Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 
- Sept. 8, 2018, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Main in Oakland, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Free Breakfast. R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or [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.

DMVA Digest
   A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
  September 5, 2018


 
  DMVA News 
 
$800,000 In Grants Awarded To Veterans Groups, Special Event Held In Erie: 
The Pennsylvania Veterans Trust Fund awarded $800,000 to dozens of state and private groups helping veterans in need. A ceremony thanking the groups in northwest Pennsylvania was held at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA in Erie (Erie County), just one of the many recipients of these grants. Watch video.
 
PA’s Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Recipients In Harrisburg Thanked For ‘Enriching Lives’ Of Vets, Families: 
Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), personally thanked Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF) grant recipients in the central Pennsylvania area for their work in support of the commonwealth's nearly 820,000 veterans. Read more. 
 
Know Your County Director Of Veterans Affairs: 
Do you know who your county director of veterans affairs is and how they can assist you in obtaining the programs and services you have earned? Visit DMVA’s website for contact information. Read More. 
 
  Around the State 
 
'It's Not Heroic, It's Something I Do'-- 100 Years Of Heroes: 
When Harrisburg Telegraph editor E.J. Stackpole's son and friends returned safely from military service in France at the end of World War I, Stackpole and his wife showed their gratitude with a statue in their honor. He commissioned famed Rhode Island sculpture John G. Hardy, who created a statue of a World War I Doughboy. Read more.
 
1/2 Acre Of Land Available For Disabled Veteran: 
Leighton Consultant LLC has a 1/2 acre of land available for a disabled veteran. The disabled veteran will need to work with Homes For Troops. The new property owner should be able to pay property taxes and all utilities that are applied to the property. The address of the 1/2 acre is 67 Hidden Lakes Dr., New Castle, PA (Lawrence County). Homes For Troops (HFOT) is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post – 9/11 veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. HFOT builds these homes where the veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. Website. Any questions contact: Francyne at 724-944-1096 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
 
Annual 70-Mile Hike Aims To Raise Funds For Veterans: 
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail isn’t for the faint of heart. Its rugged terrain through the steep ridges and valleys of the Laurel Highlands make for a challenging hike for even the most experienced outdoorsmen and women. It’s part of the reason that very trail was picked for the annual Crucible Hike fundraiser — a 70+-mile hike with a full gear pack beginning in the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown (Cambria County) and wrapping up at the foot of the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle. Read more.
 
Cambria County Schedules Town Halls For Veterans: 
The Cambria County Veteran Services Office has scheduled four town hall events for October aimed at reaching out to the county’s veteran population and providing information about possible benefits available through the Veterans Administration. The town halls will be held in Ashville, Cresson, Johnstown and Geistown. Read more.
 
Fort Indiantown Gap Joins AlertPA To Provide Public Notification Service: 
Fort Indiantown Gap (Lebanon County) has joined with other government agencies and is now enrolled in AlertPA, a mass notification service by CodeRED. Subscribers may opt in to several notification options including phone calls, text messages and emails. Notification settings may be adjusted as needed at any time. “This is another tool to keep people informed,” said Lt. Col. Lane Marshall, garrison commander. "We anticipate using the system to notify residents of artillery, demolition and mortar training events as well as prescribed burn notifications." Read more.
 
Local Lawmakers Consider How Best To Serve Aging Vets: 
State Reps. Steve Barrar, R-160, and Tim Hennessey, R-26, as well as other members of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness and Aging and Older Adult Services committees, met to discuss programs and assistance available for the commonwealth’s aging veteran population. During the hearing, testifiers focused on the need to invest state dollars wisely into programs that will benefit Pennsylvania’s veterans and the state’s budget. Read more.
 
Seeking Letters Of Intent For Community Grants Program: 
The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council is now accepting “letters of intent” for community grants, our small grants program. Community grants are intended to bring together people, with and without disabilities, in a local community initiative to influence social change and improve the lives of everyone in the community. You can learn more about this grant opportunity and how to submit a letter of intent, at the following website.
 
