October 4, 2023

DMVA Digest

A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

DMVA Announces Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Applications Now Open:

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) announced that the 2023-24 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) is accepting grant applications for programs and services benefiting Pennsylvania veterans. DMVA will award VTF grants to non-profit organizations, veteran service organizations and county directors of veteran affairs across the state. Grant applications must be received no later than 2 p.m. EST on Wednesday Nov. 08, 2023. 

Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Reopened To The Public:

The Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery reopened to the public. The memorial near Annville, Lebanon County, was closed on Oct. 7, 2022, for structural repairs.

A Blessing In Disguise: 25 Years After BRAC Decision, Fort Indiantown Gap Thriving:

In the fall of 1995, there was a sense of anxiousness around Fort Indiantown Gap. The installation had come into the crosshairs of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, and some feared it would close. Instead, the commission decided to remove the active-duty Army units and transfer the installation from federal to state control in 1998 for use as a reserve component training site.

DMVA Announces Topton-Area Panel Discussion And Resource Fair About Veterans Benefits:

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will hold a veterans resource fair and in-person benefits discussion called “Let’s Talk, Vet 2 Vet” on Oct. 11, 2023.

PA State Veterans Commission Meeting:

The State Veterans Commission meeting will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct.13, 2023, at the Arrowheads Community Club, building 9-65 Fisher Ave., Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA. The meeting will be accessible telephonically by calling 1-267-332-8737 and when prompted Phone Conference ID: 769 200 539#. 

You will be able to join meeting via MS TEAMS via weblink:

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

Bloomsburg Fair Celebrates Military Appreciation Day:

While participating in the Bloomsburg Fair's Military Appreciation Day, Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General of Veterans Affairs at the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA), listed some of the resources available to veterans. She described her own service, proudly serving in the Army and Army National Guard for 25 years. Now, she serves over 720,000 veterans and their families throughout Pennsylvania.

Make The PA Soldiers' And Sailors' Home Your New Office At October Job Fair:

Are you a kind and compassionate hard worker looking for a job opportunity in health care? The Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PSSH) could be your new workplace.

Trees Planted For Fallen Civil War Soldiers:

The landscape around The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg on Baltimore Pike was consecrated with 100 Rising Sun Redbud trees to honor fallen soldiers of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Pennsylvanians Combat Veteran Homelessness By Understanding Their Culture:

Housing Pennsylvania's homeless veterans requires mass cooperation of services – from healthcare providers to budgeting workshops. However, many homeless vets want something deeper: respect.

Pennsylvania Courts Announce Establishment Of Regional Veterans Court To Serve Eight Counties:

The Pennsylvania Courts have announced the establishment of a Regional Veterans Treatment Court which will serve eight central Pennsylvania counties. The Court is anticipated to begin proceedings in early 2024.

Veterans Needing Business Start-Up Help Can Turn To Warrior Rising:

Warrior Rising is positioned to help you. A non-profit organization launched by Veterans for Veterans in 2015, Warrior Rising is dedicated to transforming veterans into “Vetrepreneurs,” providing them opportunities to create sustainable businesses, perpetuate the hiring of fellow American veterans and earning their future.

VA Employee To Donate Kidney To Navy Veteran:

North Texas VA medical administrative officer Antrion Smith served 14 years in the Navy as a hospital corpsman including tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nothing Smith saw or experienced as a combat medic for the Marines could prepare him for the life challenges in front of him.

Self-Treatment For The Flu:

Dr. Rich Serrao explained influenza and how to care for yourself in this episode of the podcast The SITREP. 

A New Graphic Novel Depicts Alwyn Cashe's Medal Of Honor Action:

Reading about an amazing act of heroism is one thing, but seeing it come to life is another thing entirely; just ask anyone who read "Black Hawk Down" before watching the movie. The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) seems to agree, because it regularly publishes free comic books depicting Medal of Honor actions.

Marine Vet Marking Beirut Attack Anniversary With Another 273-Mile Walk:

Marine veteran Paul “Doc” Doolittle has been saving up his vacation time from his job as a security manager for a software development company and working through some holidays. For the fourth time, the Colorado resident is spending the first three weeks of October walking one mile for every name inscribed on the Jacksonville memorial to U.S. service members stationed near that North Carolina community who fell in Beirut and Grenada four decades ago. 

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.

Berks County Is Seeking A Director Of Veterans Affairs:

Berks County is seeking a director of veterans affairs. As director, the incumbent serves as the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO), and oversees the activities and functions of the county's Department of Veterans Affairs by managing a staff of veterans' benefits specialists. Overall, the department serves the needs of Berks County veterans, widows, dependents and orphans and their caregivers and provides assistance and coordination of information and programs.

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. 

Let's Talk Vet 2 Vet Resource Fair And Panel Discussion:

The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), in conjunction with the Berks County Veterans Affairs Office, American Legion Post 217 and Kutztown University, is hosting a free veteran's resource fair and panel discussion on Oct. 11, 2023, at the Ray A. Master American Legion Post 217 in Topton, PA. The resource fair runs from 1-3 p.m., followed by the panel discussion from 4-5:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with federal, state and local government representatives, as well as community organizations, about available resources and services for those who currently serve or have served in the military.

More Events Listing:

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

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