DMVA News
Fort Indiantown Gap Announces Free Guided 2019 Tours Of Rare Regal Fritillary Butterfly Habitat:
This July, visitors are invited to see the only population of regal fritillary butterflies in the eastern United States at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center, Annville, Lebanon County. The tours allow the public a guided opportunity to see this rare butterfly and its associated grassland habitat on military training ranges. Read more.
Gov. Wolf Signs Executive Order Establishing PA State Employee Military Service Recognition Campaign:
Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania State Employee Military Service Recognition Campaign to annually recognize and thank commonwealth employees who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, the Reserves, and National Guard. Read more.
Veterans Participate In DMVA's Annual Adjutant General Fishing Tournament:
The rain pretty much held off Tuesday, and three busloads of veterans from Philadelphia, Scranton, and Spring City got a chance to travel and show off their skills catching trout. “Been a long time since I’ve been doing this. Fished a lot in my days, but my fingers don’t have the feeling they used to,” said Thomas Clauss, a veteran. Read more.
Around the State
Air Force Lt. Gen. David Thompson, An Ambridge Native, Tours RMU Simulation Center:
After taking a tour of Robert Morris University’s cutting-edge health-care simulation center, Ambridge native (Beaver County) and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Thompson said it showed just how far the area has come since he left in the early 1980s. Read more.
Cold War Veterans Presented With Medals, Certificates:
Veterans who served during the Cold War were honored Friday morning. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey hosted the special ceremony at the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie. Veterans who served in the Armed Forces between 1945 and 1991 were recognized. In all, at least two dozen veterans received a special medal and certificate. Read more.
Flag Day 2019 Celebrated In PA:
Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is a state holiday in both Pennsylvania and New York. “The flag holds a much deeper meaning for the veteran in McKean County. It not only symbolizes patriotism and devotion for our country, but for our veterans it symbolizes the sacrifices that they and their brothers and sisters have made for their country,” said Zachariah J. Pearson, director of Veterans Services for McKean County. Read more.
Gov. Wolf Eager To Sign PA GI Bill To Support Military Families:
Governor Tom Wolf commended the General Assembly for its work to advance the PA GI Bill to provide post-secondary educational credits for Pennsylvania National Guard members’ families. HB 1324 was voted unanimously out of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committee and is another step closer to coming to the governor’s desk. Read more.
Low-Cost Prescription Assistance Available Through The PACE Program:
Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance program for older adults, PACE and PACENET, offer low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, age 65 and older. The Program is a comprehensive drug benefit that offers low-cost prescription assistance to qualified Pennsylvania residents, making medications more affordable for older adults. For more information, or to apply, please call 1-800-223-7223 or visit our Website.
Passing Of The Flag – Tobyhanna Depot’s New Senior Leader Takes Command:
During a change of command ceremony, Col. John McDonald assumed command of Tobyhanna Army Depot — becoming the depot’s 33rd commander. The traditional military ceremony, which includes the passing of the depot’s flag, took place before hundreds of depot employees, representatives of federal, state and local government, and family members. Read more.
Robin's Home – A Haven For Homeless Female Veterans In Butler County:
The unassuming house at 401 Pearl St. in Butler looks much like its neighbors – three stories high and built circa 1900s. But this house is being transformed into a much-needed resource, thanks to the vision of one veteran. Army veteran Mary Chitwood, of Butler, conceived the idea for Robin’s Home for women veterans and their children two years ago. Read more.
Across the Nation
Army Veteran Takes Scenic Route Across Country To Reach Anchorage, National Veterans Golden Age Games:
Last month, Willis Williams set out on a drive. But this wasn’t just any drive. It was more like a journey. Over a nine-day period, Williams and his friend, Charles Gough, drove about 5,500 miles from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Anchorage, Alaska, so Williams could participate in the National Veterans Golden Age Games. Read more.
For The First Time Ever A Federal Court Allows A Whole Class Of Veterans To Sue The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA):
A lawsuit seeking relief for veterans facing long wait times for disability benefits appeals was allowed to move ahead, a federal court ruled. It’s the first time a class-action lawsuit against the VA has been allowed by the court. Read more.
Man Finishes 50-State Tour Mowing Lawns For Veterans:
A man who went viral for traveling the county to mow veterans' lawns is back home in Alabama. We found Rodney Smith, Jr. in North Huntsville mowing an elderly woman's lawn for free. This is what he's dedicated his life to with his Raising Men Lawn Care Service. Read more.
Raising Awareness Of Veterans One Step At A Time:
William Shuttleworth, 71, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, is on a journey to help veterans. Shuttleworth, started May 15 walking from Massachusetts to California in order to raise awareness of veterans who are struggling with employment, addiction and sobriety issues. Read more.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Researchers Find Promising Results For Safer Pain Medication:
Scientists at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and Tulane University have announced a breakthrough in research that could lead to safer treatment of pain. They have developed a new drug with less risk for addiction and overdose compared to currently available opioid medications. The new drug also shortens time to recovery from pain. Read more.
