SW PA Regional Events

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.

DMVA News 

Military Family Relief Assistance Program: 

Do you have an immediate financial need due to circumstances beyond your control? If yes, call toll-free 1-866-292-7201 or visit www.mfrap.pa.gov. Pennsylvania's Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) provides financial assistance, in the form of grants, to eligible Pennsylvania service members and their eligible family members. Eligible members must have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control.

National Guard And Civil Air Patrol Partnership Builds Tomorrow's Leaders: 

Fort Indiantown Gap military installation in Annville (Lebanon County) welcomed nearly 300 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets ages 12 to 16 recently as part of the CAP's annual summer Cadet Training Schools (CTS). Fort Indiantown Gap is operated by the DMVA and the Pennsylvania National Guard. Read more.

 Around the State 

Video – Veteran Gives Details Of Commanding Officer’s Normandy Death To Brother Via Skype: 

It took Jack Russell three-quarters of a century to find someone who could tell him about the day his brother died. Cumberland County resident and D-Day veteran Floyd Wigfield was there when it happened on June 7, 1944. He told Russell, "It was terrible. Nothing could have been done to save him, but he wasn't in any pain." Although both men are now 100 years old, neither has forgotten the day U.S. Army Capt. Robert Russell was killed by a German bullet. Read more.

Chinook Helicopters Land At Fly-In: 

Two CH-47F Chinook helicopters landed at Piper Memorial Airport (Clinton County) recently during the Sentimental Journey Fly-In, giving visitors a chance to look inside the huge twin-engined, tandem rotor, heavy-lift aircraft. The CH-47F Chinook is the Army’s only heavy-lift cargo helicopter supporting combat and other critical operations. Read more.

Helping Vets While Buying Groceries: 

Weis Markets has partnered with the Paralyzed Veterans of America mission to raise money to help our country's most severely injured vets have access to care, jobs, and benefits. "People in northeast Pennsylvania, like a paralyzed veteran or a veteran's family calls, they will dispatch people and figure out the services," Weis spokesperson Dennis Curtin said. 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. Program benefits include minimal copays, no deductibles or caps, and a seamless wrap around with Part D. Applicants must meet income guidelines to qualify, but an asset test is not required. To qualify for PACE, applicants must meet the income eligibility requirements. An individual’s total income must be $14,500 or less and married couples must have a combined total household income below $17,700. To qualify for PACENET, single applicants must have an income below $27,500 and married couples must have a combined total household income below $35,500. For more information, or to apply, please call 1-800-225-7223 or visit Website.

Master Plan Released For Lebanon VA’s Next Decade: 

With the continuing ongoing work around campus, it is also imperative that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Lebanon continues to plan for the future to meet strategic goals. They began a strategic capital master plan update process in October 2018 to plan capital projects that meet the goals, objectives and priorities laid out by VA and facility leadership. Read more.

Pennsylvania Participates In U.S. Dept. Of Homeland Security's Cyber Training To Secure Elections: 

As part of the continuous effort to strengthen election security, Pennsylvania and county officials participated in a national cyber training hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. "Pennsylvania welcomes opportunities like these tabletops to test our state's election security measures and layered defenses," said Acting Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar. Read more.

Providing Housing And Employment For Veterans And The Needy: 

A nonprofit organization based in Schuylkill County is working to renovate a home to help veterans and others in need. The sign on a house on 2nd Street in Port Carbon says it all: We Agape You. The nonprofit organization has a mission to prevent veteran suicides through employment and providing housing to those who served our country. Read more.

Students Honored In Annual Ceremony As They Enter The Military: 

Students from 43 districts across Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier region of New York, along with family and fellow military members, filled the auditorium at the Windsor Central High School in Windsor, NY. The ceremony is held every year to honor students going into various branches. Each student was individually recognized not only for their willingness to fight for the country, but also their outstanding high school merit that allowed them to join the military. Read more.

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic: 

The Cohen Clinic at Penn in Philadelphia is proud to provide high-quality behavioral health care for veterans and military family members at no cost and with no long waits. They serve veterans and military family members as well as current National Guard and Reserve members regardless of role or discharge status with a focus on post-9/11 era. Website.

