DMVA Digest
A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Around the State
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.
Licensure Board Opportunity For Veterans:
Are you a veteran and looking for an opportunity to serve the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? If yes, there are several opportunities for you to serve as a public member on a licensure board. Veterans are specifically being sought after to serve on these boards in order to offer their military perspective and to help address any military spouse portability concerns within these professions. Read more.
National Guard Marks 100 Years After Second Battle Of The Marne:
Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel was the senior U.S. military attendee at the World War I Centennial Commemoration at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in Seringes er Nesles, France on July 28, joined by Army Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Kepner, the senior enlisted advisor to the chief. Read more.
Persian Gulf Veterans Can Apply For Bonus Program:
Pennsylvania has bonus money for some Pennsylvania veterans, and state officials want to make sure vets are taking advantage of it. Watch video.
Treasurer Torsella Searches For Purple Heart Recipients:
Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella announced on the observance of Purple Heart Day, that Treasury holds 16 unclaimed Purple Heart medals and 18 Purple Heart pins, ribbons, and other related decorations for veterans or their rightful heirs. 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.
DMVA News
DMVA Still Looking For 25 Photos Of Pennsylvania Veterans Who Paid Ultimate Sacrfice:
Because of the dedication and continued support from Pennsylvanians, Bucks County, Pennsylvania has completed the search for each of its veterans who died as a result of the Vietnam War (Read more). Thank you Bucks 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 4 Pennsylvania counties. For information on how to submit a photo, visit: Read more.
Making Sense Of Finance Workshop For Military And Veterans:
The "Making $ense of Finance" Workshop for military and veterans will be held Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. Free breakfast, lunch and parking are included. Learn more about: investing basics; credit reports and credit scores; making your ideal retirement a reality; budgeting for all ages; and, scambusters. Participants will have a chance to win raffle prizes for attending and participating in the conference. Space is limited, registration is required and available online. For questions, email [email protected] or call 717-783-4247. Register.
On Site Job Fair At DMVA's Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center In Scranton:
ATTENTION Certified Nurse Aides, RNs and LPNs: DMVA's Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center in Scranton is hiring! Join us for the ON SITE JOB FAIR, Aug. 21, 2018, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. We hope to see you there! Learn more.
Across the Nation
A Purple Heart Recipient’s Story Of Strength:
Ed woke up in a sweat. It was 5 a.m. He was scheduled that day to help transport equipment and other materials through the narrow streets of Baghdad to Kurt Cook Military Base. “I felt like I had an intuition that morning that something was gonna happen,” he remembers. “But I just didn’t know what it was.” Read more.
Army Veteran And NYC Police Detective Shares Her Experience Fighting Breast Cancer:
Explaining how a feeling of loss of control was the hardest part for her, Gayle was extremely appreciative of the care and compassion provided by oncologist Dr. Andrea Leaf and she named many nurses, among others, who treated her at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Gayle is now feeling well and increasingly open about sharing her experience to help fellow patients. Read more.
Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act Claim Information Available:
The Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016, enacted December 2016, allows certain veterans who received lump sum disability severance payments additional time to file a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment attributable to the disability severance payment. The law directed the secretary of defense to identify disability severance payments paid after Jan. 17, 1991, that were included as taxable income on Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, but were later determined to be nontaxable and to provide notice of the amount of that payment. Read more.
