May 24, 2023

DMVA Digest

A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Reminds Pennsylvanians They Can Pay Tribute to the Fallen by Donating to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund:

The Memorial Day holiday is a time to honor the fallen and serves as a reminder that one way to pay tribute to those who have served our country is to donate to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund. The Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial, located at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Lebanon County, stands in lasting tribute to those who served our state and nation in times of war and peace. This monument is nationally recognized as the largest veteran’s memorial located in any of the national cemeteries.  

Untold Valor, Decoding VA Services With Brian Natali:

Marine Corps veteran Brian Natali participated in a recent Voice & Vision Untold Valor podcast to share his extensive knowledge about accessing care through Veterans Affairs. Brian is the Chief of the Division of Veterans Services and Programs for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and in this first installment of a two-part podcast, helps dispel some common myths about VA services and emphasizes the significance of effective outreach to raise awareness among veterans.

On This Date: Cuban Refugees Arrive At Fort Indiantown Gap In Lebanon County:

After years of frosty relations with Cuba and its communist leader Fidel Castro, things began to thaw a bit in the late 1970s. By 1979 tours were bringing Americans on one-week visits, and in 1980, the United States began accepting Cuban immigrants via the Mariel Boatlift. Fort Indiantown Gap began housing some of those immigrants in May 1980.

Pennsylvania Guard, Lithuania Conduct Partnership Exchange:

Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers conducted engagements in Lithuania with their counterparts from the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Harkins Appointed To Veterans' Home Advisory Council For Pennsylvania Soldiers' And Sailors' Home:

State Rep. Pat Harkins announced that he has been appointed by PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton to serve on the Veterans’ Home Advisory Council for the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home.

111th ATKW Command Chief Retires After More Than 24 Years Of Military Service:

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Ferguson, 111th Attack Wing Command Chief, retired on May 11 after more than 24 years of military service during a ceremony at Biddle Air National Guard Base.

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VA invites Veterans, Public To Attend Memorial Day Ceremonies At 130+ VA National Cemeteries Including Several In Pennsylvania:

VA announced that it will host Memorial Day ceremonies at more than 130 national cemeteries to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. VA’s National Cemetery Administration invites veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors — as well as members of the public — to attend these solemn wreath-laying ceremonies, which will take place throughout Memorial Day weekend. 

Father Will "Walk To Remember" On Anniversary Of Son's Death In Iraq:

Roy Edmundson of Williamsburg, PA, will be an honored guest at the 5K Walk to Remember Our Fallen which will take place at the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, May 27, from 8 to 10 a.m., rain or shine.

Newtown Historians To Present A "Tribute To Local Veterans":

A special exhibit, "Tribute to Local Veterans," will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Newtown Historic Association's Callahan Research Center at 100 Mercer Street, Newtown, PA.

PA Veteran Farming Network Announces New Online Resource:

The PA Veteran Farming Project launched its new website, pavetfarms.org. The launch is in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Pennsylvania’s leading non-profit organization helping veterans and military grow successful farms and agribusinesses.

Pennsylvania Breweries Collaborate On Veteran-Made Beer To Raise Money For Troops And Military Families:

Twenty-three veteran-owned or operated breweries have collaborated on the "Adapt and Overcome: Get Your Six" hazy IPA, which will be released at participating breweries (25 in total) statewide on May 26, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

VA Adds 300,000 Veterans And Service Members From 27 Military Cemeteries To Veterans Legacy Memorial:

The Department of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of Army Cemeteries, announced that it has added 300,000 service members and veterans interred in 27 Department of Defense-managed military cemeteries into the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) website.

Suicide Prevention And LGBTQ+ Veterans:

Many people don’t think twice about scheduling an appointment with a doctor. Their biggest barriers may be insurance concerns or finding the time for a visit. But what if you avoid seeking care because of historic attitudes toward your sexual orientation or gender identity? This is the situation many veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or another minority orientation (LGBTQ+) face.

American Red Cross Offers Free Lifesaving Skills Training For Volunteers:

The American Red Cross has worked in partnership with the American College of Emergency Physicians to develop a new online training course, Until Help Arrives.

More Than 250,000 Veterans' Claims For PACT Act Benefits Completed Since Law Enacted:

More than 250,000 claims from veterans for PACT Act benefits have been processed by the Department of Veterans Affairs since the law was enacted, agency officials told U.S. House of Representative lawmakers on May 9.

This listing is offered as a service to individuals and organizations to promote their veteran and military-oriented employment opportunities. The information is taken directly from emailed requestor submissions. DMVA is not responsible for incorrect information submitted.

Camp Hill State Correctional Institution Is Seeking A Corrections Food Service Instructor:

The PA Department of Corrections, State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill is seeking energetic, enthusiastic, self-motivated people with the required experience to work as Corrections Food Service Instructors. This position functions as lead worker by assigning, participating in, and reviewing routine and specialized tasks performed by inmates in the areas of pre-preparation, production, service, and baking. You will ensure proper control over inmates by enforcing custody and security regulations and inspecting all food service areas, equipment, and food for conformance with established safety and sanitation standards. Job posting closes May 30, 2023.

More Employment Opportunities:

To see a full listing of employment opportunities, visit the DMVA Employment page. 

This listing is offered as a service to individuals and organizations to promote their veteran and military-oriented events held in Pennsylvania. The information is taken directly from requestor submissions. DMVA is not responsible for incorrect information submitted. 

Indiantown Gap National Cemetery To Observe Memorial Day:

Indiantown Gap National Cemetery will host its 40th annual Memorial Day program on May 28 at 2 p.m. The program will be held, rain or shine, in the parking lot located above the PA Veterans Memorial, as the site is undergoing renovations. Senior Marine and Army War College Assistant Professor Col. Keith E. Burkepile will deliver the keynote address. Parking will be at MSC Industrial Supply Co., 100 MSC Dr., Jonestown, with shuttle buses running to the program site beginning at noon.

More Events Listing:

To see a full listing of events, visit the DMVA Events page. ​​​​​​

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