DMVA Digest
A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
July 3, 2019

Local: 

South Greensburg Dentist's Office Offering Free Care For Vets: 

A South Greensburg (Westmoreland County) dentist’s office is looking for veterans who could use some free dental work. Kraisinger Family Dentistry on Huff Avenue will host a free day of dentistry for vets Aug. 10. Dr. Josh Parry organized the event. “My whole life, I’ve just kind of had a special place in my heart for veterans, people who are willing to go do that for everyone else,” he said.

 DMVA News 

DMVA Still Looking For Five 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 Five photos from Philadelphia County. For information on how to submit a photo Read more.

Early Registration For March For The Fallen: 

The eighth annual March for the Fallen event will take place at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville (Lebanon County) on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. Early registration for a variety of event categories runs from now until the end of July. Participation is open to the public. Sign up today at: Read more.

Gov. Wolf Signs First-in-the-Nation Education Program to Benefit National Guard Member Families: 

Governor Tom Wolf signed into law House Bill 1324, known as the PA GI Bill. This first-in-the-nation program allows Pennsylvania National Guard spouses and children to receive paid higher education. “We thank the governor and the legislature for leading the nation in recognizing the critical support role our Pennsylvania Guard families have in securing our safety and security,” said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, PA's adjutant general and head of Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Many Guard members and their families were present in Harrisburg during the signing. Read more.

Pennsylvania National Guard Cyber Branch Supports Primary Election: 

Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard joined other State partners at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to reassure voters of the security of the commonwealth’s primary election. “Your National Guard works every day to ensure that we have multiple layers of security in place to monitor and assess any potential vulnerabilities, to implement the necessary safeguards, to share resources and information, and to practice our response plans,” said COL Frank Montgomery, director of military support. Read more.

 Around the State 

Army Cpl. Earl H. Markle Accounted For From Korean War: 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that Army Cpl. Earl H. Markle, 19, of Spring Grove (York County), killed during the Korean War, was accounted for on May 17, 2019. In Nov. 1950, Markle was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near Unsan, North Korea. Read more.

Combatting Our Veterans’ Mental Health Crisis: 

Twenty veterans die by suicide each day. Additionally, up to 20 percent of veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depression. It is important that we draw attention to these troubling statistics and the mental health crisis plaguing our nation’s service members. Read more.

Don’t Miss These Photos Of Soldiers Who Fought In The Battle Of Gettysburg: 

In 1938, Gettysburg (Adams County) was taken over once again by the Blue and the Gray. But this time, they came in friendship. On the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, thousands of Civil War veterans came from around the United States, for the last time. Many were in wheelchairs or used canes. They held a reunion for two days before the four-day anniversary celebration. Two died before it was over. Read more.

Fireworks, Parades And Picnics To Celebrate The Nation’s Birthday: 

The West Branch of the Susquehanna River Valley is about to celebrate the nation’s 243rd birthday anniversary. It will do it with parades, picnics and evening fireworks, according to the schedule of events. Among the biggest celebrations is the annual “Set the Night to Music Fireworks Extravaganza” in Williamsport (Lycoming County). Read more.

Lehigh Valley Lawmaker, Also A Chinook Pilot, Is Redeploying To Afghanistan: 

State Rep. Zachary Mako will be going by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mako later this year, when his Pennsylvania Army National Guard unit is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan. Read more.

Pool At Lieutenant Governor’s Mansion Opens To Kids: 

Kids hit the pool for the first time recently at the lieutenant governor’s mansion at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville (Lebanon County). Pennsylvania’s Second Lady Gisele Fetterman is running a program to teach water safety. “I’ve learned a lot here. I learned how to swim on my back,” said Baryea Greene, a rising seventh grader at Rowland Academy in Harrisburg. Read more.

Troops To Tractors Offers Veterans A Different Way To Utilize The GI Bill: 

For veterans, figuring out what you want to do after your service is always a challenge, but there's a little-known program in Pennsylvania that can make figuring that out easier. When Joe Capricci returned home from the service in 2014, he wanted his next endeavor to be equally fulfilling. That endeavor was working on Black Valley Farm in Bedford County, near Everette. Watch video.

