Local: 

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.

DMVA News 

PA National Guard Military Police Company Returns Home From Deployment In Middle East: 

Approximately 160 soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Military Police Company (28th MP Co.) returned from the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield (OSS). The company, which deployed in early October 2018, is part of the 165th Military Police Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 28th Infantry Division. Read more.

PA Registration Plates Recognize Military Veterans: 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has a number of registration plates in recognition of military veterans, including an "Honoring Our Women Veterans" plate, with $15 of the plate’s proceeds going towards programs and resources that assist women veterans through DMVA's Veterans' Trust Fund. Read more.

Women Veterans’ Town Hall Slated: 

Led by DMVA, the Women Veterans Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Veterans Services (GAC-VS) will host a Women Veterans Town Hall and Expo to honor women veterans for their service and also update them on programs and services they may have earned. The FREE event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711. Read more.

 Around the State 

Dozens Of Strangers Honor WWII Vet With No Family: 

A 94-year-old Army WWII veteran with no known family received honor from dozens of strangers following his death. Pennsylvania state troopers were joined by Warriors' Watch Riders after hospital staff contacted them to provide a proper send-off for Louis Signorelli. A spokeswoman for Riddle Hospital (Delaware County) said, "I just believe no one should die alone, so this was a collective effort with Riddle Hospital staff and administration." Read more.

Families Reunite With Soldiers At Emotional Homecoming: 

A heartwarming military welcome home celebration included a marriage proposal along with hugs and tears. The men and women who arrived at Harrisburg International Airport served in eight countries throughout the Middle East. “I’ve been counting down every day since he left,” said Jody Travis from Carlisle (Cumberland County). Read more.

Local Highway To Be Renamed In Honor Of Vietnam Veterans: 

A section of Route 192 in Miles Township, Centre County, is being designated as the Central Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. The section of highway runs from the intersection of routes 192 and 477 to the intersection with Route 144 in Centre Hall. “The new highway signs will be placed to serve as lasting reminders to honor America’s military heritage, our nation’s freedom, and especially, our honored Vietnam veterans who paid such a high price in defense of our individual liberties. I am proud to see this highway being dedicated in honor of them,” said State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Centre). Read more.

Officials Seek Ways To Combat Veteran Suicides: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports 6,000 veterans die by suicide each year. Organizations and agencies recently discussed ways to lower that statistic. One of the big concerns is veterans becoming discouraged with the process of finding resources. “We’ve said it already, it’s difficult to ask, and when you do get the nerve to ask, you have to ask 20 different times to 20 different people in order to get something done,” said state Sen. Mike Regan (R-Cumberland/York), host of the roundtable. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Farms Uses Agritherapy To Help Veterans: 

The Butler VA Healthcare System recently announced that it will host four free gardening workshops for veterans. Conducted over the course of four consecutive Thursdays, which began July 11, the workshops will offer veterans hands-on experience in basic botany, soil health and fertilizer management, plant propagation, and vegetable gardening. All supplies will be provided, with participants able to take their work home. Each workshop runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Interested veterans should call 878-271-6484 to register for these space-limited, first-come, first-served workshops. Read more.

Veterans Marathon Set For November: 

Preparations are underway for the eighth annual InFirst Bank Veterans Marathon in Indiana County. Last year’s race brought in $20,000 for local veterans. The amount raised since the event was established totals more than $100,000. Proceeds from the race were donated to the nonprofit Western Pennsylvania Veterans Relief Fund. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

‘Blue Water’ Veterans’ Claims Delayed Until Next Year: 

Thousands of veterans already waiting years for their disability benefits will have to wait a few months longer after U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials announced they won’t start processing “blue water” Vietnam veterans claims until next year. In an announcement late last week, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said the delay is designed to “ensure that we have the proper resources in place to meet the needs of our Blue Water Veteran community and minimize the impact on all veterans filing for disability compensation.” Read more.

America The Beautiful Passes: 

Current military members and those with a permanent disability can obtain a free America the Beautiful National Park Pass for year-round access. Read more.

Blue Star Museums: 

Over 2,000 locations nationwide offer a free museum admission program for those currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. If you are a retiree or veteran, please reach out to the museum you plan to visit directly, many times they offer reduced or special rates for the retiree or veteran population. Search the locations here.

