Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others. 

FREE EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE – The VFW Department of Pennsylvania is offering two wheelchairs designed for athletic activities and a power chair. These chairs are available for free to any disabled veteran in need of the unit. The wheelchairs are in need of repair to the front wheels but are otherwise in usable shape. If you are able to repair the wheelchair(s)... and/or know of someone who can use this please contact the VFW Department of PA at (717) 234-7927.

DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS - Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. (read more)

MOTORCYCLES ROLL TO HONOR FORGOTTEN WARRIORS - The 10th annual Forgotten Warriors Motorcycle Run to benefit veterans in the Wilkes-Barre VA Nursing Home was held recently. (read more)

WOMAN, 86, ROLLS TO FOUR VICTORIES IN THE NATIONAL VETERANS WHEELCHAIR GAMES - Doris Merrill took a trip from Nanticoke to the 30th annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Denver in early July, and the 86-year-old woman returned with four medals. (read more)

ROLLING THUNDER RIDE BENEFITS VETERANS - More than 500 motorcycles roared through Lackawanna County on Sunday afternoon as part of a benefit for the Gino Merli Veterans Center and in memory of a local Marine who was killed in action this year. (read more)

PENNSYLVANIA VETERANS MULTI-SERVICE AND EDUCATION CENTER (PVMSEC) HOLDS FUNDRAISING FESTIVAL – PVMSEC will be hosting its 5th Annual Philadelphia Doo Wop Festival on September 11, 2010. The festival is part of the Penn’s Landing Summer Concert Series and it will be FREE to the public. All proceeds will benefit the PVMSEC to help with direct services to veterans.  The festival will feature many performers from the local Doo Wop community, along with Little Isidore & The Inquisitors, Cornerstone and the Chantels as the featured group. For the complete entertainment line-up click here. Event sponsor are also needed, click here for details.

WELCOME HOME OEF/OIF VETS…TO THE ZOO! – The Philadelphia VA Medical Center (PVAMC) is holding their 2010 OEF/OIF Welcome Home event at the Philadelphia Zoo on September 1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Veterans and family members will have a chance to learn about benefits and health care services available to returning veterans and their families. Interested persons should RSVP to the PVAMC web site at www.philadelphia.va.gov no later than August 27.

OREFIELD SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION - Specialist Jesse D. Reed, 26, of Orefield, PA was killed July 14 at Zabul Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his military vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Reed was among four soldiers killed in the attack.  They were assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat Airborne), 20th Engineer Brigade (Combat), Fort Bragg, N.C.

LVMAC VETERANS JOB PROGRAM SEEKS PARTICIPANTS - Veterans Employment Program being offered by the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council.  Those interested can contact Dave Newton at (610) 439-5856 or email mailto:dnewton811@gmail.com.

GROUND IS BROKEN ON VETERANS’ CENTER'S $41M EXPANSION - Dozens of residents from the Southeastern Veterans’ Center watched as two of their own joined public and military officials for the groundbreaking of a $41.2 million facility to be built as a veterans center expansion. (read more)

VETERAN COMPETITORS BRING BACK GOLD - Ten years of practice finally paid off for Jim Reimer. After spending every Monday night bowling at his local alley, Reimer, 58, of Butler struck gold. (read more)

CELEBRATION PLANNED IN GRANDVIEW PARK TO HONOR SEPTEMBER 11 - A celebration is planned at Grandview Park to honor the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. (read more)

JUDGE MULLING PA SOLDIER'S SUIT OVER IRAQ TOXIN - U.S. District Judge Terrence McVerry hasn't said when he'll rule on arguments he heard from attorneys for Glen Bootay and KBR Inc. KBR is being sued by at least 140 veterans exposed to the same chemical and also for allegedly faulty systems that led 18 soldiers to be electrocuted in barracks during the Iraq war. (read more) 

VIETNAM VETERANS SOUGHT FOR UPCOMING HONORS CEREMONY - The York County delegation to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is planning a ceremony honoring men and women in the county who served our country during the Vietnam War. The event will be held Thursday, Oct. 7, in the Toyota Arena at 1 p.m. on the York Fairgrounds.  If you are a veteran of the Vietnam War or know someone (living or deceased) who is, please contact your state representative to submit the veteran’s name. You may also register a veteran through your respective representative’s website. The deadline for submitting a veteran’s name is Friday, Aug. 6. Contact information is necessary so invitations can be sent. For more information, contact Scott Little at (717) 260-6137.

LEGISLATION ADDRESSES PROBLEMS WITH DISABLED VETERANS REAL ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION PROGRAM - Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) recently introduced House Bill 2648, which is designed to repair flaws in the Military Affairs Code.  Currently disabled veterans are prevented from participating in the Real Estate Tax Exemption Program due to the receipt of a lump-sum payment from entities such as the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) and the Social Security Administration. (read more)

CANINE CORPS NEEDS SUPPORT - The Canine Corps, located in Perry County, is a non-profit organization and state registered charity. The Corps' mission is to provide a free home and free veterinary care to dogs of Pennsylvania military personnel who are deployed. It also serves as a therapeutic visiting destination for patients from the Lebanon VA Hospital who spend the day interacting with dogs of their fellow veterans. To date, the Corps has provided sanctuary for fifty-one dogs and has cared for dogs of Pennsylvanians from every branch service. The Canine Corps needs financial support. You or your organization can make a donation through the Corps’ web site www.caninecorps.org.

HANDCYCLISTS TO JOIN BICYCLISTS IN LOCAL RACE - Just a few weeks ago on July 5, Joe Beimfohr and his former military buddies celebrated their fifth "Alive Day." (read more)

FUNDRAISER FOR WOUNDED PILOT A SUCCESS - A fundraiser for the family of a wounded Air Force helicopter pilot was very successful, its organizer said. Joey Straw, owner of Harper's Tavern in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County, said the fundraiser held at the restaurant Saturday and Sunday for Capt. Anthony Simone raised "several thousand dollars." That money will be given to Simone's family for travel and other expenses as they stay by his side while he recovers. (read more)

REP. BARBIN RIDES MOTORCYCLE TO GARNER SUPPORT FOR VETS - For Bryan Barbin, the 1,800 mile ride was well-worth the travel because it's for the troops. Barbin is concerned with the growing number of traumatic brain injury cases, which have become increasingly common among soldiers stationed in Iraq. (read more)

GAO REPORT: OPPORTUNITIES EXIST TO IMPROVE POTENTIAL RECIPIENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE TEMPORARY RESIDENCE ADAPTATION (TRA) GRANT - Use of the TRA grant program has been low—from the program’s inception on June 15, 2006, through April 4, 2010, VA processed only 18 TRA grants. Therefore, only a very small proportion of the thousands of individuals potentially eligible for adaptive housing assistance have used TRA. (read more)

OFFICIALS COMMIT TO DISABLED VETERANS’ BUSINESSES - Defense Department officials are committed to providing service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses with contracting opportunities, and are closer to its goal of awarding three percent of department contracts to such businesses, the acting director for the Pentagon’s Small Business Programs Office said. (read more)

VA, VETS GROUPS OPPOSE AKAKA PROPOSAL ON CLAIMS - The Veterans Affairs Department and major veterans groups showed a united front Wednesday in the battle to reduce the large and growing backlog of benefits claims. (read more)

IDEAS WANTED FOR VA INNOVATION CONTEST - This competition is aimed at bringing the most creative and effective ideas from the private sector to help solve the challenges facing the Department of Veterans Affairs. All businesses, students, universities, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in this competition. This program will be accepting proposals until September 30, 2010. Therefore, the earlier you submit your idea the better chance you have of being awarded funding. Proposals must be submitted through email and sent to vai2baa@va.gov. 

WWI MEMORIAL TO GET STIMULUS-FUNDED MAKEOVER - Restoration work is set to begin next month on the cracked and neglected District of Columbia War Memorial that honors World War I veterans on the National Mall. (read more)

JUDGE: LAW PENALIZING FAKE HEROES UNCONSTITUTIONAL - A law that makes it illegal to lie about being a war hero is unconstitutional because it violates free speech, a federal judge ruled Friday as he dismissed a case against a Colorado man who claimed he received two military medals. (read more)

NEW OPEN GOVERNMENT PLAN EMPHASIZES VA’S COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY -  Supporting President Obama’s pledge to make transparency and openness the pillars of good government, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has updated its “Open Government Plan,” reaffirming VA’s commitment to become a leader among federal agencies at applying these principles to achieve its mission of serving veterans. (read more)

VA UNVEILS CONTRACT STRATEGY THAT HELPS VETERANS’ SMALL BUSINESSES - To improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) execution of information technology (IT) projects and to further advance top-priority programs for Veterans, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced a new contracting strategy to be known as Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology (T4) which is focused on giving Veteran-owned small businesses more opportunities to support VA.  (read more)

NEW KOREAN WAR EXHIBIT from Military.com - The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force recently opened its renovated Korean War exhibit in the museum's Modern Flight Gallery. The 42,000-square-foot exhibit commemorates the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War and features 14 of the most important aircraft of the conflict. The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton, Ohio. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force website.

GRANTS FOR STUDENT-VET CENTERS from Miliitary.com - AMVETS reports that the Department of Education is accepting applications for grants to commission student-veteran "centers of excellence" on college campuses nationwide. The pilot program offers 19 individual awards totaling nearly $6 million for 36 months to institutions of higher learning around the country to establish student-veterans' centers of excellence. A link to the official solicitation can be found in the Federal Register. Interested institutions must submit grant applications no later than July 30, 2010, with federal review to be completed by Sept. 28, 2010.

THE LEGION'S OCTOBER GOLF CLASSIC from Military.com - The American Legion's Annual Heroes to Hometowns Golf Classic is set for Oct. 7 near Washington, D.C. The tournament will again raise money for the Legion's Legacy Scholarship Fund, which awards college scholarships to the children of servicemembers who have died on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. Players are charged an $80 registration fee. Registration for the Third Annual American Legion Heroes to Hometowns Golf Classic will be available on the American Legion website at Legion.org later this summer. In the meantime, players and donors can contact the Legion's Economic Division at econ@legion.org or (202) 861-2700.

RETREAT FOR WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS from Military.com - Operation Purple Healing Adventures is a family camp experience for active duty or medically retired servicemembers who were wounded or experienced emotional trauma or illness related to their service in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Members of the National Guard and Reserve may be in either activated or drilling status, provided their injury was sustained while on active duty status. Healing Adventures 2010 is scheduled for Aug. 23-27, 2010 and will take place at Olympic Park Institute in Port Angeles, Wash. To apply, visit the Operation Purple Healing Adventures Web page.

·         July 28: Disabled American Veterans Fundraiser Concert; starts at 4 p.m. in Lupfer's Grove, Rt 34 past Sterretts Gap, PA

·         July 31: Congressman Pat Murphy's Veterans Benefits Fair; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bucks County Technical High School Cafeteria, 610 Wilstar Avenue, Fairless Hills, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others. 

DISABLED VETERAN GIVES BACK TO THOSE IN NEED - The disabled Vietnam veteran's one-story home in the Hickory Hills development of Foster Township was built through the efforts of the nonprofit America Responds With Love Inc. When Buonaiuto realized he didn't need some of the donated furnishings he also received, he realized he could do a good turn for another veteran. (read more)

WOMEN VETERANS INVITED TO VIEW FILM AT WILKES-BARRE VA - The Women Veteran’s Program at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center will offer a showing of the documentary ‘The Lioness’ for women veterans and their family and friends from 7-9 p.m. July 21 in the second floor Recreation Room of the medical center, 1111 E. End Blvd., Plains Township. (read more)

THE START OF SOMETHING SPECIAL - The county's first vet center has plans to expand into Central and Upper Bucks County later this year with satellite offices. (read more) 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PARTIOT DAY GOLF OUTING – Volunteers are needed for the upcoming 2^nd Annual Patriot Day Golf Outing scheduled for September 11, 2010. The event needs individuals to assist with registration and other tasks associated with the event. If you’d like to help, contact Nicole Robinson  at info@delcoveteransmemorial.com.