Veterans Memorial Association Announces 2019 Freedom Medal honorees: 

Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association president Joseph Daly has announced the recipients of the Association’s Freedom Medal, which recognizes local veterans, businesses, and educators. Read more.

Veterans Treatment Court Created In Indiana County: 

The Indiana County Common Pleas Court has joined a growing trend across Pennsylvania this month by introducing Veterans Treatment Court, a customized and targeted approach to handling the legal problems confronting a special segment of the population. Read more.

Vietnam Veteran Leads Effort To Bring Memorial Town In PA: 

Vietnam War veteran Clyde Peters brought his nephew’s remains back to the area after the teenager was killed during the war in 1969. Peters, 69, is spearheading the effort to bring a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to Plymouth (Luzerne County). The memorial is known as “The Wall That Heals.”

We Agape You: 

Working to decrease the number of veteran suicides with veteran transitional housing in Schuylkill County. We Agape You created their program based on the idea that self-sufficiency through employment and housing will help to combat PTSD and Bi-Polar and other mental health diagnosis. Watch video.

 Across the Nation 

Academic Credentialing Program Could Boost Soldier Retention, Says SMA: 

The U.S. Army could add to its record retention numbers by providing more incentive for soldiers to stay on duty. The Army has been testing a pilot program for academic credentialing at Fort Hood, Texas, and plans to extend the program to several major installations by the end of 2019, said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel Dailey. Read more.

Access Your U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Records And Documents Online To Manage Your Health And Benefits: 

Thanks to the newly created VA records hub, you can now access and manage your VA records online in one place for the first time. You can get Veteran ID cards, request your DD214, search historical military records, and more. Read more.

Award-Winning Video Series, The American Veteran, Receives 2018 Regional Emmy Award: 

A video story produced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), focusing on a veteran boxing training program at Gleason’s Gym, America’s oldest active boxing gym, received an Emmy Award at a ceremony recently in Bethesda, Maryland. Read more and watch video.

Benefits For ‘Blue Water’ Veterans Finalized After Years-Long Fight: 

The “blue water” Vietnam veterans benefits act is now law. President Donald J. Trump signed the legislation, which grants presumptive status for disability benefits to an estimated 90,000 Navy veterans who served in the seas around Vietnam during the war. Read more.

Boost Your Brain Health After TBI: 

After a traumatic brain injury (TBI), everyone's brain heals differently. Recovery time may vary, and symptoms can include headaches, clumsiness, memory loss, and mood swings. Most TBI symptoms improve with time, and there are ways you can actively care for your brain's health. Read more.

Free Sports Gear, Tickets For Veterans And Military Kids: 

When a military recruit signs the dotted line and raises a hand to swear the solemn oath, their service and sacrifice begins. Often unseen, but never forgotten, are the children who make those sacrifices, too. Read more.

Homelessness And Women Veterans: 

Female veterans comprise the fastest-growing segment of homeless veteran population. Ashley Martel was caught in a dangerous web. Her life was spiraling out of control, and she had nowhere to turn. The Army veteran was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and spent time in jail for violating probation and driving on a suspended license. Read more.

Independence Drive Lets ALS Veteran Live On His Terms: 

When Garrett and Jennifer Smith got the news of his Lou Gehrig’s Disease, they got angry. Then he went fishing and lived life. Two years later, confined to a wheelchair and almost totally paralyzed from the neck down, Garrett is still living on his terms. The Navy Veteran is the first person in Wisconsin to receive the Independence Drive that allows him to steer and move his power wheelchair with a gaze of his eye. Read more.

National Center For PTSD: 

Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don’t get the help they need. At the National Center for PTSD, we have resources to help you learn more about PTSD symptoms, understand what effective treatment options are available, and find treatment resources near you. Read more.

United Heroes League Keeps Military Families Healthy And Active Through Sports: 

The United Heroes League (UHL) would like to honor these children with free sports gear, pro-sports tickets, access to free sports camps, and grants to cover the costs of sports association fees. UHL also provides once in a lifetime experiences to military families, including past trips to Super Bowl 52, the NHL All Star Game and in-person meetings with professional athletes. Any active service member or honorably discharged veteran who deployed to a combat zone (as defined by DOD or VA), with children under 18-years-old, are encouraged to apply. Read more.

