SW PA

Ohiopyle State Park Events: 

- 2019 events include: Moonlight Snowshoe, Feb. 16, 2019; fly fishing weekend, May 17-19, 2019; Middle Yough Float, June 29, 2019; and Lower Yough Rafting, Aug. 10, 2019
- For more information or to register, please contact Barbara Wallace at 724-329-0986 or email [email protected] 
- Ohiopyle State Park offers special programming for veterans and active service military personnel. There is no fee for the programming.

State Farm Is Hiring – Seeking Veterans To Fill Two Positions: 

State Farm in Pleasant Hills (Allegheny County) is seeking two individuals as insurance and financial services professionals. These opportunities could be well-suited to disabled veterans as well. For any questions, email [email protected] or call 412-653-4300. Website.

 News 

DMVA Still Looking For 10 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 10 photos from three Pennsylvania counties. For information on how to submit a photo, Read more.

PA Air National Guard Announces 2019 Airmen Of The Year Awards: 

The Pennsylvania Air National Guard has selected its annual Airmen of the Year from a slate of awardees representing accomplished airmen from its wings in Coraopolis, Middletown and Horsham. Read more.

Veterans Outreach Vans Deliver Info Across State: 

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs 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. “The vans allow us to reach deep into any community in Pennsylvania to provide personal, one-on-one assistance to veterans so they can learn about and apply for the benefits they have earned thanks to their service,” said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. Read more.

 Around the State 

Interested In Farming Or Argriculture In PA? 

Are you a veteran or member of the military community interested in farming or agriculture in PA? The PA Veteran Farming Project provides connections to resources, apprenticeships and employment, and an informal network of currently farming veterans eager to share lessons-learned. If you have VA educational benefits ("GI Bill®” ), an on-farm apprenticeship may be an option to learn the business and craft of farming. Visit Website or email [email protected] for information. Services to eligible veterans and their spouses are provided at no cost.

Black History Month – Ephraim Slaughter Went From Slave To Soldier To Successful Businessman: 

Ephraim Slaughter was born into slavery in North Carolina in 1846. He was also Dauphin County’s last surviving Civil War veteran when he died in 1943 at age 97. In between those two events Slaughter managed to escape from slavery during the American Civil War in 1863 and joined the 37th United States Colored Troops under the alias “Ephraim Newsome.” Read more.

Channellock, Inc., Homes For Our Troops Attend SkillsUSA Service Day At Meadville Trade School: 

Channellock, Inc., participated in SkillsUSA Service Day at Crawford County Career and Technical Center in Meadville, PA. as the official lead sponsor of SkillsUSA Week. A veteran in the Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) program shared his story at the events. “We are excited to help students get involved and give back using their career and technical training,” said Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing at Channellock, Inc., and fifth generation family operator. Read more.

Clarion County Veterans Affairs Boss Wears Many Hats: 

Judy Zerbe, director and only employee at the Clarion County Veterans Affairs office, is waging a one-woman battle against homelessness, depression, suicide and illness. Read more.

House Passes Owlett Bill Requiring Better Care Of Veterans’ Graves: 

In an effort to better honor and show respect for all of the state’s fallen veterans, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga, Bradford, Potter counties) has co-sponsored legislation with Rep. Timothy O’Neal (R-Washington County) that would require better upkeep of the graves of Pennsylvania veterans across all of Pennsylvania. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives by unanimous vote. Read more.

Salvation Army Program Helps Struggling Veterans, Military Personnel: 

Union County veterans and active duty personnel who have been struggling through financial hardship now have a lifeline. Project Frontline, a new program launched by the Salvation Army, recognizes a gap in local resources for veterans. The program offers "a hand to those struggling to find their way after coming back home,” said Lt. Jennifer Burke, Corps Officer, the Salvation Army, Milton. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Albuquerque, NM Man Recalls Years Flying WWII Bombers: 

You can pile up a lot of memories in 97 years, but for Albuquerque’s Bill Norris, who reached that mark on Jan. 31, some of the most vivid go back 75 years. Read more.

Appeals Modernization Act Goes Into Effect In February: 

The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 is effective Feb. 19, 2019. Under the new law, any veteran who receives an initial U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claim decision after February 2019 can choose from three, easy-to-understand review choices. All three choices provide veterans with faster resolution of disagreements with VA decisions. Read more.

San Diego VA Study Testing A Compound Derived From Cannabis For PTSD: 

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System aim to see whether cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from cannabis plants, can help ease PTSD. The $1.3 million VA-funded study will enroll 136 veterans, from all service eras. Read more.

Scholarship Opportunities For Military/Veterans/Dependents: 

1. Navy League Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors who will attend college in the fall. Scholarships for the 2019-2020 school year are due by Feb. 15, 2019. Apply. 2. The Defense Commissary Agency offers $2,000 scholarships to unmarried dependent children of military, active duty, reserve or retired. Deadline Feb. 15, 2019. Apply. 3. Spouses of military members are eligible for The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship which is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance. 4. For further info call Military One Source at 800-342-9647. Information on other scholarships for military dependents can be found at: Website.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Launches Collaborative Training Initiative To Improve Customer Service For Veteran Claims And Appeals: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it recently launched a new customer service training initiative for employees to improve VA’s claims and appeals process. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Programs Believed To Help Reduce Wait Times: 

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows VA significantly reduced wait times for veteran patients in primary care and three specialty care services between 2014 and 2017. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affais (VA) To Provide Capability For Veterans To Access Their VA Health Data On Apple iPhones: 

VA will release new capabilities this summer providing veterans who receive care at VA with the ability to access their personal medical data using the health records on iPhone feature from Apple. Veterans will see an aggregated view of their allergies, conditions, immunizations, lab results, medications, procedures and vitals in the health app on their iPhone. 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]

Apply To Be The Chief Nursing Officer For The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA): 

You can drive results and support innovation in the delivery of nursing services to veterans by applying for the chief nursing officer position at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “We seek a leader ready to guide policy decisions and resolve the complex challenges involved in veterans’ nursing care at VA,” said Donna Collins.Read more.

