DMVA News
August 2019 Mortar And Artillery Training At Fort Indiantown Gap, DMVA Headquarters:
Fort Indiantown Gap is scheduled to host mortar and artillery training during the month of August between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Mortar training will be conducted August 9-11 and artillery training will be conducted August 20-22. Read more.
Barrar To Receive National Award For Work To Benefit PA National Guard, Military Personnel, Families:
The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) recently announced it will honor Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware) with its annual Charles Dick Medal of Merit at its national convention in Denver, Colo., on Labor Day weekend. Barrar is one of only three in the country to receive this national award for his role in advancing the mission of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the lives of National Guard personnel and their families. Read more.
DMVA - Service Members Leaving The Military Should Register To Receive All Benefits:
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) appreciates the sacrifices made by all veterans and wants to see that everyone leaving the military receives every benefit they earned with their service to America. “Leaving the military can be a hectic time in a service member’s life, but it is important to make registering with the DMVA and applying for federal health care benefits a priority soon after transitioning to civilian life,” said Maj. Gen. (ret.) Eric Weller, deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs. “Hand-in-hand with applying for benefits is safeguarding military paperwork before these important documents are misplaced or lost. Not having easy access to military paperwork could cause unnecessary delays when applying for benefits years down the road.” Read more.
DMVA Offers Six Veterans Homes:
Pennsylvania offers its eligible veterans or surviving spouses six extended care facilities throughout the state. The level of care provided includes personal care, skilled nursing care, and memory care. For eligibility and application information, Visit.
Women Veterans Town Hall And Expo Slated For Wilkes-Barre:
Led by the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, 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. For more information call Crystal A. Petery at 717-861-6904 or email [email protected]. Read more.
Around the State
Century-Old Dog Tag With Local Connection Donated To National Guard Museum:
More than a century ago, a Pennsylvania National Guardsman from the Kane area was presumably killed in a battle in France. Cpl. James Lester Uber, 29, was listed as Missing in Action on Oct. 8, 1918. His body was never identified or recovered. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing, Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France. History says the Meuse-Argonne offensive of 1918 was America’s deadliest battle ever, with 26,000 U.S. soldiers killed, tens of thousands wounded and more ammunition fired than in the whole of the Civil War. Read more.
Free Lawn Care Service For Elderly &/Or Disabled Veterans:
Making A Difference in Lebanon, Pa., would be honored to help seniors and disabled veterans who are in need of lawn care services and assistance. Services include grass cutting, bush trimming, yard clean-up and removal of lawn debris. Four to five homes per month (first come, first served, based on volunteers) can be serviced. Qualifications: Homeowner and seniors 60+ disabled veteran. If interested, please call Making A Difference of Lebanon, Pa., at 717-769-0533. Leave your name and contact number.
Homes Boarded Up In Shamokin - 'Clean And Seal' By National Guard At 18 Properties:
Windows and doors of blighted properties in Shamokin were recently boarded up by the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. A combined 18 properties were sealed as part of the Guard's "Clean and Seal" program, according to Staff Sgt. Kevin Gendall. The program, an initiative of the National Guard's Counterdrug Joint Task Force, aims to keep trespassers and drug users out of the buildings. Read more.
Hometown Heroes Project Has Potential To Grow:
Sometimes all it takes is an idea and a will. When Jesse Putnam would travel around the country, she would find herself in towns that honored their military members with banners hanging from street posts. So, the county’s director of Veterans Affairs brought the idea back to New Castle, and the Hometown Heroes banner project began earlier this year. The banners feature the name of the military member and their photo, branch of the military and rank. Read more.
Lower Burrell Veteran Overwhelmed By Taco Bell Teen Worker’s Generous Offer:
Army veteran Chris Archer will never forget the experience he had Saturday at the Taco Bell in Harrison. As he was ordering his lunch — four tacos and a water — he asked the employee serving him if the restaurant offered a military discount. The crew member, Liam Samples, said no. Samples, 17, proceeded to do something that blew Archer’s mind. He tried to pay for Archer’s $6 meal. Read more.
Motorcycle Ride Raises Funds For Disabled Veterans' Homes:
Daniel Varner traveled more than two hours to attend a motorcycle ride with more than 300 other people — all in the name of raising money for disabled veterans. The 16th annual Bike Run to Benefit Homes For Our Troops, sponsored by Texas Roadhouse, began just after 10 a.m. Sunday, July 28, at the restaurant near the York Galleria mall. Riders traveled about 30 miles to their destination at Battlefield Harley-Davidson in Gettysburg. Read more.
