SW PA Regional news:

Veteran Victim Of East Deer Glass Plant Closure Lands Job With Help Of State CareerLink: 

Changing jobs is nothing new for Tim Vogle. After spending 12 years in the Air Force and a brief time in civil aviation, the Allegheny Township man in the 1990s transferred the skills he'd honed while maintaining aircraft to keeping machinery running for a series of industrial employers. But things were different when he was laid off recently by Pittsburgh Glass Works, which is shuttering its East Deer auto-glass manufacturing plant. 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. Read more.

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.

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.

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.

 DMVA News 

More Than One Way To Donate To The Pennsylvania Veterans Trust Fund (VTF): 

Did you know, there are several ways in which you can donate to the Veterans Trust Fund? You can donate the next time you apply for or renew your Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID or renew your motor vehicle registration; purchase one of the "Honoring Our Veterans" license plates; or by making a tax-deductible donation by check or online. Read more.

PA Officials Asking For Public’s Help To Complete Memorial Honoring Vietnam Veterans: 

The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs needs help honoring some local Vietnam veterans. The Wall of Faces program tries to match a photo with the name of each Pennsylvanian on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. We still need 30 photos to complete the list. Read more.

Pennsylvania Capitol Hosts Guard Day 2018: 

The Pennsylvania National Guard held its annual “Guard Day at the Capitol” to showcase the mission and capabilities of the Pennsylvania National Guard to state legislators, staff and visitors through numerous displays. House and Senate resolutions proclaimed May 23, 2018, to be National Guard Day in Pennsylvania. The day began with a breakfast meeting with Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general, other Pennsylvania National Guard senior staff, and dozens of legislators and their staff. Read more.

Submit A Veteran Related Job Or Event To DMVA: 

Whether you are an employer looking to hire veterans, or an organization with an upcoming event, submit it to us and we’ll make sure to feature the ad in an upcoming issue of the DMVA Digest. Read more.

 Around the State 

11 Harbor Creek Teens Will Serve Their Country By Enlisting: 

High school students are signing on the dotted line to serve their country. Eleven Harbor Creek High School (Erie County) students were honored with a signing ceremony recently. The eight men and three women are joining a variety of branches of the armed forces, including the Pennsylvania National Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Read more.

193rd SOW SMT Invites Area Guidance Counselors To Tour Base: 

The 193rd Special Operations Wing (SOW) Strength Management Team (SMT) held a Center of Influence event on base recently. The SMT welcomed guidance counselors from two local-area high schools and provided an opportunity for them to learn more about the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and the 193rd SOW by touring the facilities and speaking with airmen. Staff Sgt. Lacey McCuean, a production recruiter and retainer with the 193rd SOW, discussed the focus of these types of visits. Read more.

Echoes Of A Navy SEAL's Death, Five Years Past: 

By 10:45 a.m., 15 minutes before the memorial service's scheduled start, a number of cars lined the paths in Manchester Township's Prospect Hill Cemetery in York County. A long sedan pulled up and a white-haired man wearing a blue American Legion cap emerged, picking his way carefully along ground still marshy from the previous week's rain and snowmelt. He walked uphill to the group of about 50 people milling around near Navy SEAL Petty Officer 1st Class Neil Roberts' grave. Most wore civilian clothes, bundled in coats or jackets. Read more.

Governor Wolf Announces $1.6 Million For Troops For Teachers Program: 

Governor Tom Wolf today announced that his administration has secured a $1.6 million, 5-year Troops to Teachers grant. The program, managed by the Department of Defense’s Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), makes federal funding available to recruit and help military veterans who are considering a career in teaching. Read more.

Military Veterans Receive Free Admission To Busch Gardens: 

Busch Gardens wants to show their appreciation for those who have served our country by giving them free admission to their parks. All U.S. veterans and three guests will get free admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Sesame Place in Pennsylvania through July 4. This offer is only available online and is not available at the park’s ticket windows. Click here to get your military tickets.

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. To learn more about the mission and upcoming events, visit Website or contact Beth Simmons at 610-442-5718.