Veterans Have Opportunity To Grow With USDA And Farming Resources: 

Few pairings more closely align than veterans and farming. The skill sets developed in military service match many of the characteristics of a successful agricultural professional. Veterans typically transition naturally into farming, ranching, and other agricultural opportunities. 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]

Bobby Rahal Automotive Group Is Hiring Members And Veterans Of The Pennsylvania National Guard: 

Bobby Rahal Automotive Group and the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations PNGAS are pleased to announce a relationship to promote jobs for members and veterans of the Pennsylvania National Guard and their families. Through the relationship, Bobby Rahal and PNGAS hope to attract members and veterans of the Guard and their families to join the Bobby Rahal team as employees in several career pathways. In addition to competitive pay and a Guard-friendly work environment, employees will receive paid training, a strong benefits package and paid time off. Website or the PNGAS Job Board.

Governor Wolf Announces Expansion Of PGT Trucking, Creation Of New Jobs In Indiana County: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced that PGT Trucking, Inc, a flatbed transportation company, will expand its operations in Indiana County, supporting the creation of 25 jobs in the area. “My administration is delighted to continue supporting businesses that want to grow in Pennsylvania,” Governor Wolf said. 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.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Research Shows Military Service An Important Pathway To Stem Careers For Women: 

New research from UNL shows military service could have a significant impact on whether women end up in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. The study is called "Collaborative Research: Soldiers to Citizens...to Scientists? How Military Service and GI Bills Shape STEM Trajectories.” NET News talked with Regina Werum, a professor of sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to discuss its findings. Read more.

Veterans Services Officer - DMVA - Lebanon County: 

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is looking for someone to help veterans understand what benefits are available to them to enroll. If you are organized and enjoy working with people, we have the job for you! In this role, you have the responsibility for the provision of benefits and services to Pennsylvania veterans by managing and maintaining a caseload of claims for veterans' benefits, services, and resources from the initial claims application through to the final determination of benefits. Apply.

Vets2Set – Starting Veteran Careers In Commercial Production: 

Vets2Set (V2S) acts as an open door for veterans, helping them jumpstart a career in the commercial production business. V2S is a not-for-profit organization that provides military veterans with introduction, apprenticeship, training, and meaningful employment in commercial production. If you or someone you know is a veteran that would like to work on commercial production or know production companies that would like to hire veterans, please refer them to vets2set.org.

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 CDL Rolloff Drivers In Telford, PA: 

- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: Must be 21 years of age and have at least 1 year of CDL driving experience with manual transmission, CDL Class A or B with airbrake endorsement. Sign-on bonuses of $3,000 are available. Up to $5,000 benefits reimbursement.
- Waste Management has been recognized as Best Employer of Veterans, by G.I. Jobs Top 100 and CivilianJobs.com
- Apply.

Waste Management Hiring Plant Maintenance Technicians In Philadelphia, PA: 

- 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.

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 Strickler Field.
- 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.

FTIG Family Readiness Job Fair: 

- July 20, 2019, 1-5 p.m.
- Building 19-119, Ft. Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Gail Sweigart FRSA at 717-861-9034 or email [email protected] 
- This event is open to all branches of the military, spouses and veterans.
- Register.

 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.)

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 Offering 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 butterfly 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.

Veteran Breakfast Club: 

- July 10, 2019, 9-11 a.m.
- Mars VFW Post #7505, 331 Mars Valencia Rd., Mars, PA (Butler County)
- R.S.V.P. for all events to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected] 
- Mars VFW Post #7505 providing FREE 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.

Free Gardening Workshops For Veterans: 

- All workshops, 10 a.m.-noon: July 11, basic botany; July 18, soil health and fertilizer management; July 25, plant propagation; Aug. 1, vegetable garden
- Penn State Extension, 101 Motor Pool Way, Butler, PA (Butler County)
- Space is limited and first come, first serve. Veterans must register for each workshop before attending. Please call 878-271-6484 to register.
- Are you interested in gardening? Do you like to plant flowers, vegetables or fruit? Do you want to learn research-based and sustainable horticultural practices? If you said yes, these workshops are for you. The workshops will be hands-on and educational. All supplies will be provided for each workshop.