Project For Visitors With Vision Loss Launches At Pennsylvania’s Historic Sites/Museums:
Beginning this summer, visitors to select state-owned historic sites who are blind or have low vision can access technology that uses their smartphones or special glasses to get free on-demand audio descriptions of individual objects, artworks, and even entire exhibits from remotely located professional agents. Read more.
World War II Soldier’s Bracelet To Be Returned To Daughter:
A bracelet that belonged to a soldier from Pennsylvania killed during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II will be returned to his daughter. An off-duty detective using a metal detector in Wales discovered the silver bracelet that contained Albert Coleman’s name and serial number. Colin Murphy tells The Daily Item he used the information to trace Coleman to Snyder County, Pa. Read more.
Across the Nation
'In Every Uniform Is A Human Being' — An Air Force Vet Is On A Mission To Take Portraits Of 7,500 Veterans In All 50 States:
By Veterans Day this November, former combat photographer Stacy Pearsall will have traveled to all 50 states, snapping stark black-and-white portraits of more than 7,500 military veterans. Despite the care she takes composing each shot, correcting the lighting and cajoling her subjects to engage with the camera, the photos aren't the main thing. The main thing, for her, is the chance to connect with fellow veterans. Read more.
Dog Tags Of Fallen WWII Soldier Found And Returned:
On July 23, the lost dog tag of WWII soldier, Pfc. David Solomon Ortiz, was returned to his family at Santa Fe National Cemetery. On July 12, 1944, Ortiz was killed while moving with members of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division as they sought to take German held Hill 192 outside Saint-Lô, France. He was initially buried in France, but his remains were brought home in December 1947 and interred at VA national cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Read more.
Free Fly Fishing For Veterans Provides Serenity And Connection:
On waterways across the country, warriors hardened from service and sacrifice, are feeling peace, joy and connection—often for the first time in a long time. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) provides basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes to both veterans who have never fly fished before, and seasoned anglers. Fishing trips, both one day and multi-day, are provided free of charge to participants; including all fly fishing and tying equipment. Read more.
Meet The Married Navy Vets Who Made It Their Life Mission To Expose Stolen Valor:
Why Do Some People Steal Valor? It starts with four letters, maybe even just three. When Don and Diane Shipley find out someone claims to be a Navy SEAL or POW, they won't just take their word for it. And when it comes to liars, they take no prisoners. The couple has made it their mission to track down and expose "phonies" — their word for people who falsely claim to be Navy SEALs and/or former prisoners of war. One of their latest subjects, Odenton resident Bob Pollock, founded a veterans' memorial on a decades-long lie of being a Navy SEAL and POW. Read more.
My Military Rewards App:
You served with honor, you earned your rewards! Simply go to the "App Store" or "Google Play Store" depending if you have an iPhone or android phone and search "My Military Rewards" load it up and start enjoying the discounts that you earned. To date we have approximately 200,000 locations across the country waiting for you to visit. It cost absolutely nothing and is totally anonymous, we collect zero information when signing up. All we ask is that you pass the app along to our fellow vets so that they too can enjoy. Visit our Website.
Uniting For Suicide Postvention - Supporting Survivors Of Suicide Loss:
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with roughly one individual dying by suicide every 11.7 seconds (Drapeau & McIntosh, 2011). New research shows that for every person who dies by suicide, approximately 135 others are exposed to this suicide (Cerel et al., 2018). This means that many people – family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, classmates – are impacted by each suicide. After experiencing a suicide loss, those impacted may feel a flood of emotions and find it difficult to seek out resources to help. Read more.
VA Employee, Army Veteran Discovers Healing In Thousand-Year-Old Metal Craft:
Fermin Lopez, an Army veteran who served as a medic in Iraq, is a medical records technician at the VA Kernersville Health Care Center in Kernersville, NC. After coming back from Iraq, he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. “It’s something I’ve struggled with for so long (PTSD); to be a medic, it’s a very hard job (in a combat zone),” said Lopez. He found his niche when he happened to catch a video of someone making a knife on the internet through a process known as forging. Forging is creating an object from metal by heating and then hammering it into shape. Read more.
VA Enhances Research And Education Efforts Related To Airborne Hazards And Burn Pit Exposure:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently established the Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence (AHBPCE) as part of its ongoing efforts to improve health care for Veterans. “VA is addressing veterans concerns about the health effects of airborne hazards and burn pit exposure,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Establishing this program through the center is a testament to that and we will continue to collaborate with outside partners to ensure its ongoing success.” Read more.
