Local News
Ceremony To Honor Local Vietnam Veterans:
Local Vietnam veterans will have the opportunity to be honored as the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War approaches. In a collaboration between Congressman Conor Lamb, who represents Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, and the Vietnam War 50th Commemoration, a program developed by the Department of Defense, officials are searching for veterans who would want to participate in a local pinning ceremony. Read more.
Kiski Township’s Staff Sgt. Booker To Receive Second-Highest Military Honor For 2003 Battle:
Sixteen years to the day after he died defending fellow soldiers in Iraq, Army Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker will posthumously be presented the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest military award for bravery. Read more.
DMVA News
Governor Wolf Introduces PA GI Bill, First Education Program To Support PA National Guard Member Families:
Governor Tom Wolf outlined the benefits of his proposed PA GI Bill that enables members of the Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) to earn college benefits for their spouse and children. The PA GI Bill, or Military Family Education Program, would be the first program of its kind in the nation. The governor was joined by Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), along with legislators, military members and their families. Read more.
PA Guard Introduces Two New State Awards:
The Pennsylvania National Guard has introduced two new state awards that may now be awarded to Pennsylvania National Guard members and other qualifying individuals. The Pennsylvania Achievement Medal and the Pennsylvania Veterans Service Award join an array of 16 other Pennsylvania state-specific awards, bringing the new total to 18. Read more.
Senator Yaw Applauds Veterans Trust Fund Grants In Bradford, Susquehanna Counties:
Two local veterans’ organizations will receive funding through the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF), according to state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23). The VTF funding, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), is made possible by generous Pennsylvanians. Read more.
Around the State
Academy Programs Eligible For U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits:
The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology has received the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s stamp of approval to allow veterans to use their VA education benefits at the school. “We’re grateful to the staff from the PA Department of Education for their assistance through the application process and for providing these resources for our students,” said Mike McMonigal, supervisor of adult and post-secondary education at the academy. Read more.
Researchers Examine Why Health And Social Services Go Unused By New Veterans:
Returning to civilian life can be challenging for veterans. While there are many programs and services aimed at helping them readjust, some veterans do not take advantage of these supportive resources. A Penn State-led research team examined factors that are associated with program non-use among veterans who recently left active duty service. Read more.
Wounded Warrior Patrol Supports Recovery And Family Bonding at Seven Springs:
The Vangels of Fairfax, VA, are among 14 families enjoying an all-expenses-paid vacation at Seven Springs Resort through the Wounded Warrior Patrol. Ryan and Mary Vangel arrived at the resort with their daughter, Isabelle, for days filled with skiing and snowboarding, as well as indoor activities that include swimming and the arcade. “It’s so much fun,’’ said Mary. “He’s on the sit ski with the professionals, and I take my own classes for snowboarding and Isabelle is taking her own classes.’’ Read more.
Across the Nation
#ExploreVA Event – Navigate The New VA.gov:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has completely overhauled VA.gov, a new design with the features and functions that veterans want. The site provides a modern digital experience with straightforward language and easy-to-use navigation. Users now have all their VA needs in one location. Learn more about the improved VA.gov during the #ExploreVA Facebook Live event on March 12 at 1 p.m. Representatives will answer questions and provide resources in the comments section following the video. Read more.
Getting Ready For Deployment – Register For A My HealtheVet Premium Account:
Did you know that Reservists and current active duty service members can access the full benefits of My HealtheVet by registering for a My HealtheVet Premium account? Thousands of veterans, reservists, and current active duty service members are using My HealtheVet's tools to manage their health care and wellness. Online access to health records and lab results are useful during mobilization for medical, dental, and audiology testing. Read more.
