DMVA News 

August 2019 Mortar And Artillery Training At Fort Indiantown Gap, DMVA Headquarters: 

Fort Indiantown Gap (Lebanon County) 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 Aug. 9-11 and artillery training will be conducted Aug. 20-22. Read more.

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.

World War II Army Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday At DMVA's Gino J. Merli Veterans Center: 

What better way to celebrate a 100th birthday than with polka music, cake, and family. Wearing a blue World War II veteran hat, Morris Kashuba clapped along with his family inside the Gino J. Merli Center Veterans' Center in Scranton (Lackawanna County). For three years, Kashuba served overseas in the army during World War II. More than 70 years later, the veteran is being celebrated for his life and service.

World War II Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday At DMVA's Delaware Valley Veterans' Home: 

A very special birthday celebration was held recently at DMVA's Delaware Valley Veterans' Home in Northeast Philadelphia. It was a celebration fit for a hero, as a World War II veteran turned 100 years old. A room full of veterans honored Matthew Reluga on his special day. “I feel very good, couldn’t feel better,” he said. Read more.

DMVA Asking All Pennsylvanians For Help To Find Final Three Photos For The Wall of Faces: 

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) needs help to find the final three photos of Pennsylvanians who died as a result of the Vietnam War. All three photos needed are of men who were from Philadelphia County. Read more.

 Around the State 

August Consumer Financial Protection Events Announced: 

Education and outreach staff from the PA Department of Banking and Securities will be meeting with groups of senior citizens, veterans, service providers, and the public throughout the month of August to promote financial capability as part of Governor Tom Wolf’s Consumer Financial Protection Initiative. Read more.

Governor Wolf Declares Pennsylvania A Purple Heart State: 

Governor Tom Wolf officially designated Pennsylvania as a Purple Heart State, demonstrating extreme gratitude to the more than 91,000 Pennsylvania men and women either killed or wounded in war defending our freedom since 1917. Starting Wednesday, Pennsylvania will honor these great heroes every Aug. 7, Purple Heart Day. Read more.

He Fought For Our Country Now This Autobody Shop Is Helping Him Get Around: 

A PA veteran was recently presented with a refurbished car, donated through the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program. Johnathan Clarke is a disabled veteran from Reading (Berks County). He served in the U.S. Air Force for six years, including in Afghanistan in 2001. Read more.

Improvements Underway For Altoona Veterans Monument: 

Eleven representatives from the Central Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Association and the Blair County War Veterans Council gathered to check out the stone obelisk monument with wood-framed, glass-enclosed, masonite plaques bearing the names of neighborhood veterans of the world’s worst-ever war. Read more.

Restored Vietnam-Era Helicopter Has New Mission: 

“No other helicopter in the world sounds like a Huey. You can feel it before you hear it,” Pete Bohn said. “It’s the sound of Vietnam.” The sound transported Vietnam veterans like Bohn back in time when a restored Huey helicopter landed at Hazleton Regional Airport (Luzerne County) recently. Its mission is to help local veterans and teach civilians about the role Hueys played in the war. Read more.

Service Members Leaving The Military Should Register To Receive All Benefits: 

“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,” Maj. Gen. (ret.) Eric Weller, deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs for the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Read more.

Veterans Annual Ride (Armstrong County): 

American Legion Riders of Pennsylvania will sponsor their second annual “Ride for Veterans and Fallen Heroes” on Saturday, Aug. 12. “Our first big fundraiser was our ride last year. We went to five different stops. We got back to our Post and had food and entertainment and some raffles. We raised about $8,000,” ride organizer, Harold French said or their first motorcycle event last. Read more.

Veterans Can Receive U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Services At MedExpress, Urgent Care Facilities: 

Urgent care services are now offered to veterans through VA urgent care clinics. The program, which started June 6, offers services to those suffering from the flu, minor burns or skin infections at locations like MedExpress, UPMC Urgent Care and MinuteClinic, located inside CVS stores. Retail locations include a walk-in health clinic within a retail business. Read more.