MUSEUM TO HOST “MEMORIES OF WORLD WAR II” - The Armstrong County Historical Museum located at 300 North McKean Street in Kittanning will host “Memories of World War II” this Saturday from 12PM until 4PM and Sunday from 1PM until 4PM. (read more)

FOUNDATION OFFERING ASSISTANCE TO SOUTHWESTERN PA VETERAN - Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Bain had just completed the fourth month of his deployment in Iraq when he was ambushed one bright day in April 2004. (read more)

FALLEN WARRIOR WALL DEDICATED IN WASHINGTON COUNTY -  A solemn ceremony in Washington County Sunday honored 82 soldiers, Marines and sailors from the Pennsylvania National Guard who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. (read more)

DISABLED VETERANS NEARING END OF NATIONWIDE BIKE RIDE - Eighteen disabled veterans stop in Pittsburgh as they enter the home stretch of a 3,700-mile bicycle ride across the United States. (read more)

VETERANS PARK DRIVE IN UPPER ST. CLAIR SET FOR THIS FALL - On Sept. 1, a major fundraising drive will kick off to raise the remaining $400,000 for a Veterans Park for the grassy area between McLaughlin Run Road and the Upper St. Clair municipal building parking lot across from the high school. (read more)

QUILTS OF VALOR REACHES OUT TO DISABLED VETERANS IN JOHNSTOWN - Seven years ago, a son was going to war and a mother needed a hobby that would occupy her time while he was overseas. (read more)

VIETNAM VETS BUILD BIKES FOR DISABLED SOLDIERS - They arrived at my house in a red truck, but everything about them screamed “bikers.” A thick silver chain hung from a wallet stuffed in the back pocket of a well-worn pair of jeans. Heavily tattooed arms emerged from a tank top. A long gray ponytail offered evidence of a long ride. (read more)

MARSICO LEGISLATION TO PROTECT VETERANS APPROVED BY HOUSE COMMITTEE - Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Lower Paxton) is pleased to announce that his legislation that would require at least one member of the State Civil Service Commission be a veteran passed out of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today, with a unanimous vote. (read more)

VETERANS RECEIVE OVERDUE PTSD ASSISTANCE - Under the new guidelines, veterans do not have to cite a specific incident. The change is expected to be particularly helpful to many female veterans and veterans of prior wars such as Vietnam who might not be able to pinpoint a particular moment that led to PTSD. (read more)

LANCASTER VIETNAM VETERANS PLAN VETERANS DAY TRIP TO D.C. – The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1008 are planning a trip to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. on Veterans Day, November 11^th. This trip is open to the public and will include round-trip transportation to memorial. Trip includes the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, two hours of free time, and a meal stop on the return trip at your expense. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Ken Ford at (717) 560-4049.

NEW HOLLAND RETAILER SUPPORTS FUNDRAISER FOR WWII 'BROTHER' - For the first few years of his life, Richard Winters of the famed "Band of Brothers" of World War II, lived in the New Holland area. (read more)

SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL APPROVES CIVIL WAR MONUMENT PLAN - The Shippensburg Borough Council has approved a plan for a Civil War monument to be built by the Shippensburg Historical Society. (read more)

MAN ON LONG WALK HOME PASSES THROUGH LANCASTER AND YORK COUNTIES - Ron Zaleski is walking across the country to collect signatures to make post traumatic stress counseling necessary for all military members. Through his thousands of steps, he hopes to collect one million signatures and then deliver them to the President of the United States. (read more)

NEW LEGISLATION ADDRESSES VA CLAIMS from Military.com - Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) recently introduced legislation to make much-needed improvements to VA's disability claims processing. VA provides disability compensation to approximately 3.1 million veterans across the nation. The Claims Processing Improvement Act of 2010 (S.3517) would make various changes to the way VA processes disability compensation claims. To read Senator Akaka's statement in the Congressional Record introducing the bill, visit the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs website.

HEARING ON VA HEALTH CARE GOING WIRELESS from Military.com - The House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee recently held a hearing to learn more about innovative wireless health technologies and to explore their potential application at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Wireless health is an emerging field where technologies enable physicians, patients and their caregivers to prevent and diagnose health ailments, as well as monitor and manage treatments. Innovative wireless technologies can help overcome barriers to health care in rural areas. Prepared testimony and a link to the webcast of the hearing are available on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs website.

VA CELEBRATES GI BILL from Military.com - On the recent 66th anniversary of signing the Montgomery GI Bill into law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has issued more than $3.6 billion in the bill's newest manifestation, the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Benefit payments under the bill, implemented last year, have gone to more than 285,000 people and their educational institutions. On June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights or the Montgomery GI Bill. Learn more about the GI Bill history.

NEW DOL VETERANS GRANTS from Military.com - The U.S. Department of Labor has announced 97 grants, totaling more than $24 million, to provide approximately 14,000 veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded under the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. Funds are being awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. The  Labor Department is distributing these funds nationwide through grantees. A list of grantees and general information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans can be found on the DOL website.

VA SIMPLIFIES ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AND BENEFITS FOR VETERANS WITH PTSD - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced a critical step forward in providing an easier process for Veterans seeking health care and disability compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with the publication of a final regulation in the Federal Register. (read more)

HUNDREDS OF VETERANS IN DENVER TO CELEBRATE AND HONOR THE SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE DAY THROUGH COMPETITION - More than 500 U.S. military Veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom are in Denver for the 30th National Veterans Wheelchair Games.  The event, presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), began July 4 and runs through July 9. (read more)

FEMALE VETERANS STRUGGLE TO STAY OFF STREETS - More than 240,000 female service members have been deployed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but for many, reintegrating into civilian life and trying to find employment is not within their reach. (read more)

USO, NATIONALS CELEBRATE WOUNDED WARRIORS, FAMILIES - Like many combat-injured service members, Army Pfc. Matthew Castillo del Muro has found comfort in family and support. (read more)

STUDY REVEALS WHY MORE VETERANS AREN’T GETTING HIRED - The unemployment rate for former service members from Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts rose from 10 percent in May 2010 to 11.5 percent in June 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (read more)

VIETNAM MEMORIAL STATUE OF 3 SOLDIERS RESTORED -  A statue of three soldiers installed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial after critics thought the V-shaped memorial wall was too abstract has been restored to its original finish in a six-week project completed Thursday. (read more)

VETERANS OFFICIALS VISIT NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR GAMES - Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth is meeting with participants at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Denver. (read more)

NON-PROFIT IDENTIFIES, BURIES VETERANS' REMAINS - Gervis and Mary Adney were finally laid to rest in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery on a cloudless morning. A bagpiper played Amazing Grace, a bugler played taps and a three-shot volley echoed across the hills. (read more)

UPCOMING VA FORUM TO HELP BUILD WOMEN VETERANS COMMUNITIES, NETWORKS - Department of Veterans Affairs officials opened registration on July 8 for a women veterans forum that will address the quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women and ways for VA to continue improving access to the care and benefits for women veterans. (read more)

PENNSYLVANIA NAMED AS ONE OF 8 HOMELAND RESPONSE FORCE UNITS - Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Utah and California each will host a homeland response force unit. On June 3, officials announced Ohio and Washington would receive units that will be operational in fiscal 2011. (read more)

CONGRESS EVALUATES VA GENERAL COUNSEL from Military.com - Chairman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) recently conducted a hearing to evaluate the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The hearing marks the first Congressional oversight hearing on the OGC in more than three decades.  The mission of the OGC is to identify and meet the legal needs of the VA. Prepared testimony and a link to a webcast 
of the hearing are available on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.  

AT RISK VETS GET DOL SUPPORT from Military.com - The U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service has awarded $4 million in Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program grants designed to aid veterans "at risk" of homelessness. The 16 grants and the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program will serve more than 1,400 formerly incarcerated veterans in 13 states by providing referral and counseling services to assist in reintegrating and/or transitioning formerly incarcerated veterans into the labor force. For more information on these grants, visit the Department of Labor's VETS website at http://www.dol.gov/vets . A list of grantees is available on the Department of Labor VETS website.

GRANTS FOR HOMELESS VETS AND FAMILIES from Military.com - The U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service has announced more than $5 million in grants to aid homeless female veterans and veterans with families. Twenty-six grants in 14 states and the District of Columbia will provide job training, counseling and placement services (including job readiness, and literacy and skills training) to expedite the reintegration of homeless female veterans and veterans with families into the labor force through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. A list of grantees and audio files are available on the Department of Labor VETS website.

VA OFFERS VET BENEFITS HANDBOOK from Military.com - The 2010 edition of the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors is available online at the VA website. Produced by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the handbook's chapters cover such topics as VA pensions, home loans, medals and records, special veterans groups, and other federal benefits. People can view the handbook by individual chapters and sections, or download the entire document, in English or Spanish, in PDF format from the website.

HEALTH CARE ACCESS RURAL VETS from Military.com  - New technology allows you to visit the doctor without having to make that long drive to your VA medical center. For more information on the rural veterans clinics, view the Military Health System video.

NEW GRAVESITE VETERAN MEDALLIONS from Military.com - The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering bronze medallions to attach to existing, privately purchased headstones or markers, signifying a deceased's status as a veteran. The new item can be furnished instead of a traditional government headstone or marker for veterans whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker. Next of kin will receive the medallion along with a kit. For more information on VA-furnished headstones, markers and medallions, visit the VA website. Instructions on how to apply for a medallion are on the VA website at www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA website at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

MISSING IN AMERICA PROJECT from Military.com  - The purpose of the Missing in America (MIA) Project Veteran Recovery Program is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. Nationwide, this program visited 414 funeral homes, identified 286 American veterans and interred 149 in the 17 months since it was organized. The second phase of the MIA Project is the creation of a network of individuals working with local funeral homes, state, and national agencies to ensure that, from now on, the cremated remains of any unclaimed veteran will be identified, claimed and interred in a timely manner. For more information, visit the Missing in America Veteran Recovery Program website.

VA ENCOURAGES HIV TESTING from Military.com - The Department of Veterans Affairs launched a major effort to both increase HIV testing in Veterans and to make it part of routine medical care. For more information about HIV, visit VA's HIV/AIDS webpage at http://www.hiv.va.gov/.

·         July 18 – 23: Operation Purple: Villanova; starts 9 a.m. at Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA

·         July 18 – 24: Teen Odyssey Week; starts 9 a.m. at Outdoor Odyssey, 450 Boy Scout Road, Boswell, PA

·         July 22: Veterans Leadership Program Job Fair; 9 a.m. to noon at the Hiram G. Andrews Center, 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, PA

·         July 22: RecruitMilitary Opportunity Expo; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field, 1020 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

·         July 22: Seminar: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI); 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hiram G. Andrews Center, 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.

TWO INDUCTED INTO DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS HALL OF FAME - The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs recognized the service and support of U.S. Representative Tim Holden and Brig. Gen. Dennis T. Guise (PA Retired), as they were inducted into the department's Hall of Fame at Fort Indiantown Gap. (read more)

VETERANS AND MILITARY SOCIAL SECURTY QUESTIONS ANSWERED – The Social Security administration has developed a fact sheet which answers frequently asked questions concerning veterans and military members. Read the fact sheet online at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10017.html.