PTSD Medications And Psychotherapy Options:
When you have PTSD, it might feel like you'll never get your life back, but it can be treated. Short and long term psychotherapy and medications can work very well, with many good options available to you. Although medications do not work as well as trauma-focused psychotherapies, they are a very effective way to treat PTSD. Read more.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center For Women Veterans Kicks Off Women's History Month:
The VA will celebrate Women’s History Month in March with a kickoff event on March 6, at the Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial in Arlington, VA. The event will feature 15 women veterans representing all branches of military service in a 2019 campaign titled “Trailblazers: Women Breaking Barriers,” celebrating the contributions of women veterans. 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]
Department Of Labor And Industry Hiring Veterans Employment Representatives 1 And 2:
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. Working as a DVOP, you can take pride in helping fellow veterans find and keep meaningful employment, and you can make a significant and positive difference in the lives of veterans in your community. Apply now!
Driver License Examiner Assistant (Exam):
Do you have an enthusiastic approach to customer service? Are you looking for an entry-level job that can lead to a satisfying career? There are hundreds of PennDot Driver License Center positions located throughout Pennsylvania. Apply!
Operation Boots To Business:
- March 27-28, 2019, 8:30 a.m.
- Building 842 Sumner Rd., SFL-TAP Media Center, Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County), left hand side of the Commissary end of the sidewalk.
- Point of contact: Army Community Service Transition Assistance Program at 717-245-3684 or 717-962-5342; to register please call 717-245-3684 or 717-961-2060
- You must be a transitioning service member, military spouses, or veteran who is interested in starting a business. There are 50 seats for those who are interested participating in the workshop. You will learn if starting a business is right for you, if your business idea is feasible and much more.
Pennsylvania Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Is Hiring:
Veterans services officer, installation police officer, pharmacist, nurse aide, licensed practical nurse and registered nurse are just a some of the positions that DMVA is currently hiring for. We have employment opportunities in several counties throughout Pennsylvania! Visit the state employment website.
School District Of Philadelphia Recruiting Teachers And School Counselors:
Apply to be a teacher or school counselor. Serving a richly diverse population – creativity, innovation, and an intrinsic desire to improve the academic outcomes for all students are at the heart of the Philadelphia School District's approach to education. Its student body comes from a vast range of cultural, socioeconomic, and family backgrounds. Apply.
Student Veterans Career Conference:
- March 27, 2019, 1-7 p.m.
- Villanova University, Connelly Center, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA (Montgomery and Delaware counties)
- Point of contact: email Mike Brown at [email protected]
- The goal of this conference is to bring together students, recent graduates, and leaders in the veteran space to discuss veteran employment, career transition, and offer up networking opportunities. Tangible tools for attendees, provided. This event is sponsored by Villanova University, and The Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network. Event is FREE!
- Register.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) To Launch New Program Aimed At Getting Vets information Technology (IT) Jobs:
VA is planning the April launch of a new program aimed at placing vets in high-paying IT jobs, with the department picking up the full tab for training and fees once the vet actually gets employment. The Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program will work through what the VA is calling an "incentivized payment structure" to encourage the veteran to stay with the program to completion. Read more.
Veterans’ Expo & Job Fair – York:
- March 26, 2019, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd., York, PA (York County)
- Any questions please call 717-285-1350.
- The Veterans’ Expo connects active and retired military members of all ages and their families with the benefits and resources available to them. Covering everything from home improvement, legal services, finance, retirement living and insurance. The Job Fair will also provide an opportunity for veterans and employers to meet face-to-face to discuss available positions. Workshops and seminars will be offered on relevant topics.
- Website.
Youth Development Aide (Online Exam):
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is seeking dedicated and attentive individuals to make a difference in the lives of court-adjudicated youth. This position involves a willingness to work with a diverse population, along with a driving desire to make a difference in the lives of youth. 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.)
2019 Women Veteran Trailblazers:
- March 6, 2019, 2-4 p.m.
- Women in Military Service for America Women’s Memorial, Arlington, VA
- The 15 women veteran trailblazers selected are an example of the sacrifices and accomplishments that women veterans contribute every day.
- R.S.V.P.