 Across the Nation 

Army Seeks Volunteers To Staff New National Museum: 

The U.S. Army is looking for volunteers to staff the $200 million National Museum of the United States Army for its planned 2020 grand opening at Fort Belvoir, VA, about 30 miles south of Washington, D.C. Read more.

Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship for students training in high demand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. The Rogers STEM Scholarship will provide up to nine months of additional Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement (or a maximum of $30,000) to qualifying veterans and Fry Scholars seeking a STEM degree or who have earned a STEM degree and are seeking a teaching certification. Website or contact VA’s Education Call Center by phone at 1-888-442-4551.

Military Suicides Reached An All-Time High In 2018, Pentagon Says: 

Military suicides reached their highest recorded level last year, the Pentagon reports, highlighting a crisis affecting both civilians and veterans. In 2018, 325 military service members committed suicide, according to the Pentagon's Defense Suicide Prevention Office, surpassing the previous record of 321 in 2012. Read more.

Research Finds Veterans Earn More Than Non-Veterans: 

A new study conducted by the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio looked to see if there was a difference between wages earned by military veterans compared with non-veterans. The study found that military veterans earned higher wages, averaging nearly $26 an hour while non-veterans averaged just $21 an hour. The study, titled “The veteran wage differential,” looked at average wages of military veterans and non-veterans across the U.S. between 2005 and 2015. It was conducted by two University of Akron professors, Dr. Francesco Renna and Dr. Amanda Weinstein. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Announces Upcoming Awards To Help Veterans Who Are Homeless Or At Risk Of Homelessness: 

Thousands of low-income veterans and their eligible family members will continue to have access to crucial homelessness services as a result of a $426 million in grants to be awarded under the VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Has Cured 100,000 Veterans Of Hepatitis C: 

VA has reached a significant milestone, having cured more than 100,000 veterans of chronic hepatitis C virus infection, establishing VA as a global leader in the diagnosis and treatment of HCV. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Partners With MIT To ‘Hack’ Medicine, Improve Veteran Health Care: 

Grand Hacks bring together industry leaders, students, VA employees, and tech enthusiasts to ideate and create actionable solutions for issues facing veterans today and in the future. Read more.

U.S. Postal Service Honors Military Working Dogs With New “Forever” Stamp: 

The furriest members of the armed forces will grace the U.S. Postal Service’s newest stamps to be released. The new red, white and blue stamps featuring military working dogs were designed to “honor the nation’s brave and loyal canines,” according to a U.S. Postal Service statement. Read more.

Video: Hall Of Heroes Induction Ceremony Speech - SSG David G. Bellavia: 

This is a 15 minute video of an inspiring speech from SSG David Bellavia at his induction into the Hall of Heroes (i.e. Medal of Honor recipients). It speaks clearly to the nobility and selflessness of America’s warriors. Watch video.

When Veterans Should Use Urgent Care Centers Vs. Emergency Departments: 

Should a sore throat or a rash send a veteran to the emergency department or an urgent care center? Sometimes it’s difficult to be sure. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants to make it easy by providing a clear-cut description of where to go for the health care that veterans need. 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.

Governor Wolf – TechnipFMC Expansion Will Support Job Creation In Washington County: 

Governor Tom Wolf announced that TechnipFMC will expand its operations by establishing a new facility in Speers Borough (Washington County). The project will support the creation and retention of 168 Pennsylvania jobs. 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.

Lebanon VA Medical Center Expands Podiatric Certification For Surgical Residents: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Lebanon VA Medical Center (Lebanon County) received an added credential for its podiatric surgical residents in reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. The credential allows surgical residents to be certified to operate on the heel and ankle, as well as the rest of the foot, providing a benefit for patients needing complex surgery. Read more.

