December 20, 2023

DMVA Digest

A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

DMVA Digest Holiday Schedule Announcement:

As we approach the holiday season, we would like to thank you for your continued support of the DMVA Digest in 2023. We work on a weekly basis to provide coverage of news and events relevant to your interests as veterans and advocates. With that in mind, we will not publish a DMVA Digest on Dec. 27, 2023 or Jan. 3, 2024. Our regular publication schedule will resume with the Jan. 10, 2024 issue. Happy holidays and happy New Year!

PA Guard Soldiers Bound For Africa Mission:

More than 300 soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment were honored during a deployment ceremony at Zembo Shrine Auditorium.

PA Soldiers' And Sailors' Home Celebrates Wreaths Across America:

Members of the community and volunteers from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ (DMVA) Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PSSH) in Erie placed wreaths on 1,358 graves in its Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in coordination with the national Wreaths Across America program.

How To Support PA Veterans This Holiday Season:

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to support the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans and their families through several statewide programs this year.

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 

​​Donate To Support Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial:

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) reminds Pennsylvanians that this is a great time to give to programs that support the commonwealth's veterans, active military and their families. Located at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Lebanon County, and maintained by the DMVA, the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial is the first in the commonwealth to honor veterans of all eras from the Revolutionary War forward and it is the largest veterans memorial located in any of the national cemeteries. Donations are accepted online or by mail to help fund the maintenance and repair of the memorial. 

Penn State Recognizes Pittsburgh-Area Graduate For Military Service, Graduation:

A Pittsburgh resident is graduating from Penn State and has been recognized for his service in the Pennsylvania National Guard with a military honor worn during the university's commencement ceremonies.

Coatesville VA Medical Center Provides Crucial Support To Veterans Treatment Court:

Jeremy Damia, the new County Court Coordinator for Veterans Treatment Court in Delaware County, has embarked on a mission to better understand the wealth of resources available to veterans at the county, state, and federal levels. 

Pennsylvania Farm Show: Calving Corner Activities, Free Milkshake Events Return:

On January 11, 2024 active military members and veterans will have a chance to claim free milkshakes for PA Dairymen’s Military Day, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen.

Op-Ed: More Veterans Courts Needed In PA:

Pennsylvania military veterans in nearly two out of every three Pennsylvania counties lack access to a key resource in our criminal justice system.

Free Gene Testing Through The VA:

The VA PHASER program is a national clinical program that is offering free, multi-gene pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing for up to 250,000 veterans at approximately 50 VA healthcare sites over five years. This national clinical program is collaborating with Sanford Health to test 11 genes that impact 37 commonly prescribed medications.

Music By Veterans For Veterans:

Many veterans are familiar with the patriotic songs that play around memorial holidays, but few songs represent the perspective of those who have served. Until now. 

VA Offers Rural Veterans Options To Connect With Providers:

There are more than four million veterans in the United States who live in rural areas. Rural communities face unique health care challenges, such as fewer local health care options and longer travel times to visit medical centers.

VA Recreational Therapists Help Veterans Explore Familiar Environments:

VA is considered the founder of the recreation therapy occupation in the federal system, as well as its foremost user and supporter. In fact, VA boasts the largest rehabilitation program under one administration in the western hemisphere, so there’s no question we’re the best place to practice the trade.

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.

Employment Opportunities At PA National Guard Associations Job Board:

Every week, the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations (PNGAS) updates its job board with good jobs for National Guard members, veterans and their families across Pennsylvania and in nearby states. This resource is provided at no cost to job seekers.

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. 

Veteran Holiday 3v3 Tip-Off Basketball Tournament:

The Holiday Tip Off 3v3 Basketball Tournament is scheduled for Dec. 30, 2023, at Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh. The tournament is set up for fun and to bring together veterans, active military, and veteran organizations. Teams of five players can be made up of veteran organizations, community organizations that support veterans, active military (to include Guard and Reserve), and veterans.

More Events Listing:

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

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