DMVA Digest
A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
July 18, 2018

 DMVA News 

Cabinet In Your Community Event Coming To University Of Pittsburgh-Greensburg: 

Governor Tom Wolf cabinet officials from the Pennsylvania Department's of Military and Veterans Affairs, Community and Economic Development, State Police, Environmental Protection and Drug and Alcohol Programs, will gather at the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg in Greensburg, PA (Westmoreland County), for the Cabinet in Your Community event on July 30. We hope to see you there! Don't forget to R.S.V.P. by July 27. Facebook post.

West Norriton Police Join Local Airmen In Cemetery Cleanup: 

West Norriton (Montgomery County) police recently joined local airmen from the 111th Attack Wing of the PA National Guard at a cleanup of a local cemetery. The cleanup focused on the historic Montgomery Cemetery, final resting place for more than 400 veterans. Read more.

Cabinet In Your Community Event Coming To Towanda: 

Governor Tom Wolf cabinet officials will gather to talk about issues that are important to you and your region at the Cabinet in Your Community event on July 25 at the Keystone Theater in Towanda, PA (Bradford County). Special guest panelists include: Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Lieutenant Colonel Robert Evanchick, acting State Police commissioner; Richard Flinn, director of PA Emergency Management Agency; Russell Redding, secretary of Agriculture; and Jennifer Smith, secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs. We hope to see you there! Don't forget to R.S.V.P. by the end of today! Facebook post.

Supporting Veterans In Need: 

$upport a veteran in need the next time you register a vehicle, or renew your driver's license or photo ID through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Simply check the box to donate $3 for veterans. Visit website.

 Around the State 

'The Heroes That Day Were On That Boat Out Doing Their Jobs – 100 Years Of Heroes: 

Chief Warrant Officer Richard G. Adams II serves as a UH-60 A/L/M Blackhawk standardization instructor pilot and instrument flight examiner with the Eastern Army Aviation Training Site at Fort Indiantown Gap. He is a platoon leader for the Utility Training Battalion and serves as the anti-terrorism officer and chairman of the Force Protection Working Group. He enlisted in the PA. National Guard in 1988 when he was 17 years old as a helicopter crew chief (UH-1M) and attended basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. Read more.

Bridge Dedicated In Name Of Shippensburg Soldier Killed In Vietnam: 

Dana Diehl lived most of his life just a few miles away from the PA 533 bridge over Muddy Run, often crossing it and fishing nearby. Rep. Rob Kauffman, R-Chambersburg, told that story as part of his effort to name the bridge in honor of Diehl, a young man from Shippensburg who died in Vietnam. Read more.

Compost Bagging Project: 

Do you have experience gardening? Is it a hobby or a profession? If you garden at any level, the Social Enterprise Institute at Elizabethtown College would love to speak with you! The institute is conducting research this summer and would like to interview PA veterans interested in gardening. If you would like to participate, please contact student researcher, Kira Kuhar at [email protected].

PA National Guard Offering Enlistment Bonus For Limited Time: 

If you're thinking about joining the Pennsylvania National Guard, an enlistment bonus is being offered for a limited time. The National Guard is offering a $20,000 enlistment bonus that isn't always available. Today on FOX43 Morning News, SSG Mike Schriefer stopped by the set to offer more on what the National Guard has to offer. Watch video.

 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]

Veterans Professional Development Course: 

- July 31-Sept. 4, 2018, 1-3 p.m.
- Veterans Place, 945 Washington Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Point of contact: 412-363-0500 or email [email protected] 
- Free course certificate. This course is designed to educate and help you develop and leverage your skills. Whether you are looking to land an entry level position or in senior leadership, this class will be beneficial to you. We will have guest lectures from a multitude of different industries to explore and engage with these sessions.

Cybersecurity Career Event For Veterans: 

- July 31, 2018, 9-11 a.m.
- PA CareerLink® Mon Valley, 570 Galiffa Dr., Donora, PA (Washington County).
- R.S.V.P. to 724-379-4750 ext., 111 or email [email protected].
- Launch a new cybersecurity career. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is offering veterans free training, cyber-related degree programs and information on scholarships.
- R.S.V.P. or register online at Website via the calendar of events feature. Facebook page.

Baker Corp Employment Opportunities: 

BakerCorp is growing and has openings throughout Pennsylvania for inside and outside sales reps, drivers, field technicians and pump mechanics in Aliquippa (Beaver County), Claysville (Washington County) and Springville (Susquehanna County). See a complete list of openings, including job descriptions, at Website.

Diesel Truck Mechanic Technician Needed: 

Rooster Cruiser LLC, hauler of Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs and Nellies Free Range is seeking an experienced and professional diesel truck mechanic technician in a facility located in Jonestown, PA (Lebanon County). Point of contact: Sarah Cain at 717-643-1910 or email your resume to [email protected].

 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: 

- July 24, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Rd., Bethel Park, PA (Allegheny County).
- Breakfast is $12. Without breakfast is free.
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected]. Please mention the 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 Breakfast Club (VBC) At Night: 

- July 20, 2018, 6:30 p.m.
- McMurray VFW Post 764, 460 Valley Brook Rd., McMurray, PA (Washington County).
- 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. This event is free and includes food and a cash bar.
- Facebook page.

