DMVA News
Adjutant General Discusses Gov. Wolf’s PA GI Bill At PNGAS Higher Education Meeting:
Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), talked about the importance of Governor Tom Wolf’s proposed PA GI Bill, or Military Family Education Program (MFEP), during the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations’ (PNGAS) higher education meeting. The program would be the first of its kind in the nation if passed by the PA General Assembly. Read more.
DMVA Honored Vietnam Veterans, Families:
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) promoted National Vietnam War Veterans Day – observed annually on March 29 – as a time to thank all Vietnam-era veterans for their dedicated service and great sacrifice. The DMVA is an official partner in the Department of Defense’s Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Read more.
Donate Part Of Your Tax Refund To Military Families In Need:
REMINDER! You can help PA’s military personnel and their families by donating part or all of your income tax refund to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP). Just Fill in code "C" for MFRAP and the amount of your donation on Lines 32-36 on your Personal Income Tax form. Contributions can also be made by mail. Learn more: Read more.
Female Veterans Day Ceremony:
Governor Tom Wolf, First Lady Frances Wolf, and Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, PA’s adjutant general and head of Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, joined the Pennsylvania Commission for Women to host the fourth annual Female Veterans Day Ceremony in celebration of Women’s History Month. During the event, 16 women from across the commonwealth were recognized for their military service and selfless sacrifice to Pennsylvania and to the nation. Read more.
PA Soldiers Deploy To Europe To Head Off Russian Aggression:
A Pennsylvania National Guard unit is deploying to eastern Europe as part of a years-long international effort to prevent Russian aggression. The 3rd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment will lead Battle Group Poland, one of four such groups established by NATO after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014. Read more.
Pennsylvania Veterans Homes Recognize 2,433 Volunteers:
During the month of April, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will be recognizing and thanking their 2,433 outstanding volunteers for contributing nearly 76,000 hours of service in 2018 to residents in its six veterans’ homes. “It is with great pleasure that we recognize these individuals for generously donating their time to help improve the living experience of our veterans and their spouses,” said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. Read more.
Soldiers Compete In 2019 Pennsylvania Best Warrior Competition:
Thirteen enlisted Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldiers competed in the 2019 state-level Best Warrior Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap (Lebanon County). The Soldiers competed in 10 events designed to test the limits of their physical and mental endurance and assess the "Whole Soldier Concept." Read more.
Around the State
5 Questions – Carlisle Woman Helped Open The Door For Military Chaplains:
Charlotte Kinney was among sixteen women veterans who were recently honored by the Pennsylvania Commission on Women with a reception at the Governor's Residence with Gov. Tom Wolf and first lady Frances Wolf. Read more.
April 2019 Artillery, Mortars, And Demolitions Training At Fort Indiantown Gap:
The installation, located in Lebanon County, is scheduled to host artillery, mortars, and demolitions training during the month of April between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Artillery training will be conducted April 7-11, mortars training will be conducted April 11-14, and demolitions training will be conducted April 12-13. Read more.
Attention Veterans And Reservist Survey:
Sandbox Industries, Inc., a veteran-owned nonprofit organization, is developing a veteran entrepreneurial training and certificate program tailored to the unique needs of military veterans, reservists, and military retirees, as well as their spouses and children. In order to gauge interest in a program of this type, Sandbox would appreciate your participation in a brief survey.
JMH Field Of Flags In Wellsville (York County) Honors Deceased Veterans:
Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor all deceased members of the American armed forces. For the past six years, the front lawn at Jones Memorial Hospital has been transformed into a “Field of Flags” to honor the memory of veterans who have died. This year, the members of the sponsoring organizations - JMH, the Wellsville American Legion Post 702 and Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Riders – will place the flags on Armed Forces Day, May 18. Read more.
Mary Parrinello – A Student In Uniform:
Millersville University’s Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) is a program that allows aspiring military personnel to train while earning their degree. Mary Parrinello, a junior in the program, recently signed a four-year contract for service after she completes college. Read more.
Push To Honor POW And MIA Veterans In Pennsylvania:
There's a push in Pennsylvania to honor prisoners of war or those missing in action. A state lawmaker from the Philadelphia area wants the POW/MIA flag to be flown alongside the American flag on all state grounds and buildings. Watch video.
Stepping Up – Local Veterans Affair Offices Do A Great Job:
There are hardships that military veterans struggle with on a daily basis, and trying to navigate through the system of benefits should not be one of them. That’s why county Veterans Affairs offices are stepping up to help our area veterans and their surviving spouses. Read more.
Across the Nation
Carry The Load National Relay Aims to Restore The True Meaning Of Memorial Day:
The 2019 Carry The Load National Relay will be held from April 25-May, 26 2019, at various locations throughout the United States. Carry The Load is a 501(c)3 organization co-founded by two Navy SEAL veterans who wanted to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. Read more.
