News for Veterans from around the region, state, nation
Of Local Interest
102-Year-Old WWII Woman Veteran Served In WAVES:
Dolan Simon was 25 years old in October 1942 and working as an office secretary in Norvelt (Westmoreland County), when she joined the Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. Read more.
Veterans Employment Representative 2 - Allegheny 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. Apply today!
2019 Stand Down Pittsburgh:
- Oct. 5, 2019, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 2934 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- For more information call 412-481-8200 or email [email protected]
- FREE services for veterans include breakfast, lunch, food pantry, haircuts, hot showers, clothing, personal hygiene and care items, legal assistance, ID cards, eye care, general health care, flu shots, access to veteran benefits and eligibility, vocational, employment, education resources, counseling referrals and more! Transportation and parking available. Facebook page.
The Wall That Heals Comes To Indiana County:
- October 10-13, 2019
- Mack Park Fairgrounds, 803 Hospital Rd., Indiana, PA (Indiana County)
- For more information, call the American Legion at 724-465-2326.
- The Wall That Heals honors over 58,000 service members who lost their lives defending the country during the Vietnam war. The Northern Appalachian Folk Festival, Inc. and The American Legion Post 141 are proud to bring this exhibit to Indiana, PA.
- Website.
Governor Wolf Commends Western PA Continuum Of Care On Ending Veteran Homelessness, Urges Continued Action:
Governor Tom Wolf announced that the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, and departments of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs confirmed that the Western Pennsylvania Continuum of Care (Western PA CoC) has effectively ended homelessness for veterans in 20 counties, including Armstrong, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Forest, Green, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland. Read more.
Steelers Honor World War II Veteran Brothers At Home Opener:
Two brothers who served in the Army during World War II were honored during the home opener for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Seattle Seahawks with the ATI Salute to Heroes Award. Read more.
DMVA News
DMVA Still Looking For Three 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 three photos from Philadelphia County. For information on how to submit a photo Read more.
Gov. Wolf And Head Of DMVA Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli Reflect On Visits With Troops In Lithuania And Poland:
Governor Tom Wolf highlighted the second half of his trip abroad, including visiting with more than 500 PA National Guard (PNG) troops in Poland, and honoring the Tree of Life synagogue victims at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. Read more.
Job Fair At DMVA's Southeastern Veterans' Center (Chester County):
Come in and apply for a rewarding career providing services and assistance to senior and disabled military veterans. The Southeastern Veterans' Center in Spring City (Chester County) is seeking to fill various career opportunities that will enhance the lives of people who fought for our freedom. As a Pennsylvania State Employee, you will embark on a rewarding career that will make a difference caring for America’s veterans. Read more.
Now Accepting Veterans Day Event Submissions:
In recognition of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, the Pennsylvania Department of Military Veterans Affairs is compiling a list of Veterans Day events around the state. Community organizers statewide are encouraged to submit event information to DMVA by Oct. 28, 2019, to be included in our weekly DMVA Digest. To submit an upcoming veteran or military-oriented event being held in Pennsylvania, please email [email protected] with the following details: 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 (required fee to attend, pre-registration, etc.).
Around the State
111th Attack Wing Supports Local Event With Charitable Mission:
Members of the 111th Attack Wing taught civilians about the Pennsylvania Air National Guard at the 29th Annual Wings ‘N Wheels event held at historic Wings Field in Blue Bell (Montgomery County) recently. Comprised of recruiting and retention flight members and security forces squadron members, the team displayed a tactical police pick-up truck and an armored high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle, commonly called a HMMWV, at the historic Wings Field. Read more.
County Office Files Most Veteran Claims:
The Cambria County Veteran Services Office filed the most veteran claims in the state for the third consecutive year. A press release from Zackary Portser, director of Cambria County Veteran Services Office, says 883 claims were filed by his office through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. Read more.
