Events in Westmoreland County and nearby:

Veterans Town Hall On The Move - Westmoreland County: 

- June 28, 2018, 6 p.m.
- American Legion Post 344, 109 S. 5th St., Jeannette, PA (Westmoreland County)
- Point of contact: Liz Zemba at [email protected] 
- Veterans, families and the public are welcome to attend this veterans town hall session. Veterans town halls are part of an ongoing effort to hear from veterans and the community and to use this feedback to improve VA care. Senior leadership and front-line employees, including experts from the Veterans Benefits Administration will be available to offer on-the-spot assistance with individual questions and concerns.
- Facebook page. 

Next Generation Farm Summit: 

- June 29, 2018, noon-3:30 p.m.
- J. Roy Houston Conservation Center and Donohoe Center, 214-218 Donohoe Rd., Greensburg, PA (Westmoreland County)
- Point of contact: Sandy Donovan at 724-837-5271
- Farmers and those aspiring to be farmers are encouraged to attend the Next Generation Farm Summit to learn about new trends and markets in agriculture. The event will feature a light lunch, short presentations and exhibits by industry representatives who can answer your questions about the next generation of farming.
- There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required by June 20. Register.

The Wall That Heals Exhibit Will Make A Stop In McKeesport, PA (Allegheny County): 

- The Wall That Heals exhibit, Aug. 9-Aug. 12, 2018
- Renziehauzen Park (Jimmy Long Field), Sycamore Dr., McKeesport, PA (Allegheny County)
- The new Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and mobile Education Center that gives visitors a better understanding of the legacy of The Wall and educates about the impact of the Vietnam War. The event is being hosted by the Lions Club and Burt Foster American Legion.
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website. 
- Read more.

 DMVA News 

The Next Issue Of The DMVA Digest Will Be Released On Thursday, July 5: 

Because the Fourth of July holiday is falling on a Wednesday this year, the DMVA Digest will be published one day later, on Thursday, July 5. DMVA wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day!

Women Veterans Town Hall And Expo: 

The Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans Services is inviting women veterans and those actively serving to a FREE Women Veterans Town Hall and Expo on Saturday, June 30 at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County). Learn about programs and services available to you, speak with representatives and pick up resources. No registration is required and the event is open to women veterans and women service members. Family members are invited to visit the Education center while the expo is being conducted. For more information call Crystal A. Petery at 717-861-6904 or email [email protected]. We hope to see you there! Facebook post.

Governor Tom Wolf Signs Employer Statement Of Support For National Guard, Reservisits: 

Governor Tom Wolf signed a U.S. Defense Department Employer Statement of Support for the more than 1,300 Pennsylvania National Guard members and Reservists who work for the commonwealth, thanking them for their service and pledging to offer support they fulfill their military service duties while under the commonwealth’s employ. The governor was joined by the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and Col (ret.) Gregory Parish and George Mentzer from the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Program. Read the press release. View the photos.

Veterans Homes Week Was A Resounding Success: 

Residents, family members and staff of PA's six veterans homes enjoyed week-long festivities during annual Veterans Homes Week, June 10-16. The grills were cooking, campfires blazing and music was playing as the fun continued. Thank you to residents, staff and family for enriching Pennsylvania communities all year long. Check out the photos from all six of DMVA's veterans homes on Flickr.

Resident At DMVA’s Southeastern Veterans’ Center Featured In 100 Years Of Heroes Series: 

U.S. Army veteran Frank J. Horvath, a former master sergeant, last September received France's highest award for valor during a ceremony at the Consul of France in Philadelphia. Horvath, who lives at the Southeastern Veterans' Center in Spring City (Chester County), said he won his one bronze star in the hedgerows and the other in St. Malo, France, where he decided not to fire on a bunker where he knew there were German soldiers and suspected there were also French civilians. Read more.

Veterans Cast Off In Fishing Tourney: 

They left their veterans homes for the great outdoors in Dauphin County. Dozens of vets cast their lines during the Adjutant General Fishing Tournament. Clarks Creek near Dauphin was stocked with fish for the annual event that takes veterans out of the VA homes and gives them a day out to simply enjoy a favorite pastime. Read more. View the Photos.

Change Of Pace For Vets At Gun Range: 

Veterans living at DMVA's Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center (GMVC) in Scranton (Lackawanna County) were treated to a day on the beautiful countryside where they had the opportunity to shoot skeet at the Moscow Sportsman Club in Moscow, PA. The day was made possible by organizers from the Rolling Thunder PA Chapter 3, gracious volunteers and generous donations made to the GMVC Resident Welfare Fund. Read more.