Guardians Of The Flag – Veterans Honor Legacy Of Vietnam War:
Tony Garcia was diagnosed with PTSD and was starting to understand why he was feeling disconnected and depressed, but he was still feeling alone in his experiences as a Vietnam War veteran. Read more.
Meet The Seven Female Veterans Serving In Congress:
The 116th Congress includes 96 total veterans. Seven of them are women we think you should know about. Read more.
Memorial Honoring Native American Veterans To Open In 2020:
A $15 million memorial honoring Native American and Alaskan Native military members and veterans is set to open next year in Washington. The design details for the structure titled “Warriors’ Circle of Honor” are still being finalized, though the memorial has been in the works for years. Read more.
More Bad News About This Pearl Harbor Memorial:
Repairs to the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor are expected to keep the dock closed through the summer. The National Park Service has awarded a $2.1 million contract for repairs that are expected to be completed in time for the next Dec. 7, 1941, remembrance service. Read more.
Scholarship Available For Mizzou’s Agroforestry Academy:
The University of Missouri’s Center for Agroforestry has scholarships available for farmer veterans to attend its Agroforestry Academy July 21-26 in Columbia, MO. Scholarships include lodging, food, local travel and all training materials. More information and to register.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Continues Community Suicide-Prevention Challenge:
VA and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration convened in Arlington, VA, for the challenge to prevent suicide among service members, veterans and their families. Read more.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) To Drop Fight Against Blue Water Navy Veterans:
VA will not appeal a January court ruling that ordered it to provide health care and disability benefits for 90,000 veterans who served on Navy ships during the Vietnam War, likely paving the way for Sailors and Marines to receive Agent Orange-related compensation and VA-paid health care benefits. Read more.
Vietnam Veteran Proud To Be In U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Million Veteran Program:
Edwin Callahan is a retired training specialist. He has served his country in many ways. He enlisted in the Army in 1967, served in Vietnam and voluntarily extended his tour there. Today, he continues to serve by participating in the Million Veteran Program (MVP). “I volunteered to participate in the VA Million Veteran Program because genetics is a next frontier in medicine that will serve those who have served us, our veterans, and a wider global medical care,” Callahan said. Read more.
What's Your GI Bill Story?:
What’s Your GI Bill Story? Seventy-five years ago, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the GI Bill into law, changing the lives of generations of American veterans and their families. As we celebrate this historic anniversary and recognize the important impact the GI Bill continues to have in veterans’ lives, we also want to HEAR FROM YOU! Create and share your personal video of how the GI Bill helped you get an education, buy a house, or impacted your life. Videos will be posted daily to VA’s 75th Anniversary webpage. Read more and follow the simple instructions.
Where Will You Be Buried?:
Are you, as a veteran, or your family members eligible to be buried in a VA national cemetery? Find out with VA’s Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program. The program will assist anyone who would like to know if they are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. Read more.
2019 FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship:
The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program offers military spouses the opportunity to earn a career-enhancing credential while providing financial counseling and education to the military community. The fellowship covers the costs associated with completing the AFC® training and testing. 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]
A Robot Reading Your Resume? 10 Tips For Vets To Beat Job Screening Software:
If your resume doesn’t impress a computer, it might end up in the trash before a human ever sets eyes on it. Companies spanning many industries are increasingly using computer screening tools and software, along with traditional human-resources specialists, to scan resumes and decide which candidates deserve interviews. Read more.
Capital Police Is Hiring:
Capitol Police Officers perform protective and other services to safeguard the lives, property, and constitutional rights of the citizens of Pennsylvania. Potential candidates must possess and ACT 120 Certificate to qualify. Those interested can apply using this link.
Governor Wolf: Expansion Of Clearly Clean Products, LLC Will Create More Than 125 Jobs In Schuylkill County:
Governor Tom Wolf announced that Clearly Clean Products, LLC, a manufacturer of recyclable plastic trays for retail food products, will expand its presence in Schuylkill County. The project, supported through state funding, is expected to create more than 125 jobs in the region. Read more.
High-Tech Industry Trainers Want To Train Veterans For A Career In Your Industry:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is embarking on an innovative, five-year, high-tech training pilot project that was created to prepare veterans for careers in the high-tech workforce. A key to this new program is using the expertise of training providers to up-skill veterans for training programs in computer software, information science, computer programming, media application and data processing, so they can rapidly enter the workforce or move ahead in a career they already have. Read more.
Mount Airy Casino Resort Is Hiring:
Any questions please contact Jessica McDonnell at 570-243-4864 or email [email protected]. Apply.
PA Department Of General Services Is Seeking Refrigeration/HVAC Mechanic:
Seeking a skilled refrigeration/HVAC mechanic for full-time employment. Apply!