Shady Maple Military And Veterans Discount: 
Shady Maple Smorgasord, located at 129 Toddy Dr., East Earl, PA (Lancaster County), now offers a military and veteran discount on Wednesdays and it will be available every Wednesday until further notice. It is applicable to current military members, military retirees, and military veterans, all of whom must have appropriate military/veteran identification. The meal discount is valid only for the Smorgasbord, and not the cafeteria adjacent to the gift shop on the lower level. The discount applies only to the military/retiree/veteran, and not to others who may be in the dining party. The military discount cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions offered by Shady Maple.
 
VA Is Looking For Volunteer Drivers: 
Local military veterans are seeking volunteers ready for action. Veterans in the area needing medical treatment usually go to the Veteran Administration’s Michael Marzano Clinic in Hermitage. But a large number of these vets need higher skilled medical care that’s only available at VA hospitals in Butler and the Pittsburgh areas. “Many of these people can’t drive,’’ said Wayne Stratos, a member and adjutant of the Mercer County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 55. Read more.
 
  Across the Nation 
 
Construction Underway On National Army Museum: 
It might not look like much now, but in just a few years, a new, 185,000-square foot building at Fort Belvoir, VA will be transformed into a national museum honoring the sacrifice and service of American soldiers past and present. It will be called the National Museum of the United States Army. Dave Fabian of the Army Historical Foundation gave the Gray Television Washington News Bureau an exclusive tour of the site. Read more.
 
Friends From The Foxhole -- Vietnam Veterans Reunite, Share Stories: 
It is a time in our history most will never fully comprehend unless they were there. In the late 60s, more than 600,000 Americans got the call to serve in Vietnam. Nathaniel King was just 18-years-old when the letter came in the mail. "I was called, and I went. You know? I served. I did my time,” says King. "I was there for a year. I spent 364 days in Vietnam. We were there doing what our government thought was right.” Read more.
 
Maine VA Helps Veterans Rejoin Society: 
It’s not often you get to tear yourself away from the trials and tribulations of life to just take a break and have fun. More so, it’s difficult to reach outside of ourselves and connect to others. Just ask veteran Dan Martins, peer support specialist for VA Maine Healthcare System. Read more.
 
No Joke -- Veterans Healing Through Comedy: 
Melissa Errett never imagined rising to such a high level of comedy: Imagine telling bladder jokes in front of a former president and his wife. Seriously, there sat Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, and there stood Errett, cracking wise during a reception held by the Rosalynn Carter Institute For Caregiving last October. Read more.
 
VA Announces $200 Million In Funding For Grant And Per Diem Program To Support Homeless Veterans Programs Nationwide: 
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it plans to provide approximately $200 million in fiscal year 2019 funding to support more than 13,000 transitional housing beds for its Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program. The list of community partners who will work with VA to provide transitional housing for homeless veterans can be found on the VA’s homeless veterans website. Read more.
 
VA Announces Upcoming Awards Of Nearly $326 Million In Grants To Help At-Risk Veterans And Family Members: 
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that thousands of low-income veteran families around the nation will continue to receive benefits under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. These veterans, who are permanently housed or transitioning to permanent housing, will continue to have access to crucial services with the funding of approximately $326 million in grants. Read more.
 
VA Expands Vocational Rehabilitation And Employment Program To Improve Service To Veterans: 
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) recently began the process of reducing the average counselor-to-caseload ratio, to one to 125 or below, through the hiring of 172 vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs). The hiring effort, which began early this summer, will help improve service to veterans with service-connected disabilities and employment barriers, as well as help provide them with expedited services to improve their ability to transition to the civilian workforce. Read more.
 
What Nobody Tells You About Going Back To School As A Veteran: 
Conventional wisdom about being a veteran in school focuses on benefits or jokes about being an older student. Most of it holds up, no matter the kind of program, whether you’re a first-time, first-generation college student, or getting a Ph.D. But here’s what nobody tells you: Read more.
 
Women Veterans’ Health Training On The Move: 
The number of women veterans is increasing rapidly. Consequently, the number of women veterans receiving health care from VA tripled from between 2000 and 2016, growing from 160,000 in 2000 to 475,000 in 2016, driving an increase in need for high-quality, gender-specific health care. 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]
 
Immediate Opening For A Nursing Director (Chief Nursing Officer): 
- PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is seeking a hardworking and caring nursing director dedicated to taking care of our residents. This exciting and challenging position offers an opportunity to use your creativity and leadership skills.
- The Chief Nursing Officer provides administrative oversight of the Directors of Nursing at Pennsylvania’s six veterans homes. Duties include evaluating various nursing programs such as wounds, infection control, care planning/MDS and perform investigations of sentinel events.
- For job-specific questions, contact 717-861-2696. For application questions, contact 717-783-3058.
- Apply.
 
