades and ceremonies being held in central Pennsylvania, read more.

Lancaster County Memorial Day parades, services and other weekend events: 

Here is a list of Memorial Day activities in and around Lancaster County. Read more.

Wills For Heroes: 

- June 2, 2018, 11 a.m.
- Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 5080 Ritter Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA (Cumberland County)
- Point of contact: Gabriele Miller-Wagner at [email protected] or Hannah Suhr at [email protected].
- In partnership with the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and with sponsorship by Ballard Spahr LLP and the PBA Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, brings the Wills for Heroes program to you. Wills for Heroes is a free and easy service that provides wills, living wills, health care and financial powers of attorney to first responders and their spouses or partners. Please note that proof of affiliation or DD214 will be requested at the event.
- Website. Schedule. The password is: MVAWFH

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- June 6, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Seven Oaks Country Club, 132 Lisbon Rd., Beaver, PA (Beaver County)
- If you chose to have breakfast, the cost is $12. R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or [email protected] - 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.

Veterans Expo: 

- June 8, 2018, 2-6 p.m. and June 9, 2018, 8 a.m.-noon
- Houston Run Community Center, 835 Houston Run Dr., Gap, PA (Lancaster County)
- Point of contact: Community & Congressional Affairs office at 610-384-7711, ext. 4348, or email [email protected].
- Veterans and family are invited to learn about a variety of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare benefits and services that they may be eligible for. For on-the-spot enrollment, please bring your DD214, your 2017 tax return and out of pocket medical expenses.

 Across the Nation 

Alternative Therapy – Veterans Find Relief Through Tai Chi: 

In an effort to decrease drug dependency, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively exploring alternative forms of therapy to help veterans ease pain and trauma. Most VA hospitals today offer some form of alternative treatment, such as yoga, mindfulness and art therapy. Recently, VA awarded a grant to a medical anthropologist at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, to expand his Tai Chi therapy program designed for patients in wheelchairs. Read more.

Memorial Day At 150: 

This month, Memorial Day will be observed for the 150th time. Over years, the manner in which the nation has recognized this special day has changed in some ways while other traditions have stayed the same. Read more.

Memorial Day Matters: 

General John A. Logan first led the call for the creation of a national holiday to honor the dead from the Civil War in 1868. Originally known as Decoration Day, he ultimately chose May 30 as the day when Americans should visit national cemeteries, burial plots, and Civil War battlefields to place flowers on the graves of the fallen. The outpouring of grief was a way for the nation to heal. Read more.

Next Generation Of Service Dogs Visit The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Office: 

Four puppies visited the lobby of VA’s Central Office to introduce themselves as soon-to-be service dogs. Warrior Canine Connection, an organization that helps raise these dogs and connect them with veterans visited VA with two golden and two black Labradors. Warrior Canine Connection enlists service members and veterans with combat stress in the critical mission of training service dogs for fellow wounded warriors. When the puppies are born, they spend the first few months of their lives at Boyds, MD “Healing Quarters,” where they live and train in the Puppy Enrichment Center. Read more.

Out Of Money And Nearly Out Of Hope, Navy Veteran Gets Help When Needed Most: 

Verna Burton is a Chicago, Ill. native who served in the U.S. Navy. Last summer, she had been looking for a career change and started to research employment opportunities outside of Chicago. During her search, she came across a position at McGee Air Services at the San Francisco Airport. The job entailed providing air services ranging from marshaling planes to customer service operations. She found the position interesting and applied. Read more.

Top Five Reasons Veterans And Their Spouses Voices Are Invaluable: 

Experience and insight from the nations veteran population is needed for the Blue Star Families’ Military Family Lifestyle Survey. This survey, now in its 10th year, is currently open and your voice is needed to make it complete. Military and veteran families often share the trials and frustrations of a life of service, but often those experiences are only shared with friends and loved ones. Read more.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Gets The Word Out For Hepatitis Awareness Month: 

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and VA is getting the word out about hepatitis C testing and treatment. Hepatitis C is a disease that affects the liver. Veterans are at higher risk for hepatitis C and testing is recommended for Vietnam Era veterans and those born between 1945-1965. Read more.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Bill Comparison Tool Is A Valuable Resource In Checking Priority Enrollment For Veterans And Service Members: 

Priority enrollment is offered at many colleges and universities for veterans and service members. So how do you find out if priority enrollment is offered at your school? Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool on VA’s website. Read more.

Veteran-Owned Business Organizes 50-mile Rucking Challenge For More Than 700 Participants: 

More than 700 people gathered in the Georgetown neighborhood in Washington, D.C., to embark on a 50-mile challenge organized by the veteran-owned business, GORUCK. GORUCK’s business is two-fold. It sells ruck sacks and gear for rucking so individuals can have reliable, American made equipment. The second part is the GORUCK challenge. These challenges are led by a cadre of individuals that have served in our military’s special forces. Read more.

Veterans Legacy Program: Nisei Soldier Regiment: 

Lawson Sakai is a veteran of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regiment, and served in the European Theater of World War II. His unit is remembered as the “Purple Heart Battalion,” and is the most decorated unit in United States military history. The 442nd Regiment was composed almost entirely of second-generation Japanese-Americans known as Nisei. The Nisei soldiers achieved many victories during World War II, but at a great cost. In October 1944, the 442nd liberated Bruyères, France after many days of heavy fighting. Read more.

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