PA Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Hiring Veterans Services Officer:
DMVA is looking for someone to help veterans understand what benefits are available to them to enroll. DMVA offers competitive compensation, benefits and a team with a veteran focused environment. Join in serving those who have served! Apply!
Temple Teacher Residency:
Temple Teacher Residency is a teacher education program devoted to preparing diverse and highly-motivated individuals with strong mathematics and science subject knowledge to teach mathematics and/or science in high-need schools in the City of Philadelphia. We are also interested in working with veterans who see themselves fit in our program. Transform your love of STEM into a purposeful career! Apply to TTR today! Any questions please contact Dr. Amy Scallon at 215-204-1518 or email [email protected].
Veterans Employment Representative 1:
As a Veterans' Employment Representative 1, you will serve as a Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) in a PA CareerLink(r) 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 today!
Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW) State Head Quarters Accepting Candidates For Secretary Position:
Responsible for commander and adjutant’s correspondence as well as VFW program support as determined by the adjutant. Possess outstanding organizational skills and work independently, effectively, and a part of a team in a challenging and fast paced work environment. Person must conduct multiple projects simultaneously and maintain knowledge for all Veterans of Foreign Wars programs. Candidates are encouraged to be an active participant in programs involving communities, military troops, and the VFW. Strong typing and computer skills are necessary to interact daily with multiple audiences in a professional manner. Send your cover letter, resume, business writing samples and contact information to state adjutant at [email protected] or mail it PA VFW State HQ, 4002 Fenton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17109-5943. If you have questions about this position, please call 717-234-7927 and ask for the State Adjutant.
Waste Management Is Hiring Diesel Mechanics In Telford, PA:
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age and valid driver's license with clean driving record and have two or more years of relevant work experience. This position offers a $5,000 sign on bonus, as well as up to $5,000 benefit reimbursement!
- Apply.
Waste Management Is Hiring HazMat Drivers In Pittsburgh, PA:
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: One year experience of safe operation of commercial vehicles, commercial drivers license with HazMat endorsement and must be at least 21 years of age. This position offers up to $7,000 Sign on bonus!
- Apply.
Waste Management Is Hiring Near You:
- March 29, 2019, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- 910 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Pen Argyl, PA (Northampton County)
- Join us for the National Career Day. Space is limited and pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Competitive salaries, great benefits and sign-on bonuses for select positions.
- Website.
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.)
Central Pennsylvania WWII Round Table:
- April 4, 2019, 7 p.m.
- Grace Church, 433 East Main St., Hummelstown, PA (Dauphin County)
- April Speaker - Harold Billow, Battery B, 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion. Lancaster county native Harold Billow survived the infamous attack on unarmed American POWs known as the Malmedy Massacre.
- Read more.
Night For Vets Event Lehigh Valley IronPigs:
- April 4, 2019, 7:05 p.m.
- Coca-Cola Park, 1050 IronPigs Way, Allentown, PA (Lehigh County)
- The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are honoring veterans by giving them and family members tickets at the window any day leading up until April 4, 2019, as supplies last. The tickets were donated by various companies in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Each ticket comes with $5 ballpark credit on it and the IronPigs will be honoring veterans in-between innings. Please come for a night out to celebrate veterans.
- Website.
Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) Morning Event:
- April 10, 2019, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
- Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport Hotel, 1160 Thorn Run Rd., Coraopolis, PA 15108 (Allegheny County)
- Breakfast is $12. Without breakfast is free. R.S.V.P. to 412-623-9029 or [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.
Building The Bridge:
- April 12, 2019, 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Luther Acres, 600 E. Main St., Lititz, PA (Lancaster 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 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) providers. Please join for education, collaborative discussion and workgroup sessions to further develop, strengthen and sustain working relationships.
- Register.
Veterans Outreach:
- April 13, 2019, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Saxton Community Library, 315 Front St., Saxton, PA (Bedford County)
- Point of contact: Ronald Pawuk at 814-215-9683
- Hosted by CPT Phillips VFW Post 4129. Representatives from the James E. Van Zandt U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and accredited service officers will be on hand to discuss VA services and benefits. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be served to veterans. Bring a copy of your DD-214.
A Tribute To The King:
- April 13, 2019, doors open at 3 p.m., Dinner at 4:30 p.m., Show at 6 p.m.
- Amvets Post 103, 123 Buttermilk Lane, Hopwood, PA (Fayette County)
- Point of Contact: Patty Tegge at 724-430-1241 or email [email protected]
- Event includes dinner, show, a basket auction and a 50/50. Proceeds benefit Western District of PSACDVA (Pennsylvania State Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs). Tickets are $30 per person.
