August 14, 2024

DMVA Digest

A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Now Accepting Applications For January 2025 Class:

The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its next class of cadets which begins in January 2025. There is no tuition cost to attend. Meals, housing, uniforms, and school supplies are provided at no charge.

100th Birthday Surprise Party Held For War Veteran In Bensalem:

Joseph DeMarco was the guest of honor as Parx Casino and Bucks County officials held a surprise 100th birthday party in the Liberty Bell Beer Garden featuring an escorted motorcade, family and friends, elected officials and a 100th birthday cake.

Swift Action By PA Soldiers Aids Hospital After Debby:

Twelve U.S. soldiers with the 628th Aviation Support Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, 28th Infantry Division provided portable water to Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center during an emergency response mission in Camp Hill, PA.

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 

Guitar For Veterans Program Helps Local Veterans Cope With PTSD Through Music:

Ten-year veteran, Durel Doogie Houser, is giving back to the community by serving as the director and instructor of a musical program for veterans — Guitar for Veterans.

Belated Thanks For Central Pennsylvania Vietnam Vets From Someone New – And For Someone New:

It’s not the first time someone has given Vietnam War veterans the thanks many of them didn’t get when they returned to America after the war, and it’s not the first time someone’s dream has come true.

Purple Heart Recipients Recognized In Mercer County:

Purple Heart Day was August 7, but every day is worth celebrating those who received this honor. The Western PA VA Health Care System welcomed in about a dozen local Purple Heart recipients to the Michael Marzano Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage. 

Free Food To Be Distributed To Military Members In Clearfield County:

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA will be providing free meals to qualifying military members and their families at an event in DuBois.

Mobile Medical Units Bring Needed Care To Unsheltered Veterans:

Twenty-five new mobile medical units (MMUs) are bringing VA health care directly to unsheltered homeless veterans, helping them overcome common obstacles to care, such as lack of transportation or access to a phone.

Better Together: Tackling Veteran Food Insecurity:

VA recently hosted the 2024 Veteran Food Security Summit in Crystal City, VA, bringing together stakeholders, policymakers and advocates to tackle food insecurity among veterans.

Veterans Bond And Heal Through Golf:

On a sunny morning at Cougar Point Golf Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a group of veterans line up on the driving range, golf clubs in hand. Some are beginners, others more experienced, but all share a common purpose: finding healing and connection through the game of golf.

Pittsburgh VA Veteran Headed To Paris Paralympics:

A Marine Corps veteran will compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics with a prosthetic leg maximized for power and efficiency at Pittsburgh VA. An eight-time Iron Man runner and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics triathlete, Eric McElvenny has been a patient since October 2023. 

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.

Written Applications Being Accepted For Police Officer Positions In Montgomery County:

The Montgomery County Consortium of Communities, on behalf of their respective civil service commissions or municipalities, will be conducting a written examination and physical agility assessment for police officers on Sept. 7, 2024, at the Springfield Township High School, 1801 Paper Mill Rd., Erdenheim (Montgomery County). Applications must be submitted online by Aug. 28, 2024, at 4 p.m.

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 Announces Heroic Gardens Program In Montgomery County:

Join us at the West Norriton VA Clinic in Montgomery County on Aug. 23 for an upcoming plant-based activities class to learn more about plants, plant care and maintenance in a social setting. While there, you'll also raise your self-awareness and see the importance of nature. R.S.V.P. is requested.

More Events Listing:

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

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