Urgent Care – Where And When You Need It:
You’ve probably seen news about the MISSION Act, which expands same-day services in primary care and mental health, as well as expanded telehealth to veterans in their homes. Under the MISSION Act, urgent care is now a supplemental benefit for eligible veterans. Read more.
Veterans And Transitioning Military Get A Free Year Of LinkedIn Premium – Includes Over 14,000 LinkedIn Learning Courses:
LinkedIn offers veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregivers, and Fry Scholars a free one-year premium career subscription, including one year of access to LinkedIn Learning. Read more.
Warrior Scholar Project Gives Veterans Tools To Transition From Service To Student:
It may be summer, but school is in session at the University of Arizona for some of the brave men and women who have served our country. “It is a double-whammy, but I knew from the beginning it would be a process," said Susan Park. Park joined the Navy twenty years ago, opting for an “independent" life in the military over college at the time. 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]
Navy Seabee Used U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits To Earn Degree, Start New Career:
The White House VA Hotline is a different kind of contact center. Staffed mostly by veterans and their family members, contact representatives are encouraged to connect with the caller, get to know them a bit and understand the bigger picture. Read more.
Tips For Cybersecurity Vets Starting A Company:
Ron Gula, of Gula Tech Adventures, funds cybersecurity companies and has some tips for veteran entrepreneurs. Read more.
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Exceeds Hiring Goal Of Mental Health Providers By The Thousands:
VA recently surpassed its original goal to hire mental health providers by more than 1,000, through the Mental Health Hiring Initiative, which aims to achieve higher standards of access and quality care. Read more.
Wounded Or Disabled Veteran For A Two-Year Paid Fellowship:
Congressman Mike Kelly is seeking a wounded or disabled veteran for a two-year paid fellowship in the PA 16th congressional district office. Interested veterans should go to USAJOBS and search “Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program” for more information and how to Apply.
Veterans' Job Fair:
- June 26, 2019, 9 a.m.-Noon
- Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Building 37, Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Any questions, contact 717-920-7089
- Attention all veterans! The PA CareerLink, Lebanon County and the Lebanon VA Medical Center are partnering to offer a veterans only job fair! This event is free. Be sure to bring copies of your resume.
2019 Career & Employment Expo:
- June 26, 2019, veterans only 10-11 a.m., open to the public, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- James E. Van Zandt VAMC, 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd., 2nd floor Main Building, Altoona, PA (Blair County)
- For more information contact: Ken Wise at 814-946-6996 or Nate Danzy at 814-943-8164 x4521.
- Over 50 employers! Bring your DD214, resume and transcripts.
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.)
Operation Boots To Business:
- June 26-27, 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: Call 717-245-3684 or 717-961-2060
- You must be a transitioning service member, military spouse, or veteran who is interested in starting a business. To register please call Jeffrey Hanks at 717-245-3684 or email Marsha Cleff at [email protected].
WWII Veteran Thank You Luncheon:
- June 27, 2019, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Mirage Banquet Facility, 800 Scalp Ave., Johnstown, PA (Cambria County)
- To register contact the VCI Office at 814-255-0355. Seating is limited.
- Invitation for WWII veteran plus one guest.
Veteran Summer Stand Down:
- June 29, 2019, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Veterans Place Service Center, 945 Washington Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- For more information contact [email protected]
- Free assistance for homeless veterans. The following will be available: housing, employment, veterans benefits, counseling, legal assistance, clothing and food.
VetFest:
- June 29, 2019, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Washington Wild Things Stadium, 1 Washington Federal Way, Washington, PA (Washington County)
- Point of contact: Shawn Seguin at 412-385-5320
- Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) invites you to join us for a day of fun and fellowship at VetFest. This multi-faceted event is designed to bring veterans and their families together with others in the community while sharing valuable information about services and resources available locally. This community integration event is open to the general public and will have up to 50 different organizations participating in the resource fair throughout the day.
Fort Indiantown Gap Announces Free Guided 2019 Tours Of Rare Regal Fritillary Butterfly Habitat:
- Free guided tours will be offered on July 5, 6, 12, and 13, 2019, arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.
- Intersection of AsherMiner Rd. and Fisher Ave., (GPS coordinates in decimal degrees: North 40.4214, West 76.577. Visit the website below for further directions and parking instructions.
- Contact: Bureau of Environmental Management, Wildlife Office at 717-861-3299 or email [email protected]
- This July, visitors are invited to see the only population of regal fritillary butterflies in the eastern United States. The tours allow the public a guided opportunity to see this rare butterfly and its associated grassland habitat on military training ranges.
- Read more.