DMVA Digest
A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
October 10, 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 the staff, enjoy refreshments, participate in activities and experience the comradery of fellow veterans. Read more.

Four Chaplains Group Honors Humanitarians Including PA Adjutant General: 

On a night in February 1943, four military chaplains – George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling, John Washington – comforted terrified sailors as the torpedoed U.S.A.T. Dorchester sank into the frigid North Atlantic Ocean, even giving up their own life jackets so others could survive. Their sacrifices are remembered in modern times with the presenting of the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award, a national recognition given to humanitarians who make contributions to their communities. Read more.

DMVA Still Looking For 14 Photos Of Pennsylvania Veterans Who Paid Ultimate Sacrifice In Vietnam: 

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

DMVA Partners In Women Veterans Town Hall And Expo In Philadelphia: 

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. 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.

California University Of Pennsylvania Seeks Military Veterans For New Program: 

Thought you knew everything there was to know about the military? The folks at California University of Pennsylvania are betting there’s a lot more you could learn. The Washington County school has launched a new 12-credit certificate program “History of War, Service and the American Experience.” Cal U is accepting applications now for the program scheduled to begin in January. Read more.

Female Veteran Works To Turn Racism, Sexism Into Advocacy: 

A 20 year Army veteran and current Philadelphia Veterans Court Outreach Coordinator, Myra Fields-Rouse, saw first-hand the dark underbelly of the military. Fields-Rouse experienced racism, sexism and even sexual assault. Born and raised in a military home, Fields-Rouse had the tough emotional armor that helped her through those difficult times. Read more.

Group Brings Veterans Together For Whitewater Adventure: 

Enjoying life is just one of the things they went to war to preserve. On Friday, a group of veterans came together to seek adventure and savor the day as a unit by hitting the rapids of the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park (Fayette County). One of those veterans, Gail Schnell, who is a U.S. Army veteran from the Washington, D.C. area said she looked forward to the trip because getting together with other veterans is one of the things she really misses about the military. Read more.

Newtown Township (Bucks County) Seeks To Fill Opening On Veterans Committee: 

Are you a local resident with an interest in veteran's issues? Newtown Township is seeking to fill an opening on the Veterans Committee. The Veterans Committee is an advisory committee that communicates and coordinates with veterans and veterans organizations. It meets monthly on the fourth Thursday or the month at 7 p.m., except June and July. Read more.

WWII Veteran To Be Honored At Bridge Dedication: 

A decorated WWII combat veteran will be honored at a bridge dedication ceremony. State Representative Frank Burns will hold the ceremony to dedicate the Paul E. Sweeney Memorial Bridge, located along Overbridge and Railroad Streets in Lilly (Cambria County). Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Almost 800 Women Are Serving In Previously Closed Army Combat Jobs. This Is How They’re Faring: 

This January will make three years since the Army opened infantry, armor, fire support and special operator jobs to women for the first time. At last count, there were 783 women serving across five divisions and one independent brigade, the Army’s deputy chief of staff for personnel told Army Times in a recent interview. Read more.

Fort Bliss National Cemetery’s Caretaker Apprenticeship Program Offers Veterans A ‘Way Back’: 

Air Force veteran Curtis Jackson has lost his way a few times in the last 25 years, but knows his life is now firmly back on track. He attributes much of this to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and its Cemetery Caretaker Apprenticeship Program. Read more.

Long After They Died, Military Sees Surge In Identifications: 

Nearly 77 years after repeated torpedo strikes tore into the USS Oklahoma, killing hundreds of sailors and Marines, Carrie Brown leaned over the remains of a serviceman laid out on a table in her lab and was surprised the bones still smelled of burning oil from that horrific day at Pearl Harbor. Read more.

Marine Iraq Vet Among 20 Killed In New York Limo Crash: 

A Marine veteran who served in Iraq was killed on his 34th birthday Saturday when the limousine he was riding in sped through an intersection and into a parked car. He was one of 20 people killed in the horrific accident. Read more.

Prescription Refills For Veterans On The Road: 

Imagine you are on a vacation with your family with the sound of waves crashing and warm sun rays peeking through the palm trees around you. Then, an alarm goes off on your phone to remind you to take your medication and when you open the bottle, you realize your prescription is running low. Read more.

Second Lady – It’s ‘Imperative’ To Support Military Spouses: 

The Trump administration feels it’s “imperative” to support military spouses and children, second lady Karen Pence told an audience filled with Army spouses and leaders. “We know military life is not easy,” she said. Read more.

U.S. Greenlights More Than $54 Billion In Military Equipment To Foreign Governments: 

"We've had a 62 percent increase in foreign military sales, over $54 billion," said David Norquist, the Defense Department's comptroller. "I don't know if it's a record, but if it is, and it's close to that, that matters. It matters, not only because it helps our industrial base, ... it helps our economy," Norquist explained, adding that the foreign military sales forge closer relationships with key allies. 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 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.

Governor Wolf Announces Expansion Of Hydro, Creation Of 60 New Jobs In Schuylkill County: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced that Hydro, a global supplier of extruded aluminum serving the construction, transportation, infrastructure, and energy industries, will expand its Cressona manufacturing facility, a move that is expected to create 60 family-sustaining jobs in Schuylkill County where the expansion will take place. 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.

National Hiring Event – Bass Bro Shops And Cabela's: 

- National Hiring Event Oct. 18, 2018, during store operating hours.
- If you interested in earning extra cash this holiday season stop by a local Bass Pro Shop or Cabela's for an on-site interview during store operating hours. Walk-ins welcome.
- Apply in advance at Basspro Website. or Cabela's Website.

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.

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!

Full Time ROTC Contractor Position Available At Slippery Rock University (Butler County): 

- Point of contact: Mitchell Thomas at 270-351-8016 ext., 405 or email [email protected] 
- Help develop tomorrows leaders! Current military and veterans preferred.
- Website.

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.

 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 Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- Oct. 12, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Comfort Inn Conference Center, 699 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills, PA (Allegheny County)
- Breakfast is $12. Without breakfast is free. R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.SV.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.

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.

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 the 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.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- Oct. 17, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Christ Church at Grove Farm (in the ‘Event Barn’ to the right of the church), 249 Duff Rd., Sewickley, PA (Allegheny County)
- Breakfast is $12. Without breakfast is free. R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or email [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.

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.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- Oct. 23, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Rd., Bethel Park, PA (Allegheny 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.

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.
- Register.

Veterans Appreciation Pancake Breakfast: 

- Oct. 27, 2018, 9-11 a.m.
- Penn State Fayette, Eberly Campus, Auxiliary Gymnasium, 201 University Dr., Lemont Furnace, PA (Fayette County)
- Point of contact: Andrea Rabatin at 724-437-1105 or email [email protected] 
- All veterans of the 52nd district are invited to enjoy a free breakfast for themselves and a guest. In addition, information for veterans will be available from state and federal agencies.
- R.S.V.P. to Rep. Warner’s district office at 724-437-1105 by Oct. 19, 2018.

Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event: 

- Oct. 29, 2018, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- American Legion Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Ln., Butler, PA (Butler County)
- The American Legion Post 778 is kindly offering a free breakfast for the Oct. 29, 2018 event.
- R.S.V.P. to Lauren at 412-623-9029 or email [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.

Cambria County Veteran Services Town Hall Meeting: 

- Oct. 29, 2018, 3-5 p.m.
- Richland VFW, 651 Lamberd Ave., 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.

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.