VETERAN’S ARTWORK SOUGHT FOR EXHIBIT – Veterans are asked to submit their artwork, whether it is painting, sketches, or even doodles for an upcoming exhibit featuring veterans’ artwork in the National Constitution Center located on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall. The exhibit will open on September 24. To participate in this exhibition, email americansoldier@constitutioncenter.org or call 215.409.6865.

KOREAN WAR VET TO THROW FIRST PITCH IN HONOR OF 60TH ANNIVERSARY - When a dozen local Korean War veterans took a road trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the national Korean War Veterans Memorial, something unexpected happened: People from South Korea began coming forward, asking to shake their hands.(read more)

BRADFORD COUNTY STUDENTS AMONG RECIPIENTS OF VIETNAM MOVING WALL SCHOLARSHIP - The $500 scholarships, sponsored by the Vietnam Moving Wall Committee and co-sponsored by the Waverly VFW and Waverly American Legion, have been awarded each year for 12 years now, according to Waverly VFW Commander Mike Hughes. (read more)

PHILADELPHIA'S YOUNG LAG IN MILITARY READINESS, STUDY FINDS - According to a report from Mission: Readiness, a national nonprofit organization of retired generals and admirals, Philadelphia's young adults lag behind the national average for military eligibility. Between 80 and 90 percent of 18- to 24-year-old city residents, the report's authors say, display deal-breaking deficiencies in at least one of what retired Lt. Gen. Dennis Benchoff calls "the three M" categories: medical, moral, and mental. Roughly 75 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds are ineligible nationwide. (read more)

HONOR GUARD PRACTICES GUN SALUTES - The Guardians of the National Cemetery have provided honor guard details at 600 funerals at the new Washington Crossing National Cemetery. (read more)

BARRAR'S OFFICE PLANNING A KOREAN WAR VETERANS CEREMONY - A 60th anniversary recognition ceremony is being organized by Pennsylvania State Representative Steve Barrar (R-160) for sometime in October. (read more)

HELP CELEBRATES 63 NEW HOMES FOR VETERANS IN PA - At a Topping Off Ceremony for the HELP Philadelphia Homes/Robert Brady Sr. Veterans Center Congressman Robert A. Brady and HELP USA National Chair, Maria Cuomo Cole said that dozens of local Veterans and their families will soon call a new rental community home. The 63 unit, affordable rental units will be available to families and disabled veterans by the fall. (read more)

MEMORIAL ORIGINATOR, 4 OTHERS TO BE HONORED - Four men and a woman will be honored when Veteran Community Initiatives holds a Chapel of Four Chaplains Awards Ceremony later this year. (read more) 

NEW PROGRAM HELPS VETERANS COMMUNICATE FOLLOWING STROKE - VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) is accepting applications from Veterans for a unique, intensive 23-day residential aphasia treatment program. Aphasia is a disorder resulting from brain damage (such as stroke) that causes communication impairments ranging from mild word-finding difficulty to complete inability to speak, understand, read, or write. Between 11,000 and 13,000 Veterans are admitted to VA hospitals each year for stroke, with 20-35% of these individuals expected to have aphasia. Veterans may apply to participate in the PIRATE program by contacting Brooke Swoyer at 412-954-4773 or Jim Schumacher at 412-360-1265. The application materials are also available at www.pittsburgh.va.gov/PIRATE. 

VA TESTS ABILITY OF OLDER DRIVERS TO MOTOR SAFELY - For about 90 minutes, Eatilo Pellegrini displayed his driving skills by skirting around kids on bikes, maneuvering around a crash scene and meticulously stopping at every red light and stop sign. (read more)

PITTSBURGH MARINE KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN - Sgt. Joseph D. Caskey, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA, died June 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

'FORGOTTEN WAR' LIVES ON IN KOREA VETERANS' MEMORIES - Sixty years ago, North Korea invaded South Korea in a bold attempt to unify the peninsula under a communist government. The Cold War suddenly turned hot. (read more)

BLAIRSVILLE SERVICE HONORS BLACK CIVIL WAR VETERANS - Nearly a century and a half after the conflict they helped bring to a close began, 12 men who fought for a Union victory in the Civil War were remembered Saturday at the Blairsville Cemetery. (read more)

HERO WALK BENEFITS WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT - By the time Brian Coutch finished the 342-mile Pennsylvania Hero Walk on Saturday, he found something he'd lost — a piece of himself. (read more)

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT DEDICATED IN HONOR OF GIRDANOS - This year, Cindy Girdano is walking in honor and memory of her son and her husband, who died in a car crash about three months after he took part in the first PA Hero Walk — an effort to help wounded veterans and raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. (read more)

WAR HERO HONORED DURING CONCERT - A Windber soldier, described as a hero for his actions during two tours?in Iraq, was honored during the Ricky Lee concert late Friday afternoon at the Train Station stage at Thunder in the Valley. (read more)

LAWRENCE COUNTY HEALTH FAIR SET from Vindy.com - A Veterans Affairs Health Fair is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 6 at American Legion Post 343, 134 North Jefferson St. All veterans are invited. The fair is offered by Shirley Noga, director, Lawrence County Veterans Affairs, and Gary Zarilla, veterans employment representative, in conjunction with the Butler Veterans Administration. Veterans will be able to take part in health screenings, including blood pressure and diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Behavioral health-care information also will be available. They also can enroll in the VA and determine eligibility for programs. Officials will have information on Vietnam/Agent Orange, Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Women Veterans Healthcare Services Program, the VA’s award-winning online prescription refill program. Veterans should bring a copy of their DD-214.

'PROBLEM-SOLVING' COURT FOR VETERANS POSSIBLE IN LANCASTER COUNTY - According to media reports, about 700,000 U.S. military veterans in 2008 were either in prison, on parole or on probation. (read more)

VA LAUNCHES FOSTER-HOME ALTERNATIVE FOR VETS - Lebanon is the only VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania that currently offers the Medical Foster Care program, and they're looking for caregivers in Lebanon County, according to Teresa Stump-Klinger, program coordinator. (read more)

VETERANS GROUP ADDS VANS TO FLEET USED TO GIVE RIDES TO VA HOSPITALS - A program that gives Pennsylvania military veterans rides to Veterans Administration clinics and hospitals received a boost this morning when the Disabled Veterans of America added 13 vans to its Transportation Network fleet in a ceremony held outside the state Capitol in Harrisburg, PA. (read more)

LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER TO OPEN REHABILITATION CENTER - from the Lebanon Daily News - A $4.25 million rehabilitation center at the Lebanon VA Medical Center will open in August. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 14,000-square-foot center was held on July 2. The building will house physical and occupational therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and prosthetics in one area, said spokesman Scott Harman. The rehabilitation center had been in another building, which is being renovated into the Consolidated Patient Account Center for the northeastern U.S. The center is coming to the VA in 2012 and bringing about 450 jobs. No employees are being added at the rehabilitation center, Harman said.

THOUSANDS ATTEND VETERANS PARADE - Community members lined the streets of Lewisburg and waved their American flags with pride in honor of local veterans as they watched the 16th Annual Union County Veterans 4th of July parade roll by. (read more)

BIKE RIDE BENEFITS LOCAL VETERANS - Across the midstate, bikers took to the streets for the annual Operation God Bless America ride to benefit local veterans. (read more)

VA’S MYHEALTHEVET SIGNS MILLIONTH MEMBER - My HealtheVet -- www.myhealth.va.gov – the VA health system Web portal and online personal health record registered its one millionth Veteran last month. My HealtheVet provides Veterans, military personnel and caregivers round-the-clock access to VA services, benefits, and trusted information. The Web site gives Veterans the tools they need to manage their own care in partnership with their VA health care teams. Participants can order prescription refills, get personalized VA Wellness Reminders and use secure messaging with their health care teams in many locations. My HealtheVet tools and services have expanded steadily since the first Veteran signed on in November 2003. The site is now averaging 19,000 new registrants each month.

PENTAGON MARKS 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR - Flanked by Korean War veterans, many proudly bearing the medals and insignias of their military service, defense officials commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and saluted the veterans during a ceremony held at the Pentagon. (read more)

CENTER OFFERS HOPE TO HEAL WAR’S ‘INVISIBLE WOUNDS’ - The 72,000-square-foot National Intrepid Center of Excellence opened here today with the promise of being a world leader in the research, diagnosis and treatment planning for the signature brain injuries and psychological conditions of wounded warriors. (read more)

SENATOR HAS PLAN TO IMPROVE VETS CLAIMS PROCESS - Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, proposes some immediate changes that could lead to faster benefits payments, such as giving more weight to private medical opinions, reducing the one-year appeals period to 180 days, and awarding partial disability ratings on complicated claims of multiple disabilities so that at least some payments can be made quickly. (read more)

NATION MARKS KOREAN WAR’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY - Sixty years ago this week, North Korean troops stormed across the 38th parallel into South Korea, launching a three-year conflict that culminated in an armistice in 1953, but never officially ended. (read more)

VA CELEBRATES 66TH ANNIVERSARY OF GI BILL - On the 66th anniversary of signing the GI Bill into law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has issued more than $3.6 billion in the bill’s newest manifestation, the Post-9/11 GI Bill.   (read more)

TOXIC SAND: ANOTHER ENEMY IN AFGHANISTAN? - In a presentation at a neurotoxicology conference in Portland, Ore., earlier this month, Palur G. Gunasekar, a senior scientist with the Navy Environmental Health Effects Laboratory, said that dust kicked up in sandstorms contains manganese and other metals. "The sand is a risk factor for inducing neurotoxicity," Gunasekar said. Compounds that are neurotoxic are those that damage the nervous system or the brain. (read more)

KOREAN WAR VETS RETURN TO THE SCENE OF BATTLE – June 25 marked the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. In Seoul, it is being commemorated by veterans from more 15 nations that were part of the U.S.-led United Nations Command that defended South Korea. For many veterans, it's their first visit back since the war. (read more)

FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS, ORLANDO NONPROFIT BRINGS HEALING ON A LEASH - Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and anger issues, a handful of soldiers are being helped by a new nonprofit organization founded by an Orlando woman. Paws for Vets is her grassroots attempt to provide psychiatric service dogs, canine trainers and supplies to servicemen and women in need. (read more)

PRINCE HARRY RUNS IN CENTRAL PARK AS PART OF ACHILLES HOPE AND POSSIBILITY RACE IN NEW YORK - The prince, on his last day of a New York visit aimed at forging new ties between U.S and British military veterans, walked 1.77 miles with the Achilles Freedom Team of wounded vets. (read more)

LYNN: INTREPID CENTER WILL BE HUB OF BRAIN TREATMENT - The new National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Md., will constantly improve the ability of military and civilian health care providers to treat traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders in war veterans, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said at the center’s opening ceremony. (read more)

LONE SAILOR AWARD GOING TO EX-HM3 BILL COSBY - The Navy Memorial will honor comedy legend Bill Cosby this year with its Lone Sailor Award, which recognizes the lifetime achievements of veterans of the Navy and Marine Corps — in Cosby’s case, a veteran who got his start because he preferred the prospect of drowning to being shot. (read more)

VA COMMITTEE URGES MORE TBI SUPPORT from Military.com - In a letter to the secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and a bipartisan group of Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services committee members urged stronger coordination and better follow up on traumatic brain injury (TBI). "Veterans and their families should not have to wait nearly a decade for the government to adapt to the needs of the wounded," said Akaka. The Senators called for specific improvements from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. To view the letter, click here.