56th Stryker Brigade Prepares For Intensive Training: 

The Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade is preparing for intensive exercises at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. later this summer. Soldiers spent the last several days at the Depot at Naval Support Activity in Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County) loading vehicles and equipment on rail cars to transport across the country. The soldiers have spent weeks assembling the more than 1,000 vehicles and pieces of artillery they will need while at the National Training Center, which is roughly the size of Rhode Island. Read more.

 Around the State 

An Honor – Peters Receives Award, Donates $30,000: 

Not many people would turn down a $30,000 prize, but Ron Peters of Foster Township (Luzerne County) did. Peters, who is the commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Lt. John C. Roche Post 212 has his reasons. One of them is that the Vietnam veteran has a deep desire to help veterans who need a helping hand. After receiving the annual Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation’s Sandy Walker Memorial Award on June 16 in Gettysburg, he then gave the check to the Veteran’s Helping Hand. Read more.

New Residential Treatment Home Focuses On Vets: 

Limeport-based New Vitae Wellness and Recovery has opened its newest facility, this one focused on the care of veterans. New Vitae’s Veterans Pathways program is a residential program in Quakertown, PA (Bucks County). William Hoke, vice president of development for New Vitae, said the new center was developed with the help of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. It obtained a legislative appropriation from the federal government to provide $750,000 in seed money to develop this program, as well as support other veterans services that New Vitae offers in the region. Read more.

Operation Heroes Veteran Resource Center And Food Pantry: 

- Allentown location: 1628 Chew St., Allentown, PA (Lehigh County)
- Topton location: 330 West Weist St., Topton, PA (Berks County)
- Point of contact: 610-682-4376 or 610-780-3500
- Operation Heroes Veteran Resource Center specializes in veteran outreach. They will assist any veteran with housing and financial obstacles, food and clothing provision, insurance assistance, navigating U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs programs and services and veteran related events and meetings. Active military and veterans can call the number above to schedule appointments or to learn more. Sponsored by the Jarett Yoder Foundation.

Two PA Civilian Employers Recognized For Their Role In Keeping The Nation Safe And Secure: 

The Department of Defense announced the 15 recipients of the 2018 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. "It is my pleasure to recognize these 15 outstanding civilian employers," said Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis. "Our National Guard and Reserve members are a vital part of our national defense and deserve as much support as our country can provide." Greencastle Associates Consulting, LLC from Malvern (Chester County) and Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (Butler County) will be honored on Aug. 24, 2018, at a Pentagon ceremony. Read more.

Veterans, Community Leaders Gather At Penn’s Landing To Mark 68th Anniversary Of Korean War: 

In solemn salute, veterans and community leaders gathered Monday morning at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia to mark the 68th anniversary of the Korean War, which claimed millions of lives. “Sadly, the Korean War was known as ‘the forgotten war,’ despite such a high number of casualties, deaths, and injuries — and we shouldn’t forget it,” said Philadelphia City Councilman David Oh, who led the ceremony at the Korean War memorial. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Caring For Veterans Helps Nurse Find Healing: 

Katelyn McKibben, R.N., has always been passionate about taking care of others. At age 16, she became an emergency medical technician, where she developed her skills and discovered a lifelong passion that led her to nursing school. During that time, she fell in love with Eric Kline, a 1st Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. Eric was deployed to Afghanistan shortly thereafter, but when he returned in 2010, his disposition had changed considerably. A few weeks later, he took his own life. Read more.

Depression By The Numbers: 

Mary Ann wasn’t sure where the depression came from but one morning, on her way to work, she couldn’t stop crying. “I could not drive,” the U.S. Navy veteran remembers. “I called my daughter and I said, ‘Look, I don’t know what’s wrong, but I need something. Something’s wrong.' ” She is not alone. Millions of adults experience depression each year. In fact, the World Health Organization reported in 2015 that approximately 322 million people worldwide were living with depression. Read more.

Desert Storm Memorial To Be Built On National Mall Near Vietnam Wall: 

The National Desert Storm War Memorial will be located on the National Mall just steps away from the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, after a federal commission approved the site. The move ends a debate of more than three years over where the newest combat memorial should be located. Supporters have been advocating for a site on the National Mall for years, and earlier this year that plan got support from the National Capital Planning Commission. Read more.

