DMVA Digest

  A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
  August 8, 2018
 
  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]
 
Are You Interested In A Career In Agriculture?: 
Being a farmer means you’ll get the opportunity to be an entrepreneur, equipment repair specialist, soil scientist, and land steward all rolled into one. Use the resources here to get connected to training opportunities, program and career resources, and read stories like yours on the USDA Blog. Website.
 
Black Valley Farm Hosting Veteran Apprentice: 
The PA Veteran Farming Project announced that Aug. 1 was the start date for a new Veterans Administration On-the-Job apprenticeship at Black Valley Farm in Everett, PA (Bedford County) facilitated under the Troops to Tractors program. Read more.
 
Frontier Communications Hiring: 
Supporting our veterans! Supporting the military and hiring veterans is essential to successfully serving our customers. Careers.
 
Spices Inc. Is Hiring Veterans: 
Spices, Inc., a fast growing online company located in Central PA, is looking for new members to join the production department (which includes filling, blending, grinding, order processing, shipping, receiving and inventory). Ideally looking for someone who has recently served the country and is looking for an opportunity as they re-enter civilian life. Website.
 
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Top 5 Tips For A Successful Job Interview: 
When it comes to interviews, planning is essential to success. Not only does it demonstrate professionalism, it also puts you in a position to be prepared and at your best. So when you have your next interview scheduled, follow these tips and be ready to impress: Read more.
 
Veteran Employer Connection: 
Veterans put your military skill set to work immediately in the civilian work force! Veteran Employer Connection is veteran owned and here to serve! Website.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Health Services Recruitment Event - RN's, LPN's and CNA's: 
- Aug. 21, 2018, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Gino Merli Veterans' Center, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA (Lackawanna County)
- For additional information, contact human resources at 570-961-4407
- Qualified nurse aide candidates with resumes and a copy of the nurse aide certification will be considered for interviews during this event. Be part of our nursing team caring for our veterans!
 
  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: 
- 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.
 
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 
- Aug. 15, 2018, 8:30-10-30 a.m.
- Memorial Park Presbyterian Church, 8800 Peebles Rd., Allison Park 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.
 
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).
 
Legal And Domestic Relations Clinic: 
- Aug. 17, 2018, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 South Lincoln Ave., Building 18 3rd Floor Conference Room, Lebanon PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Sarah Primak at 717-926-0872
- Clinics are presented by the PA Bar Association, Lancaster County Domestic Relations, and Dauphin County Domestic Relations. Veterans with legal and/or domestic relations issues in all counties are welcome to attend. Please bring any and all documentation pertaining to your legal situation.
 
Fayette County Annual Veterans Appreciation Day Picnic: 
- Aug. 18, 2018, 11 a.m-3 p.m.
- AMVETS Post 103, 123 Buttermilk Ln., Hopwood, PA (Fayette County)
- Point of contact: Patty Tegge at 724-430-1241 or email [email protected]
- The veterans appreciation picnic is open to all veterans and their families. Representatives from the Fayette County Office of Veterans Affairs and DMVA's Mobile Veterans Outreach Van will be there to provide valuable information to veterans about programs and services available to them. Representatives from the National Cemetery, Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation, and others will be there as well. Entertainment to be provided by Arnie Archer, a well known “oldies” DJ.
 
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 forces.
- Read more.
 
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 
- Aug. 28, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Salvatore’s Banquets, 5001 Curry Hollow Rd., Baldwin, PA (Allegheny County).
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or [email protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.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.
 
Seventh Annual Disabled American Veterans Chapter 25 Golf Outing: 
- Sept. 4, 2018, 10:30 a.m., registration begins at 11:30 a.m., lunch buffet at 1 p.m.
- Rivercrest Golf Club & Preserve, 100 Golf Club Dr., Phoenixville, PA (Chester County)
- Website.
- Facebook page.
 
6th Annual Community Mental Health Summit: 
- Sept. 7, 2018, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, 1700 South Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Christine Brubaker at [email protected] or Monica Haley at [email protected]
- The Community Mental Health Summit is designed to bring together the key stakeholders of the veteran and local community. We hope to further enhance access to mental health services and to further address the mental healthcare needs of veterans and their family members.
- Register.
 
Register For Free Making $ense Of Finance Workshop: 
- Sept. 7, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Ft. Indiantown Gap, Building 8-80, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: 717-705-2687 or email [email protected]
- FREE to members of the military, veterans and their spouses. USO will be awarding raffle prizes to participants at conclusion of the event. Complimentary food and drinks. FREE parking.
Learn more about investment, retirement, budgeting, understanding military benefits, credit reports, credit score and scam prevention.
- Register.
 