HOUSE HEARING ON VA CASE LOAD from Military.com - The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs,  recently conducted a hearing to examine the state of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  Currently VA is receiving more than 97,000 new disability claims per month.  Including appeals, VA's total claims-related inventory exceeds 1 million, which is the figure most stakeholders use when referring to the claims "backlog." Prepared testimony and a link to a webcast of the hearing are available on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.

AMERICAN LEGION CONFERENCE IN AUGUST from Military.com - The American Legion and Student Veterans of America have partnered to host the Veterans on Campus Symposium in Milwaukee, Aug. 26-27. The conference will bring student veterans, academia and members of the veterans community together for a collaborative workshop. The two-day event will coincide with the Legion's annual national convention. Audience members will have a chance to participate, and panels will offer recommendations on how the academic outlook for student veterans can be improved. Online registration for the event will be available in mid-July. In the meantime, the American Legion's Economic Division can be contacted for attendance information at (202) 861-2700

HOMELESSNESS VET PROGRAM OFFERS HELP from Military.com - The Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program--known as VASH--is VA's primary way to assist homeless vets with housing, as well as to prevent others from becoming homeless. Eligible homeless veterans receive VA provided case management and supportive services to support stability and recovery from physical and mental health, substance use, and functional concerns contributing to or resulting from of homelessness. For more information, visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development and VA's Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) Program Web page.

NEW TRICARE REQUIREMENT from Military.com - A new requirement means that skilled nursing facilities will have to preauthorize care provided to Medicare-eligible TRICARE beneficiaries once Medicare benefits are exhausted and TRICARE becomes the primary health coverage. Preauthorization is only required for skilled nursing facility care when medically necessary skilled nursing services extend beyond Medicare's 100-day limit and TRICARE becomes the primary payer for a beneficiary. Since medical documentation must be submitted, the preauthorization is requested by the skilled nursing facility and should not be a burden to beneficiaries or their families.

NEW NAVY HISTORY BLOG from Military.com - Commander, Navy Region Hawaii recently launched its first blog, Navy History Hawaii, which plans to deliver and disseminate historical information to the public. As Navy Region Hawaii's first historian, Jim Neuman launched the blog and is bringing together historical information regarding the U.S. Navy in Hawaii. In one of his first entries, Neuman discussed the history and role of USS Nevada (BB 36) during World War II. Nevada was one of several ships that were trapped during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. Neuman is currently a U.S. Navy reservist. For more information, visit the Navy History Hawaii Blog

30 YEARS IN THE MAKING, NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS DAY ARRIVES - This past week, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution submitted by Sen. Kent Conrad [D-ND] marking June 27 as National PTSD Awareness Day. (read more)

VETERANS’ MEDALLION AVAILABLE FOR ORDER - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering bronze medallions to attach to existing, privately purchased headstones or markers, signifying a deceased's status as a Veteran. (read more)

VA INTRODUCES SHORTENED CLAIMS FORM - A shortened VA Form 21-526 for Veterans applying first-time to VA for disability compensation or pension benefits. The form more clearly describes the information needed to support claims for increased benefits. It has been cut from 23 to 10 pages and is immediately available to Veterans via Web download at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp--VA.

LABOR DEPARTMENT AWARDS $5 MILLION TO AID HOMELESS VETERANS - The Labor Department is awarding more than $5 million in grants to help homeless female veterans and veterans with families find jobs and work toward a “bright future,” the secretary of labor recently announced. (read more)

HOUSE DEMOCRATS TRYING TO PASS BILL WITH BENEFITS FOR VETS EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE – The approximately $70 billion measure is anchored by President Barack Obama's $30 billion request for the troop surge in Afghanistan and contains money for disaster aid accounts, foreign aid and disability benefits for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. (read more)

UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS APPEAL TO AMERICAN VETERANS OF UKRAINIAN HERITAGE - Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc., appeal to American veterans of Ukrainian descent to come forward and be counted in the UAV Registration Project, which was initiated in 1998. Volume I of the UAV Registration Project Report 1998–2003 was published in 2004. Limited copies are still available at $15. The report includes listings of more than four thousand names of men and women of Ukrainian descent who served in the US Armed Forces. Three thousand names in this list came from archival sources (WWII Honor Rolls, church bulletins, plaques, etc.); the rest were gathered from registrants who submitted a UAV Registration Form and a copy of discharge paper Form DD214 or equivalent. Most of the individuals listed in the report served during the wars and conflicts of the 20th century, but those who have served in the 21st century’s war on terrorism are also represented.  (read more)

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

25 June 2010

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ‘HEROES AT HOME’ PROJECT – Volunteers are need to assist in rebuilding the home of Diane Hawkins, whose son is returning from the Iraq War. The project is located in Philadelphia and is a part of the “Heroes At Home” project, sponsored by Sears. Work begins June 30 at 9 a.m. at 64 East Penn Street, Philadelphia. Those interested in working on this project are asked to contact Jen Wootten at Jenw@rebuildingphilly.org.

FLAG DAY TRADITION ENDURES, DESPITE LACK OF PUBLIC AWARENESS - Veterans from Wyndmoor, most of them elderly, buried the ashes of cremated American flags at Cisco Park June 12 as part of their annual Flag Day observance. (read more)

MEMORIAL ORIGINATOR, 4 OTHERS TO BE HONORED - Four men and a woman will be honored when Veteran Community Initiatives holds a Chapel of Four Chaplains Awards Ceremony later this year. (read more) 

COMMUNITIES REMEMBER FALLEN HEROES - Today is a day of mourning for many people in Pennsylvania after two local service members were recently killed while serving in Afghanistan. (read more)

BLOOD DRIVE AT GREENSBURG MASONIC CENTER TO SALUTE THE MILITARY - An American Red Cross blood drive sponsored for 45 years by Westmoreland County firefighters is expanding to include a salute to the military. (read more)

KOREAN WAR'S PAIN LINGERS OVER THE DECADES - In June 1951, Marine Corps Sgt. James Immel of Greensburg was assigned to a rocket launcher battery facing what his superiors called "fanatically resisting enemy troops." (read more)

CEREMONY HONORS 12 BLACK CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS - It’s been nearly 150 years since the 12 veterans of the United States Colored Troops now buried in the Blairsville Cemetery joined the Union forces to fight in the Civil War, but one group is working to make sure their sacrifices — and stories — are not forgotten. (read more)

MILITARY WRITERS TO GATHER IN PITTSBURGH FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE - The conference begins on Thursday, Sept. 30, with a morning ceremony in South Park’s “By the Dawn’s Early Light Flag Retirement Plaza.” Organized by former Marine John Kovach, the plaza, for patriotic reflection, features flags for each of the military branches as well as the American flag. This ceremony, MWSA’s Thursday evening theater production and Friday’s Oral History activities are open to the public. (read more)

'CHANGING OF THE COLORS' CELEBRATES AREA VETERAN - May 5, the Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its monthly "Changing of the Colors" Flag ceremony in honor and memory of a veteran of the Civil War, for whom the flag flew during the Memorial Day holiday. (read more)

HERO WALK MAKES ITS WAY ACROSS FRANKLIN COUNTY - Former U.S. Army Sgt. Chris Caver was on a patrol in Baghdad five years ago when his squad was hit by an IED. (read more)

VFW BRASS ADDRESSING VETS' ISSUES - Among the many aspects of military and military family support provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is that of finding ways to reduce the suicide rate among soldiers. (read more)

PENNSYLVANIA AUDITOR GENERAL JACK WAGNER PRAISES SELECTION OF MAJ. GEN. WRIGHT FOR CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION - Auditor General Jack Wagner today praised Gov. Ed Rendell's decision to name Adjutant General Jessica Wright to the State Civil Service Commission. (read more)

PA HERO WALK BENEFITS WOUNDED WARRIORS - Al Pulice was so moved by two events in his life that he decided to get others moving across the state for a charitable cause. (read more)

WALKERS MAKE WAY TO YORK FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS - Al Pulice tried several times Wednesday to sit down and eat or engage in conversations, but he kept getting interrupted. (read more)

AKAKA URGING COORDINATION OVER TBI - Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka is urging stronger coordination between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments over traumatic brain injury. (read more)

RESEARCHER WORKS TO ID WAR DEAD - A private researcher who has labored for years to identify the remains of U.S. service members declared missing in action during World War II says he has matched seven MIAs with the remains of unknowns and he expects to match as many as 19 more within a week. (read more)

A VICTORY AS ARMY MOUNTS ANTI-SUICIDE CAMPAIGN - Army Spc. Joseph Sanders was despondent over the breakup of his marriage and feeling alone in the oppressive heat of an Iraqi summer when he turned his rifle on himself and pulled the trigger. (read more)

MILITARY TRIES ACUPUNCTURE TO TREAT TROOPS FOR PTSD - Tony Bailes of Austin was in the Army in 2003 when he injured his back in Iraq and tried everything his doctor recommended. Nothing helped. Then, the pain specialist prescribed acupuncture, and two weeks later, "my back pain was gone," he said. (read more)

AGENT ORANGE CLEANUP SET - Thirty-five years after the Vietnam War, a $300 million price tag has been placed on the most contentious legacy still tainting US-Vietnam relations: Agent Orange. (read more)

INTEGRATING SERVICES A KEY TO HOMELESSNESS PLAN - The effort calls for ending chronic homelessness — where people cycle through shelters and hospitals — and homelessness among military veterans in five years, and for ending homelessness among families and children by 2020. The plan aims to eventually end all types of homelessness. (read more)

MILITARY SUICIDES REMAIN HIGH, ESPECIALLY AMONG RESERVISTS - While the Army is reporting a decline in suicides among active duty soldiers, suicides among reservists who have returned home and aren't on active duty totaled 53 this year through mid-June, up 26 percent from the comparable period last year. Suicides among active duty Army dropped 30 percent through mid-June from a year earlier, to 62. (read more)

SERVICES, VA USE TECHNOLOGY FOR STRESS, RESILIENCE OUTREACH - The military services and the Veterans Health Administration of the Veterans Affairs Department increasingly use digital technology to reach out to identify and treat service members with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. (read more)

·         June 23 – 27: Marine Corps League State Convention; Holiday Inn & Conference Center - New Cumberland, 148 Sheraton Drive, New Cumberland, PA

·         June 24 – 27: Warrior Teen Weekend; event starts at 9 a.m. at Ft Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA

·         June 25 – 27: Disabled American Veterans State Convention; Ramada Altoona Conference Center, 1 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, PA

·         June 25 – 27: American Gold Star Mothers 73rd National Convention; Doubletree Hotel, 640 West Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA

·         June 26 – 27: Patriot's Path Camp Noble Cause; event starts 8 a.m. at Camp Winnebago, 102 Timberbrook Road Rockaway, NJ

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

19 June 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.  

CABELA’S OFFERS DISCOUNTS TO SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS - The Cabela's retail store located in Hamburg, PA will be holding their "Hometown Hero" event Wednesday 30 June - Friday 02 July.  All Military personnel...current and prior service members are eligible to participate.  To receive the discount one of the following forms of military ID must be presented at the time of purchase:  Military ID card (Active Duty, Active Reserve, or Retired) or a DD-214 (copy).  Spouses with a Military ID card are also eligible.  During this event, you pay what the employee pays--a discount from 5-25% off.