Recently Identified Lancaster County Veterans Receive Military Funeral: 

After recently being identified, three Lancaster County veterans received their final closure at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA (Lebanon County). Henry Leed, Jr., 69, of the U.S. Navy; Richard Wardell, 58, of the U.S. Army; and William Warmkessel, 59, of the U.S. Air Force. The Lancaster County Coroner's Office identified them as veterans after they were almost buried in a ceremony for unclaimed individuals in October. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Claims Agent Discusses Mesothelioma Claims And World-Class Care: 

Every year in the United States, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Unfortunately, this cancer disproportionately affects the men and women that have served our country. Some reports indicate that about one third of mesothelioma patients are veterans. If you are a veteran and you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma – free help is available. Read more.

Damage Closes USS Arizona Memorial At Pearl Harbor indefinitely: 

Damage to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu was worse than expected and it will remain closed indefinitely, officials said. Boat transportation to the attraction was suspended after one of the vessel operators noticed a crack on the outside of the memorial. Tourists were allowed to disembark at the memorial after crews completed interim repairs. But the cracks reappeared hours later, indicating a more serious issue. Read more.

Enjoying National Parks As A Military Family: 

There’s something for almost everyone in our national parks. Follow these travel tips to plan your next great national park adventure: Read more.

Human Ashes Left At The Vietnam Memorial Find A Not-Final Resting Place: 

It's nightfall in Washington, D.C., at the end of the evening shift, when the throngs of students on school field trips have slowed to a trickle at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. With a flashlight in one hand and a clear plastic bag in the other, Bob Herendeen walks the length of the austere, black granite wall. The National Park Service ranger surveys the things visitors have left at the memorial including American flags, wreaths, flowers. Read more.

More Reasons To Be Worried About Cancer-Causing Chemicals On Military Bases: 

As children at Patrick Air Force Base in the early 1980s, Kristen Emery and her siblings fished Florida’s Banana River and strung their catch on the back porch to eat. They dug up the backyard, muddying their hands. When they were thirsty, they drank tap water at their base housing. Kristen’s nose bled all the time. She was in and out of the emergency room constantly with asthma or other illnesses from kindergarten through second grade. Read more.

Outmanned, Outgunned – Vets Watched A 'Dateline' Special Recapping A Mission In Afghanistan Involving Neil Roberts: 

Jeffrey Hines still remembers the early morning of March 4, 2002. He passed a colonel working with him at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan and asked him how things were going. "The colonel looked at me and said, 'It's not as bad as the days in Vietnam, but it's the worst day since,'" Hines said. The events of the morning have been written about repeatedly and recently aired as an NBC "Dateline" special named "Rescue on Roberts Ridge: Operation Anaconda." Read more.

Pikes Peak National Cemetery Dedicated In Colorado: 

The U.S. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration continued a proud legacy with the dedication of Pikes Peak National Cemetery on Friday, May 25, 2018. The dedication signifies the nation’s on-going commitment to care, in perpetuity, for the men and women who served with distinction in the U.S. armed forces. In President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, he said, “from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.” Read more.

Remembering A Sailor Lost In Combat And To History: 

Though lost twice to this world, once in combat and once in memory as an “unknown” sailor, Charles Ogle is lost no more. On Dec. 7, 1941, Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles R. Ogle, (born in Goodsberry Township, Missouri in 1920) was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Ogle. Read more.

Silver Star Recipient To Represent The More Than 300,000 Women Who Have Served In Iraq And Afghanistan: 

As a child, Leigh Ann Hester’s father took her to see a parade where she watched service men and women march in uniform. Looking up as they moved in sharp formation, Leigh Ann knew she wanted to be one of them one day. In April 2001, age 21, her childhood dream became reality when she joined the National Guard. Hester enlisted as a Military Police Officer, because it was, in 2001, one of the few positions where a woman could get into the field. Read more.

Take A Deep Breath – Asthma Basics: 

Breathing in warmer environments can lead to coughing and shortness of breath. People with mild asthma may find that when summer humidity levels and temperatures soar, their asthma symptoms begin to act up. By planning and knowing the causes of your asthma, even those with the most sensitive noses and lungs can enjoy summer activities. Using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs My HealtheVet's Secure Messaging to talk to your health care team is a great way to get help and advice. Just remember that for emergencies, always call 911. Read more.

