DMVA News
"In The War, I Don't Know What I Didn't Do": 100 Years Of Heroes:
Raymond Jones is a resident at the Delaware Valley Veterans' Home, operated by the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, in Philadelphia County. He's 94. He talks in the video about being a combat engineer in World War II and the sights he saw across Europe, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Born in Richmond, Virginia, he trained in Texas and remembers boarding the Queen Mary in New York and traveling to Scotland and then down to England. Read more.
DMVA Participates In Cabinet In Your Community Event In Greensburg, PA:
Governor Tom Wolf cabinet officials from Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, PA State Police, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection were joined by community members in Greensburg (Westmoreland County) for the 25th Cabinet in Your Community event in which members of the community are given the opportunity to interact with cabinet secretaries and talk about the issues important to their region. Read more.
DMVA Still Looking For 25 Photos Of Pennsylvania Veterans Who Paid Ultimate Sacrfice:
Because of the dedication and continued support from Pennsylvanians, Delaware County, Pennsylvania has completed the search for each of its veterans who died as a result of the Vietnam War. Thank you Delaware County! To further honor and preserve the memory of our veterans for future generations, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in D.C. is leading an initiative to locate a photo for every U.S. service member who died during Vietnam. Please help us find the remaining 25 photos from four Pennsylvania counties. Share this message, and for information on how to submit a photo, visit: Read more.
Last Opportunity For Persian Gulf Conflict Bonus For Veterans:
The Persian Gulf Veteran Bonus Program, administered by the DMVA, will end Aug. 31, 2018. Eligible veterans who served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations from Aug. 2, 1990 to Aug. 31, 1991, have the end of the month to apply for a special one-time payment to honor their service and sacrifice. Read more.
Around the State
A Retired Navy Seabee Finally Finishes A Veterans' Memorial In PA, 14 Years In The Making:
At 18, Ralph Storti traded in a comfortable family life in Warminster for the Vietnam War and two words: “Can Do!” A phrase coined by the Navy’s Seabee construction battalion, “Can Do!” takes just a second to say but is weighted with implication. It can be a declaration, a response to a question or command, a promise to yourself. Read more.
Carlisle High School Teacher Dedicates School Memorial To Vietnam War Vets:
Carlisle High School in Cumberland County has a long history tied to war - with the U.S. Army War College just down the street and hallways filled with memorials to veterans of war. But one important memorial is missing: one for the Vietnam War. Social Studies program chair and teacher Kevin Wagner noticed this and decided to do some digging. Read more.
For Erie Veterans Group, Camaraderie And Caring Means Everything:
Stephen Craker enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school in 2003. He served from that September to February of 2012. His service included tours of duty during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Craker lived in Arizona for a short time after being honorably discharged from the Navy. There, he got an associate’s degree in occupational studies with a focus on diesel mechanics. He wouldn’t stay away from home for long. Read more.
Shop 'N Save Stores Aid Wounded Veterans With 'Earn Your Wings' Effort:
Shop 'n Save customers donated thousands of dollars to benefit wounded veterans in the weeks leading up to May's Westmoreland County International Air Show sponsored by the grocery store chain. Read more.
Toomey, Keefer Looking To Provide Medals For Korean War Veterans:
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey and state Rep. Dawn Keefer are working with the Korean consul general to honor Korean War veterans with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. Toomey’s office said they are looking for U.S. veterans who reside in York County and the surrounding areas to provide them with medals. Read more.
Across the Nation
Caring For Your Finances:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program has teamed-up with the USAA Educational Foundation to provide a series of videos to assist caregivers in establishing a budget, building an emergency fund, and getting an estate plan together. Read more.
Military OneSource Is Now Available To Veterans And Their Families For A Full Year After Separating From The Military:
To ensure all service members and families have access to comprehensive support as they transition from military to civilian life, the Department of Defense announced that it will extend eligibility for Military OneSource benefits from the current 180 days to 365 days after separation or retirement from military service. This change goes into effect in accordance with the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019. Read more.
North Korea Hands Over The Possible Remains Of American War Dead:
A U.S. Air Force plane carrying what are believed to be the remains of U.S. troops killed during the Korean War some 65 years ago recently arrived at Osan Air Base in South Korea. Troops from various nations serving in South Korea under the United Nations Command (UNC) presented an honor guard before the plane, as white-gloved troops in different uniforms descended the ramp of the U.S. Air Force C-17, carefully holding cases wrapped in the UN flag. Read more.