19TH ANNUAL STATE VETERANS HOMES WEEK JUNE 13-19 IN PA - Pennsylvania's six veterans homes, operated by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, is celebrating the 19th annual State Veterans Homes Week, June 13-19. (read more)

ADJUTANT GENERAL INVITES PUBLIC TO VIRTUAL TOWN HALL MEETING JUNE 22 - Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, adjutant general of Pennsylvania, will host the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' quarterly "virtual town hall" session from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22. (read more)

ELKS NAME HUTSON VETERAN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - The Pennsylvania Elks Association recently named Carol M. Hutson of East Stroudsburg Lodge 319 its Veteran Volunteer of the Year for 2009-2010 at the convention held at Seven Springs Resort in Somerset. (read more)

BATH VA MEDICAL CENTER TO OPEN CLINIC IN MANSFIELD - Tioga County veterans soon won't have to travel across the border to New York state to receive medical services through the Veteran's Administration. (read more)

D-DAY INVASION REMEMBERED 22ND ANNUAL PICNIC PAYS TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED, SACRIFICED - Bradford County Veterans Appreciation Day picnic, the 22nd annual event held at Hornbrook County Park, paid tribute to those who sacrificed for their country by providing them something war is not — a day in the park, a picnic. (read more)

 

FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG - Dozens of Pennsylvania National Guardsmen and their families gathered at the Southeastern Veteran’s Center for a Freedom Salute ceremony, just two days before Flag Day, which recognizes the official adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777. (read more)

BERKS COUNTY'S FOUR MOST FAMOUS MILITARY FIGURES - Because of the astonishing heroics of so many Berks County soldiers, choosing the four most famous military figures in Berks history proved difficult. (read more)

BATTLE OF THE BULGE VETS REUNITE AFTER NEARLY 65 YEARS - Army Veteran Amos Long Jr. flipped through pages of black and white photographs and came across one of a man wearing an Army uniform, smiling against a wintery European backdrop. (read more)

BIKERS MAKE 20TH FREEDOM RIDE - The Federation of Concerned Organizations (FOCO) came together recently for the 20th Ride For Freedom. The event raises awareness for U.S. servicemen and women who have been taken prisoner of war (POW) or have gone missing in action (MIA). (read more)

WEST ELIZABETH SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION - Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Hoover, 29, of West Elizabeth, PA died June 11 at Forward Operating Base Bullard, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, Connellsville, PA.

SERVICE ACADEMY INFORMATION -  U.S. Representative Jason Altmire, District 4 PA, will host a “Service Academy Nomination Information” booth on Friday 2 July 2010, at the “Car Cruise,” located in the parking lots of Northway Christian Community Church, 12121 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090, from 6pm to 8:30 pm.  Representatives from the Naval Academy, West Point, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Congress will be available to answer questions, and assist in the application and nomination process.  For more information please contact: Captain J. Randall Stapleford, USN (Ret), Military Outreach Coordinator for Office of Congressman Altmire, at (724) 226-1304.

 

HASTINGS MARINE KILLED IN SUPPORT OF OPERATOIN ENDURING FREEDOM – Marine Sgt. Derek L. Shanfield, 22, of Hastings, PA, was killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on June 8 while supporting combat operations. He was assigned to to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Also killed during the incident was Sgt. Zachary J. Walters, 24, of Palm Coast, FL, from the same unit.

CONNEAUTVILLE SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION - Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Fike, 38, of Conneautville, PA died June 11 at Forward Operating Base Bullard, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, Connellsville, PA.

DAHLKEMPER ANNOUNCES $100,000 GRANT TO HELP HOMELESS VETERANS IN ERIE - Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-3) today announced that the Housing Authority of the City of Erie (HACE) has been awarded a $107,346 grant through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing program (HUD-VASH). This federal funding will provide rental assistance for homeless veterans in the Erie area, helping fulfill the promise to our veterans to provide for them after their heroic service.  (read more)

EBBERT PLEADS GUILTY, CLAIMS IGNORANCE IN STOLEN GRAVE MARKER CASE - “I didn’t know what it was,” Raymond Ebbert said Thursday as he pleaded guilty to charges he sold brass markers stolen from veterans’ graves as scrap metal. (read more)

 

PROPERTY TAX/RENT REBATE APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO END OF YEAR - The deadline to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for older adults and residents with disabilities has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 and older; widows and widowers 50 and older; and people with disabilities 18 and older. Obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or by calling 1-888-222-9190.

HERO WALK MAKES STOP IN COUNTY - In some ways, walking across Pennsylvania is a symbolic show of support for U.S. military veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. (read more)

PA DEPARTMENT OF AGING HONORS LONG-TERM LIVING VOLUNTEERS AT ANNUAL 'PEER DAY' EVENT - PEER began in 2002 and there are now approximately 1,100 graduates located in over 150 nursing and veterans homes, and other long-term living facilities covering 50 counties statewide. The 10-hour training curriculum was developed by the State Ombudsman Office, local ombudsmen and PEER graduates.  While the PEER program is resident-directed, trainings also include working with staff at all levels of the facilities. (read more)

PICNIC HONORS TROOPS DEPLOYED TO IRAQ - When Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Ott was deployed to Iraq, his son Gavin was one month old. (read more)

'WAVE THOSE FLAGS' - From the youngest to the oldest, flag-waving American spirit was met with a serious call to get someone who will pick up the mantle of responsibility to keep the traditional Flag Day march alive. (read more)

FAMILY REMEMBERS DAD’S WAR STORIES - There are very few veterans who could say they were there from the beginning of America's involvement in World War II and were still involved in the fighting at the end of the war in Europe. (read more)

FLYING THE COUNTRY’S FLAG - At the city's annual Flag Day ceremony in Heritage Plaza Monday, the Rev. Paul Johnson said he understands why people might be unhappy about the way things are, given bad news like the recent death of the Hastings Marine, the missing 7-year-old boy from Oregon and oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. (read more)

 

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH DISABLED VETERANS - The Fourth of July celebration in Denver takes on special importance this year when more than 500 wheelchair athletes who are all military Veterans begin competition at the 30th National Veterans Wheelchair Games.  The event, presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, runs July 4 through July 9. (read more)

NEW WORLD WAR II DIVISION ESTABLISHED AT DPMO from The Torch Spring 2010 - The 2010 National Defense Authorization Act requires DoD to implement a comprehensive program to account for those missing in past conflicts from World War II through Desert Storm. Mr. Bob Newberry, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/Missing  Personnel Affairs, has established a new division within DPMO to focus efforts on accounting for the more than 70,000 Americans who are missing from WWII. Mr. Newberry and his senior staff have determined that DPMO needs an integrated, proactive approach for research, analysis and investigation for all WWII personnel accounting. This approach will make use of DPMO’s historical research and JCSD collections, and will soon transition to the task of identifying loss locations. The new division will include a combination of 24 skilled personnel from within DPMO and several new hires.

AGENT ORANGE BENEFITS COULD BE DELAYED - A $13.4 billion expansion of Agent Orange-related benefits for Vietnam veterans could be delayed because a key senator wants more information on why three new conditions are being added to the list of disabilities assumed to have been caused by the herbicide. (read more)

BILL: LET VETS USE GI BILL TO RUN BUSINESSES - A bill that would allow veterans to use Montgomery GI Bill benefits to start or run their own businesses is pitting veterans groups against one another. (read more)

VA ANNOUNCES CHANGE TO MEDICATION COPAYS FOR SOME VETERANS - As previously announced on January 7, 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) froze prescription copayment increases for six months.  Veterans who generally have higher income and no service-connected disabilities - referred to as Priority Groups 7 and 8 Veterans - will now pay an additional $1 for each 30-day supply of outpatient medications.  Taking effect July 1, the increase to $9 from $8 is the first change in VA’s medication copay since Jan. 1, 2006.  (read more)

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY TAPS VA TO HELP SERVE OUR NATIONS VETERANS - At the request of the Army Secretary John McHugh, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that Patrick K. Hallinan, an over 31-year employee of VA’s National Cemetery Administration (NCA), is being detailed to the Army to assist in the management of Arlington National Cemetery. (read more)

CARNEY INTRODUCES BILL TO IMPROVE COUNSELING FOR STUDENT VETERANS - U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (PA-10) has introduced legislation to improve counseling for student veterans. The Student Veteran Counseling Improvement Act, co-sponsored by Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL), will provide college and university counselors and mental health professionals with better resources with which to treat student veterans at a time when an increasing number of veterans are attending college upon returning from war. (read more)

CONCURRENT RECEIPT FOR CHAPTER 61 MEDICAL RETIREES from the NAUS News Update, June 4, 2010 - The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act (H.R. 4213) also includes a provision to provide full concurrent receipt of military retired pay paid by the Department of Defense and disability compensation paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs to some Chapter 61 medically retired military personnel.  However, because sufficient offsets were not found, the provisions would only be funded for two years. Beginning Jan 1, 2011, medical retirees with less than 20 years of service who are rated 90 to 100 percent disabled, or "Individually Unemployable" (IU) by VA would be allowed to receive full veterans disability and military retired pay.  Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and until Sept. 30, 2012, individuals with fewer than 20 years of service who have disabilities rated at 70 percent or greater would receive the concurrent benefit as well.   

CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARMY! - For 235 years, the United States Army has truly been the strength of our nation. And today, I believe it is the best it has ever been. (read more)

DEPARTMENTS COOPERATE ON ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS - The nation may never become entirely ‘paperless’ in the way it documents patient medical records, but the military and veterans health care communities are on the right path and have the technologies in place to one day be very close, officials said last week. (read more)

WITH POSSIBILITY OF NO FUNDING, DEFENSE STILL MOVES ON PTSD ONLINE PROJECT - The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency plans to hold a conference to inform industry about a project that would create virtual worlds, social media sites and telehealth services to help treat troops suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries -- even though Congress killed funding for it earlier this year. (read more)

SHINSEKI STOPPED HEARING ON AGENT ORANGE DECISION - VA Secretary Eric Shinseki met with Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, last month to ask that he cancel a hearing on the secretary's controversial decision to add three diseases to the list of Vietnam veteran illnesses presumed caused by exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used in that war. (read more)

LABOR DEPARTMENT OFFERS VETS GRANTS from Military.com - The U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) announced a $750,000 grant competition aimed at supporting Department of Labor grantees that provide employment services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless. National Technical Assistance Center Cooperative Agreements grants will establish partnerships that will, in turn, continue and improve training, technical assistance, research and other support services offered by more than 150 existing grantees that work with homeless and at risk veterans. For more information, call 202-693-4570 or visit grants.gov and the Department of Labor VETS webpage.

HELP LEGION WIN PEPSI GRANT from Military.com- The American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by the Pepsi Beverage Company as part of its Refresh Everything Project this month. The winning charities are determined by the amount of votes received on the Refresh Everything website. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund ensures that the children of these fallen heroes will be able to attend college and not have to worry about the rising cost of higher education. The competition deadline has been extended, and you can support the children of these heroes simply by voting every day throughout the month of June. Cast your vote.

VFW NEEDS YOUR VOTES FOR PEPSI GRANT from Military.com - The VFW Foundation is in the running to receive a $250,000 "Pepsi Refresh" grant. Your vote for the VFW Foundation's "Return the Favor" project will support the unmet needs of U.S. military personnel and their families. For example, since 2004, the VFW Foundation has provided over $3,400,000 in direct free financial assistance to military families in urgent financial circumstances for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, medical expenses and food/basic aid. In many instances the intervention has stopped evictions and foreclosures.  You can vote once a day during the month of June. Vote here.

AMERICAN LEGION PRESENTS VIGNETTES from Military.com - The American Legion and Military Channel have teamed up to honor troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, including three Soldiers who never made it back home. A series of ten, one-minute vignettes titled "American Heroes" will air on the Military Channel for an entire year. "American Heroes" includes the dramatic and poignant stories of those who fell in battle, suffered severe injuries, helped repair war-torn communities, or made it home to help other wounded warriors. Each American hero is honored with a Norman Rockwell Moments portrait at the close of the vignette. To view one of the vignettes, view the video on the American Legion website.

