DMVA News 

DMVA Active in 2018 Supporting Veterans, Commonwealth and Nation: 

In 2018, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) experienced a strong year fulfilling its dual mission of supporting nearly 800,000 Pennsylvania veterans and providing safety and security for our commonwealth and nation. Read more.

DMVA Still Looking For 11 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 Washington, D.C. is leading an initiative to locate a photo for every U.S. service member who died during Vietnam. Please help find the remaining 11 photos from three Pennsylvania counties. For information on how to submit a photo, visit: Read more.

DMVA Supports Winter Storm Harper Response: 

Nearly 600 members of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), including Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers and airmen, DMVA state employees, and department contractors responded to Winter Storm Harper recently. Read more.

Veterans Outreach Vans Deliver Information Across Pennsylvania: 

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is headquartered in Lebanon County, but its ability to reach the state’s nearly 800,000 veterans and their families extends to every county across the commonwealth thanks to its two Mobile Veterans Outreach Vans. Read more.

 Around the State 

Erie Women's Veterans Program Connects Through Art: 

A few years ago, Nadean Sitter noticed that the support group for women veterans she had helped start had taken a gloomy turn. “It became very down,” said Sitter, the Women Veterans Program manager for the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center. “There was a lot of disclosure, a lot of pain, a lot of angst.” Read more.

Thank You For Your Service: 

Vietnam War veterans Mike Balducci and Buzz Meachum, Afghanistan-Iraq War Army veteran Stacy Stancavage and others have become true “battle buddies,” volunteering to serve as mentors to military veterans who have violated the law and enter the Northumberland County Veterans Treatment Program. Read more.

Troop C Camp Cadet To Be Held July 28 To Aug. 2: 

The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop C, Camp Cadet Program will be held at Clarion University from July 28 through Aug. 2, 2019. The camp is for both boys and girls, 12-14-years-old from several counties, including Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean and Indiana. The campers will be at the University for the entire week. Read more.

Volunteers Needed To Drive Veterans To Lebanon VA Hospital: 

The Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs is looking for volunteers. It needs van drivers to help veterans get to and from appointments at the veterans hospital in Lebanon County five days a week. "I consider this little bit of what we do means so much to the vets," said Transportation Coordinator Pattie Moyer. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Aid Societies Step Up To Help Retirees, Reserve And Guard Affected By Shutdown: 

As some military retirees and National Guard and Reserve members who are federal employees go unpaid as the result of the partial government shutdown, military aid societies are helping to ease their financial burdens. Read more.

Application For Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund To Open: 

The Farmer Veteran Coalition has announced the application for the 2019 Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund will open on Feb. 1, 2019. The application will remain open for five weeks before closing on March 8, 2019. The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is a small grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. Read more.

Are You One Of These 133,000 Vets Who May Qualify For A Tax Refund Windfall? Don’t Wait To File Your Claim: 

If you’re one of the more than 133,000 veterans who received a notice last July that you might be eligible for refunds of federal taxes you paid on disability severance pay, take heed and do it before summer. Read more.

Civilian Life 101 – Here's What You Need To Know Before You Take Off That Uniform: 

When you arrive at a new duty station in the military, you know where to go for information on housing, health care and your child’s new school. Often, those resources are all under one roof, said Beth Kubala, a senior director at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. Read more.

Help The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Spread Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness: 

Remind veterans, their families and friends they can call the toll-free Veterans Crisis Line anytime at 1-800-273-8255, and press 1; or text 838255; or chat online at Veteran Crisis Line for confidential support and guidance. You can also direct veterans to visit the VA Website to check their eligibility for VA health care or call 412-360-6515 to check enrollment status. To arrange outreach events, contact the suicide prevention team from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at 412-360-6515. Follow VA on Facebook and Twitter and share/retweet content related to suicide prevention.

How To Quit Smoking: 

Contact your VA health care provider to learn about local smoking cessation clinics and group counseling sessions available. Call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) to receive counseling and assistance from a Quit VET counselor. Read more.

New Session Means More Turnover For House Veterans' Affairs Committee: 

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee will start its work this session with more than half of its members new to the panel, a significant turnover that veterans advocates have said leaves them with plenty of education work along with their lobbying goals. Read more.

VA Welcome Kit: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released an informative VA Welcome Kit guide. VA can support you and your loved ones in different ways throughout your life. Your VA Welcome Guide provides a broad overview of services VA can offer you. Welcome Kit.

VA, DAV To Co-Host National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic will take place March 31 to April 5, 2019, in Snowmass, CO. The annual clinic, hosted by the VA and Disabled American Veterans, serves as a world leader in adaptive winter sports instruction for injured veterans, and promotes sports therapy and rehabilitation through adaptive alpine and nordic skiing, rock climbing, sled hockey, scuba diving and other adaptive sports and activities. 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]

Bluescope Buildings Is Hiring: 

Bluescope Buildings is hiring and has openings in welding, paint, maintenance, shipping and machine Operators. Openings are for second and third shift. Interested candidates can complete an application during the period of Jan. 21 to Feb. 1, 2019, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at: Bluescope Buildings NA, 400 North Weaber St., Annville, PA (Lebanon County). You may also send your resume to [email protected].