Employers Answer The Call At Mayor’s Challenge Conference To Help Prevent Suicide: 

As part of the Mayor’s Challenge sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, employers from across the country gathered last month in Arlington, VA, for the “Employers Answering the Call: Helping to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Their Families” conference. It was the largest gathering of employers focused on the important topic of reducing suicide rates among service members and veterans in the U.S. Read more.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Says Goodbye Before Leaving Hawaii: 

Nearly eight decades ago, Ray Emory, then a young sailor, watched in disbelief as Japanese torpedoes tore into American ships in Pearl Harbor. Emory survived the devastating attack but didn't forget his fellow sailors and Marines who died and were buried in Hawaii without anyone knowing their names. His relentless efforts in the years that followed led to nearly 150 of those servicemen finally being identified so their families could find closure. Read more.

Say Yes To The HIV Test – U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Recommends Getting Tested At Least Once: 

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Today, we are fortunate to have effective treatment for people living with HIV. Early treatment helps people with HIV live longer and dramatically reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus to others. Everyone should know their HIV status and be tested at least once for HIV. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Provides Reorganization Plan To Strengthen And Modernize Department: 

The VA announced specific recommendations in the President’s Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century, reform plan and reorganization recommendations. The plan is the result of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 13781 – “Executive Order on a Comprehensive Plan for Reorganizing the Executive Branch,” signed March 13, 2017. 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]

Veteran Job Club Opens In Meadville (Crawford County): 

- 2nd & 4th Friday of the Month, June 29, 2018, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- PMI, 764 Bessemer St., #105, Meadville, PA (Crawford County)
- Points of contact: Marty Acri at 814-860-2861, Lorie Panitzke at 814-860-2008, or Nicole Siira at 814-860-2128
- The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Erie Medical Center (Erie County) provides a free job club open to all veterans interested in obtaining employment. Starting June 29, the medical center will be expanding the Job Club to the Meadville community. All veterans interested in seeking employment are invited to attend the veteran Job Club in Meadville. This Job Club offers employment assistance with resumes, interviewing, job searching and support throughout the process.

Pennsylvania Government Is Hiring: 

Pennsylvania State Government is hiring! Join the tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who have chosen careers in state government. Apply for open positions at the departments of Labor and Industry, Military and Veterans Affairs, Environmental Protection, Human Services and more! Read more.

L&I Secretary Oleksiak And API Representatives Discuss Job Training And Career Readiness Initiatives In Centre County: 

As part of the effort to help businesses connect with skilled and talented workers, Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak with leaders of API Technologies Corp. (API) and the PA CareerLink® Centre County met to discuss the Wolf administration’s job training and career readiness initiatives. “Businesses like API Technologies Corp. that are growing and expanding in Pennsylvania need access to a well-skilled workforce,” said Secretary Jerry Oleksiak. “It’s great to hear that job placement services provided through PA CareerLink® Centre County are helping API meet their employment needs while providing local job seekers with good, middle class jobs.” Read more.

PA State Police Hiring: 

- The Pennsylvania State Police are hiring.
- Application deadline is June 30.
- Are you looking for a career that's exciting, fulfilling and makes a difference? Visit website.

Amazon – Jobs For Transitioning And Active Service Members: 

Amazon has over 1,500 open jobs and more than 70 full and part-time positions are in Pennsylvania. Details at: Read more.

 Veteran Events 

This listing is offered as a service to individuals and organizations to promote their veteran and military-oriented events being held in Pennsylvania. The information is taken directly from emailed submissions from requestors. DMVA is not responsible for incorrect information submitted. Please send details on events to [email protected] and include the following key pieces of information: 1. Name of event, 2. Date of event, 3. Time of event, 4. Address of event, 5. County of event, 6. Event website, 7. Point of contact name, 8. POC phone number, 9. POC email address, and 10. Additional details/coordinating instructions (fees, pre-registration, etc.)

Veterans Town Hall On The Move - Beaver County: 

- June 27, 2018, 6 p.m.
- Rochester VFW Post 128, 179 Virginia Ave., Rochester, PA (Beaver County)
- Point of contact: Liz Zemba at [email protected] 
- Veterans, families and the public are welcome to attend this veterans town hall session. Veterans town halls are part of an ongoing effort to hear from veterans and the community and to use this feedback to improve U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care. Senior leadership and front-line employees, including experts from the Veterans Benefits Administration will be available to offer on-the-spot assistance with individual questions and concerns.
- Website. 
- Facebook page.