VA Researchers Receive Nation’s Top Award For Early Career Scientists:
On July 26, four U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), which is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and engineers at the beginning of their independent research careers who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology. 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]
ABARTA Coca-Cola Is Hiring Veterans:
ABARTA Coca-Cola is currently recruiting for a few openings throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia. ABARTA Coca-Cola is a family owned company and a division of ABARTA, a diversified third and fourth generation family business. For a list of open positions please visit their Website.
Comcast Is Hiring Security Investigator 2:
The security investigator 2 is responsible for performing investigations of alleged criminal or other activity that has or may have a negative impact on the company. This includes employee or non-employee criminal activity as it relates to the company as well as activity that violates company policy. Apply.
Governor Wolf: Amazon Expansion To Bring 800 Jobs To Allegheny County:
Governor Tom Wolf announced that Amazon will expand its presence in Pennsylvania and create more than 800 full-time jobs in Allegheny County. “It’s a great win any time a business comes in and pledges to create 800 new jobs,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “This is a significant investment for Pennsylvania and I applaud Amazon for selecting our commonwealth as the location for this facility.” Amazon will open a non-sortable fulfillment center in Findlay Township. The company will move into a new 1,000,000-square-foot distribution facility which will be constructed by the Hillwood Group and Chapman Properties. Amazon has committed to investing more than $30 million into the project, which is expected to create 800 new, full-time jobs offering a starting wage of $15 per hour. Read more.
Keystone Correctional Services Is Hiring Monitors:
These individuals work closely with the reentrants to insure that they are following the rules of the facility, are involved in positive community activities, and maintain a safe and secure facility. They have daily contact will all reentrants while they supervise them during activities inside the facility. Monitors are expected to talk with the reentrants about positive life changing events that will make them better citizens. Point of contact: Amanda Price 717-651-0340 or email [email protected] Website.
Pennsylvania Friends Of Agriculture Foundation Is Hiring CDL Licensed Drivers:
Are you a CDL licensed driver looking for flexible, part-time weekend work? We have the perfect position for you! We are now hiring part-time haulers for our Mobile Ag Lab Program to transport our labs on the weekends. Position requires availability most weekends from September through June. See our Website for more information about our Foundation and our programs. Part-time, flexible weekend schedule, CDL required, openings across the state and vehicle provided for hauling Ag Lab.
Please send a letter of interest by mail, fax or email to Ag Lab Hauler, Attn: Human Resources, P.O. Box 8736, Camp Hill, PA 17001-8736 or fax: 717-731-3579 or email: [email protected].
Pennsylvania National Guard Associations (PNGAS) – Jobs For Members And Veterans Of Pennsylvania National Guard And Their Families:
PNGAS has created a new jobs board and all employers are invited to post Guard-friendly jobs, at PNGAS Job Board. Guard members, veterans, and their families, citizens and companies are welcome to use the jobs board and no taxpayer funds have been or will be used to operate the PNGAS jobs board. We encourage companies to post Guard-friendly jobs, as well as review and select posted resumes from the site. Here is the code for a FREE 90-Day Test Drive: "Code90A".
Waste Management Hiring CDL Rolloff Truck Driver In Camp Hill, PA (Cumberland County):
- Text WASTE to 51893 or call 1-877-220-5627 for more information
- Requirements: one-plus years of previous experience operating a vehicle requiring a CDL or equivalent military driving within the past seven years. Must be at least 21 years of age and must hold a current Class A CDL with an air brake endoresement. Sign-on bonuses of $5,000 are available.
Waste Management has been recognized as Best Employer of veterans, by G.I. Jobs and CivilianJobs.com.
- Apply.
Defense Information System Agency (DISA) 1 Day Hiring Event:
- Aug. 1, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Carlisle Barracks, Soldier for Life Media Center Classroom, Building 842 Sumner Rd., Carlisle, PA (Cumberland County)
- For more information contact Jeffrey Hanks at 717-245-3889, ext. 3684 or email [email protected]
- Dress For Success and stop by to meet the hiring team and learn how you can work for DISA and how DISA can work for you!
- Apply.
Federal Government Contracting Seminar For Veteran-Owned Businesses:
- Aug. 7, 2019, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Registration begins at 8 a.m.
- Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center, 353 North Duffy Rd., HCC Auditorium, Second Floor, Butler, PA (Butler County)
- Point of Contact: Ms. Renee Decker at 724-738-2346 or email [email protected]
- The GACO/GCAC PTAC program is hosting this free seminar to provide information to SDVOSBs and VOSBs interested in pursuing federal government contracts.