SYMPOSIUM FOR VETERANS IN JULY from Military.com - The AMVETS 2010 Symposium for 21st Century Veterans will take place prior to the 66th annual AMVETS National Convention in Louisville, August 9-11, 2010. All participants must be registered no later than July 9. Subject matter experts will lead discussions as part of the symposium. To register and learn more about the symposium, visit the AMVETS website.

INVESTING IN VETERANS TODAY WILL PAY OFF TOMORROW, MULLEN SAYS - Military veterans need the support of community groups to pick up where the government leaves off in helping with the challenges veterans and their families face, the military’s top officer said during a recent town hall-style meeting at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. (read more)

VA MAKES FILING CLAIMS EASIER AND FASTER FOR VETERANS - As part of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki’s effort to break the back of the backlog, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reducing the paperwork and expediting the process for Veterans seeking compensation for disabilities related to their military service.  (read more)

HELP READILY AVAILABLE FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION - The number of suspected suicides increased among reserve-component soldiers last month as compared to the month prior, and the Army’s head of suicide prevention stressed today the availability of help for all soldiers and their families, particularly during the Army’s peak transition season. (read more)

PAT TILLMAN FOUNDATION AWARDS $720,000 IN SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT TO NEW CLASS OF TILLMAN MILITARY SCHOLARS - The Pat Tillman Foundation is pleased to announce, in conjunction with the inaugural Pat Tillman Legacy Summit currently taking place in Washington D.C., the new class of Tillman Military Scholars. The Tillman Military Scholars program provides educational scholarships for veterans, active service members and their direct dependents (spouse and children). (read more)

 

·         June 19:  Sporting Clay Shoot Fundraiser; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Castlewood Rod & Gun Club, 2964 South Shaffer Road, Ellwood City, PA

·         June 24 – 27: Warrior Teen Weekend; starts 9 a.m. at Ft Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA

·         June 25 – 27: American Gold Star Mothers 73rd National Convention; starts 9 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 640 West Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA

·         June 25: Nets and Vets Golf Tournament; 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Skipjack Golf Club, 1146 Stump Hall Road, Skipjack, PA

·         June 25; Silver Spring Veterans Memorial Open;  1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Silver Spring Golf Course, 136 Sample Bridge Road, Mechanicsburg, PA

·         June 26 – 27: Patriot's Path Camp Noble Cause; starts 8 a.m. at Camp Winnebago, 102 Timberbrook Road Rockaway, NJ

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 

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4 June 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.  

PA STATE LEGISLATURE PASSES BILLS CONCERNING VETERANS - Act 26 of 2010 (House Bill 2003) designates a bridge spanning the Pennypack Creek on South York Road, in the Borough of Hatboro, Montgomery County, as the PFC Joseph J. Lannon, Jr., USMC Memorial Bridge and Act 28 of 2010 (Senate Bill 960) adds a representative of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) to the Pennsylvania State Veterans' Commission. The State Veterans' Commission is comprised of the major veterans' organizations and offers advice to the state Adjutant General on veterans' issues. 

VIETNAM VETERAN'S LEGACY HONORED - Even during wartime, Lt. Col. Gregory F. Coseo was a good samaritan to those around him. (read more)

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCES CUT ACROSS THE GENERATIONS - "It really chokes me up," said Sgt. Molinaro, 54, who served 31 years in the Army and National Guard, including two recent Iraq tours in 2005 and 2006. (read more)

EAGLE SCOUT'S PROJECT REVIVES VETS' MEMORIAL - Young men in uniform honored men and women in uniform for all time as a color guard of Boy Scouts raised a flag to rededicate a veterans' memorial in Hazleton. (read more)

FRIENDS CARRY ON MEMORY OF WESTON FIELD MARINE KILLED 43 YEARS AGO IN VIETNAM - This is a story about the power of memory, about how even the most hurtful recollections can bring comfort when shared with good company and how even death can't silence the echoes of a fierce life cut short. (read more)

 

SECRETARY SHINSEKI ANNOUNCES $19.5 MILLION CEMETERY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR GREATER PHILADELPHIA -  Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced a nearly $19.5 million contract to develop the next phase of Washington Crossing National Cemetery, in Newtown. (read more)

MILITARY COMMUNITY NETWORK HOLDS CONFERENCE FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS – The Military Community Network of Bucks County welcomes all local businesses and organizations that offer needed assistance to current service members, veterans, family members, and survivors to the 1^st Annual Conference. This conference is open to representatives of social service agencies, law enforcement, businesses, secondary and higher education, faith-based organizations, veterans’ service organizations, and local unit leadership. It is free to all providers. To register, visit http://www.militarycommunitynetwork.org/conference.

2010 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN ANNOUNCES MILITARY FAMILY DAYS – The United States Golf Association will honor the military in Pennsylvania and around the country by hosting Military Family Days during the week of the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open, July 5 – 11 at the Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, PA. All military personnel , both active and retired, with proper identification will receive complimentary admission for all seven days of the championship. Military personnel will be able to secure their tickets at the admissions gate during the week of the championship. The program will run in conjunction with the USGA’s initiative that provides free admission for all kids 17 and under when accompanies by a ticketed adult. Each ticked adult can bring up to 9 kids. For more information about the U.S. Women’s Open, visit www.2010uswomensopen.com.

FOSTER CARE A NEW OPTION FOR BERKS VETERANS - Raymond W. Miller performed triage on the beach during the Normandy landings, once had to run over a German soldier with a military vehicle and was injured when a 500-pound bomb blew up the military headquarters that he was in. (read more)

CASTILLE, OTHERS FIGHT TO UPGRADE A HERO'S MEDAL - Ron Castille will never forget his 23d birthday. "It changed my life," he said. (read more)

'WE CERTAINLY WILL NOT FORGET' - Residents of Warminster gathered Monday to honor those who have fought and died with the United States' Armed Forces during the town's Memorial Day Parade. Families took a break from barbecues to line the street curbs and to wave American flags as the parade passed. (read more)

A MEMORABLE TRADITION - Doylestown was transformed into Town USA, its flag-lined streets a sea of red, white and blue bedecked humanity for three mystical hours Monday. (read more)

BIG CROWDS HONOR FALLEN HEROES IN POTTSTOWN - "Freedom isn't free; it never will be for the United States," retired Sgt. Maj. Calvin Books proclaimed, capturing the attention of those gathered for the annual Memorial Day ceremony in Memorial Park Monday (read more)

DELAWARE VALLEY COMMEMORATES MEMORIAL DAY - Communities around the Delaware Valley held ceremonies and parades to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and honor service men and woman who continue to serve. (read more)

KINGS FAMILY RESTAURANTS DONATE TO VETERANS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM – Kings Family restaurant is donating a portion of the proceeds from every “Old Glory” dessert they sell to the Veterans Leadership Program of Pittsburgh. They are also selling a mint which will raise money for the VLP as well.

ABOARD USS REQUIN, LOCAL VETERANS HONOR SUBMARINERS WHO DIED - Both Lee "Booky" Bookwalter, 51, and Sundeep Patel, 9, were overcome with emotion amid the tight quarters of the USS Requin. (read more)

KISKI AREA GRADUATE, DESERT STORM VETERAN GIVES MEMORIAL DAY LECTURE - U.S. Army Col. Tim Hilty, a Hyde Park native and veteran of Operation Desert Storm, delivered a reminder to about 200 people gathered here for a Memorial Day service Saturday. (read more)

KITTANNING TOWNSHIP MAN'S DVD, SONG PAY HOMAGE TO VETERANS - The message is clear in a song written by Adam Quinn — be appreciative of veterans. (read more)

DORMONT VETERANS REFLECT ON MILITARY SERVICE - Patriotism and a strong sense of family are deeply entrenched in southwestern Pennsylvania. (read more)

CONNELLSVILLE HOLDS MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVITIES - The true meaning behind the city's recognition of Memorial Day Monday was instilled in Terra Osler's two children, Nathan, 8 and Rebekah, 4, as she told them about those in the military that sacrificed their lives for our country's freedom prior to the traditional parade. (read more)

WORLD WAR II MARINER SEES TO IT VETERANS HONORED - In the waters of the Mediterranean during World War II, Nathan DeSantis stood on the deck of an oil tanker carrying planes and fuel to Italy. The tanker's lights had been extinguished for fear of German submarines, and the starless night pressed thickly around the 22-year-old merchant mariner. His ship had no guns, no form of protection. (read more)

FORMER VFW COMMANDER HONORED - An engraved bench in honor of a former commander has been placed outside Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47 just feet away from the spot where John A. "Jack" McMullen was hit by a car on his way to the post. (read more)

 

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES HONOR FALLEN HEROES - “Across our nation this Memorial Day we must honor our fallen, reflect on their sacrifice and yet also give thanks for the freedoms secured by those lost warriors,” said Capt. Dayman Graves at Meadville’s Memorial Day service at Diamond Park. (read more)

MERCER MEMORIAL DAY 500 HELD IN PA - Veterans in Mercer county marked Memorial day with an event they call the Mercer Memorial Day 500. (read more)

CITIZENS CROWDED MAIN STREET TO SUPPORT AMERICAN VETERANS - Swarms of Bradford citizens gathered on Main Street Monday, despite the muggy weather, to show appreciation for the sacrifice and dedication of U.S. service men and woman past and present. (read more)

 

HUNDREDS HONOR VETERANS AT INDIANTOWN GAP CEREMONY - About 1,000 people honored veterans and service members who died in America's wars during a special ceremony at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Sunday. (read more)

A LOCAL VETERAN HONORED OTHER VETS ON MEMORIAL DAY - In York County, the Department of Veterans Affairs honored a Memorial Day service in the city of York. (read more)

SOFTBALL GAMES TO BENEFIT WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT - Two softball tournaments in June and July will raise funds for the "Wounded Warrior Project" - one in Sonestown and the other next month in this city's Elm Park complex. (read more)

FOR 2 AREA VETERANS, MEDAL-EARNING ACTS DURING WARTIME WAS PART OF THEIR JOB - Karl Robinson and Rich Adams don’t know each other, but they have something in common. (read more)

MEET THE AMERICAN GOLD STAR MOMS - Gold stars aren't just for those in the military. Moms and dads of those in service earn gold stars, too, from the Department of Defense. The star symbolizes these parents' sad status: They have lost a son or daughter in service to our country.  (read more)

CEREMONY AT PARKLAWNS MEMORIAL GARDENS NORTH OF CHAMBERSBURG HONORS FALLEN TROOPS' MEMORIES - Capt. Justin Cassidy told stories Monday of heroics and sacrifice by Pennsylvanians who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, leaving the world a better place for having served their country. (read more)

YORK MARKS MEMORIAL DAY WITH PARADES, CEREMONIES - A parade that began at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in West York and a York City ceremony at which veterans received honors were among Memorial Day festivities in York County. (read more)

YORK VET PAINTS IWO JIMA FLAG RAISING IN LIVING COLOR - Frank Renda saw a color photograph of the Iwo Jima flag raising in a U.S. Marines magazine nearly a decade ago and knew he had to paint it. (read more)

 

FREE “I SERVED-VIETNAM” STICKERS ROLL INTO D.C. TO HONOR VETERANS - As thousands of Vietnam veterans roared through Washington, DC, during the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally on Memorial Day weekend, volunteers passed out free “I Served-Vietnam” stickers in recognition of their service in the Vietnam War. The project is an extension of the successful “I Served Sticker” program, which has distributed more than 400,000 stickers to soldiers who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. (read more)

