February 28, 2024

DMVA Digest

A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Guardians Of Peace: Pennsylvania's Task Force Paxton Takes The Helm In East Africa:

Explore the transition of authority from Task Force Tomahawk to Task Force Paxton in Djibouti, highlighting the legacy, challenges, and expectations faced by American soldiers in the Horn of Africa.

Turning The Tide: How Pennsylvania's Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Rebuilds Futures:

Explore how the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy provides a lifeline to at-risk youth in Pennsylvania, offering a comprehensive 17-month program focused on academic excellence, leadership, and discipline. Don't miss the opportunity to apply for the upcoming class in July.

DMVA Mobile Outreach Teams Can Help Veterans Across PA Apply For Benefits At No Cost:

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) announces its Mobile Veterans Outreach Vans are available throughout the state to assist veterans in obtaining information and initiating benefit claim paperwork through the assistance of DMVA-accredited veteran service officers.

First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry To Celebrate 250th Birthday:

Three weeks after Philadelphia hosted the First Continental Congress, three members of the city’s Committee of Safety met with 25 others at Carpenter’s Hall to discuss forming a troop of volunteer “light horse” or cavalry. All 28 agreed, and on Nov. 17, 1774, the Philadelphia Light Horse was born. The unit, which would later change its name to First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, is still alive, and later this year will celebrate its 250th birthday.

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 

19,000 Veterans Join MVP At Pittsburgh VA:

The VA in November officially reached one million veteran enrollees in its Million Veteran Program (MVP). The historic number includes 19,000 veterans who joined through Pittsburgh VA.

Camp Freedom Introduces New Veterans Program:

Camp Freedom guests can come to the nonprofit’s program event and utilize resources through vendors attending. Making it a one-stop shop, organizations range from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to a mobile vet center.

Tiny Home Project For Homeless Veterans Receives $500K Donation:

Renewal by Andersen of Central PA will install doors and windows in Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania’s 15 tiny homes and a community center at the heart of the new Veterans Grove in Harrisburg.

Huntingdon County Honors Esteemed Civil War Veteran:

February 21 was the 165th birthday of the late William Reed, a Civil War veteran who earned the Medal of Honor and became a prominent figure in Huntingdon County.

Bowling Fundraiser Benefits Area Veterans:

Eastway Lanes was home to the 20th Annual Hometown Heroes Bowling tournament. It was organized by the VFW 28th District and Veterans Miracle Center Erie.

In One Of The Largest-Ever Expansions Of Veteran Health Care, All Veterans Exposed To Toxins And Other Hazards During Military Service - At Home Or Abroad - Will Be Eligible For VA Health Care Beginning March 5:

The VA announced that all veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military - at home or abroad - will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care beginning March 5, 2024. This means that all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.

G.I. Bill Students: Receiving More Than One Monetary Benefit? Check Your Direct Deposit On VA.Gov:

Some students receive benefit payments to two banking accounts, but VA needs all students to consolidate their payments into one direct deposit account to help protect from fraud and to ensure VA pays veterans on time, every time, without error. 

VA Health Chat:

VA Health Chat allows veterans to immediately connect with VA health care clinicians over text-messaging. No need to travel to a VA facility. Just tap the app and start receiving tele-health services from our care team.

Physical Fitness Resources To Ignite A Healthier Future:

Staying physically fit after serving in the military is essential for veterans. It supports overall health and mental well-being and can help with the transition to civilian life. 

Nutrition Important Part Of Veterans' Whole Health:

With the shift to warmer weather, now is the perfect time to rethink old habits and begin some healthy changes. “Beyond the Table” is the theme for March’s National Nutrition Month this year. It encourages veterans to focus on how good nutrition can support their health.

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.

PA Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs Seeks Program Analyst 2:

Are you interested in performing a variety of planning, analysis, policy, and program evaluation assignments in support of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) veterans outreach and programs? In this position you will analyze and evaluate data to make recommendations regarding program planning and process improvements for the Bureau of Veterans Programs, Initiatives, Reintegration, and Outreach (PIRO). Job posting closes March 5, 2024.

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. 

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System To Host Veterans Town Hall:

Gain important VA updates and hear from VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System leadership and representatives from Veterans Benefits Administration’s Pittsburgh Regional Office and the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Interested veterans and their families can join the meeting in person, online, or via phone.

More Events Listing:

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

If you no longer wish to receive PA Department of Military Veterans Affairs Digest,
simply unsubscribe by clicking the link below.

No subject or message is necessary in the email.
If this message was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to the Digest