September 13, 2023

DMVA Digest

A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

The Next PACT Act Deadline Involves Health Care Enrollment For Veterans Who Deployed To Combat Zones:

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) notes the latest filing deadline related to the PACT Act. Until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2023, veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care through the PACT Act. This special enrollment period gives veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. 

Pennsylvania Airmen Forge New Paths in Exercise Iron Keystone:

In a display of unity and innovation, 150 airmen from the three Pennsylvania Air National Guard wings converged recently for the groundbreaking Exercise Iron Keystone. This landmark exercise marked the first joint endeavor among the wings, signaling a powerful commitment to enhance their collective combat prowess.

Bloomsburg Fair Military Appreciation Day To Include DMVA's Vet 2 Vet Town Hall And Resource Fair:

The Bloomsburg Fairgrounds will have a military focus on Sept. 27, 2023 during its inaugural Military Appreciation Day. The Bloomsburg Fair Association and state Rep. Robert Leadbeter have partnered for the event, the focus of which is to raise the level of patriotism and improve the lives of veterans and their families. The day will include a Vet 2 Vet town hall and resource fair conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

Let's Be Friends On Social Media:

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) on social media and be one of the first to hear about benefit and program updates, DMVA job openings, veteran-related news, and much more! Stay connected and up to date by following us on 

Pennsylvania Guard Soldier Recognized For Lifesaving Actions:

Lt. Col. Mark Martella, commander of the 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion, was recognized during a recent board of commissioners meeting at the Manheim Township County Office, for his lifesaving actions on June 1, 2023, when he assisted in saving the life of a man who was unconscious and suffering a heart attack. 

Delaware County Announces New Military And Veterans Affairs Director:

Delaware County Council formally introduced Col. Arthur L. Jenkins Jr. as the county’s military and veteran's affairs director. Jenkins, who was commissioned as an officer in the Medical Service Corps, will lead the county’s military and veteran's affairs department, which serves veterans and their families, with a focus on increasing awareness of the benefits and resources available to veterans and their dependents.

Hundreds Of Veterans Honored With Festivities In Chester County:

Hundreds of veterans were thanked for their service in West Chester, Chester County as part of an Honor Flight Philadelphia event. Five busloads carrying 150 veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War received the red-carpet treatment, sharing food and camaraderie.

Director Of Indiana University Of Pennsylvania's Military And Veterans Center Selected As Veteran Champion Of The Year:

Dr. Cory Shay, director of Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Military and Veterans Resource Center, has been selected for the 2023 Veteran Champions of the Year in Higher Education list by Military Friendly. This list honors champions who advocate for America’s veterans in higher education.

Protecting Your PACT Act Benefits:

Have you seen television commercials, social media posts, or other advertisements from companies telling you to “act now” to claim your Camp Lejeune or PACT Act benefits? Are you wondering if you’re eligible for the new presumptive benefits and need their legal representation? There's information you need to know to protect yourself from predatory third-party companies. 

Five Tips On How To Engage With Homeless Veterans:

Every veteran experiencing homelessness has a story to tell and, often, it involves one or more traumas that led them to where they are now. If you encounter a veteran living in an encampment, on the street or in a vehicle, you may feel compelled to help. There are tips for safe, useful ways to support veterans experiencing homelessness.

Rapid Deployment Team Assists Veterans After Hurricane Idalia:

On Aug. 30, 2023, Hurricane Idalia tore through the Florida gulf coast with 125 mph winds, flooding streets, damaging homes and shifting the lives of countless impacted by her destructive force. Among those left in the hurricane's wake were veterans who rely on a small-town VA clinic that had to close temporarily due to storm damage.

PGA HOPE Helps Veterans Get Into The Game:

It was a case of perfect timing that Lynn Gustafson found the PGA HOPE program. The Illinois Army National Guard veteran, and a newcomer to golf, was at her local driving range one afternoon when she saw a banner about a program offering free lessons to veterans. PGA HOPE brings together veterans at all levels of playing ability for a couple of hours a week for a seven-week program to learn more about the game.

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.

The Commonwealth Of PA Is Looking To Hire Capitol Police Officers:

If you want to dedicate your professional life to something challenging that you can be proud of and positively impact the lives of others, we encourage you to join the capitol police as we continue to seek a more diverse group of officers who will safeguard the constitutional rights of all citizens we serve. Capitol police officers provide a variety of police services and are to be knowledgeable with the Pa. Crimes Code, Vehicle Code, and Rules of Criminal Procedure, among other tasks. Job posting closes Oct. 1, 2023. 

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. 

Veteran Farm Workshop To Present Information On Silvopasture For Pigs:

Army National Guard soldier Charles Lafferty and his wife, Tanya, will host this seminar on converting underutilized forested areas to silvopasture using swine on Sept. 17, 2023 from 1-3 p.m. at Skyline Pastures in Mohrsville, PA (Berks County). The Laffertys will show program participants how under-utilized forest or brush areas that currently serve only as windbreaks and dividers for row-cropped fields can be effectively managed for pastured swine. 

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