- Show features two nationally acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artists, Kelly Hylton and Joe Ramsey.
Health Information Technology Workforce Development and Training Conference – Transforming Your Career in Health Information Technology:
- April 15, 2019, 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, 326 Market St., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- Join in for this annual event for those interested in learning more about Health Information Technology (HIT) as a career. Non-member, $75; HIMSS member, $50; college student, $10; and high school students, FREE.
- Register.
Operation Tohidu Is Hosting A Women’s Retreat:
- April 15-19, 2019
- Email Travis Rahill at [email protected] for more information
- Operation Tohidu is hosting a women’s retreat for former or current cultural support team and female engagement team members in partnership with the Service Women’s Action Network. This is a FREE program and transportation to the retreat location in southern Maryland will be paid for. There are currently seven spots available. Be sure to mention the retreat in the “why I would like to attend” portion of the application.
- To register go to Our Website.
Knights Of Columbus Easter Food:
- April 17, 2019, 2-4 p.m.
- Fort Indiantown Gap, Fitzpatrick Hall, Building 10-104, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Any questions or to pre-register please contact Roxanne Norris at 717-861-6299 or email [email protected]
- This event is open to all service members and their families. The event is to improve the lives of currently serving service members, veterans, retirees and their families by providing quality non-perishable food items.
- Pre-Register by Friday, April 5, 2019
Gems Of The Military – OneSource Website: Resources For Getting Richer:
- April 17, 2019, 2-2:45 p.m.
- Military OneSource is pleased to offer interactive webinars about topics important to you. Message your questions and comments during the events or just sit back and learn. Learn about resources on the Military OneSource website that can help you save to be a millionaire, or maybe just buy a new car. We will look at resources to build wealth, tools for planning for retirement, and how to access financial magazines, all for free.
- Register for this event by April 16, 2019. Register.
7th Annual Matthew "Scrapper" Hanes Memorial Ride:
- April 20, 2019, 9 a.m.-7p.m.
- Join the Warrior Brotherhood Motorcycle Club Pennsylvania Chapter for the 7th Annual Matthew "Scrapper" Hanes Memorial Ride. This ride is aimed at raising money for the Matthew Hanes Memorial Scholarship program at Dickinson College Army ROTC.
- Facebook page.
Pennsylvania’s 2019 Annual Suicide Prevention Conference:
- May 1-2, 2019
- 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- You are invited to participate in a conference designed to meet the needs of professionals, survivors and interested parties who would like to know more about suicide prevention, intervention, and meeting the needs of suicide survivors. This conference is sponsored by PA Department of Human Services – OMHSAS (Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services) and Drexel University College of Medicine.
- Register.
PA Sarp Presents – A New Approach To Sexual Assault Prevention:
- May 17, 2019, first lecture, 9-10:30 a.m., second lecture, 11 a.m.-noon
- Building 8-80, Ft. Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- For more information, email Angelo Hernandez at, [email protected] or Oriana White at, [email protected]
- This is an event open to all. Sexual assault awareness through education, inspiration, motivation and more.
PA Cares Training Summit:
- May 22, 2019
- Comfort Inn, 1 Denver Rd., Denver, PA (Lancaster County)
- Register by April 27, 2019. If you have difficulty using the online registration, please call 717-510-8563 for assistance.
- This one day event focuses on considerations that are needed to promote wellness within the lives of service members, veterans, and their families. Please read and follow instructions carefully. All instructions must be completed by first logging in to TRAIN PA: Go to www.train.org/pa, you will now be on the TRAIN PA homepage; Log in to TRAIN PA by entering your log in name and password and click the “Login” button. Find Course and Register; enter the keyword “PA-EBH” in the Keyword or Course ID field located in the upper right-hand portion of the screen; click the search icon button, you will be taken to the course search results page; click on the name of a course, “PA-EBH: FY18/19 2019 PA CARES Training Summit (7 Hours) – Lancaster, PA”; from the Course Details page, select the registration tab and follow the instructions to register for this course.
- Read more.
Philadelphia Phillies 2019 Salute To The Military Game Against The St. Louis Cardinals:
- May 28, 2019, 7:05 p.m.
- Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia County)
- All military personnel, veterans and their guests will receive a special ticket discount!
- Buy tickets.
Veterans Family Fishing Program:
- Second and fourth Sunday of each month, 2-6 p.m.
- Fisherman's Paradise, 1150 Spring Creek Rd., Bellefonte, PA (Centre County)
- Point of contact: Jim H. Lanning at 951-231-8000 or email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]
- All veterans and active duty military personnel, join the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited talented stream mentors to learn fly fishing, improve your existing skills, and learn about conservation projects to keep our streams and watersheds healthy and protected. Equipment is provided if needed. This is a family fishing program for veterans.
- Facebook page.