Yoga And Smoothies: 

- July 13 and 21, 2019, 10 a.m.
- Veterans Leadership Program, 2934 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- R.S.V.P. to Patti at 412-254-3194 or email [email protected] 
- Yoga, smoothies and healthy conversation for women veterans and Veterans Service Organization's (VSO's). FREE childcare provided onsite!

Welcome Home Event For Post 9/11 Veterans: 

- July 16, 2019, 7 p.m.
- Pullman Park, 100 Pullman Park Pl., Butler, PA (Butler County)
- R.S.V.P. to Leigh MacAllister at 878-271-6120 or Amy Kunst at 878-271-6119. You may also contact them for additional information.
- All Post 9/11 veterans and their families are invited to join the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Butler for the annual welcome home event at a local baseball game. A suite has been reserved for veterans and their families, and information will be available about VA eligibility, enrollment and VA programs/services.

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.

Veterans Learn To Row And Paddle: 

- July 17, 2019, 6:30-8 p.m.
- 90 Riverfront Dr., Millvale, PA (Allegheny County)
- To register email Danielle at [email protected] 
- Three Rivers Rowing Association invites you to learn to row and paddle. All ages and abilities welcome!

On To Mt. Gretna – Camp Hastings 1898: 

- July 27-28, 2019, ceremony for Soldiers Field, 10 a.m. Saturday
- Come to Soldiers Field and catch a glimpse of Camp Hastings during the Spanish American War. Volunteers will be providing a living history program on the mobilization of the National Guard of Pennsylvania in the spring of 1898.
- For more information please visit the NGP History Project Website and our Facebook page.

Korean War Veterans To Mark Anniversary Of War’s End: 

- July 27, 2019, 11 a.m., Luzerne County Courthouse rotunda, 200 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre, PA (Luzerne County)
- The Korean War Veterans of Wyoming Valley will commemorate the 66th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. The public is welcome and Korean War Veterans members are asked to be present. Principal speaker will be William Best, local historian. One hundred and forty two Luzerne County servicemen died during the Korean War, June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953.
- Website.

Women Veterans Potluck Party: 

- July 27, 2019, 5 p.m.
- 3617 N. Hills Rd., Murrysville, PA (Westmoreland County)
- R.S.V.P. to Patty by July 20, 2019, at 412-254-3194 or email [email protected] 
- Bring yourself, your significant other, kids, grandkids and your favorite dish! Last name A-Q please bring a side dish/salad. Last name R-Z please bring dessert.

26th Annual Bucktail Reunion: 

- Aug. 2-4, 2019
- Myerstown Park, 450 S. College St., Myerstown, PA (Lebanon County)
- For more information or to register contact Matt Herring at 978-979-8462 or email [email protected] 
The Bucktail community of Myerstown will remember and honor the service and sacrifice of courageous Bucktail Brothers. The Ol't Boys have guided us to this Bucktail Town for a reunion for the first time - home of 149th PA, Company C - The Color Company - which so bravely engaged in combat the first days battle at Gettysburg and would forever be recollected with "The Color Episode."
- Activities will include a 2nd South Carolina String Band concert, original images from the Ronn Palm Museum in Gettysburg, a licensed battlefield guide, a wet plate photographer, a Civil War historic interpreter, Bucktail Camp and historic displays and Civil War Fife and Drum demonstration.
- Facebook page.

Rivers Casino 10 Charities In 10 Weeks: 

- Aug. 3, 2019, Noon-8 p.m.
- Rivers Casino, 777 Casino Dr., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Donate $10 to the Southwestern Veterans' Center and receive $10 Free slot play or match play!

Walk With A Veteran: 

- Sept. 19, 2019, starting at 9 a.m.
- U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County)
- For more information or to R.S.V.P. please contact Jeff Hawks at 717-258-1102 or email [email protected]. Space is limited.
- Veterans of all eras and services are invited to attend. Several hundred middle school students will attend to meet veterans and tour the Center in small groups. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

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.