Parenting For Service Members & Veterans:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is offering a new parenting course resource for veterans and their families. This free online course provides parents with tools that strengthen parenting skills and helps them reconnect with their children. There are six modules within the course. Start course.
Positive Change Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be a powerful tool to promote positive behavior changes. The treatment uses self-awareness and other strategies to help overcome negative habits and thought patterns. “It’s a working therapy. It’s hands-on experience,” says Diane, a U.S. Air Force veteran. Read more.
Purple Heart Recipients Short On Qualifying Service For Post-9/11 GI Bill To Receive Full Education Benefits:
If you’ve received a Purple Heart Medal for active duty service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, but didn’t qualify for full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits because you didn’t have enough time in service, you’ll soon qualify for the full education benefit. Read more.
S.D. Soldier Wins Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition:
A South Dakota Army National Guard soldier was named the 2018 Soldier of the Year for the Army National Guard during its Best Warrior Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, July 22-27. Spc. Bailey Ruff, of Sturgis, and a member with the Sturgis-based Detachment 2, 842nd Engineer Company, competed against the top National Guard soldiers from across the country in a six-day, 13-event competition that tested them physically and mentally. Read more.
Service And Sacrifice Come Full Circle For Caregivers:
For most of us, our parents have shaped who we are and they’ve held our hands through every one of the important steps in our lives. Few of us have the chance to return a little of that care and support. We might make an effort by spending time with them every so often or even by helping them find a great place to spend their last years. If we’re lucky, we are given the opportunity to do more. Read more.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Creates Smartphone Function To Provide Immediate Access To Veterans Crisis Line:
The VA has created a smartphone function to provide immediate access to the Veterans Crisis Line. The function will be available on iPhone and Android systems. The person will only have to say “Call the Veterans Crisis Line" and it will automatically dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which also serves the Veterans Crisis Line. This function is part of their Help Prevent Suicide campaign. 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 Creation Of Up To 188 New Jobs Through Air Liquide Expansion In Northampton County:
Governor Tom Wolf announced that Air Liquide Advanced Materials, Inc., a manufacturer of specialty chemicals in the semiconductor business and subsidiary of Air Liquide Group, has chosen Pennsylvania as the location to expand its operations in a move that will create nearly 200 family-sustaining new jobs in Northampton County. Read more.
Governor Wolf Announces Ritz-Craft Corporation Of PA To Open Third Manufacturing Plant In Mifflinburg, Creating More Than 120 New Jobs:
Governor Tom Wolf announced that Ritz-Craft Corporation of PA, Inc., a manufacturer of modular housing, will expand into a third manufacturing plant in Mifflinburg, Union County, creating more than 120 new jobs and retaining 338 existing employees. Read more.
Manufacturing Careers With The AZEK Company:
The AZEK® Company is the parent company to three business units: AZEK® Building Products, Scranton Products, and Vycom. Each manufactures industry-leading brands of highly engineered residential, commercial and industrial products, designed to replace wood, metal and other traditional materials in a variety of applications. Openings include extrusion operators, production assistants, material handlers, team leads, and production supervisors. Please call 570-558-8037 for more information or email [email protected].
Pennsylvania Department Of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Oleksiak, Area Employers Highlight Hiring Of Local Workers:
As part of the effort to help businesses connect with skilled and talented workers, L&I Secretary Jerry Oleksiak met with leaders from Champion Home Builders, Atlantic Broadband, Sub Zero Ice Cream and the PA CareerLink® Blair County to discuss the Wolf administration’s job training and career readiness initiatives. Read more.
Veterans Job Fair:
- Aug. 9, 2018, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- A FREE hiring event for veterans, transitioning military personnel, National Guard members, Reserve members and spouses.
- Register.
Urban Tech Jobs:
- August 2018
- R.S.V.P. to [email protected] or call 215-985-3220 ext. 200 or 212
- The Urban League of Philadelphia in Philadelphia County invites all interested veterans to join a FREE, eight-week accelerated technology training program that includes job readiness and resiliency workshops resulting in IT certification.