Military OneSource Is Now Available To Veterans And Their Families For A Full Year After Separating From The Military:
The Department of Defense announced today it will extend eligibility for Military OneSource benefits from the current 180 days to 365 days after separation or retirement from military service to ensure all service members and families have access to comprehensive support as they transition to civilian life. This change goes into effect today in accordance with the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019. Read more.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Updates The Disability Rating Schedule Related To Skin Conditions:
The VA updated portions of the VA Schedule for Rating Disability (VASRD) rating schedule that evaluate conditions related to the skin. The VASRD is the collection of federal regulations used by Veterans Benefits Administration claims processors to evaluate the severity of disabilities and assign disability ratings. VA is in the process of updating all 15 body systems of the VASRD to reflect modern medicine more accurately and provide clearer rating decisions. Read more.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Announces Leadership Changes To Take Effect Shortly:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced several leadership changes that will take effect shortly. These leadership changes will build upon a strong current team that will continue to carry out the priorities of President Donald Trump and newly appointed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie. The leadership changes are as follows: Read more.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Delivers Complete Care For Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries:
VA is a leader in spinal cord injury care, providing veterans a coordinated continuum of services that enable greater independence and a higher quality of life. Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders (SCI/D) System of Care is organized in a network of “hubs and spokes.” At VA’s 24 nationwide hubs, multidisciplinary teams including doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, psychologists and others are on hand to treat patients with spinal cord injuries. Read more.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Releases Health Care Benefit Application For Spanish-Speaking Veterans:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released the Spanish version of the application for health benefits, as part of VA’s effort to simplify and improve the health care enrollment process for veterans. The new language version implements the VA Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans’ recommendation to provide Spanish versions of the application and instructions. Read more.
Veterans Can Now Update Their Contact Information Online:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) just made updating your contact information much easier. 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]
Advanced Disposal Is Hiring CDL Driver Residential - Shippensburg:
Advanced Disposal is a company that provides cost-effective and environmentally-sound solutions for waste and recycling collection, transportation, processing and disposal. For more information, contact Joe Gordon at 678-497-2362 or email [email protected] Apply.
Are You A Veteran And 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.
Frontier Communications Hiring:
Supporting our veterans! Supporting the military and hiring veterans is essential to successfully serving Frontier customers. Careers.
Going To A Job Fair? This Is What You Should Expect To Get Out Of It:
Hire Our Heroes founder Dan Caporale says it’s unrealistic to expect to walk into a job fair, hand out your resume and get a call back with a job offer the next day, or even at all. But so many people do, and then end up crushed when the job search takes more time than they expected. Caporale recently sat down with Rebootcamp to offer his tips on managing expectations while looking for a job and what you should do the next time you go to a job fair. Watch video.
Google Volunteers And Veterans Meet:
More than 40 veterans attended a unique event in June as a large team of recruiters from Google descended upon the Palo Alto U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Menlo Park campus to help share their knowledge and train veterans in critical job seeking skills. The first-of-its-kind Google and Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) veterans’ employment readiness fair brought together these two groups at the Menlo Park Welcome Center for a day of workshops and networking. Read more.
Governor Tom Wolf Announes Freshpet To Expand Presence In Pennsylvania, Create 100 Jobs:
Governor Tom Wolf announced that Freshpet, Inc., a producer of fresh dog and cat food, will expand its pet food production operations at its current location in Hanover Township, Northampton County. The expansion will create 100 new full-time jobs in the next three years. Read more.
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) Seven Tips To Expand Your Professional Network:
The right professional connections can provide much-needed insight and advice, as well as inroads to otherwise elusive career opportunities. That’s why having a robust, reliable network is crucial to a successful career. But how do you build a strong professional network? Read more.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supports Continued Education For Employees:
The health care industry is ever-evolving. From leading-edge technology to innovative care units and procedures, advancements are constantly being made to raise the quality of care. That’s why VA supports continuous learning and encourages employees to pursue higher education. We offer one of the most comprehensive education support programs in the nation, so VA employees can learn and grow at the forefront of medicine and continue to provide the best patient care to veterans. 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.
What To Expect In A Private Security Career As A Veteran:
If you are looking into a security career, some of the top options according to Securitas, a national security provider, include: Read more.
Governor Wolf Announces Funding For Development Of Business Park To Create More Than 1,000 Jobs In Fayette County:
Governor Tom Wolf announced new funding to create a business park in Uniontown, Fayette County, that will host more than 45 businesses and is anticipated to create more than 1,000 jobs upon completion of the development. “The development of pad-ready sites will help bolster Fayette County to the top of the list when businesses are looking for a place to call home,” said Governor Wolf. 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.