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.
 
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Family Event: 
- Sept. 8, 2018, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) conducts periodic updates and annual government briefings for families of American service members who are missing in action. These events are designed to keep family members informed of the U.S. government's worldwide mission to account for those still missing and to discuss in detail the latest information available about their specific cases.
- Register.
 
Veterans Breakfast Club: 
- Third Saturday of each month, 8 a.m.
- Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant, 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA (Lancaster County)
- Any questions call 717-435-6095
- We meet with a moment of silence, prayer, and the pledge of allegiance. Anyone with information pertinent to veteran affairs is able to stand and make a short announcement. Afterwards a buffet meal is served. Open to all veterans and their spouses.
- Facebook page.
 

 DMVA News 
 
DMVA Gives Last Call For Those Who Served In The Persian Gulf War To Apply For Bonus: 
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is giving its last call to those who served in the Persian Gulf War. For retired Marine veteran Joseph Staudt, who was a part of operation desert storm, he remembers what it was like when they came home. "When we first came back our representatives recognized us down at the Capitol building," he reminisces. Read more.
 
PA National Guard/DMVA Leaders Visit Deployed Members Of 28th Infantry Division In Kuwait: 
Pennsylvania's top two military leaders recently flew to Kuwait to learn about the mission of Pennsylvania National Guard members deployed to the Gulf region. The Adjutant General, Air Force Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, and Senior Enlisted Advisor Joint Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Buchanan visited Task Force Spartan troops Aug. 2-3. Task Force Spartan is currently led by the headquarters battalion of 28th Infantry Division, a Pennsylvania Army National Guard unit. Read more.
 
Tell Us About Events Or Jobs For Veterans: 
As a service to Pennsylvania’s veteran community, DMVA is committed to sharing notices from employers who are interested in hiring veterans as well as sharing information about veteran or military-oriented events being held in Pennsylvania, via the DMVA DIGEST. We encourage you to submit your event or employment opportunity for consideration to be included in the weekly Digest. To submit an employment opportunity, please email [email protected]. To submit an upcoming veteran or military-oriented event being held in Pennsylvania, please email [email protected] with the following details: 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 (required fee to attend, pre-registration, etc.).
 
  Around the State 
 
'You Learn To Appreciate That There Is A God': 100 Years Of Heroes: 
Henry Thomas, 91, of Camp Hill (Cumberland County), is a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy. He joined the Navy in January 1945 at age 17, and after boot camp and training was sent to Japan, where he saw the remnants of heavily bombed Tokyo, and both Nagasaki and Hiroshima after they were destroyed by atomic bombs. Thomas was assigned to ships island-hopping in the Philippines to inform the residents that the war was over before he returned to Allentown, Pennsylvania. Read more.
 
American Legion Holds Fundraiser To Help Homeless Veterans: 
People in Bradford County came out for a great cause. The American Legion in Wyalusing hosted its fifth annual fundraiser for homeless veterans. The fundraiser featured a car show, vendors, auction and food. Those we spoke with say helping out veterans in need is the least they could do. Read more.
 
Motorcycle Ride Helps Organization Build Homes For Wounded Veterans: 
Motorcycle riders gathered for the 15th annual Texas Roadhouse Bike Run event to benefit wounded veterans. It started at the chain restaurant's location near the York Galleria Mall in Springettsbury Township (York County). The ride benefits the "Homes for our Troops" organization that builds homes for disabled and severely wounded veterans across the country. Read more.
 
New Castle Woman Secures High Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW) Honor: 
Acquiring a high position in the VFW takes some effort. Endorsements from four different levels of the organization and from different conference regions of the country must take place, and candidates can even run against one another. New Castle, PA (Lawrence County) resident Ruth A. Fairchild successfully completed those steps, and in turn, was elected National Surgeon General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States at the 119th VFW national convention held last month in Kansas City, MO. Read more.
 
The Tale Of Bill Wynne And 'Smoky The War Dog': 
When Army Air Force veteran Bill Wynne bought a scraggly little puppy from another soldier in Nadzab, New Guinea, in 1943, he never could have imagined the little Yorkie becoming an internationally recognized war dog more than 50 years later. “Another guy’s Jeep broke down out in the jungle,” the retired newspaper photographer/writer said. “He was under the hood, trying to fix it, when he heard this whimpering in the tall grass. He found this tiny dog trying to climb out of an abandoned fox hole.” Read more.
 