Careers In The VA’S Veterans Health Administration VISN-4: 
For more information about exciting career opportunities with VA Healthcare-VISN 4 (Altoona, Butler, Coatesville, Erie, Lebanon, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre and Wilmington), visit the careers page for these VA medical center web sites at Read more. 
 
Adagio Health Is Hiring A Women Veterans Health Project Manager: 
Adagio Health serves 110,000 people in 23 counties in western Pennsylvania, many of whom are uninsured or underinsured. The services Adagio Health provides are life-changing for the individuals served – supporting not only the individual, but also their families and communities. Studies show a woman with access to quality healthcare and affordable contraception is able, on her own timeline, to complete her education, get and keep a good job, financially support herself and her family, and invest in her children's future. Apply.
 
Tobyhanna Army Depot Is Hiring An Automotive Mechanic Supervisor: 
- This position is located at Tobyhanna Army Depot, Directorate of Installation Services, Community Services Division, PASS Auto Shop.
- Apply.
 
Lebanon VA Medical Center (VAMC) Recruiting Pastoral Candidates For Residency And Internship Programs: 
VAMC's Clinical Pastoral Education Program (CPE) is recruiting pastoral candidates for both residency and internship programs. The CPE has four openings for its resident pastoral program, which begins on Oct. 1, 2018, and runs through Sept. 30, 2019. The program is accredited through the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), Decatur, GA. Applications for the program are due immediately. For more information, contact Douglas A. Etter at 717-272-6621, ext. 6079 or email [email protected]. For more information about the Lebanon VA Medical Center, visit website.
 
VA Nursing Outlook -- Continued Growth For The Future: 
Nurses are essential to VA’s world-class standard of care. The organization is always in search of ambitious, hardworking and compassionate nurses to help improve the lives of veterans in thriving careers with VA. Today’s job market is highly favorable for nurses—according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026; much faster than the average for all occupations.” Read more.
 
Waste Management Hiring Residential Truck Drivers In Washington And Ambridge, PA: 
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: Must be at least 21 years of age, valid Class A or B CDL with Air Brake Endorsements, one year previous experience operating a vehicle requiring a CDL or equivalent driving in the last seven years.
- These positions are offering up to $3,000 sign on bonuses, as well as a $2,000 special bonus, which is payable upon completion of one year of service.
- Apply.
 
PennDOT Has Job Opportunities In The Winter Maintenance Program: 
Seasonal job opportunities are available in ALL COUNTIES and run from September 2018 through April 2019. Job opportunities exist for: CDL equipment operator; diesel mechanic; clerk/radio dispatcher; tradesman helper; automotive mechanic; welder; semi-skilled laborer; custodial worker; and stock clerk. Website.
 
Veterans’ First Fridays – Job Fair Bootcamp With GI Jobs: 
- Sept. 7, 2018, 1-3 p.m.
- 304 Wood St., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Point of contact: Melissa Handlovitch at 412-552-7100 or email [email protected]
- All veterans and eligible spouses are welcome. A team member and strong veteran advocate of GI Jobs will share tips and information on how to successfully navigate a job fair. This is not a job fair or table event. Workshop begins at 1 p.m.
- Website.
 
Veteran Job Club: 
- Sept. 10, 2018, 9 a.m.
- Behavioral Health Clinic, Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), 1st Floor conference room #165, Erie, PA (Erie County)
- The Veteran Job Club in Erie will have human resource professionals on-site to provide tips and tools on how to apply for government jobs. All veterans interested in seeking employment are invited to attend.
- 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. 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 Wanted To Meet With Students: 
- The Army Heritage Center Foundation is looking for veterans willing to work with local high school students on the Veterans Oral History Project. In need of any veteran regardless of where or when they served, who are interested in sitting down and sharing their story.
- Interested veterans should email [email protected] or by call 717-258-1102.
 