Waste Management Is Now Hiring Diesel Mechanics And CDL Drivers In Washington, Elizabeth And Ambridge:
- Aug. 16, 2018, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Springhill Suites By Marriott Pittsburgh Airport, 239 Summit Park Dr., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Sign-on bonuses of up to $3000 and Special Bonus of $2000 being offered!
- Apply.
J.P. Mascaro & Sons Job Fair:
- Aug. 16, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- PA CareerLink Berks County, 1920 Kutztown Rd., Suite F, Reading, PA (Berks County)
- Now hiring for the following positions: diesel mechanics, CDL drivers, drivers helpers and roll-off drivers.
- Website.
Health Services Recruitment Event – On Site Job Fair For RN's, LPN's And CNA's:
- Aug. 21, 2018, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Gino J. 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!
Gage Personnel Open Recruitment:
- Aug. 21, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- PA CareerLink Berks County, 1920 Kutztown Rd., Suite F, Reading, PA (Berks County)
- Any questions call: 610-988-1300
- Gage Personnel is hiring for the following positions: packers, machine operators, sanitation, production, mil runner and skilled manufacturing. Competitive Pay and all shifts available! Bring your resume to discuss all potential opportunities.
InnoSource Hiring Customer Service Representatives:
- Aug. 22, 2018, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- PA CareerLink Berks County, 1920 Kutztown Rd., Suite F, Reading, PA (Berks County)
- Point of contact: Lauren Galuska at 412-347-8670 or email [email protected]
- Innosource wants to connect you with a great career. Full-time employment available starting at $11 per hour and benefits. The job requires a high school diploma or GED and two years experience in a customer service setting.
- Website.
East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. Open Recruitment:
- Aug. 23, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- PA CareerLink Berks County, 1920 Kutztown Rd., Suite F, Reading, PA (Berks County)
- Any questions call: 610-988-1300
- A recruitment team representative will be onsite to meet with you and will be recruiting for the following positions: industrial maintenance mechanics, machine operators/laborers, electrical mechanical technicians, automation control technicians, industrial service technicians and entry level clerical.
Job Fair Keystone Containers:
- Aug. 23, 2018, 2-6 p.m.
- Plastic Industries, 4201 Pottsville Pike #2, Reading, PA (Berks County)
- Plastic Industries is a national, mid-size manufacturer of HDPE blow molded bottles and containers for the dairy, juice, water and food service industries. Available positions: loader, machine operator, maintenance technician and maintenance manager.
- Website.
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.
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 Department of Military and Veterans Affairs 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.
Veterans On The Susquehanna Event Slated For Aug. 25:
- Aug. 25, 2018
- Wrightsville, PA (York County)
- Valley veterans, their families and the public can enjoy a day of paddling and fishing, food and live music at the fourth annual “Veterans on the Susquehanna”. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), Heroes on the Water – Central Pennsylvania Chapter and Shank’s Mare Outfitters have joined forces to host the event.
- Website.
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.
MilitaryShare Fresh Express Program:
- Sept. 4, 2018, and every 1st Tuesday of the month, 11 a.m.
- Veterans Serving Veterans Knoxville VFW Post #6753, 703 Boatman Rd., Knoxville PA (Tioga County)
- Point of contact: Sandy Fischer at 814-326-0804 to pre-register.
- Registration is required for MilitaryShare distribution. MilitaryShare, a collaborative program of local food banks and the Pennsylvania National Guard, is desgined to provide fresh, nutritious foods for veterans and military families in need.
- Proof of Military Service, such as DD214, Military ID or VA Military Card is required to register.
- Website.
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.
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.
#ExploreVA Facebook Live Event: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Life Insurance:
Don’t miss your chance to enroll in VA life insurance and apply before your eligibility window closes. Join representatives from VA and Blue Star Families for a Facebook Live event on Aug. 16, 2018, 1-2p.m., to learn about benefit options, application deadlines, eligibility criteria and more. Read more.