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’ First Fridays – Resume Workshop Translating Military Skills:
- Aug. 3, 2018, 1-3 p.m.
- PA CareerLink® Downtown Pittsburgh, 304 Wood St., Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)
- Point of contact: Melissa Handlovitch at 412-436-2225 or email [email protected]
- All veterans and eligible spouses are welcome. Learn how to successfully translate military experiences and skills onto your resume.
- Website.
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:
- Aug. 4, 2018, 8-10 a.m.
- Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, 1450 S. Atherton St., State College, PA (Centre County).
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- Veterans will eat free, non-veterans the cost is $16. 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:
- Aug. 6, 2018, 6:30p.m.
- Spoonwood Brewing, 5981 Baptist Rd., Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you RSVP.
- Veterans eat for free. 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 Leadership Program (VLP) To Meet With Johnstown Landlords:
- Aug. 7, 2018, noon
- Hoss's Restaurant, 441 Theatre Dr., Johnstown, PA (Cambria County)
- Point of contact: Zack Portser at 412-481-8200, ext. 235
- Zack Portser, case manager for the Veterans Leadership Program of western Pennsylvania will be meeting with the Greater Johnstown Landlord Association at the landlord's monthly meeting. Mr. Portser will be helping local landlords learn about the grant program that provides housing assistance for veterans who are homeless or facing homelessness. All veterans and landlords are invited to attend.
Register For Free Making $ense Of Finance Workshop:
- Aug. 8, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Hiram G. Andrews Center/Commonwealth Technical Institute, 727 Goucher St., Johnstown, PA (Cambria County)
- Space is limited. The Making $ense of Finance conference from PA Military Alliance is a FREE noncommercial workshop to help with the unique challenges facing military and veterans in financial and investment decisions.
- Register.
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:
- Aug. 10, 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 protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- Breakfast is $12, without breakfast is free. 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.
Military Children Explore & Snore At The Lehigh Valley Zoo – Sponsored By Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans:
- Aug 11, 5:30 p.m.-Aug. 12, 2018
- 5150 Game Preserve Rd., Schnecksville, PA (Lehigh County)
- Point of contact: Miranda Moyer at 610-390-0963 or email [email protected]
- Bring the veteran and kids for a night of camping in the zoo. Activities include a late night tour of the zoo, an animal presentation, evening snack (camp fire and smores), flashlight hike and continental breakfast. The following day you get to enjoy the zoo all day. You have the option to sleep in a tent you bring or sleep inside a building.
- Facebook event.
Annual Lebanon Area Corvette And Camaro Car Show:
- Aug. 12, 2018, 9 a.m.
- Klick-Lewis Chevrolet, 720 E. Main St. (Rt. 422), Palmyra, PA (Lebanon County)
- Food, DJ, raffle baskets and 50/50. Benefits the Military Family Relief Assistance Program and The Humane Society of Lebanon County.
- Read more.
The Veterans Training And Benefits Workshop:
- Aug. 15, 2018, 1 p.m.
- PA Careerlink Beaver County, Beaver Valley Mall, Monaca, PA (Beaver County)
- Confirm your space by registering at 724-728-4860, ext. 215
- Walk-ins are welcome while seats are available. Learn about resources available to veterans through the Community College of Beaver County. Learn how to: get back into the workforce quickly, acquire high demand skills training, plan a new vocation, learn of education training benefits and programs and use education benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
California University Of Pennsylvania To Host Breakfast, Tour For Veterans:
- Aug. 23, 2018, breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Kara Alumni House
- California University of Pennsylvania, 250 University Ave., California, PA (Washington County)
- Veterans should call 724-938-4076 or email [email protected] to inquire about obtaining tickets.
- California University will host military veterans for a welcome home breakfast before a special showing of the "We Can Do It!" WWII exhibition in Manderino Library. Seating is limited at the breakfast in the Kara Alumni House. Admission is free; the breakfast is open only to those who served in any branch of the U.S. armed services.
- Read more.
PA March For The Fallen:
- Sept. 29, 2018, time of day to be determined.
- Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- The March for the Fallen is a great community event to honor the memory of all who have fallen in the defense of our nation. The event is open to the public with challenging routes from asphalt road to rolling and steep mountain trails on the training lands of Fort Indiantown Gap.
- Register.