The Wall That Heals Exhibit Will Make A Stop In Brockway, PA (Jefferson County): 

- The Wall That Heals exhibit, June 28-July 1, 2018
- Brockway Parkside Complex, 929 McCullough Ave., Brockway, PA (Jefferson County)
- The new Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and mobile Education Center that gives visitors a better understanding of the legacy of The Wall and educates about the impact of the Vietnam War.
- For a schedule of the events and to R.S.V.P. visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website. 
- Facebook page.

Women Veterans Town Hall And Expo: 

- June 30, 2018, 9 a.m.-noon
- U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County)
- Point of contact: Crystal Petery at 717-861-6904 or email [email protected] 
- The Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services is inviting women veterans and those actively serving to attend a FREE town hall and expo. Learn about programs and services available to you, speak with representatives from various state agencies and pick up valuable resource materials.
- Attendees are not required to register for this event.
- Facebook post.

Philadelphia Soul Military Appreciation Day: 

- June 30, 2018, 7 p.m.
- Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- Point of contact: Mark Schieber at 215-253-4900, ext. 201 or email [email protected] 
- The Philadelphia Soul is offering up to six complimentary tickets to Active Duty, Reserve, Guard and their immediate family, and veterans and civilians (with base DOD ID) up to two tickets and the option to purchase additional lower level tickets for $15 a piece.
- Purchase tickets.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- July 4, 2018, 9-11 a.m.
- Conemaugh Township Fire Department, 1942 Kring St., Tire Hill, PA (Somerset County)
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected]. Please mention the DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- Free breakfast provided by the Richland American Legion Post #849. The VBC is a nonprofit that creates communities of listening around veterans and their stories. 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.

Kids Day Dress Up And Discover At The Pennsylvania Military Museum: 

- July 4, 2018, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- 51 Boal Ave., Boalsburg, PA (Centre County)
- Kids of all ages get to wear combat gear and helmets from the museum education collection. Pose for pictures behind the wheel of an authentic Jeep! Regular admission rates apply.
- Read more.

The Wall That Heals Exhibit Will Make A Stop In Birdsboro, PA (Berks County): 

- The Wall That Heals exhibit, July 5-8, 2018
- Daniel Boone High School, 501 Chestnut St., Birdsboro, PA (Berks County)
- The new Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and mobile Education Center that gives visitors a better understanding of the legacy of The Wall and educates about the impact of the Vietnam War. The event is being hosted by the American Legion Post 626 Auxiliary.
- For a schedule of the events and to R.S.V.P. visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website. 
- Facebook page.

Veterans Free Training Information Session Allegheny East: 

- July 6, 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] 
- All veterans and eligible spouses are welcome. SolidVets, a non-profit, veteran-operated agency has FREE training available for veterans seeking credentials in CAD design in the manufacturing industry. Additional manufacturing education providers will be in attendance. This is not a job fair or table event.
- Website.

Veterans’ First Fridays – Disability And Employment: 

- July 6, 2018, 1-3 p.m.
- PA CareerLink® Downtown Pittsburgh, 304 Wood St., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Point of contact: Melissa Handlovitch at 412-552-7100 or email [email protected] 
- Registration is required and seating is limited. All veterans and eligible spouses are welcome. Employers seeking veterans with disabilities will discuss their hiring process and programs. Guest speakers will provide information on disability status, self-identification, talking about disability in the hiring process and more.
- Register.

Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony: 

July 7, 2018, 10 a.m.
- Daniel Boone Area High School, 501 Chestnut St., Birdsboro, PA (Berks County)
- Point of contact: Susan Shern at 717-791-5104 or email [email protected] 
- The American Legion Auxiliary Post 626 and Humana are hosting a Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony in Birdsboro. 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, 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.

Welcome Home Veterans Appreciation Event: 

- July 13, 2018, 6-9 p.m.
- Erie Zoo, 423 W 38th St., Erie, PA (Erie County)
- Tickets for the annual Welcome Home Veterans Appreciation Event at the Erie Zoo are available and free to veterans (four available per veteran). In addition to providing fun for the whole family, this event is a one-stop-shop for veterans and their families to meet with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) representatives on-site and veteran-related community resources to help connect veterans to the right services.
- Facebook page. 
- Ticket pickup locations.

Introduction To Whole Health Class: 

- Second and fourth Friday of every month, 9-11 a.m.
- Erie VA Medical Center, 135 East 38th St., Erie, PA (Erie County)
- Point of contact: Will Lachner at 814-860-2447
- Whole Health coaches are available to help recently discharged veterans and their families work through challenges that arise from transitioning from military service by equipping them with tools for self-care and well-being. Family members are highly encouraged to attend.