Injured Veteran Trains, Donates Service Dogs:
Ellwood City (Lawrence County) native Dennis Morida can no longer serve his country as a soldier or police officer because of injuries suffered in a Middle East rocket attack, but that has not stopped him from finding another way to be of service. Morida has spent more than 17 months training and donating quality service dogs to veterans and first responders through Always A Warrior, a nonprofit he co-founded last year in St. Petersburg, Fla. Read more.
Kenneth Aquiline Uses Own Struggles With Drug Addiction And Homelessness To Help Fellow Veterans:
Kenneth Aquiline doesn’t remember many of the times he had to be revived from a drug overdose, but he remembers the first. He recalls waking up in 2011 at his childhood home in Penn Hills (Allegheny County), pinned to the ground in the front yard surrounded by paramedics and police officers. “I literally had no idea how I got there,” says Aquiline, who at the time had recently returned home after serving for several years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Read more.
Operation Second Chance Stops To Help Wounded Veterans:
A retired Pennsylvania farmer is once again traversing the country on a vintage tractor to raise funds for forgotten heroes. He is Mr. C. Ivan Stolzfus, and this week he made a stop in Jasper as he makes his way across Texas, and eventually reaching Florida. Read more.
Quilts Of Valor Presented:
Five area veterans were awarded Quilts of Valor in honor and recognition of their service to the country during a presentation at the Bloomsburg American Legion (Columbia County). Read more.
Across the Nation
About Half Of Post-9/11 Vets Say Deployment Harmed Mental Health:
Nearly half of all veterans who served after 9/11 blame deployment for a decline in their mental health, regardless of whether they saw combat, according to a Pew Research Center report. Forty-seven percent of those vets also reported “emotionally traumatic or distressing experiences” linked to their time in uniform. Read more.
American Red Cross Military & Veteran Caregiver Network Offers Peer Support And Robust Resource Library:
The American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network’s mission is to provide military and veteran caregivers with peer support. This support reduces their isolation and increase their senses of connectedness, engagement, hopefulness, wellness, as well as their knowledge and skills. Read more.
Caregivers Of Wounded Vets Have Unique Job Needs – These New Projects Aim To Help:
Two new projects aim to make employment easier for military veteran caregivers. A new 38-page booklet is designed to serve as a "practical guide" for employers who want to support caregivers in the workplace. And officials with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced 20 new spots in its corporate fellowship program specifically earmarked for veteran caregivers. Read more.
Find A VETSports Team In Your Community:
VETSports is a non-profit organization helping veterans achieve better physical, mental, and emotional health through participation in community involvement, physical activity and sports. In August 2012, three combat veterans founded VETSports to create opportunities for veterans to reintegrate into civilian life. The organization established chapter leagues throughout the country, serving more than 700 veterans a week. Read more.
Veterans Legacy Memorial:
The Veterans Legacy Memorial is the first digital platform dedicated entirely to memory preservation for the 3.7 million veterans interred in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries. Each veteran will have their own memorial page. Website.
Veterans With PTSD, Anxiety Turn To Beekeeping For Relief:
Gently lifting a wooden frame containing dozens of Italian honeybees, Vince Ylitalo seemed transfixed as he and several other veterans inspected the buzzing insects. “This is really cool,” he said, pointing to a bee with blobs of orange pollen on its hind legs. Read more.
Video Tablets Deliver Telehealth To Veterans:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was recently recognized in studies by two independent peer-review journals for efforts to deliver trusted, easy access and high-quality online health care services to veterans with complex health care needs or who reside in remote areas. The department’s tablet program is one part of VA’s extensive telehealth program. Read more.
What To Know About Suicide In Military Members, Veterans And First Responders:
September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to recognize that suicide rates have risen in the United States in the past couple decades, with almost 45,000 lives lost to suicide in one year alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read more.
Younger Veterans More Likely To Struggle After Leaving The Military:
Younger veterans are more likely than previous generations of service members to report problems readjusting to civilian life, with about one in six calling the transition very difficult, according to a new survey. 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 PA and WV. 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 visit Website.