Bateman-Gallagher American Legion Post 668 85th Anniversary Celebration: 

- July 21, 2018, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- American Legion Post 668, 401 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, PA (Delaware County).
- Point of contact: R.S.V.P. to Nickie Plumb by text or call 610-405-0415 or email [email protected].
- Celebrating service to the community since 1933. The event is open to the public and includes free food, music and games.
- Website.

Celebrating Veterans Walk A Mile In My Boots Festival: 

- July 28, 2018, 4-10 p.m., 5K Twilight Run/Fun Boot Walk, 5 p.m.
- Resevoir Park Course and Band Shell, Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- Point of contact: 717-739-5907
- Stage performances, food and craft vendors. Jazz Under The Stars with Art Sherrod, Jr. FREE concert benefits Pop's House. Bring lawn chairs.
- Website. Register for the 5K Twilight Run/Fun Boot Walk.

Traveling Vietnam Wall Ickesburg, Perry County: 

- July 29, 2018, 11 a.m. -- A church service conducted by Faith United Church will precede the ceremony at 10 a.m.
- Willie Snyder Park, 10350 Raccoon Valley Rd., Ickesburg (Perry County).
- Point of contact: call 717-582-2454. Veterans who would like to take part in the pinning ceremony can register here. 
- Will be celebrating a Bi-Centennial and pay tribute to veterans who were killed in Vietnam and honor veterans who served during the Vietnam era. If you are a veteran and served between Nov. 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975 (regardless of service location), you are invited to the pinning ceremony.
- Website

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- Aug. 1, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Seven Oaks Country Club, 132 Lisbon Rd., Beaver, PA (Beaver County).
- Breakfast is $12. 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.

PA Military Finance Alliance -- Making $ense Of Finance Workshop: 

- Aug. 8, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Hiram G. Andrews Center, 727 Goucher St., Johnstown, PA (Cambria County)
- Calling all members of the military, veterans, & their families! This FREE financial education conference will take place on August 8 in Johnstown. SAVE THE DATE!
- Register today!

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.

 Across the Nation 

Colorado Veterans From All Eras Meet To Improve The Veterans Experience: 

More than 70 members and supporters of the United Veterans Committee of Colorado recently sat down to conduct their June meeting. Most of the veteran organizations in Colorado, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), were represented. Altogether nearly 100 member organizations form this coalition, speaking with one united voice as an advocate for Colorado veterans and their families, were present. Read more.

For Vets With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Therapeutic Group Outings May Pave The Way Back Into Communal Life: 

Crowded buses and trains. Elevators packed tight like sardine cans. Noisy, hectic eateries and malls. For many people, even without a clinical disorder, these can be sweat-inducing, stomach-churning experiences. Throw PTSD into the mix and the anxiety can become overwhelming. Panic can ensue. Read more.

Free Legal Advice: Military Discharge Upgrades: 

Do you have an Other Than Honorable Discharge? Check about FREE legal assistance by calling 202-733-3324 or email [email protected]. Free representation for veterans with other than honorable discharges related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injury, or similar mental health conditions. Website.

Innovative Program Helps Improve Quality Of Veteran Care: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses innovative ways to deliver the best care to patients. One initiative is “My Life, My Story,” a program that shines a light on veterans’ individual life stories in hopes of honoring their military service as well as yielding important clinical information that might not otherwise be discovered in a single visit. Read more.

Pentagon Announces Changes To Post-9/11 GI Bill: 

The U.S. Department of Defense issued a substantive change to department policy on the transfer by service members in the uniformed services of “Post-9/11 GI Bill” educational benefits to eligible family member recipients. Effective one-year from the date of this change, eligibility to transfer those benefits will be limited to service members with less than 16 years of total service (active duty service and/or selected reserves as applicable). Read more.

Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft: 

The most common form of benefits theft is for someone to access a veteran’s eBenefits account and change the bank deposit information. While this isn’t common, 870 veterans have been victims of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits theft this year. Read more.

Purple Hearts Reunited Return Medal To Family, Shed Light On Loved One’s Service To America: 

Giving back and paying it forward are both concepts that many of us complete on a daily basis. It’s just a matter of fitting that time into your busy schedule or being completely spontaneous. We all have to be conservative with which projects we take on, and one of those worthwhile charities is Purple Hearts Reunited, started by Zach Fike, who is an Army major and Purple Heart recipient himself. Read more.

Three Men, Three Generations, Three Wars: 

It was a story that almost didn’t happen but it had to be told. When Paul Marifke, an Iraq veteran and housekeeping supervisor at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisc. first told us about his family’s military heritage, we knew we wanted to tell the story right. Marifke’s father, Dennis, served in Vietnam. His grandfather, Jerry, served in World War II. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Partnership With National Cancer Institute Will Boost Veteran Access To Clinical Trials: 

Today the VA announced that it has formed a partnership with the National Cancer Institute which will provide more access to the latest treatment options for VA patients with cancer. “Strategic partnerships, such as this one with the National Cancer Institute, allow VA to leverage the strengths of both organizations to the benefit of all stakeholders, especially our veterans,” said VA’s Acting Secretary Peter O’Rourke. Read more.

Veterans Choosing To Be Tobacco Free: 

We are soldiers and we all need to be aware of the enemy behind the lines,” said U.S. Air Force veteran Johnie Chattman. “For me, cigarettes were the enemy. I had to deal with it myself to win the battle I was fighting.” Like Chattman, many veterans are making the choice to become tobacco free. Read more.