SUMMER PROGRAMS EXPAND FOR MILITARY CHILDREN - From camps to golf clinics to acclaimed museums, military children have an abundance of free summer programs to choose from this year, a Defense Department official said. (read more)

TROOPS PUT ‘FLAGS IN’ AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY - More than 1,500 service members from the Army's “Old Guard” and other ceremonial units gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for a sacred ritual marking the start of the Memorial Day weekend observance. (read more)

MULLENS HONORED FOR SUPPORT OF FAMILIES OF FALLEN - The nation’s top military officer and his wife were singled out for their ongoing commitment to families of fallen service members at the U.S. Capitol building here today. (read more)

LEADERS SALUTE FALLEN TROOPS AT ARLINGTON -  Vice President Joe Biden hailed the unselfish service and sacrifices of past and present generations of U.S. service members during the annual Memorial Day observance held at Arlington National Cemetery. (read more)

MEMORIAL DAY IN IRAQ: SACRIFICES REMEMBERED - With heads bowed beneath a palace dome still etched with the initials of Saddam Hussein, dozens of U.S. service members paid tribute Monday to Americans killed in action not only in Iraq, but also in Afghanistan and in wars of the past. (read more)

CHILDREN OF FALLEN FIND COMFORT AT TAPS CAMP - Trevor Jones peers into the vivid blue sky, tightly gripping the string holding his balloon. A warm breeze is blowing, and his blue balloon bobs against the dozens of red and white ones around it, each held by a child. The children wait expectantly for the command. The cacophony of chatter dies down just moments before a woman calls out: “Let ‘em go!” (read more)

WORLD WAR II VETERANS FIND MEASURE OF PEACE AT D.C. MEMORIAL - Spending two hours under a leaden sky at the National World War II Memorial unburdened Alfred Armeneariz's heart. (read more)

 

·         June 5: First Annual Keystone Warrior Memorial Triathlon/Duathlon; event starts 5:45 a.m. at Memorial Lake State Park, Grantville, PA

·         June 7:  Phillies Game in Memory of PFC Robert Dembowski; starts 7 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Way, Philadelphia, PA

·         June 10: Philadelphia Career Fair; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 1701 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA

·         June 10: Womens' Health Open House; 2:15 to 4 p.m. at Coatesville VA Medical Center, 1400 Blackhorse Hill Road, Coatesville, PA

·         June 10:  Seminar: Family/Spousal Support & Concerns During Deployment; 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hiram G. Andrews Center, 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, PA

·         June 11 – 13: Vets 4 Vets Workshop; Starts 8 a.m. at the Antiochian Village and Retreat Center, 140 Church Camp Trail, Bolivar, PA

·         June 11 – 13: 25th Annual Donald W. Jones Flag Memorial; Falls Township Park, 9072 Mill Creek Road, Levittown, PA

·         June 12: Lehigh Valley Service Academy Golf Scramble; registration begins at noon at Woodbridge Golf Club, 440 Albright Road, Kutztown, PA

·         June 13 – 18: Operation Purple: Wernersville; Starts 9 a.m. at South mountain YMCA, 201 Cushion Peak Road, Wernersville, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 

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The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - June 2010

Click here to View

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25 May 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.  

FREE NASCAR TICKETS AVAILABLE – Free tickets are available to any active duty, reserve, or retired military members for the Pocono 500 race on June 6. Limit is two tickets per military ID holder and is on a first-come first-serve basis. To request tickets, email david.curry1@navy.mil. Only email requests will be honored.

VET BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES EXPANDED from Military.com - President Obama recently signed executive orders that focus additional resources on providing new opportunities for small businesses to compete for federal contracts. One of the executive orders is dedicated to assisting veteran-owned small businesses. Also, the Air Force Small Business Program seeks to increase the awareness of how small businesses make an invaluable contribution to the Air Force mission, including veteran-owned small businesses. For more information about the Air Force Business Program, visit www.airforcesmallbiz.org.

ARMY ONESOURCE OFFERS FREE ONLINE COURSE FOR CAREGIVERS - Army OneSource has launched a formal campaign to encourage civilian health and behavioral health providers to complete a FREE online course in the series titled, “Treating the Invisible Wounds of War.”  This series of courses was designed to help primary care physicians, case workers, mental health providers, and other professionals - who may see a veteran or family member on an unrelated issue - develop a better understanding of the culture in which service members and veterans, as well as their families, live and work.  The courses also provide best practices for identifying, assessing, and treating behavioral health problems that result from the trauma of war. Contact Will Freeman for registration information at (717) 304-9969 or email william.e.freeman@serco-na.com.

FRENCH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT BROADCAST - VA-National Medical Musical Group, a chorale and symphony orchestra that performs national and international concerts benefiting humanitarian and health causes, invites you to view a special broadcast of a patriotic concert on CNBC-TV on Sunday, May 30, at 5 p.m. The broadcast was taken from a November 2009 Veterans Day concert of music and readings, “Healing for the Nations,” which was recorded at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. A special screening is planned at the French Embassy in Washington on Friday, May 28, for veterans. There is limited seating and ticket price is $70. Ticket price covers food, drinks and live entertainment at the event. For more information on the VA-National Medical Musical Group and to purchase tickets, visit www.medicalmusical.org.  

VA MEDICAL CENTER HONORS VOLUNTEERS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS - The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center honored volunteers for their unwavering commitment during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24. A recognition ceremony with a tropical theme was held at the Quality Inn Suites and Conference Center in Wilkes-Barre. Volunteers were awarded for giving 50 to 32,500 hours of service. (read more) 

ITALIAN AMERICAN VETERANS DONATE STEREO TO VA - The Italian American Veterans of Luzerne County Post 1 have donated a stereo to be used in the Wellness Clinic for veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township. (read more)

ENJOYING A DAY OF HUNTING AND CAMARADERIE - James McGee didn't have a successful turkey hunt, but he did get to enjoy the camaraderie of some local veterans during a visit in Towanda Township. (read more)

MILITARY CHAPLAIN CALLS IRAQ EXPERIENCES WORST, BEST OF LIFE - The 18 months Lt. Col. Douglas A. Etter spent in Iraq during the first of his two tours with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard were the worst of his life - and the best. (read more)

 

VETERANS BENEFIT FAIR SCHEDULED FOR JULY- Congressman Pat Murphy will be sponsoring his annual veterans benefit fair Saturday, July 31 at the Bucks County Technical High School, 610 Wistar Road, Fairless Hills, PA. If you are interested in attending, please call Mike Brown at (215) 826-1963.

FREE COURSE OFFERED TO OEF/OIF VETERANS – Bucks Community College’s Green Jobs Academy is offering the course ‘Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program/Solar PV Emphasis’ to all OEF/OIF veterans who are interested in taking it. This workforce development course is designed to assist students in each cohort launch a career in the electrical trade and/or the solar photovoltaic (pv) field. For those interested in registering, contact Clorece Kulp at (215) 788-3594 or email kulpc@bucks.edu.

FATTAH SALUTES VETERANS IN WARRIOR TRANSITION PROGRAM - Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), joined by Wounded Warrior veterans including a member of his own staff, today keynoted the national launch of the innovative AMVETS Warrior Transition Workshops. (read more)

WALK FOR THE WOUNDED EVENT - Operation First Response will present its third annual Pennsylvania Walk for the Wounded Saturday, May 22, in Rose Tree Park. Walks in years past have been emotionally charged events, as active military and veterans meet and mingle with people from all over the Delaware Valley who come to walk in support of the nation’s seriously wounded soldiers. (read more)

NATIONAL PENN LAUNCHES VA HOME LOAN PROGRAM - National Penn Bank's new Veterans Affairs home loan program offers long-term financing to American veterans or their surviving spouse and comes at an opportune time as housing market woes continue and an increasing number of service members return from Iraq and Afghanistan. (read more)

PITTSBURGH MARATHONER DR. RORY COOPER FINISHES FOR THE VLPWPA - McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine affiliated faculty member Rory Cooper, PhD, FISA/PVA Endowed Chair and a Distinguished Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, participated in the 2010 Pittsburgh Marathon supporting the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania (VLPWPA). Dr. Cooper finished third in the wheelchair event, with a total time of 1:48:32. (read more) 

PAIRED KIDNEY EXCHANGE ATTRACTS VA - Sometime in the next month, more than 600 veterans waiting for kidney transplants at VA hospital transplant centers in Pittsburgh and three other locations across the country could have a new option for finding an organ match. (read more)

BLAIRSVILLE VFW FIRE SHUT DOWN ROUTE 22 IN WESTMORELAND - Traffic on Route 22 in Derry Township was at a near-standstill as firefighters blocked off the road while they battled a fire. (read more)

VA PITTSBURGH POOL TO CLOSE - The pool at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) at Highland Drive Division will no longer be in operation as of June 1, 2010. During the past 8 years, the Penn Hills YMCA partnered with VAPHS to operate the pool facility at the Highland Drive Division. The YMCA will move their operations from the Highland Drive Division to their new $4 million state-of-the-art facility in Penn Hills on June 1, 2010. The pool is for recreational use only and is never prescribed for physical therapy treatment. Veterans who are concerned about their medical or rehabilitation needs should contact Alan Petrazzi, Rehabilitations Program Manager, at 412-822-3110 for an assessment.

 

WOUNDED WARRIORS RALLY, DICE RUN HELD AT L-E-E-K HUNTING AND MOUNTAIN PRESERVE - American flags waving in the breeze along Route 244 East leading to the L-E-E-K Hunting and Mountain Preserve at Oswayo in Potter County signaled a warm and patriotic welcome to the more than 150 motorcycle enthusiasts who rode in the New York and Pennsylvania Patriot Guard Rally and Dice Run to benefit wounded warriors. (read more)

BRIDGE HONORS PORT ALLEGANY SCHOOL NURSE, GUARDSMAN - “He was always professional and caring,” said secondary school principal Marc Budd, who spoke of the Port Allegany Junior-Senior High School staff member commonly called “Mr. B.” by students and staff while he served as school nurse there. (read more)

 

VA HOSPITAL IN ALTOONA CELEBRATES ARMED FORCES DAY - Dozens turned out at the VA Medical Center in Altoona to honor the men and women serving in our military. The Medical Center held its annual welcome home event recently. It featured music, informational displays and a chance to look at the memorial wall honoring fallen soldiers. (read more)

DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR PA HERO WALK – The PA Hero Walk will be walking in Lancaster County for the Wounded Warrior Project. Donations are being collected by the Lancaster Navy Club. Walkers will arrive in Lancaster on Monday, June 14. Proceeds will be used to help support their stay. To make a donation, contact Robert Weaver at (717) 475-1595.

MEMORIAL DAY WREATH LAYING CEREMONY – A wreath laying and brief ceremony will take place at the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in the Greenwood Cemetery (South Queen St.) in Lancaster at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 30, rain or shine. Families of the veterans memorialized, veterans, and the public are invited to attend. The memorial was erected in the early 1980’s in honor of Lancaster Vietnam Veterans who lost their lives fighting for our country. For more information, call Ken Ford at (717) 560-4049.