There Are 3,142 Counties In The U.S. And This One Has Zero Veterans: 

Veterans live in all but one of the 3,142 counties across the U.S., according to a recent data analysis. Kalawao County, Hawaii, had 88 residents in 2016, according to a U.S. Census Bureau estimate. The bureau said it also had a half-dozen veteran residents between 2012 and 2016, but according to an analysis conducted by Purdue University’s Military Family Research Institute, that number rested at zero in 2016. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Employees Help Return A Veteran’s Long-Lost Burial Flag To Her Family: 

Photos, medals, dog tags, unit patches and sometimes even a pair of dirty combat boots are just a few of the items kept as mementos by the families of veterans who have passed away. These items hold special meaning for those who receive them after a veteran is gone, but perhaps one of the most significant items kept in memory of a veteran is the folded American flag presented to a service member’s loved ones during a burial or funeral service. Read more.

Veteran Recognizes His Song In Musical Show: 

When the Re-Creation traveling dance and song team arrived at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), community living center resident, Stan Webb, settled in to enjoy the performance. He had no idea he’d be part of the show. The group delivered an hour-long, high-energy performance for TVHS residents and visitors. The show featured bright costumes, intricate choreography, and some of the best in American music. Read more.

Veterans Identification Card Update: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is excited about the response that they received to the Veterans Identification Card (VIC) program. If your request is approved, you can expect to receive your VIC in the mail within 14 business days. The envelope will contain two printed Veteran ID cards. For requests that have not been approved, they will continue to be processed in the order that they were received. To ensure that you receive your card, please verify that your mailing address is correct. Read more.

You Don't Have To Call It Exercise: 

People who exercise regularly tend to have more energy, sleep better, and feel better overall. Tracking or keeping a diary of your daily activities will help you stick to your fitness plan, improve time management, and keep you motivated. Veterans registered with My HealtheVet can access the Activity Journal feature, allowing them to record physical activities, and track progress. 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]

State Seeks Veterans For Classroom Vacancies: 

Pennsylvania officials want to lure veterans from the halls of Montezuma, the shores of Tripoli, the wild blue yonder and from postings around the world into classrooms. The Pennsylvania Department of Education will invest $1.6 million toward that end over the next five years under the terms of a U.S. Defense Department Troops to Teachers grant, designed to recruit and assist veterans considering a career in teaching. Read more.

Waste Management Hiring In Coal Township: 

- May 31, 2018, 1-6 p.m.
- Coal Township Hauling, 206 Quarry Rd., Coal Township, PA (Northumberland County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Some of the positions offer $3,000 sign-on bonuses and a $2,000 special bonus, which would be paid after one year of service. There is also relocation assistance offered up to $5,000 since Coal Township is a rather remote area.
- 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.)

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.

3rd Annual Franklin County Veteran Affairs Golf Tournament: 

- June 8, 2018, 7:30 a.m registration, 9 a.m. start, noon lunch
- Whitetail Golf Resort, 11573 Blairs Valley Rd., Mercersberg, PA (Franklin County)
- $90 Entry fee includes light breakfast, golf fees, green fees, cart fees, appreciation gift, lunch and one door prize ticket.
- Proceeds benefit Franklin County Veterans Outreach Fund.
- Register.

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.

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.

2nd Annual Handgun Blockshoot-Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans: 

- June 9, 2018, noon
- 1 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA (Carbon County)
- Point of contact: Miranda Moyer at 610-390-0963 or email [email protected] 
- $25 per ticket, includes pig roast meal and drink (non-alcoholic), along with door prize ticket and five rounds of ammo to shoot. Additional rounds can be purchased for $3 per round. A Chinese auction ticket can be purchased as well and all proceeds from the event will go to support the mission of Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans.
- Website.

