DMVA Digest
A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
September 12, 2018

 DMVA News 

DMVA Still Looking For 19 Photos Of Pennsylvania Veterans Who Paid Ultimate Sacrifice: 

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 19 photos from four Pennsylvania counties. For information on how to submit a photo, visit: Read more.

DMVA's Six Veterans Homes Are Accepting Applications For Admissions: 

Pennsylvania has six veterans homes located throughout the state and they are accepting applications for admission. Call DMVA’s Bureau of Veterans Homes at 717-861-8906 or visit: Website.

Governor Tom Wolf Recognizes Pennsylvania National Guard Troops Headed to the Middle East: 

160 members of the PA National Guard's 28th Military Police Company were honored in a ceremony in Johnstown as they prepare to depart for a deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Read more.

 Around the State 

American Legion Riders – Bike Run To Benefit Fallen, Homeless Veterans: 

Each year, local bikers come together to honor fallen veterans and support the ones who still need their help. The 10th annual Benefit Bike Run, sponsored by the American Legion Riders Post 17, will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, from 9 a.m. to noon at the DuBois American Legion (Clearfield County), located at 315 Liberty Boulevard. Read more.

Rocky Bleier Updates Book ‘Fighting Back’ To Raise Money For Veterans Services: 

Most western Pennsylvanians know the story of Vietnam veteran Rocky Bleier. Forty percent disabled in battle, Bleier fought his way back to join the Steelers and win four Super Bowl rings. Bleier has just returned from a trip to Vietnam. “We were able to go back to where we got hit and where we had met the enemy and where I got wounded,” said Bleier. Read more.

Vandergrift Woman Honored By Food Bank For Helping Veterans: 

The 11th recipient of the Westmoreland County Food Bank’s Partner of the Year award is a military wife who has seen the needs of veterans first-hand. “I see the families struggling. They don’t make the income they need to make, so it is a very hard struggle,” said Donna Carr, family assistance service specialist for the Pennsylvania National Guard Family Assistance Center. Read more.

Governor Wolf Honors Flight 93 Passengers, Families At The 17th Annual September 11 Observance: 

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf delivered the following remarks as prepared at the 17th Annual September 11 Observance in Shanksville: Thank you all for being here as we remember those we lost 17 years ago today. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Arlington Cemetery Opens New Section With Civil War Burials: 

Arlington National Cemetery returned to its roots as a resting place for the Civil War dead with a burial of two unknown Union soldiers. The burials marked the dedication of an $87 million expansion of the cemetery that officials hope will extend the cemetery's life by up to 10 years. Read more.

Connect With U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Mental Health Care Resources: 

Are you going through a difficult time or looking for ways to support a veteran in crisis? VA offers a range of mental health care services to empower veterans to live full and meaningful lives. Join representatives from VA and Veterans of Foreign Wars for a Facebook Live event on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. as they discuss the challenges veterans face, how to recognize the need for care and where to go when you or someone you know needs help. Read more.

Prostate Cancer Options For Veterans – For One Doctor, It’s Personal: 

While at Northwestern Medical School, Dr. Stacy Loeb learned that her grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His struggle with the illness inspired her to take on the professional challenge of becoming a clinician and researcher in the field of urology. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Expands Vocational Rehabilitation And Employment Program To Improve Service To Veterans: 

The 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. 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.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Uses Recreation And The Creative Arts To Heal: 

Every day throughout the VA network more than 900 recreation therapists and creative arts therapists work with veterans to build confidence and self-esteem. By focusing on their strengths and developing new skills, veterans are able to diminish the focus on their disability and even overcome issues inhibiting rehabilitation. And that is just the beginning. Recreation and the creative arts offer a holistic approach to medical and mental health. Read more.