Explore A U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs (VA) Career In Family Medicine:
Family medicine practitioners who emphasize whole-patient care serve an integral role in veterans’s care at VA. Ready to join a family practice? Visit the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia from Sept. 24-28 to talk to VA health care recruiters attending the Family Medicine Experience (FMX) conference, put forth by the American Academy of Family Medicine (AAFP). Read more.
FBI Internships And Entry Level Positions For People With Disabilities:
The FBI is looking for college students and graduates from diverse backgrounds to help their mission. They seek outstanding candidates with demonstrated leadership ability in student government, as well as involvement in campus and community organizations. Apply.
Find Your Dream Job Caring For Veterans:
If you’re looking for a career caring for veterans in a specific location, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Careers’ real-time openings map makes it easy to explore VA employment opportunities across the United States and its territories. As the country’s largest integrated healthcare system, VA has more than 170 medical centers and 1,255 sites of care. Read more.
Fred Beans Ford Is Hiring Veterans:
Fred Beans Ford Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County), is looking for service technicians, body shop technicians and to add a body shop estimator to the team at Fred Beans of Mechanicsburg. Fred Beans was just named as one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania. If you have any questions or need assistance contact Kerri Kio at 717-766-4733 ext. 166. Apply.
Geisinger Medical Center Is Hiring A Bus Driver:
At Geisinger, excellence is achieved in many different ways – from delivering groundbreaking medical innovations to providing patients with reliable transportation during their visit. Interested candidates, please reach out to Hevyn Dimm at [email protected] or 570-689-1617. Appy.
Job Fair At DMVA's Southeastern Veterans' Center:
- Sept. 26, 2019, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Southeastern Veterans' Center, One Veteran's Dr., Spring City (Chester County)
- If you have questions, call 610-948-2400
- Come in and apply for a rewarding career providing services and assistance to military veterans. The Southeastern Veterans' Center is seeking to fill various career opportunities that will enhance the lives of people who fought for our freedom. As a Pennsylvania State Employee, you will embark on a rewarding career that will make a difference caring for America’s veterans.
- Read more.
Summit Highlights Support For Military Caregivers And Finding Them Jobs:
Craig Remsburg’s life changed when his son Cory returned home from war. An Army Ranger who was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2009 now needed his father to serve as his caregiver. The situation forced Craig Remsburg to meet with his employer to discuss his new role as a military caregiver and how he could continue his responsibilities at the company as a human resource professional. Read more.
Veterans Services Officer Supervisor - Lebanon County:
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is looking for someone to help veterans understand what benefits are available to them to enroll. DMVA offers competitive compensation and benefits and a team and veteran focused environment. Join in serving those who have served! Come join the DMVA team, Apply today!
Veterans Temple Teacher Residency:
Temple Teacher Residency is a teacher education program devoted to preparing diverse and highly-motivated individuals with strong mathematics and science subject knowledge to teach mathematics and/or science in high-need schools in Philadelphia (Philadelphia County). There is an interest in working with veterans who see themselves fit in the program. Transform your love of STEM into a purposeful career! Apply to TTR today! Any questions please contact Dr. Amy Scallon at 215-204-1518 or email [email protected].
Wolf Administration Secures Keurig Dr Pepper, 378 New Jobs At Shuttered Lehigh Valley Site:
Delivering on the administration’s promise to find a new employer for the shuttered Kraft-Heinz site in the Lehigh Valley, Governor Tom Wolf announced that Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) will expand its presence in Pennsylvania to a new facility and create 378 new full-time jobs at the site. Read more.
Wolf Administration: Allegiant Travel Company Creates 50 New Jobs, Increases Travel Options For Lehigh Valley:
Governor Tom Wolf announced that airline provider Allegiant Travel Company has been approved for state funding to expand its presence at the Lehigh Valley Airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, by establishing a base, creating 50 new full-time jobs. Read more.