West Chester World War II Vet Honored In PA State Senate: 

A 96-year-old West Chester (Chester County) resident and World War II veteran received a standing ovation after being honored on the floor of the Pennsylvania State Senate recently. Frankie DiSanti, a lifelong resident of the borough, was addressed directly by State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester County). "I don't think I have ever witnessed such a long-standing ovation and warm welcome in the Pennsylvania Senate," Dinniman said upon introducing DiSanti. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Building Better Caregivers: 

Building Better Caregivers is an online program to help caregivers of veterans or veterans who serve as caregivers for someone with dementia, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, a serious brain injury, or any other serious injury or illness. Either the veteran whom the caregiver is caring for, or the caregiver must be enrolled in VA Healthcare. Website.

Join A Team Red, White And Blue (RWB) Chapter Near You: 

The mission of Team RWB is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. Whether it’s workouts, races, social activities or community service projects, the 160K team RWB members support each other through shared values and experiences and there’s probably an RWB chapter near you. Website.

Thousands Of Veterans Had Education Derailed When For-Profit College Chains Abruptly Closed: 

More than 12,000 GI Bill users have had their education plans derailed since for-profit college chains Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institute first closed their doors a few years ago. As recently as April, approximately 1,700 students may have been affected by the shuttering of 18 Art Institutes and Argosy University, formerly owned by the for-profit Education Management Corp. Read more.

Thrift Store Owners Answer Call Of Duty To Serve Homeless Veterans: 

The backroom of the Down the Road Thrift store in Cocoa, Fla., is where owners Jerry Vaughan and Bobbie Warner safeguard their most valuable inventory. Items inside the “footlocker” are not viewable to the general public, nor are they for sale. They’re given away. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pension Benefits: 

You may qualify for a VA pension if you are a low income to no income veteran or a survivor of a wartime veteran. The new VA.gov can help you determine your pension eligibility, apply for pension benefits, and find other information. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Releases New Findings On The Connection Between TBI And Dementia: 

VA and the Kristine Yaffe Lab at the University of California, San Francisco, have taken a new approach to understanding the association of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) — with and without loss of consciousness (LOC) — with dementia among veterans. Their recent study, one of the largest in the United States, included 178,779 veterans in the VA health care system who were diagnosed with various levels of TBI severity. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Releases Request For Information, Seeks Strategies For Ways To End Veteran Suicide: 

Suicide, a major public health concern that affects everyone, takes the lives of an estimated 45,000 Americans, including 6,000 veterans each year. To combat veteran suicide, President Donald J. Trump recently signed an executive order (EO) titled “National Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End Suicide” (PREVENTS). Read more.

WWII75 — A Tragedy Of Two B-17s Over Berlin: 

John Clark, Robert James, Willard Johnson, Paul Young are four men interred in four different national cemeteries. Though they now rest hundreds of miles apart with no relation immediately obvious, they are all connected through a single tragic event. One that occurred 75 years ago. 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]

Federal Resume Training: 

- July 19, 2019, two sessions offered, 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- USO Building Area 14, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA (Lebanon County) Across from StricklerField.
- For questions, contact Sally Haught at 717-861-8602
- This training is open to all individuals looking to apply for Federal Technician Title 32 or Title 5 Civilian positions throughout the Pennsylvania National Guard. They will give an overall review of how to write an effective resume for the Federal Government and how to successfully navigate USA Jobs. Computer stations will be available for individuals who want to log into their USA Jobs account and personnel will be on hand to answer individual questions and provide support for writing your resume. No registration required.

Gov. Wolf – Höganäs Expansion to Create New Jobs in Cambria County: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced that North American Höganäs High Alloys, LLC (Höganäs), a manufacturer of powdered metal products, will expand its operations in Cambria County, supporting the creation of 25 jobs in the area. “Pennsylvania’s powdered metals industry is a major contributor to our manufacturing sector,” Governor Wolf said. Read more.