Building The Bridge:
- March 8, 2019, 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.
- U.S. Army Heritage Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County)
- Any questions, contact Christine Brubaker at 717-272-6621 ext. 5726 or email [email protected]
- Building the Bridge recognizes that veteran-centered, recovery-oriented care requires both active and ongoing cooperation with veterans, caregivers, family members, community providers and VA providers. Please join for education, collaborative discussion and workgroup sessions to further develop, strengthen and sustain working relationships.
- Register.
Legal And Domestic Relations Clinic:
- March 8, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- For more information, please contact Sarah Primak at 717-926-0872
- Clinics are presented by the PA Bar Association, Lancaster County Domestic Relations and York County Domestic Relations. Veterans with legal and/or domestic relations issues in ALL counties are welcome to attend.
3rd Annual Harriet Tubman Women's Military Day:
- March 11, 2019, 2-4 p.m.
- Philadelphia City Hall Caucus Room, 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- For more information, please call 301-283-7883
- Come and help honor Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell with the Harriet Tubman Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Website.
Open Meeting With Veteran Service Organizations:
- March 16, 2019, 1-4 p.m.
- Carrolltown Fire Company Banquet Hall, 148 South Main St., Carrolltown, PA (Cambria County)
- Point of contact: George Legros at 814-931-7634 or email: [email protected]
- Experts from the following organizations will be in attendance to address the needs of veterans and their families: The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Veteran Community Initiatives of the Laurel Highlands; the Pennsylvania National Guard Family Assistance Center from Johnstown; the Cambria County Director of Veterans Affairs from Ebensburg; and the Altoona James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, which is sending representatives specializing in suicide prevention and the Inter-service Physician Assistance Program. The Dubois Veterans Center of the Van Zandt VA Medical Center will also be represented.
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:
- March 17, 2019, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- American Legion Post 527, 103 West Braddock Ave., Braddock, PA (Allegheny County)
- R.S.V.P. at least two days in advance to 412-623-9029 or [email protected]. Please mention DMVA Digest when you R.S.V.P.
- This 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.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Town Hall:
- March 18, 2019, 10 a.m.
- University Drive campus, Bldg. 29, 2nd floor Learning Exchange, Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System invites you to join them for a veterans town hall. Town halls allow veterans, their families and the public to meet with VA leadership. Attendees can ask questions, converse, and suggest ways VA can improve its services.
- Facebook event.
REBOOT – Combat Recovery From Moral Injury:
- Will take place every Thursday from March 21-June 6, 2019, 6-8 p.m.
- James A. Danner VFW Post 537, 1095 Pines Rd., Goldsboro, PA (York County)
- Point of contact: email Doug Wahl at [email protected] or call 717-649-4479.
- Free training, meal, and childcare. REBOOT focuses on healing the spiritual injuries of war. This fresh approach includes topic-based instruction, class discussions, homework, group exercises and a family-style meal in its weekly format.
- Register.
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:
- March 26, 2019, 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. at least two days in advance, to 412-623-9029 or [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.
Student Veteran Career Conference At Villanova University:
- March 27, 2019, 12:30-7 p.m.
- Villanova University, Villanova Room, Connelly Center, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA (Delaware County)
- Current students, recent graduates, and other area veterans and active military members are welcome to come together to discuss career readiness, employment, and transition hurdles with local leaders in the veteran community. This conference will provide workshops, networking and panel discussions on career readiness, transition hurdles and more. You will leave with tangible tools to move forward in your career and professional development.
- Read more.
Penn State Veterans Outreach Fair:
- March 30, 2019, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Lewis Katz Building, University Park, State College, PA (Centre County)
- The fair is being offered as a way to thank veterans and their families for their sacrifice and commitment to serving their country. Students, faculty and community partners will offer a variety of services, including health screenings and education and legal consultation, all free of charge, to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces across PA, including members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Penn State employee military veterans.
- Register.