Open House At Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center, Scranton, PA: 

- Sunday, June 10, 2018, 1-4 p.m.
- Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center (GMVC), 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA (Lackawanna County)
- Point of contact: Sarah Butler at 570-961-4348 or email [email protected] 
- The public is invited to an open house. Take a tour, meet the staff, enjoy refreshments, participate in activities and experience the comradery of fellow veterans.
- GMVC website.

Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony: 

- June 10, 2018, 2-3 p.m., welcome remarks and pinning ceremony, 3–5 p.m. Appreciation Picnic
- Pennsylvania Military Museum, 51 Boal Ave., Boalsburg, PA (Centre County)
- Point of contact: Susan Shern at 717-791-5104 or email [email protected] 
- Humana is hosting a Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony in Boalsburg in coordination with the Nittany Leathernecks Detachment 302 and the Centre County Veterans Affairs Office. All who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War period, from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, and regardless of duty location, are invited to attend and receive a special lapel pin as a lasting memento of the nation’s gratitude. The congressionally authorized Vietnam War Commemoration initiative was established by the U.S. Department of Defense to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
- Register.

American Legion State Police Youth Week (SPYW) 2018: 

- June 10-16, 2018
- York College of Pennsylvania, 441 Country Club Rd., York, PA (York County)
- Point of contact: American Legion Dept. of Pennsylvania State Police Youth Week at 717-730-9100
- Website.

Open House At Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home, Duncansville, PA: 

- Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home (HVH), 138 Veterans Blvd., Duncansville, PA (Blair County)
- Point of contact: Kim Vandevander at 814-696-5352 or email [email protected] 
- The public is invited to an open house. Take a tour, meet the staff, enjoy refreshments, participate in activities and experience the comradery of fellow veterans.
- HVH website.

Open House At Pennsylvania Soldiers' And Sailors' Home, Erie, PA: 

- Wednesday, June 13, 2018, 2-4 p.m.
- Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home (PSSH), 560 East Third St., Erie, PA (Erie County)
- Point of contact: Rich Soule at 814-878-4917 or email [email protected] 
- The public is invited to an open house. Take a tour, meet the staff, enjoy refreshments, participate in activities and experience the comradery of fellow veterans.
- PSSH website.

Flag Day Celebration & Flag Retirement Ceremony: 

- June 14, 2018, 3-8 p.m., Music by Gabe Traynor, 5-6 p.m., flag retirement ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
- Classic Harley-Davidson, 983 James Dr., Leesport, PA (Berks County)
- Food provided by Mission BBQ and will be for sale, 4-7:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Wreaths Across America, Indiantown Gap National Cemetery
- Facebook page.

Veteran Memorial Monument Unveiling: 

- June 16, 2018, 11 a.m.
- 5250 Municipal Dr., Tobyhanna, PA (Monroe County)
- R.S.V.P. by June 11, 2018 to 570-894-8490, ext. 3 or email [email protected] 
- The monument honors veterans of all wars who have defended and protected the United States and the American Flag.

Open House At Southeastern Veterans' Center, Spring City, PA: 

- Saturday, June 16, 2018, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Southeastern Veterans' Center (SEVC), One Veterans' Dr., Spring City, PA (Chester County)
- Point of contact: Jill Alwine at 610-948-2406 or email [email protected] 
- The public is invited to an open house showcasing the Memory Care Unit. Take a tour, meet the staff, enjoy refreshments, participate in activities and experience the comradery of fellow veterans.
- SEVC website.

American Legion Keystone Boys State 2018: 

- June 17-23, 2018
- Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg, PA (Cumberland/Franklin counties)
- Point of contact: call 570-242-5292 or 717-729-0335 or email [email protected] or [email protected] 
- Additional details such as required fee to attend, pre-registration, etc. can be found on the website.
- Website.

Women Veterans Summer Leadership Retreat 2018: 

- June 22-23, 2018
- Conference Center and Golf Club, 800 Ridge Rd., Lafeyette Hill, PA (Montgomery County)
- Any questions call 215-836-4262 or email [email protected] 
- It's more than a conference, it's a leadership experience. Women veterans, reservists, National Guard, ROTC, military spouses and moms are all invited to attend.
- Website.