A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
September 19, 2018
DMVA News
Wolf Administration Acknowledges Veterans' Trust Fund Grant Recipients For Improving The Lives Of Pennsylvania's Veterans And Their Families:
Wolf Administration officials with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs attended an event in Bedford to personally thank Veterans’ Trust Fund grant recipients for their work in support of the commonwealth’s nearly 820,000 veterans. The event was hosted by the Bedford County Office of Veterans Affairs, one of the honorees. Read more.
DMVA Adjutant General To Participate In Cabinet In Your Community Event:
Governor Tom Wolf officials from Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and Pennsylvania Department of Corrections will gather at Lebanon Valley College to talk about issues that are important to you and your region at the Cabinet in Your Community event on Oct. 3, 2018. Don't forget to R.S.V.P. by Sept. 29, 2018. Facebook post.
PA National Guard Members Move To Charleston:
Pennsylvania National Guard members currently staged in South Carolina for Hurricane Florence moved to Joint Base Charleston from McEntire Joint National Guard Base. "Being here in Charleston puts us in a more advantageous position to help people affected by the storm," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mike Smith. Read more.
Benefits Of Joining The PA Air National Guard:
The Pennsylvania Air National Guard joined ABC 27 Good Day PA to talk about joining the Air National Guard. Learn about the benefits of serving your country and your community while learning new skills and starting a new adventure in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Watch.
Around the State
PA Woman Knitted For War Effort Until There Was No Longer A Need – Snapshots Of Heroes:
During World War II, Ruth McDaniel Davis of Beaver County used her spare time and skill in knitting socks, scarfs, sweaters and mittens for servicemen overseas with materials donated by the Red Cross. She knitted from 1941 until the end of the war in 1945 when she promptly placed needles, olive drab yarn, instructions and a current project in her knitting bag and forgot about it for over half a century. Read more.
Veterans Helping Veterans On Motorcycles:
“When you leave the military, you kind of feel like you lose your team,” says Richie "Two Chairs" Neider, an Army veteran from Phoenix who was injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom when an IED caused a spinal cord injury confining him to a wheelchair. Read more.
Across the Nation
Attending To The Hearts And Souls Of Families – A Veteran’s View From Inside The Pentagon:
The walls and floor tremored like an earthquake. The heat wave roared down as fire and thick smoke consumed the corridor where, just minutes before, I had left the Navy’s newly renovated operations center. On Sept. 11, 2001, at 9:40 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, in an attack on the heart of our nation’s military command that shattered lives, broke spirits and devastated families in its wake. Read more.
Guest Editorial – Honor 9/11 Victims And Veterans:
Seventeen years ago, the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93 that went down in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, brought our country together — first in shock and disbelief, and soon after in grief, and then with a common purpose. Read more.
Recruiting Wheel Mobility/Assistive Device Users For Voice Of Consumer Project:
The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is actively recruiting wheel mobility/assistive device users for their Voice of the Consumer project, a survey to ensure members of the disability community have a direct voice concerning their perceived needs and desires for future mobility technology. They are looking to nationally survey 1,000 people, especially veterans. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about the study, please contact the programs clinical coordinators at 412-822-3700. Access the questionaire.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Implements New Fiduciary Regulations:
The VA recently updated regulations related to how it governs the oversight of beneficiaries, who, because of injury, disease, or age, are unable to manage their VA benefits, and the appointment and oversight of fiduciaries for these vulnerable beneficiaries. Managed by VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration, the new regulations, which took effect in August, update and reorganize fiduciary rules consistent with current law and VA policies, and clarify the rights of beneficiaries and the roles of VA and fiduciaries in the program. Read more.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Marks Suicide Prevention Month In September With ‘Be There’ Campaign:
To mark Suicide Prevention Month this September, VA is shining a light on effective ways to prevent veteran suicide with its Be There campaign. The campaign highlights the risk factors and warning signs for suicide, provides information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, and helps individuals and organizations start the conversation around veteran mental health in their communities. 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 Wolf Announces Additional Apprenticeship Opportunities For Careers In Plumbing, HVAC, And Weatherization In Greater Philadelphia Area:
Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of new funding to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the city of Philadelphia and Delaware County. The two grants, approved for the Pennsylvania Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors and the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia, underscore the governor’s commitment to increasing job training opportunities for Pennsylvanians through apprenticeships. Read more.