Troop Banners Juniata County: 
- Sept. 6, 2018, 5:30-8 p.m.
- Port Royal Speedway, 308 W Eighth St., Port Royal, PA (Juniata County)
-POC: Clarence Allen, phone: 717-994-8735 email: [email protected]
- This Event is FREE and open to the public. With the help of the county veterans service organizations, veteran affairs officer and private contributions, veterans, both past and present, will be thanked, recognized and honored for their service to our country.
- Website.
 
Register For Free Making $ense Of Finance Workshop: 
- Sept. 7, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Fort 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.
 
Service Member And Family Support Lunch & Learn: 
- Sept. 7, 2018, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Fort Indiantown Gap USO, Building 14-99, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: email SSG Lopez at [email protected]
- Everyone is welcome to this FREE event. Lunch will be provided by Mission BBQ. The event will focus on veterans benefits, services, resources and suicide prevention resources. There will be a discussion on the movie, "Ripple Effect."
 
Folds Of Honor – Pine Meadows 2nd Annual Patriot Golf Day Tournament: 
- Sept. 8, 2018, 8 a.m., shotgun start
- 319 Pine Meadow Rd., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Beth Simmons at 610-442-5718
- Guest Speaker, former President PGA, Alan Wronokwski
- Website.
 
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.
 
9/11 Heroes Run 5K: 
- Sept. 8, 2018, 9 a.m.
- Russell Elliot Memorial Park, Feasterville, PA (Bucks County)
- The 9/11 Heroes Run honors heroes lost on Sept. 11 and in the wars since, as well as the veterans, active duty, first responders, inspired civilians and families of the fallen. The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K welcomes participants of all ages and levels to run, walk, ruck or volunteer in remembrance and gratitude.
- Register.
 
 
10th Annual Maj. Gen. Frank H. Smoker Jr. Foxhole Invitational Golf Tournament: 
- Sept. 8, 2018, 1 p.m., shotgun start
- Blue Mountain Golf Course, 628 Blue Mountain Rd., Fredericksburg, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Mrs. Jamie Saphore at 717-813-7581 or email [email protected]
- Tee up for the 10th Annual Maj. Gen. Frank H. Smoker Jr. Foxhole Invitational Golf Tournament. This four-person scramble includes a steak dinner, contests and cash prizes. All proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum at Fort Indiantown Gap. Sponsors and golfers welcome!
- Website.
 
World Suicide Prevention Day Light A Candle: 
- Sept. 10, 2018, at 8 p.m.
- Light a candle near a window to raise awareness and support prevention of suicide. You are encouraged you to remember a friend or loved one who was lost to suicide and to cherish the memories of their life.
 
Suicide Prevention Walk: 
- Sept. 10, 2018, noon
- Erie Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, 2nd Floor Pavilion (outside 2nd floor entrance), Erie, PA (Erie County)
- For more information, contact 814-860-2038.
- Preventing suicide among veterans is one of the VA's top priorities. Join us for the Suicide Prevention Walk for a brief remembrance ceremony, a candlelight vigil, and a walk around the VA campus as we raise awareness about suicide prevention.
 
Walk With A Veteran: 
- Sept. 21, 2018, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County)
- Point of contact: Jeff Hawks, Army Heritage Center Foundation, at 717-258-1102 or email [email protected]
- Veterans of all services are invited! Share your experiences with local middle-school students as we explore the Army Heritage Trail together. Lunch is included.
- Website.
 
WWII Memorial Tour: 
- The Carlisle Area Chamber (Cumberland County) is promoting a special trip to Europe in honor of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and Normandy. This is a great opportunity and a discount is offered to military personnel and retirees. This trip begins March 13, 2019. The informational meeting is on Sept. 24, 2018.
- POC: Bethany Shue at [email protected]
 
Sixth Annual Veterans Shark Tank: 
- Dec. 3, 2018, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
- Union League, 140 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- Point of contact: email Alex Archawski at [email protected]
- Are you a Veteran Entrepreneur interested in pitching your idea to the sharks? The winning pitch will receive a monetary prize of $25,000, business services and create a veteran network for life as they launch their new venture. Apply here. Make an impact through sponsorship. Why sponsor? It’s one of the best ways to gain visibility and make connections with the veteran community. Sponsorship opportunities.
 

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