Credentialing May Improve Retention: 

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

Department Of Defense Lodging: 

The Defense Lodging System has been fully integrated to allow for a seamless reservation process. Active duty, Reservists, and National Guard military personnel and retirees including dependents may use the DoD Lodging portal for reservations. Search all services by city or city and airport code at Website.

Four Important Things To Know About Appeals Modernization: 

The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Appeals Modernization Act or AMA) improves the appeals process for veterans and their families. AMA gives veterans choice over how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reviews their disagreement with a claim decision and ensures veterans receive faster, clearer decisions. Read more.

New Brain Stimulation Technique Shows Promise In Easing PTSD: 

A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study found that a form of brain stimulation that can rapidly improve communication between neurons in the brain helped ease PTSD symptoms. Read more.

Operation Family Caregiver: 

The National Resource Directory’s Operation Family Caregiver program supports families of those who have served our nation and helps families of returning service members and veterans adjust to the "new normal" by coping more effectively with problems they never imagined. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) MISSION Act’s New Urgent Care Benefit Offers Veterans Increased Flexibility: 

The VA recently rolled out a new urgent care benefit for veterans enrolled and active in VA Health Care through the newly-implemented MISSION Act. VA’s new urgent care benefit allows enrolled veterans to visit participating urgent care facilities within VA’s network for the treatment of injuries and illnesses that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening. Read more.

Formerly Homeless Veteran Lands Full-Time Job With Help From U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA): 

Formerly homeless veteran Michael McKelphin had some hurdles to overcome before realizing his dream of earning a college degree. After experiencing homelessness for a year, the post-Vietnam War veteran was able to secure permanent housing through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program. Read more.

Veterans Have Opportunity To Grow With USDA: 

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. Whether it’s a sense of duty, responsibility and accountability for completing the mission, or being organized and disciplined, 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]

Military Family Advocates Urge Spouses To Look At Tech Sector: 

As the Defense Department adjusts to the digital age, another military community is trying to plug into the technology sector. Military spouses. Tech jobs offer flexible opportunities for a largely female group that sits at 24 percent unemployment and relocates 10 times more often than non-military families, panelists said at a recent event on Capitol Hill sponsored by Blue Star Families and the BSA Foundation. Read more.

Pennsylvania Soldiers' And Sailors' Home Job Fair: 

- July 25, 2019, 1-5 p.m.
- 560 E. Third St., Erie, PA (Erie County)
- Any questions call 814-878-4974
- Immediate openings for registered nurses ($72,889/yr), licensed practical nurses ($43,012/yr) and certified nurses ($31,880/yr).
- Unable to attend? Apply online.

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: 

Are you a veteran that would like to work on commercial production sites and help make commercials, or do you know production companies that want to hire veterans? If yes, check out Vets2set.org. The company is able to help veterans and production companies. When we say “ACTION” vets go to work! Read more.

Waste Management Hiring In Beach Lake (Wayne County): 

- Waste Management is hiring CDL residential drivers, CDL commercial drivers and CDL rolloff drivers
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: Must hold a current CDL A or B License with air brake endorsement, one-plus year experience operating a vehicle requiring a CDL or military driving within the last seven years. These positions are eligible for a $5,000 sign on bonus and 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.

Wolf Administration, Local Businesses Highlight Training And Hiring Opportunities For In-Demand Jobs In Cumberland County: 

To highlight the Wolf Administration's education and job training initiatives, Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Eileen Cipriani met with local workers and representatives from Vitro Architectural Glass (PPG) and ProLogistics Staffing Solutions Inc. to discuss the hiring of in-demand workers during a tour of the PA CareerLink® in Carlisle. Read more.

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.)

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 Breakfast Club: 

- July 19, 2019, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Comfort Inn & Conference Center, 699 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills, PA (Allegheny County)
- R.S.V.P. for all events to 412-623-9029 or email [email protected] 
- 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 WWII 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.

Veterans Mini-Stand Down: 

- Saturday, July 20, 2019 (Third Saturday of every month); 10 a.m.-Noon (rain or shine)
- City Park, Lower Parking Lot, Reading, PA (Berks County)
- For more information visit the Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania at www.TeamVCOP.org or call 610-372-8267
- Bring your DD214 or VA ID. Clothing, a hot meal and more…FREE!
- Facebook Event.