President Signs Bill Into Law Requiring U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) To Hire 50 Outreach Specialists To Support Veterans Involved In Justice System:
The VA announced that it is ready to hire an additional 50 veterans justice outreach specialists following President Trump’s signing of the Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018, a new law shoring up support services to veterans impacted by the justice system. Read more.
Student Aide, Substitute Student Aide And Other Positions:
With a mission of service to school students, ESS|Mission One provides temporary and permanent support personnel to school districts. Similar to military service, on-going training is provided to employees to enhance and develop permanent career positions. Substitute positions also include benefits and flexible scheduling. You have completed many missions during military service, and you can continue to help others at ESS|Mission One. Search job posting #12405028 or #12405023, or “ESS Source4Teachers” for openings across the state at Website.
Waste Management Hiring Commercial Front Loader In Argyl, PA (Northapmton County):
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: One year experience operating a vehicle requiring a CDL or equivalent military driving within the last seven years. Must be at least 21 years of age with a class A or B commercial drivers license with air-brake endorsement.
- Apply.
Waste Management Hiring Diesel Mechanic Assistant, Diesel Mechanic And Sr. Diesel Mechanic In Ambridge, PA (Beaver County):
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: Experience working on inspection, diagnosis and repair of diesel and 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.
Startup Weekend Central PA:
- Oct. 26-28, 2018, event begins on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. and ends on Oct. 28 in the evening
- The Candy Factory, 342 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA (Lancaster County)
- Point of contact: Chris Doscher at 703-303-8967 or email [email protected]
- Startup Weekend invites veterans and service members who are considering entrepreneurship. Startup Weekend is operated by Techstars and partners with Google for Entrepreneurs. It is a unique event in which participants take businesses from idea to viability in 54 hours.
- Read more.
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.)
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.
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.
DMVA Adjutant General To Participate In Cabinet In Your Community Event:
- Oct. 3, 2018, 1:30 p.m.
- Lebanon Valley College, Blair Music Center, Lutz Recital Hall, 101 N. College Ave., Annville PA (Lebanon County)
- Join the discussion with members of Governor Wolf's Cabinet to talk about issues that are important to you and your region.
- R.S.V.P. to [email protected] or call 570-614-2090 by Sept. 29th
Pottstown Community Day:
- Sept. 29, 2018, 11 a.m.
- 75 W. King St., Pottstown, PA (Montgomery County)
- Point of contact: Michael Murphy at 610-587-6556 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
- A free public event honoring veterans and their service. Honoring three Vietnam veterans with the Glass Tear Hero award with full military salute. The honorees will be escorted by the police department and a military vehicle escort into Veterans Island. The complete ceremony will be at the Vietnam Memorial gazebo. The escort starts at American Legion Post 626, Birdsboro at 9:30 a.m.
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:
- Oct. 3, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Seven Oaks Country Club, 132 Lisbon Rd., Beaver, PA (Beaver County).
- Breakfast is $12. Without breakfast is free. R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected].
- 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.
Folds Of Honor – Southmoore Patriot Golf Day Tournament:
- Oct. 7, 2018, 12:30 p.m. Pre-Golf Clinic, 1 p.m. shotgun start
- 235 Moorestown Dr., Bath, PA (Northampton County)
- Point of contact: Beth Simmons at 610-442-5718
- Golf and lunch reception costs $75 per person and $300 per team. Foursomes will tee off in support of families of our nation’s injured and fallen veterans. 80-90 percent of all proceeds at the tournament go directly toward our higher education and children’s fund scholarships. Method of payment: check or Money Order payable to Folds of Honor E. PA-NJ Chapter, and sent to P.O. Box 276, Center Valley, PA 18034.
Veteran Participation Needed For Veterans Week Parade:
The Veterans Week Committee is looking for veterans who have received the Purple Heart medal and who would like to participate as a Grand Marshal in the annual Coatesville VAMC Veterans Parade, which is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. This year’s special tribute recognizes the Centennial of the ending of World War I. Our goal during this tribute is to Honor our Purple Heart recipients. If you would like to participate or to nominate a veteran as a Grand Marshal, please contact Patricia Ohar at 610-384-7711, ext. 4690 by Oct. 12, 2018.