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.)
Veterans In The Valley Open House:
- Sept. 29, 2019, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Black Valley Farm, 9048 Black Valley Rd., Everett, PA (Bedford County)
- Any questions contact Alana Foor at 406-599-9797 or email [email protected]
- A family day celebrating Pennsylvania agriculture and craftsmanship to benefit veterans in agribusiness and the Troops To Tractors internship program. Veterans interested in a future in agriculture are invited to attend the event to learn more. Please join for food trucks, children's activities, family fun, petting zoo, live music and educational presentations.
PGA Hope:
- Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2 and 9, 2019, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Bensalem Township Country Club, 2000 Brown Ave., Bensalem, PA (Bucks County)
- PGA REACH Philadelphia is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving communities and growing the game of golf through three pillars: youth, military, and diversity & inclusion.
- Register.
- Website.
Legal And Domestic Relations Clinic:
- Sept. 20, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Lebanon VA Medical Center, Building 37, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA (Lebanon County)
- For more information, please contact Carla Cyr at 717-304-1883
- Clinics are presented by the PA Bar Association, Lancaster County Domestic Relations and PA Board of Probation and Parole. Veterans with legal and/or domestic relations issues in ALL counties are welcome to attend.
Penn State To Host Prisoner Of War/Missing In Action Vigil:
- Sept. 20, 2019, 4 p.m.
- Old Main lawn on the University Park campus, State College, PA (Centre County)
- Penn State will host its annual 24-hour Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Remembrance Ceremony which coincides with National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The event is free and open to the public.
- Read more.
Motorcycle Ride And 5K Fun Run:
- Sept. 21, 2019, 9 a.m.
- Schuylkill Haven Island Park, 1 Broadway, Schuylkill Haven PA (Schuylkill County)
- $20 registration. Kids 5 and under free. The 5K will be followed by food and a fun festival from Noon-4 p.m.
- Register in person at the Schuylkill Haven Rec Center or their Website.
Beaver County's 1st Annual Veterans Stand Down:
- Sept. 21, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- American Legion, 415 13th St., New Brighton, PA (Beaver County)
- The 1st Annual Stand Down will serve local homeless veterans as well as service members and their families. Services that hope to provide but are not limited to medical screenings, behavioral health services, job search support, housing assistance social services, haircuts, food and donations.
Mini-Stand Down:
- Sept. 21, 2019, and third Saturday of every month 10 a.m.-Noon
- City Park, Lower Parking Lot, Reading, PA (Berks County)
- Help veterans who gave so much for all of us! Please bring your DD214 and VA ID. They will provide clothing, a hot meal and more.
- Website.
Equines For Freedom Informational Event:
- Sept. 21, 2019, 1 p.m.
- Gary Johnson Arena on the campus of Marley’s Mission, 2150 Port Royal Rd., Clarks Summit, PA (Lackawanna County)
- Point of contact: Heather Stage at 570-665-2483 or email [email protected]
- An educational presentation about equine-assisted eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) will be followed by an opportunity to meet with and speak to members of the Equines for Freedom board of directors, treatment team and some graduates of the program willing to share their experiences. The mission of Equines For Freedom is to provide equine-assisted PTSD treatment to current and former U.S. service members and first responders regardless of the source of their trauma or their characterization of service, at no charge to the service member. Equines For Freedom is a 501c3 organization.
Veterans Understanding The Risk Factors Of Addiction:
- Sept. 24, 2019, 8:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
- The Mirage Banquet Facility, 800 Scalp Ave., Johnstown, PA (Cambria County)
- Registration required: call Veteran Community Initiatives at 814-255-0355
- Program topics will include Addiction 101 - drugs, brain and behaviors, signs and symptoms of substance misuse, advocating for your loved one: addiction and the criminal justice system and Cambria County Veterans Court.