Vets Walk Across U.S. To Draw Attention To Mental Health Fight: 

Six American and British veterans who walked across the U.S. to raise awareness about mental health problems related to combat service finished their trip in New York City, where they were met by former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill. 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]

Waste Management Hiring Diesel Mechanic Assistant, Diesel Mechanic And Sr. Diesel Mechanic In Ambridge, PA: 

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: Experience working on inspection, diagnosis and repair of diesel gas powered equipment or vehicles, and a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus up to $5,000.
- Apply.

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, and 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.

Governor Tom Wolf Announces Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company To Expand Headquarters In Philadelphia, Creating More Than 100 New Jobs: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced that Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (RSL), an insurance carrier specializing in group employee benefits and fixed annuities, will expand its Philadelphia headquarters and relocate it into a larger facility in the city. The expansion will create 127 well-paying jobs in the next three years. Read more.

Sweet Home Primary Care Is Hiring: 

- Sept. 18, 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
- Sweet Home Primary Care is hiring CNA's, home health aides (full-time & part-time) and per diem LPN's. If you are responsible and reliable and have 6-12 months experience as a compassionate caregiver, then Sweet Home Primary Care would love to hear from you!
- Website.

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.

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.

 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.)

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall: 

- Sept. 13-17, 2018
- Coudersport Area Recreation Park, Coudersport, PA (Potter County)
- Any questions contact: county commissioners office at 814-274-8290, ext. 207 or email [email protected] 
- "The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for over 30 years.
- Website.

Lebanon VA Medical Center Information And Enrollment Fair: 

- Sept. 15, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Bldg. 17, Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Any questions call 717-272-6621, ext. 4298
- Lebanon VA Medical Center is hosting an information and enrollment fair. Various representatives from the hospital, Veterans Benefits Administration and National Cemetery Administration will be there to provide veterans and their loved ones with information, answers to questions and help in enrolling veterans in VA Health Care. Veterans seeking to enroll should bring a copy of their DD214, their 2017 tax return and a list of their medical expenses.

Housing Summit: 

- Sept. 19, 2018, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Holiday Inn, 604 Station Rd., Grantville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Dawn Edwards at 570-371-7540 or email [email protected] 
- Join us for Pennsylvania’s only statewide event dedicated to increasing housing options for people with disabilities and older adults.

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 at 717-258-1102 or email [email protected] 
- Veterans of all services are invited. Share your experiences with local middle-school students and explore the Army Heritage Trail together. Lunch is included.
- Website.

POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony: 

- Sept. 21, 2018, 1 p.m.
- Erie VA Medical Center, 2nd Floor Conference Rooms, Erie, PA (Erie County)
- Former POWs in the Erie and surrounding areas are encouraged to contact Kevin Tessner, Erie VA’s POW Coordinator at 814-860-2038.
- Erie VA invites former prisoners of war, their families, friends, and members of the community to attend the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony. Each year during the ceremony, local former POW's are given time to share their stories and experience in captivity. This year’s ceremony will also include a special missing man ceremony in remembrance of those who never returned.

Military Family Fishing Program: 

- Sept. 22, 2018, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sept. 23, 2018, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Bellefonte Hathchery Ponds, 1115 Spring Creek Rd., Bellefonte PA (Centre County)
- For more information and to register contact Amidea Daniel at 814-359-5127 or email [email protected] 
- PFBC will provide the bait and fishing equipment. The fishing license requirement is waived for those 16 and older, during the hours of the event. The event is for youth, adults and/or families interested in learning more about fishing. A light lunch will be provided by Spring Creek Trout Unlimited Veteran Service Program.
- Saturday registration. 
- Sunday registration.

Wounded Warrior Skate Night: 

- Sept. 23, 2018, 7-8 p.m.
- Twin Ponds East, 3904 Corey Rd., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County).
- Point of contact: John Jones at 717-713-7633 or email [email protected].
- Players Using Competition Helping Others Grow, Inc. (PUCHOG) is a non-profit organization run by vets who play hockey. There is never a cost for wounded vets.
- For more information visit Facebook page or 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. 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]

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- Sept. 25, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Rd., Bethel Park, PA (Allegheny County)
- R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [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.