Yoga And Smoothies: 

- July 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!

Veterans Breakfast Club: 

- July 24, 2019, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- RMU Yorktown Hall, former Holiday Inn, 8256 University Blvd., Moon, PA (Allegheny County)
- R.S.V.P. for all events to 412-623-9029 or email [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 WWII 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.

Jefferson County Veterans Emergency Fund Fundraiser: 

- July 24, 2019, 4-9 p.m.
- Fox's Pizza Den, 1 Broadway St., Reynoldsville, PA (Jefferson County)
- The Fox's Pizza Den will be donating 20 percent of all sales for carry out and dine in orders from 4-9 p.m. to help raise money for the Jefferson County Veterans Emergency Fund.
- To place your take out order call 814-612-2720 or dine in.

Military Discharge Upgrade Clinic: 

- July 25, 2019, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Building 37, Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- Make an appointment today at 202-733-3324 or email [email protected] 
- Do you have an other than honorable discharge? Meet with an attorney for free. Free representation for veterans with other than honorable discharges related to PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or similar mental health conditions.

On To Mt. Gretna – Camp Hastings 1898: 

- July 27-28, 2019, ceremony for Soldiers Field, Mt. Gretna (Lebanon County) 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 Facebook page.

Veterans Emergency Fund Dice Run: 

- July 27, 2019, Registration 10 a.m., Kick stands up 11 a.m.
- Reynoldsville Eagles, 425 E. Main St., Reynoldsville, PA (Jefferson County)
- Point of contact: Krupa Steele at 814-849-1529 or Ben Steele at 814-661-0360
- 100 percent of fundraiser proceeds go to support local veterans and their families by assisting in their financial needs. This run helps raise money and awareness to provide our vets with food, shelter and utilities. You are invited to participate in this worthy cause to help ensure that no veteran goes hungry or homeless. $10 a person. Annual pig roast $5. Camping available and covered dish appreciated. 468 Sandy Valley Rd., Reynoldsville, PA (Jefferson County). All donations are greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to: Jefferson Co. Abate (Memo: Jefferson Co. Veterans Affairs). Checks can be mailed to: Jefferson Co. Dept. Veterans Affairs, 155 Main St., Brookville, PA 15825.

Veteran Appreciation Day: 

- July 31, 2019, 9 a.m.
- PA CareerLink of Greene County, 200 Green Plaza, Waynesburg, PA (Greene County)
- The PA CareerLink of Greene County is having a veteran appreciation day. They will have event speakers and employers on hand to do open interviews. Please bring your DD214, resume and transcripts.
- Register.

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 the 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, known as the Color Company, which so bravely engaged in combat during the first days of battle at Gettysburg and would forever be recollected with "The Color Episode."
- Facebook page.

14th Annual Willow Creek Triathlon: 

- Aug. 3, 2019, 9 a.m.
- Start: Quaker Lake Beach, ASP 3, Salamance, NY (Cattaraugus County) Finish: Willows Restaurant, 2669 West Washington St., Bradford, PA (McKean County)
- Point of contact: John Tim at 814-558-6329 or email [email protected] 
- Registration is $60 per individual, $100 per team. Sprint triathlon (300 yds swim, 15 mile bike, and 5K run) and Duathlon events (15 mile bike and 5K run) for individuals and teams. All proceeds contributed to the DAVs of Warren, PA and McKean, PA counties.
- Website.

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!

Veteran's Open House: 

- Aug. 7, 2019 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- The Salvation Army Ladore Lodge, 398 S. St., Waymart, PA (Wayne County)
- Any questions contact 570-488-6129
- Veteran's open house to honor all veterans. Motorcycle show and classic car show. Trophies awarded and flea market. Consider joining us as veterans from surrounding communities come together for a day of fellowship and fun.

Women Veterans Town Hall And Expo: 

- Aug. 24, 2019, 9 a.m.-noon
- Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA (Luzerne County)
- Call Crystal A. Petery at 717-861-6904 or email [email protected] 
- Led by the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans Services is inviting women veterans and those actively serving to a FREE Women Veterans Town Hall and Expo. Learn about programs and services available to you, speak with representatives and pick up resources. No registration is required and the event is open to women veterans and women service members. We hope to see you there!
- Press release.

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 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.