Veterans Community Home: 
The Veterans Community Home LLC is looking for adult men, seeking independent living, who can live on their own and want to enjoy the company of others. The Veterans Community Home is located in Lebanon County, just minutes from the Lebanon VA Medical Center and shopping. Everything you need is included, such as a home with semi private rooms, three meals provided daily, laundry, housekeeping, cable TV, internet/wifi, security, parking, social activities, pool table, card games and much more. This all-inclusive price is $699 a month. Get 10 percent off for the first month if you sign up by Aug. 15, 2018. Call Maria 717-579-3829 or Craig 717-329-2524 for a private showing. Website.
 
Wolf Administration Announces Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers Available For Seniors, WIC Participants: 
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today announced that as part of the Wolf Administration’s strategy for a hunger-free Pennsylvania, eligible residents can access fresh, Pennsylvania-grown produce at no cost through the Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs. Read more.
 
  Across the Nation 
 
Air Force Veteran Looks To Inspire Others As Wheelchair Basketball Official: 
Steve Doudt took a step and jumped into nothing. It was one of the last steps he’d take with his own legs. The Air Force combat controller was on his sixth and final “high altitude, low opening” parachute jump with Army special operations troops from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. And like the five before them, it was flawless. Read more.
 
Back To School Is Not Just For The Kids: 
Are you enrolled, or do you plan to enroll in school under the Post-9/11 GI Bill this year? If so, check out your estimated monthly housing allowance using the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Beginning August 1, 2018, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will calculate monthly housing payments using the zip code of the campus you physically attend for most of your classes, which may be different than the actual school location. Website.
 
Chaplain Cpt. Guerrero Is Giving Soldiers Hope, Peace And A Beacon Of Light: 
Cpt. Anthony Guerrero, a chaplain serving the 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania National Guard provides spiritual and counseling services to soldiers training at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA. Chaplain Guerrero serves approximately 300 soldiers from the 213th RSG with community worship, devotional services and individual counseling during training at NTC. Read more.
 
Despite Struggles, Veteran Finds Solace In Adaptive Sports: 
The bullet is still in Mike Thomas’ back and the wheelchair is a constant reminder of something he’ll never forget. “It’s lodged right in the spine, but doctors can’t remove it, or it will cause more damage,” he said. “It happened in Detroit. Just living in Detroit, big city life.” Read more.
 
Forever GI Bill Expands VA Educational Benefits: 
Effective Aug. 1, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented 15 more provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also referred to as the Forever GI Bill. These provisions, in addition to the 13 implemented since the law was signed less than a year ago, will have an immediate and positive impact on veterans and their families using VA benefits to pursue their educational goals. Read more.
 
Former NFL Star Shows His Love And Respect For Veterans: 
Upon receiving the call a few months ago, former National Football League star running back Earnest Byner felt honored to be tapped for the role. He had been selected as a guest speaker during the annual “Parade of Athletes” at the National Veterans Golden Age Games in Albuquerque, NM. Byner is the founder of The Healing Dawgs, a non-profit group that is aimed at teaching, helping, and healing through humanitarian efforts in communities, with a special focus on veterans, the homeless, and youth. Read more.
 
Green Bay Packers Legend Gives Shout Out To Veterans: 
Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre has lots of numbers from his football career – 6,000 completed passes for 70,000 yards and 500 touchdowns. But one lesser known number may have prevented him from playing at all. He broke a vertebra and lost three feet of intestines after a car accident before his senior year of college. Read more.
 
Smokers Hazy On Actual Benefits Of Lung Cancer Screenings: 
Regular cancer screenings can lower the chance of death from lung cancer but they cannot reduce the risk of developing lung cancer for people who smoke. Patients who smoke seem to be confused about the actual benefits and limitations of lung cancer screenings. Researchers asked smokers a series of questions about smoking and lung cancer screening. Read more.
 
Veteran’s Service Spanned From Vietnam To Iraq: 
John C. Turner was so determined to keep himself out of the coal mines and brass factories of West Virginia that he joined the U.S. Army even before his draft card arrived, and stayed on to serve not only in Vietnam, but through the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Turner grew up in Masontown, WV, a tiny town near Morgantown. Read more.
 
VetSuccess On Campus: 
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is developing innovative ways to help veterans make the transition to college life. The VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program aims to help veterans, servicemembers, and their qualified dependents succeed and thrive through a coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling, leading to completion of their education and preparing them to enter the labor market in viable careers. Read more.