Living Through Adversity: Life After Combat And Loss – Earl Granville:
- Sept. 24, 2019, 7 p.m., 45 minute presentation be followed by a Q&A period
- East Stroudsburg University, Abeloff Center for the Performing Arts, 200 Prospect St., East Stroudsburg, PA (Monroe County)
- Point of contact: June Pepe at 570-422-2830 or email [email protected]
- Infantryman Earl Granville, a nine-year veteran of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, was on patrol in Afghanistan in summer 2008 when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb, killing two other servicemen. Earl’s injuries resulted in the amputation of his left leg through the knee. FREE to students and the community.
Veteran Outreach And Suicide Prevention Program:
- Sept. 26, 2019, Noon-1 p.m.
- Lancaster VET Center, 1817 Olde Homestead Lane, Suite 207, Lancaster, PA (Lancaster County)
- Any questions contact Charlotte Leckow at 717-397-7461
- An overview of the services offered at the Lancaster and Lebanon Veteran Centers. The option of Mental Health America's free guidance and support available to help navigate you (or a family member) through the mental health system locally. How to access local support services, as well as crisis intervention teams, who work within the county. Bring a lunch, colleague, friend or family member. All ages welcome.
March For The Fallen:
- Sept. 28, 2019, 6 a.m. opening ceremony, 7 a.m. Start 28 mile and 14-mile marches, 7:30 a.m. start 28-mile hand cycle, 9 a.m. start 5K run/walk
- Strickler Field, Ft. Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA (Lebanon County)
- Point of contact: CSM Michael Chirdon, at 717-639-5580 or [email protected]
- The March for the Fallen is an annual event at Fort Indiantown Gap that offers a wide range of choices for every experience level to enjoy and/or compete! The 14 and 28 mile Trail Races offer spectacular views and challenging terrain. Compete as an individual or in a team or just register and participate for fun. The choice is yours!
- Register.
Blood Sweat Cheer Festival:
- Sept. 29, 2019, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
- Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, 4599 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA (Delaware County)
- Blood Sweat Cheer festival is a family-friendly event filled with fitness, live music, kids activities, great food, and a variety of local vendors. The main goal of the festival is to raise funds for the Delaware County Veterans Memorial and its educational programs. Register and attend for the chance to win an all expenses paid vacation sponsored by Apple Vacations!
- Facebook page.
Veterans Resource Fair:
- Sept. 29, 2019, 1-5 p.m.
- Duquesne University Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)
- For more information call 412-781-2750
- Connecting local veterans to services, organizations, and their elected officials. Come meet the staff from your district office and get information on services benefiting veterans.
PUCHOG Skate Night:
- Sept. 29, 2019, 4:15 a.m.
- Twin Ponds, 3904 Corey Rd, Harrisburg, PA (Dauphin County)
- For more information please email John Jones at [email protected]
- Players Using Competition to Help Others Grow (PUCHOG) will be hosting a Vet Skate for all veterans and active duty service members. It will be a free public skate for vets and their families. PUCHOG puts wounded veterans on the ice to play hockey as a means for physical, mental and emotional therapy. The team is always looking to add players, there is never a cost to the wounded vet and no experience is required. They have a standing team as well as a sled team.
United States Navy Band Commodores 2019 National Tour:
- Oct. 17-Nov. 7, 2019
- Seven locations throughout PA
- Point of contact: Navy Band general information line, 202-433-3366 or email [email protected]@navy.mil
- Jazz is America’s music and the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, have been performing the very best of big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for over 40 years.
- Read more.
Free Wrist And Hand Evaluations And Surgery For Our Veterans In Lehigh Valley, Berks And Carbon Counties:
- Nov. 2, 2019, and Dec. 7, 2019, with surgery for those requiring it Jan. 25, 2020
- OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, 250 Cetronia Rd., 2nd floor, Allentown, PA (Lehigh County)
- Register by calling Keri Freyman at 610-973-6464 or email [email protected]
- Facebook event.
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