Pennsylvania Friends Of Agriculture Foundation Is Hiring CDL Licensed Drivers: 

Are you a CDL licensed driver looking for flexible, part-time weekend work? Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation is now hiring part-time haulers for the Mobile Ag Lab Program to transport their labs on the weekends. Position requires availability most weekends from September through June 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]. Website

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Has Healthcare Careers Perfect For Veterans: 

From diagnosing and treating patients in high-pressure situations to working with complex medical technology, former military healthcare workers are uniquely equipped to care for others. While these skills make an incredible asset to the civilian medical field, at the VA, it takes on even more meaning. VA has careers, tied to specialized skillsets, where former military healthcare workers can heal and care for fellow veterans. Read more.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affiars (VA) Needs New Executives To Lead Medical Centers In 11 Cities, Plus 45,000 Other Vacancies: 

VA is looking for executives to lead 11 of its medical centers across the U.S., "trailblazers who can inspire and lead change in veterans' care," according to VA. Read more.

Veterans Employment Representative 1 (Butler County): 

As a veterans' employment representative 1, you will serve as a disabled veterans' outreach program specialist (DVOP) in a PA CareerLink career center. You will provide employment services to disabled veterans as well as veterans facing significant barriers to employment. Working as a DVOP, you can take pride in helping fellow veterans find and keep meaningful employment, and you can make a significant and positive difference in the lives of veterans in your community. Apply today!

Veterans Employment Representative 2 (Luzerne County): 

As a veterans' employment representative 2, you will serve as a local veterans' employment representative (LVER) in a PA CareerLink® career center. You will conduct outreach to employers and business associations and engage in advocacy efforts to increase employment opportunities for veterans. Working as a LVER, you can take pride in matching businesses with qualified veteran applicants, and you can make a significant and positive difference in local businesses and in the lives of veterans in your community. Apply today!

Veterans Unemployment Rose Slightly In July, Still Sits Below National Estimates: 

The unemployment rate among American veterans rose for the second consecutive month in July, but it still remains significantly below the national rate, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read more.

Veterans’ Expo & Job Fair Capital Area: 

- Aug. 27, 2019, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA (Cumberland County)
- Any questions please call 717-285-1350
- The Veterans’ Expo connects active and retired military members of all ages and their families with the benefits and resources available to them. Covering everything from home improvement, legal services, finance, retirement living and insurance. The job fair will also provide an opportunity for veterans and employers to meet face-to-face to discuss available positions. Workshops and seminars will be offered on relevant topics.
- Website.

 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.)

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.

Spring Creek Chapter Of Trout Unlimited Veterans Service Program: 

- Aug. 11, 2019, 2 p.m.
- Fisherman's Paradise, 1150 Spring Creek Road, Bellefonte, PA (Centre County)
- As always, all veterans, active duty personnel, families and friends are welcome to join for an afternoon of fishing, fun and good conversation. Learn to fly fish or improve your existing skills and learn about conservation projects designed to keep streams and watersheds healthy and protected. All fishing gear, supplies, fishing licenses for veterans, and a one year membership to Trout Unlimited will be provided. This is a free family fishing program so all are welcome. Hot dogs will be on the grill with all the trimmings.

Veterans Breakfast Club: 

- Aug. 12, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Spoonwood Brewery, 5981 Baptist Rd., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- Join us for stories from women veterans. Free hor d'oeuvres and cash bar. 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.

Back To School Military And Veteran Families: 

- Aug. 12-15, 2019, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Veteran Leadership Program, 2934 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- For more information call 412-481-8200
- Free school supplies including book bags, notebooks, pencils and more, available for children of veterans as well as active duty and Guard/Reserve members.

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, assistance will be available and Perry County's director of veterans affairs will be on-site to assist and meet veterans.

Yoga & Smoothies: 

- Aug. 18, 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 Organizations. Free childcare provided onsite!

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 mile 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.

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.

The USO Show Troupe: 

- Aug. 22-25, 2019
- Mt. Gretna Theatre, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mt. Gretna, PA (Lebanon County)
- For tickets and more information, call the box office at 717-964-3627
- The popular military performance troupe delivers their American Heartland musical tribute that has been part of American tradition for over 70 years. Sure to please a variety of musical tastes ranging from today’s top 40 to Broadway, Big Band, and even some patriotic tunes. Performing live annually for more than 300,000 service members and their families, the USO Show Troupe presents top of the line entertainment. All veterans and active military receive $5 off their ticket.
- 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.
- Press release.

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.