A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
October 3, 2018

 DMVA News 

DMVA To Host Open House At Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home In Blair County: 

You served us, now let us serve you! You're invited to an open house at Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. Take a tour, meet our staff, enjoy refreshments, participate in activities and experience the comradery of fellow veterans. Read more.

Servicemembers Leaving The Military Should Register With DMVA, Apply For Federal Benefits And Safeguard Their Paperwork: 

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) appreciates the sacrifices made by all veterans and wants to see that everyone leaving the military receives every benefit they earned with their service to America. “To best prepare yourself and your family for the future, it is important to register with the DMVA, apply for federal health care benefits and safeguard important military paperwork,” said Maj. Gen. (ret.) Eric Weller, DMVA’s deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs. Read more.

DMVA Partners In Women Veterans Town Hall And Expo: 

The Women Veterans Committee of the Governor Tom Wolf Advisory Council for Veterans Services (GAC-VS) invites ALL veterans and community supporters to attend a FREE and engaging Women Veterans Town Hall and Expo from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday Oct. 27, 2018. Come voice your thoughts, concerns, and have your questions answered by a wide network of experts from a number of organizations. The Event is hosted in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Women Veterans Committee of the GAC-VS, the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC, and the Veterans Multi-Service Center. Join us and let your voice be heard. Regiser today.

Now Accepting Veterans Day Event Submissions: 

In recognition of Veterans Day on Sunday, Nov. 11, the Pennsylvania Department of Military Veterans Affairs is compiling a list of Veterans Day events around the state. Community organizers statewide are encouraged to submit event information to DMVA by Nov. 1, 2018, to be included in our weekly DMVA Digest. 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 

A Helping Hand For Heroes: 

The MilitaryShare program helps veterans, military retirees and some active-duty personnel who are struggling to make ends meet with boxes of food to get them through the month. Mercer County is one of the most need-filled counties in the state, said Corrie Wadel, a family assistance coordinator for the Pennsylvania National Guard. There are a lot of veterans and retirees in this area, she said, and none of them want to ask for assistance. Read more.

A Veteran Had A Yard Sale To Pay For His Own Funeral – Two Men Helped Him Raise $58,000: 

When two men visited a yard sale in Johnstown (Cambria County) last month, they browsed under the shelter of a blue tarp through the typical wares: dishes and vases, books and DVDs, old paintings and used clothes. They also spent time talking with the man selling the items, Willie Davis, a Navy veteran who explained that he was trying to raise money for a funeral. Read more.

March For The Fallen Honors Service Members At Fort Indiantown Gap: 

For the seventh year, the annual March for the Fallen, honoring service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation, drew participants from around the country to Fort Indiantown Gap (Lebanon County). Participants took part in one of several events. Read more.

Old Glory Crosses Western Pennsylvania En Route From Boston To San Diego: 

The Old Glory Relay made its way through about 70 miles of Somerset, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties Thursday, finishing at Heinz Field on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. The flag passed through Greensburg and Pittsburgh’s South Side as part of a nationwide event that started on Sept. 11 in Boston. The 62-day, 4,300-mile relay will visit 24 states before ending in San Diego on Veterans Day. Read more.

Secretary of State – Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 9, 2018: 

Acting Secretary of State Robert Torres reminded Pennsylvanians they have one week left to register to vote in the Nov. 6, 2018 election. He encouraged citizens to take advantage of quick and convenient online voter registration (OVR). Read more.

Vietnam Veterans Receive Recognition In Pottstown (Montgomery County): 

Nearly 100 veterans and their family and friends gathered in Pottstown Memorial Park to thank Vietnam War veterans from the Tri-County area for their service. "We are here to honor the Vietnam veterans and welcome them home again," said Michael Murphy of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, who organized the third-annual Pottstown Veterans' Community Day. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Honor Flight Twin Cities Founders Find Healing In Helping War Veterans: 

Jana Kyser paced back and forth at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport's Terminal 2, greeting friends, passing out flags, directing servicemen to their posts and striking up a bagpipe band. This was Honor Flight Twin Cities' 20th homecoming event, welcoming 78 World War II and Korean War veterans back from a day of touring monuments in Washington, D.C. Read more.