PA Labor & Industry Seeks Veterans Employment Representative 1 (Closing Jan. 31, 2019): 

Would you like to assist veterans in Pennsylvania with finding a good job or promising career? As a veterans’ employment representative 1, you will serve as a disabled veterans’ outreach program specialist (DVOP) in a PA CareerLink career center. You will provide employment services to disabled veterans as well as veterans facing significant barriers to employment. Apply today at: Website.

PA Labor & Industry Seeks Veterans Employment Representative 2 (Closing Feb. 5, 2019): 

Would you like to assist Pennsylvania businesses with finding the best veteran candidates for their workforce? As a veterans' employment representative 2, you will serve as a local veterans' employment representative (LVER) in a PA CareerLink® career center. You will conduct outreach to employers and business associations and engage in advocacy efforts to increase employment opportunities for veterans. Apply today at: Website.

PepsiCo Employment Opportunities: 

PepsiCo would love the opportunity to hear more about you and how you can bring so much to the table drawing from your military experience. Search for opportunities across PA by visiting the PA CareerLink Website.

TRG Career Opportunities: 

The Rehancement Group (TRG) values the expertise and fresh perspective experienced professionals bring to our organization. TRG recruits experienced professionals across a wide range of roles, business areas, and regions. The global presence, variety of work assignments, and business strength help to make them a dynamic company.Website.

Waste Management Hiring Diesel Technicians In Camp Hill (Cumberland County): 

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- This position is eligible for sign-on bonuses up to $5,000!
- Apply.

Apply To Be A William Penn Fellow: 

Are you a graduate student or a recent graduate with an advanced degree? Apply for the 2019 William Penn Fellowship and help make state government better for Pennsylvanians. Applications for this two-year, paid fellowship close on Jan. 30, 2019. Details at: Website.

Waste Management Hiring Diesel Mechanics And CDL Drivers In Bristol, PA: 

- Jan. 31, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 1224 Hayes Blvd., Bristol, PA (Bucks County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- CDL drivers are eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus and diesel mechanics are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus.
- Apply.

Waste Management Hiring Diesel Mechanics And CDL Drivers In N. Huntingdon PA: 

- Jan. 31, 2019, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- WM N. Huntingdon Hauling, 310 Ledger Rd., North Huntingdon, PA (Westmoreland County)
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Bonuses of up to $7,000 are being offered!
- 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.)

Second Chance Expo: 

- Feb. 2, 2019, noon-4 p.m.
- Boys & Girls Club, 1227 Berryhill St., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- Register for this event at PA House Website or call the office at 717-772-3570.
- Career fair noon-4 p.m.; expungement seminar 1 p.m.; credit repair, 1:30 p.m.; driver license restoration seminar, 2 p.m.

Cambria County Veteran Services Town Hall Meeting: 

- Feb. 5, 2019, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Ebensburg Senior Center, 209 N. Julian St., Ebensburg, PA (Cambria County)
- Informing veterans and their families about the services Cambria County Veterans Services provides, possible benefits they are entitled to, and answering your questions.
- Facebook event.

12th Annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down: 

- Feb. 15-17, 2019
- Harrisburg Military Post, 1400 Calder St., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County). Monetary donations and gift cards can be mailed to Dave Gyger, 111 Cameron Ave., Hummelstown, PA 17036 (Dauphin County)
- Point of contact: call Dave Gyger at 717-991-1473 or email [email protected] 
- Open to all homeless and at risk veterans. Services being provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars and YWCA, include: employment assistance; claims filing; transportation advocacy; legal services; hygiene items and showers; haircuts; clothing; medical exams; prevention services; housing services; benefits enrollment, and more.

Grand Opening Of Veteran Nonprofit Agency: 

- Feb. 19, 2019, ceremony starts at noon and culminating in the 4 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony.
- We Agape You, 355 Saylor St., Sch. Haven, PA (Schuylkill County)
- We will be providing information to veterans on our housing and employment services available to them as well as information on our free transportation service to local VA hospitals.

Cambria County Veteran Services Town Hall Meeting: 

- Feb. 20, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m.
- Hastings Public Library, 312 Beaver St., Hastings, PA (Cambria County)
- Informing veterans and their families about the services Cambria County Veterans Services provides, possible benefits they are entitled to, and answering your questions.
- Facebook event.

Soldier's Heart Retreat: 

- April 11-14, 2019
- Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 N. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- For questions, please contact Jennifer Casale at [email protected] or 518-274-0501
- Soldier's Heart retreats provide veterans, service members, family members, professionals, and caring community members a place to learn and practice ways of providing a successful homecoming from war and military service.
- Application deadline Feb. 1, 2019. Click to Apply.