- Register by Aug. 6, 2019
ServiceSource Job Fair:
- Aug. 7, 2019 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- 166th Regiment Dining Facility, Building 8-71 Bearty Ave., Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- ServiceSource is seeking customer-focused staff. Interviews will be conducted during the job fair for the following positions: food service workers, cooks, stock, cashier and laundry at the Fort Indiantown Gap location. On-site Interviews with recruiters and hiring managers. Qualified individuals and veterans with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- We encourage you to apply online prior to attending the job fair.
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.)
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!
Resting In Self: The Art Of Self Care:
- Aug. 7, 2019, 8-9 a.m. registration and continental breakfast, and 9-11 a.m. presentation
- KidsPeace Donley Therapeutic Education Center, 5300 KidsPeace Dr., Orefield, PA (Lehigh County)
- Register by emailing: [email protected]. Deadline for registration is Friday, Aug. 2.
- JinShin Jyutsu is an ancient Japanese healing art. This training will give participants an opportunity to learn a different philosophy and practice that can support resilience and vitality, as well as keeping their “internal fuse box” in good health. Techniques are helpful not only for helping professionals, but also for clients, families and caregivers going through difficult times.
- FEE: $30 NASW-PA Members/ $40 non-members (payable check or cash-no credit cards accepted)
- 2CEs PSNA for nursing, Act 48 credits for educators
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 there will be a flea market. Consider joining us as veterans from surrounding communities come together for a day of fellowship and fun.
Creative Expression Art Group:
- Aug. 7-Oct. 30, 2019, every Wednesday, 6 p.m.
- Harrisburg Vet Center, 1500 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- To sign up, call Meg Taylor at 717-782-3954
- No artistic experience or expertise required, just a desire to connect with other veterans and learn new, fun-filled ways to use the creative process as a coping skill. All art supplies will be provided by the Harrisburg Vet Center. Eligibility includes those who have served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility, experienced military sexual trauma, provided direct emergent medical care or mortuary services to the casualties of war, served as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to operation in combat zones, and family members of veterans or service members who experience an active duty death.
Central Pennsylvania Vietnam Round Table:
- Aug. 8, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
- VVA Michael J. Novosel Medal of Honor Capital Chapter 542, 8000 Derry St., Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- For further information, contact Richard Burton at 717-545-2336 or email [email protected]
- Following a brief business meeting, Denny Kuehn, from Carlisle, will discuss his Sept. 1971-April, 1972 Vietnam experiences as a member of C Troop, 2/17th Air Cav, 101st Airborne Division and also the Air Cav Troop, 11th ACR.
- Website.
Veteran Benefits Seminar:
- Aug. 13, 2019, 2-4 p.m.
- Marysville-Rye Library, 198 Overcrest Rd., Marysville, PA (Perry County)
- Questions about the event, call 717-272-6621 ext. 4298
- An information table on veterans benefits will be set-up and a presentation will begin at 3 p.m. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care enrollment packets will be given out and assistance will be available and Perry County's director of veterans affairs will be on-site to assist and meet veterans.
Gold Star Mom Running Fir Wreaths:
Aug. 20, 2019, 9 a.m.
- Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Anyone wishing to run with Cathy must pre-register by emailing [email protected]. No later than Aug. 14th. All non-active military will need to complete a waiver, which will be emailed once registered.
- Cathy Powers, a Gold Star Mom is "Running Fir Wreaths" to honor her son and all of America's fallen heroes. Her goal is to run 1,000 miles in 2019, while raising awareness and funds for 7,777 veterans' wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery in December, as part of Wreaths Across America. The approximately 2.5 run will leave from the memorial after the ceremony and end at the USO building where lunch provided by Mission BBQ will be served.
- Follow Cathy's Running Fir Wreaths on Facebook.
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.
MilitaryShare Fresh Express Program:
- Aug. 22, 2019, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Fort Indiantown Gap, Fitzpatrick Hall-Bldg 10-104, Clement Ave., Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: Roxie at 717-861-6299 or 717-821-4684 or email [email protected] to pre-register. Pre-registration is required by Aug. 12
- In Pennsylvania, nearly 26 percent of households receiving food assistance have at least one member who has served or is currently serving in the military. MilitaryShare, a Fresh Express Program of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, is designed to provide fresh, nutritious foods for families with at least one member who has served or is currently serving in the armed forces.
- Website.
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.