Military Seeks Volunteers For A Study That Could Help Grieving Families: 

Military researchers have put out a call for surviving military family members to participate in a study that tests whether two programs can help this unique community better manage their grief. The study is open to those who are at least 18, and suffered the loss of a service member who died while serving in the military or as a result of their military service on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Read more.

Secretary Of U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie State Of VA Community Town Hall: 

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie hosted his first State of VA Community Town Hall. The secretary and eight guest panelists highlighted the direction of VA since his appointment. Watch.

Top Five Tips On How Women Veterans Can Persevere From The Military To The Workforce: 

According to Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for women veterans continues to drop. Evidently, more women veterans are entering and persevering in the workforce. Programs geared towards post-911 female veterans have been instrumental in helping them transition into new jobs and stay off the streets. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Tours Veterans Clinics Hit By Hurricane Florence: 

The Fayetteville, N.C. region might need weeks to fully recover from last month's Hurricane Florence. The storm, which dumped dozens of inches of rain on southeastern North Carolina, caused clinics to close, canceled appointments and ravaged the homes of untold numbers of veterans from Fayetteville to the coast. 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]

Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) Is Currenty Accepting Resumes: 

- The Navy Yard, 5001 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- Candidates looking for employment with NSWCPD should submit their resume to: [email protected].
- NSWCPD is accepting resumes for: engineers; chemists; physicists; mathematicians; cybersecurity specialists; contract specialists; technicians; business majors; finance specialists; security specialists; electricians; and marine machinery mechanics.
- NSWCPD Facebook page.

Veterans Resource Fair And Job Expo: 

- Oct. 24, 2018, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Brookville, PA (Jefferson County)
- Free and open to the public. First hour admittance reserved for veterans only. Veterans, active duty military personnel and family members are invited to connect with various local agencies, groups and organizations that provide military and veterans services. Support services represented: VA Medical (Free flu shots available to all veterans); veteran benefits; education; counseling; housing assistance; veterans employment opportunities (Over 20 Employers Expected); no pre-registration required. Bring ID (state or military) and resumes.

Waste Management Hiring Commercial Front Loader And Rolloff Driver In Coal Township (Northumberland County): 

- Competitive salaries, great benefits and a sign-on bonuses of up to $3,000 are available.
- For more information call 877-220-5627
- Requirements: one year experience operating a vehicle that requires a commercial drivers license or equivalent military driving within the last seven years. Must be 21 years of age or older and hold a class A or B CDL with air-brake endorsement.
- Apply.

Veterans Career And Resource Expo: 

- Oct. 24, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 1514 PA-28, Brookville, PA (Jefferson County)
- Point of contact: Rhonda Dressler at 814-371-7340 or email [email protected] 
- No fees and no pre-registration!

Governor Wolf Announces Airgas To Expand Presence In Pennsylvania, Creating 30 New Bucks County Jobs: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced that Airgas USA, LLC (Airgas), a supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding equipment and supplies, and safety products will expand its presence in Plumsteadville, Bucks County, creating 30 new Pennsylvania jobs. Read more.

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. all interested candidates can apply by visiting employment.pa.gov. and clicking on "Open Jobs" and selecting the PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program 2018-2019 job posting. To learn more about the specific job opportunities, visit Read more.

The PA Farm Show Complex And Expo Center Is Now Hiring: 

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture seeks candidates for temporary security officer and laborer positions at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center (Dauphin County). Interested individuals must apply online through the Website to Farm Show Security Officer 1 OR Farm Show Laborer Employment.

 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.)