Buckeye Aluminum Foundry Now Hiring Full Time Laborers: 

Great starting wages, opportunities for advancement, benefits and profit sharing. For more information call Hank White at 814-683-4420 between 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Website.

Department Of Corrections Is Looking For Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses: 

Work in the caring and treating of individuals with a mental or physical injury or illness and/or developmental disability or the care of individuals having difficulty meeting their daily living activities at a State Correctional Institution. Go to the Employment Website, select open Jobs, continue to Open Jobs, this will take you to the external job page. In the search box type "Registered Nurse" or "Licensed Practical Nurse," scroll down to Registered Nurse (online exam) or Licensed Practical Nurse (online exam) this will open a page with the job description, salary information and working hours. If you want to continue to apply click the apply button in the top right corner.

DMVA Is Hiring: 

Nurse Aide, Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse are just a few of the positions that DMVA is currently hiring for. The positions will be closing soon, so apply ASAP. We have employment opportunities in several counties throughout Pennsylvania! Visit the State Employment Website and click on open jobs and search for Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Governor Tom Wolf Announces Continued Growth Of Tech Sector Through Expansion Of Lucas Systems: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced that Lucas Systems, Inc., a developer of software focused on improving efficiency at distribution centers, will be expanding its operations and establishing a headquarters in Wexford (Allegheny County). The project is expected to create 55 family-sustaining jobs in the area. Read more.

Hertz Is Hiring: 

Hertz is hiring at the Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton airports. Apply to the position first and follow up by sending an email to Erica Schwarz at [email protected] to guarantee priority consideration. Apply.

Pennsylvania Fish And Boat Commission Is hiring 20 Waterways Conservation Officer Trainees: 

The announcement will remain open until Feb. 19, 2019 with a mandatory civil service test date prior to March 4, 2019. The job code is CS-20190077-60001. Apply. Any questions, call Colleen at 717-705-7826.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program Is Now Accepting Applications: 

The U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a veterans employment award that recognizes employers for their investments in recruiting, employing, and retaining our nation’s veterans. This award is an opportunity to highlight your organization’s work to support America’s veterans. Read more.

Waste Management Hiring CDL Truck Drivers And Diesel Mechanics (Washington County): 

- February hiring events on Feb. 13, 20 and 27, 2019, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Walk-ins welcome and make sure to bring a copy of your resume. Up to $7,000 in bonuses.
- Apply.

Waste Management Hiring Sr. Diesel Technicians In Ambridge (Beaver County): 

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: maintenance, inspection, diagnosis and repair of diesel/gas powered equipment/vehicles, valid driver's license and must have a clean driving record. $5,000 sign-on bonus with at least one year of waste experience. Apply.

Wolf Administration Launches Website With Career Resources For Every Worker: 

Governor Tom Wolf created PAsmart to help students and workers prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Now this important workforce development initiative has a website – PAsmart.gov. This new, one-stop website consolidates Pennsylvania’s education, training, and job search tools for people pursuing an education or career in the commonwealth.“We want to make it as easy as possible for Pennsylvanians at every stage of their education and career to access the resources they need to be successful,” Gov. Wolf said. 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.)

Grand Opening Of Veteran Nonprofit Agency: 

- Feb. 19, 2019, ceremony starts at noon and culminates with the 4 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony
- We Agape You, 355 Saylor St., Sch. Haven, PA (Schuylkill County)
- The agency will provide information to veterans on housing and employment services available to them as well as information on 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.

National Salute To Veteran Patients: 

- Feb. 13-15, 2019
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Butler Medical Center, 325 New Castle Rd., Butler, PA (Butler County)
- Point of contact: call Paula McCarl at 878-271-6957 for information on having a lunch date with a veteran or how to volunteer
- In honor of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, the Butler VA will hold its annual "Lunch Date with a Veteran" on Feb. 13; will host the Butler County Jr. ROTC on Feb. 14; and hold a lunch program for Adult Day Health Care on Feb. 15.

Cambria County Town Hall Meeting: 

- Feb. 22, 2019, 2-4 p.m.
- Patton Public Library, 444 Magee Ave., Patton, 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.

Welcoming Women Veterans – A Comcast Coffee Networking Social: 

- Feb. 26, 2019 8-10:30 a.m.
- Comcast Headquarters, Room 45KL, 1701 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- Comcast welcomes women members of the military community to a morning of networking and coffee. Comcast NBCUniversal will give women veterans the opportunity to network with Comcast corporate leaders from various business units. Military spouses are welcome to join.
- Register!

Veteran Town Hall: 

- Feb. 26, 2019, 6 p.m.
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, LVA Auditorium, 7th floor, 3900 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- For more information contact Jonathan Hodges, Interim Public Affairs Officer, 215-823-5916, or email him at [email protected] 
- Local leadership from all three administrations of the U.S. Deptartment of Veterans Affairs will provide an update, answer questions, and receive feedback from veterans. All veterans and their family members are welcome to attend.