Governor Wolf – Nord-Lock Group Expansion To Creat New Jobs In Allegheny County: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced that Nord-Lock Group, a manufacturer of secure bolting solutions, will expand operations in Allegheny County. The project will support 147 jobs in the area. Read more.

New Research Affirms Critical Need For Caregivers In Veteran Care: 

New research shows the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation are working collectively to better integrate caregivers into a veteran’s health care treatment. Read more.

Pennsylvania Department Of Transportation Is Hiring Full-And-Part Time Seasonal CDL Drivers: 

Now hiring full and part-time seasonal CDL Drivers throughout Pennsylvania. Requirements: Two months experience or graduation from a CDL training school and Class A or B CDL License with Air Brake restriction lifted and Medical Exam Certificate. Candidates will be subject to a driving skills test as part of the interview process. Most work locations require the ability to operate a manual transmission vehicle. Military members and recently-honorably discharged veterans who possess at least two years’ experience in operating a commercial motor vehicle as part of their military job requirements may qualify for these opportunities based on meeting the Military Commercial Driver’s License Skills Testing Waiver (DL-398 Form) as found on DMV's Website. Apply.

Waste Management Hiring CDL Residential Truck Driver Greenville, PA: 

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: One year experience operating a vehicle requiring CDL or military equivalent, must be at least 21 years of age or older and hold a current Class A or B Commercial Drivers License. Sign-on bonuses of up to $7,000 are available. Waste Management has been recognized as best employer of veterans by Military Times Top 75 G.I. Jobs and CivilianJobs.com.
- Apply.

Waste Management Hiring Plant Maintenance Technicians In Philadelphia: 

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: Evening shift, two years relevant experience, proficient in welding and fabrication, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. This position is eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus. Waste Management has been recognized as a best employer of veterans.
- 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.)

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.

Comedy Improv Workshop For Veterans And Their Families: 

- June 28, 2019, 6:30-9 p.m.
- 1311 Santee Mill Rd., Bethlehem, PA (Northampton County)
- Point of contact: Jenny Pacanowski at 570- 269-7528 or email [email protected] 
- Are you a veteran or family of a veteran looking for a creative outlet or a fun way to de-stress? Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving presents a free comedy improv workshop provided for veterans of all eras and their families. In this workshop, participants will gain confidence, and learn to think on their feet in a low-pressure environment.
- Website.

Veteran Breakfast Club: 

- July 4, 2019, 9-11 a.m.
- Conemaugh Township Fire Department, 1942 Kring St, Tire Hill, PA (Somerset County)
- R.S.V.P. for all events to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected] 
Richland American Legion Post #849 providing breakfast. 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.

Fort Indiantown Gap Announces Free Guided 2019 Tours Of Rare Regal Fritillary Butterfly Habitat: 

- July 5, 6, 12, 13, 2019, arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.
- Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA (Lebanon County), parking (Strickler Field: GPS coordinates in decimal degrees North 40.439388, West -76.594278)
- For more information about the tours email [email protected] or call (717) 861-3299
- 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.

Veteran Breakfast Club: 

- July 6, 2019, 9-11 a.m.
- Uncommon Grounds Coffee House, 380 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa, PA (Beaver County)
- R.S.V.P. for all events to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected] 
- Buffet breakfast and storytelling. There is a $10 suggested donation to Uncommon Grounds. Uncommon Grounds is a faith-based coffee house run by the Church Army USA. 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.

The Eyes Of Freedom Nationally Traveling Military Tribute: 

- July 17-21, 2019, Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun., noon-5 p.m.
- Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA (Erie County)
- The Eyes of Freedom honors the service and sacrifice of all who answer the nation's call then, now and tomorrow.
- Website.

Pennsylvania's First All Female Veteran Call To Duty – Honor Flight Philadelphia: 

- Sept. 21, 2019
- Washington, D.C.
- For trip details call 215-301-8890 or 215-954-5634 or email [email protected] 
- Honor Flight Philadelphia is currently looking for female veterans who would like to join us on a trip to Washington in a day of honor and recognition, to view the memorials dedicated to their service at no cost to the veteran.
- Honor Flight Facebook page.