DMVA To Host Open House At Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home In Blair County: 

- Oct. 16, 2018, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home, 138 Veterans Blvd., Duncansville, PA 16635
- Point of contact: Kim Vandevander at 814-696-5352 or email [email protected] 
- Rooms available now! Take a tour, meet our staff, enjoy refreshments, participate in activities and experience the comradery of fellow veterans. Providing personal and skilled nursing care in a safe, secure and caring environment.
- Read more.

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.

Cambria County Veteran Services Town Hall Meeting – Ashville, PA: 

- Oct. 12, 2018, 6-8 p.m.
- Ashville VFW, 158 West Main St., Ashville, PA (Cambria County)
- Any questions call 814-472-1590
- The Town Hall meeting aims to inform veterans and their families about the services and benefits available to them, and answering their questions.

Boots To Business Reboot: 

- Oct. 18, 2018, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- University of Pittsburgh SBDC, 3520 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Point of Contact: Michael Wholihan and Charles McCaffrey at 412-624-1368; 703-768-1440 Ext. 110 or email [email protected] or [email protected] 
- Boots to Business Reboot is a two-step training program that provides participants an overview of business ownership as a career vocation, an outline and knowledge of the components of a business plan, a practical exercise in opportunity recognition, and an introduction to available public and private sector resources. Existing business owners are welcome to attend!
- Register.

Cambria County Veteran Services Town Hall Meeting – Johnstown, PA: 

- Oct. 22, 2018, 5:30-7 p.m.
- Cambria County Library, 248 Main St., Johnstown, PA (Cambria County)
- Any questions call 814-472-1590
- The Town Hall meeting aims to inform veterans and their families about the services and benefits available to them, and answering their questions.

Military Discharge Upgrades: 

- Oct. 23, 2018, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- VA Butler Healthcare Center, 353 N. Duffy Rd., Butler, PA (Butler County)
- Make an appointment today by calling 202-733-3324 or email [email protected] 
- Meet with a lawyer for free. Free representation for veterans with other than honorable discharge related to PTSD, traumatic brain injury or similar mental health conditions.

Cambria County Veteran Services Town Hall Meeting – Cresson, PA: 

- Oct. 23, 2018, 2-4 p.m.
- Cresson American Legion, 222 Ashcroft Ave., Cresson, PA (Cambria County)
- Any questions call 814-472-1590
- The Town Hall meeting aims to inform veterans and their families about the services and benefits available to them, and answering their questions.

Women Veterans Town Hall And Expo: 

- Oct. 27, 2018, 9 a.m.-noon
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- The Women Veterans Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Veterans' Services invites ALL veterans and community supporters to attend a FREE and engaging Women Veterans Town Hall & Expo! All are welcome to participate in briefings and information sharing about available resources for military women. Women veterans: this Expo is for YOU! Come voice your comments, concerns, and have your questions answered by a wide network of care providers. We're shining light on the experience of Military Women and highlighting their strength.
- Register.

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.

2018 Veterans Breakfasts, Two Events Honoring Service Members: 

- The first breakfast will take place on Nov. 8, 2018, 10 a.m.-noon, Second breakfast, Nov. 9, 2018, 8-10 a.m.
- Lower Swatara Fire Department, 1350 Fulling Mill Rd., Middletown, PA (Dauphin County)
- Reservations for these events are required and can be made by contacting State Rep. Tom Mehaffie's office at 717-534-1323, by Oct. 29, 2018.
- In honor of servicemen and servicewomen of the 106th District, State Rep. Tom Mehaffie will host two veterans breakfasts. The first event is for veterans residing in continuing care communities and personal care homes only. The second event is open to all other veterans residing in the 106th District.

Stay Connected with the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs:
On the Web
Like us on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter 
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
View our Flickr photos
Email us at DMVA Veterans Affairs - Email Contacts

Click here to Unsubscribe 

 PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Bldg. 0-47 Fort Indiantown Gap, An