HOUSE PASSES GABLER'S PROPOSED LEGISLATION THAT WILL ASSIST VETERANS - State Rep. Matt Gabler, R-75 of DuBois, secured legislative approval of his first piece of legislation, as House Bill 1990 was unanimously passed by the state House of Representatives recently. (read more)

MARINE CORPS TO HONOR LOCAL WWII VETS - The 65th Annual Convention of the Department of Pennsylvania Marine Corps League is set for June 23 through 26 at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in New Cumberland. (read more)

SOUNDING SUPPORT - A tiny town in Luxembourg honored the 28th Infantry Division Band of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard with a monument to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by members of the band during World War II. Now, a monument replicating the one erected across the Atlantic Ocean has been dedicated at the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Route 322 in Boalsburg. (read more)

MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM PLANNED IN ANNVILLE - The Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Council will present its annual Memorial Day Program at 2 p.m. May 30, rain or shine. This year's program is cosponsored by the Marine Corps League, Department of Pennsylvania. (read more)

MORE THAN 65 YEARS LATER, WAR VETERANS RECEIVE DIPLOMAS - Eugene "Gene" Angle and Robert Allen "Addie" Goetz never walked across the stage for high school commencement. They were busy at the time. (read more)

WORLD WAR II ENCAMPMENT DRAWS DIVERSE CROWD - Sporting the camouflage Army jacket he got for Christmas, 4-year-old Myles Hannak watched intently as living historian Peter Matthews modeled an M1 Garand rifle. (read more)

 

BILLS COVER SERVICE DOGS, CHIROPRACTIC CARE - The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted Wednesday to require a major expansion of chiropractic care for veterans, and also approved a pilot program where veterans with mental health problems would train service dogs to assist other disabled veterans. (read more)

SENATE PANEL TAKES UP WAR FUNDING MEASURE - A key Senate panel approved a $58.8 billion war funding measure that would raise the total price tag for Pentagon operations in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade to $1 trillion. (read more)

MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA: A LITTLE-KNOWN VETERAN ISSUE - Rachel Caesar first tried to join the Army after she saw a recruitment insert in Jet magazine. She filled it out and sent it in. She was 8 years old. (read more)

NAVY SAFE HARBOR HELPS WOUNDED WARRIORS - Three days into the inaugural Wounded Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympic Training Center here, it’s clear the games have really taken off for the Navy team. (read more)

DEFENSE LEADERS, KARZAI HONOR FALLEN TROOPS AT ARLINGTON - Afghan President Hamid Karzai, flanked by America’s top defense leaders, walked among the white marble tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery today, a silent tribute to U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, many while battling terrorism in Afghanistan. (read more)

ARMED FORCES RACING’S "ONE SHIRT" PROGRAM BENEFITS VETERAN SERVICES - The campaign concept is simple – “One Shirt” can change a Veteran’s life…Two Shirts can change a Nation. If the American people would rally together and buy a “One Shirt” Sam Bass original t-shirt, we could increase our support to programs like Veterans’ Hope, and ultimately help change a veteran’s life. (read more)

ARMY CHIEF PRESENTS MEDALS AT WARRIOR GAMES - Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. made a surprise visit to the inaugural Warrior Games, capping a pivotal night in medal game play. (read more)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR INTRODUCES NEW TOOL FOR ENSURING FEDERAL LAW COMPLIANCE - The online Disability Nondiscrimination Law Advisor, available at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/odep.htm, helps employers quickly and simply determine which federal disability nondiscrimination laws apply to their business or organization and their responsibilities under them. It asks users to answer a few relevant questions in order to take into account relevant variables, such as nature of organization, size of staff and whether the business or organization receives federal financial assistance. Based on the responses provided, the advisor then generates a customized list of federal disability nondiscrimination laws that likely apply, along with easy-to-understand information about employers' responsibilities under them.

CAN MARIJUANA EASE PTSD? A DEBATE BREWS - The Department of Veterans Affairs finds itself in a difficult position because some vets want to use marijuana to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Pot possession remains illegal under federal law. The VA says that as a federal agency its doctors can't recommend using it. (read more)

VA IDENTIFIED FOR EMPLOYEE DIVERISTY - VA was ranked as one of the top five of 30 agencies responding in the 2010 DiversityInc Top Federal Agencies for Diversity! VA ranked second among agencies with more than 100,000 employees. The results were unveiled March 10 at a two-day event in Washington, DC by DiversityInc, recognized as the leading publication on diversity and business. This is the second year that Federal agencies were asked to participate and the first time VA applied. DiversityInc’s Federal-agency survey was sent to more than 500 agencies and focused on four key areas: Leadership Commitment, Human Capital, Communications and Supplier Diversity.

PRESIDENT SIGNS CAREGIVERS BILL from Military.com -President Barack Obama recently signed S.B. 1963 (The Caregiver's Bill) into law. The new law creates support program for veteran caregivers that will provide training, financial assistance, and improved respite service. The new law also improves health care services for America's women veterans, expands the mental health services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and expands supportive services for homeless veterans. Details of the new law can be found in the U.S. House of Representatives Speaker's bill summary, the Speaker's blog, and the HVAC Committee release

NEW MUSEUM OPENS from Military.com - A new museum dedicated to teaching 20th century military history and honoring veterans has opened at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis. The Museum of 20th Century Warfare displays artifacts and uniforms from all branches of the military from 1910 through Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. Entrance to the museum is free, but admission to the park is $5 for Indiana residents and $7 for out-of-state residents. The museum is located in building number 711 in the park's Camp Glenn area. For more information, visit the Museum of 20th Century Warfare website.

VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS HEARING from Military.com - The Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing to examine the status of veteran owned small businesses. The Subcommittee heard from various stakeholders to determine major obstacles faced by veterans, the status of small business prospects with the federal government, and how the overall downturn in the economy is affecting veterans. Prepared testimony and a link to a webcast of the hearing are available on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.

VA DATA BREACH LEAVES VETS VULNERABLE from Military.com - On April 28, 2010 members of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs were notified that an unencrypted laptop computer containing the Social Security numbers and other information of more than 600 veterans had been stolen. According to a May 13, press release issued by Rep. Buyer, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, the computer belonged to an employee of a health care services organization that holds extensive contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA responded to the last such incident in 2006 by offering free credit monitoring for affected veterans. At this time the VA has not publically commented on the breach or their next steps to remedy the situation.

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS SPEAK OUT - While rising reports of military suicides sweep the headlines, a group of 91 of America's Medal of Honor recipients are urging service members to seek help before it's too late. A public service effort, called "Medal of Honor--Speak Out!" launched on Armed Forces Day. The campaign features nearly 30 video testimonials by recipients who survived the most harrowing experiences in battle, including severe physical wounds as well as emotional trauma. Don't let the enemy defeat you at home--make use of the resources available today for combat stress. You are invited to download and share these resources with Service members and their families. (read more)

VA UPDATES APPLICATION FORM from Military.com - Veterans will find it easier and faster to apply for their health care benefits now that the Department of Veterans Affairs updated its online Form 10-10EZ, "Application for Health Benefits." This revised online application provides enhanced navigation features that make it easier and faster for Veterans to apply for their health care benefits. This new version also allows Veterans to save a copy of the completed form for their personal records. Veterans may complete or download the 10-10EZ form at the VA health eligibility website. Veterans may also contact VA at 1 (877) 222-8387 (VETS) or visit the VA health eligibility website.

HOUSE HOLDS VBA EFFECTIVENESS HEARING from Military.com - The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently conducted a hearing to examine the effectiveness of the Veterans Benefits Administration's employee work credit and management systems in processing compensation and pension claims and appeals. Responding to repeated calls from Congress and veteran stakeholders, VBA announced plans to take new steps to incentivize both quality and timely work by its benefit claims staff. This announcement comes ahead of a report on the benefit claims process to be released by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Prepared testimony and a link to the webcast of the hearing are available on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.

WOMEN'S SYMPOSIUM IN JUNE from Military.com - The Sea Services Leadership Association will host the 23rd annual Women's Symposium at the Washington Hilton in Washington June 2-3. The two-day seminar will focus on women serving in disaster-affected areas. Speaker panels will include female leaders who have recently deployed on several of the military's disaster relief missions, as well as those who have been at the forefront of combat operations. Many of these women served in campaigns that countered terrorism and brought peace, prosperity and economic development to conflict-affected zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. To register, visit the Sea Services Leadership Association (SSLA) website.

PBS TO AIR NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT - For more than 20 years, PBS has been proud to honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country with the annual broadcast of the National Memorial Day Concert. (read more)

PROGRAM LINKS TROOPS WITH CAREER RESOURCES - As the United States’ economic crisis lingers, returning veterans are finding it harder to translate the skills they have learned on the battlefields onto a resume, but some employers are working with the military to bridge the gap. (read more)

VA PLANS TO BUILD AN AGENT ORANGE DISABILITY CLAIMS SYSTEM - The Veterans Affairs Department plans to build a system to process simplified claims for Vietnam veterans exposed to the toxic chemical Agent Orange, creating its first fully automated disability claims network. (read more)

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN from Military.com - Veterans Green Corps, a collaborative initiative of Denver, Colorado-based Veteran Green Jobs and conservation corps organizations, helps returning veterans transition to civilian life by offering a unique opportunity for vets to connect with other former service members and make new connections with the outdoors. The program helps veterans gain valuable experience through employment projects that promote personal growth, the development of social skills and an ethic of natural resource stewardship while taking an active role to serve our country in new ways. Veterans (typically 20-30 years old) who have received an honorable discharge within the last four years, are eligible to apply. Visit the VGC website, e-mail at vgc@veteransgreenjobs.org or call 970.765.6953 to learn more.

 

·         May 25: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Small Business Workshop; 9 a.m. to noon at the Regional Enterprise Tower, 31st Floor, 425 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA

·         May 25: Cycle of Emotions; 7-9 p.m. at Crossroads Counseling Service, 14 Keystone Court, Leola, PA

·         May 26: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Small Business Workshop; 9 a.m. to noon at Philadelphia University, Kanbatr Performance Center, 4201 Henry Ave, Philadelphia, PA

·         May 27: Bucks County Veterans Golf Outing; starts 11 a.m. at Five Ponds Golf Club, 125 West Street Road, Warminster, PA

·         May 27: Lebanon VA Welcome Home Combat Veterans; starts 4:30 p.m. at the Lancaster Barnstormers, 650 Prince Street, Lancaster, PA

·         May 28: Friends of Vietnam Veterans Golf Tournament; starts 8 a.m. at Manada Golf Course, 609 Golf Lane Grantville, PA

·         May 28: Order of the Silver Rose Memorial Service; 11 a.m. to noon at the York County Fairgrounds memorial, 334 Carlisle Avenue, York, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 

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7 May 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.

HATFIELD REPORTS ON AGENT ORANGE NOW ONLINE - Hatfield Consultants has now made available a number of their Agent Orange reports for download at their website: http://www.hatfieldgroup.com/services/contaminantagentorange/agentorangereports.aspx. These reports are available at no cost.

MILITARY ONESOURCE SUPPORT FOR MILITARY SPOUSES - May is Military Spouse Appreciation month, please visit www.militaryonesource.com and find out what's happening. Also, get updates, announcements, and general information about their services through the Military OneSource Connection, educational materials, and webinars.

SAMHSA AWARDS $2 MILLION FOR JAIL DIVERSION AND TRAUMA RECOVERY GRANT TO THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced it is awarding a Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery grant to the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. The grant totals up to $2 million over five years. (read more)

MOTORSPORTS SHOW RAISES FUNDS TO SUPPORT SOLDIERS, FAMILIES - Sgt. 1st Class Ray Bozek would recommend drag racing to any soldier returning from deployment overseas as a way to relieve stress while assimilating back into everyday life. (read more)

 

VETERANS RESOURCE CONFERENCE PLANNED - The Military Community Network of Bucks County (www.militarycommunitynetwork.org) will host a conference meant for service providers and others offering resources and assistance to current service members, veterans, their families and survivors to introduce participants to the Military Community Network of Bucks County. The conference will take place June 15 at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown. Registration is at 8 a.m. The program will go from 9 a.m. to noon, and will feature an interactive session to leverage the participants’ knowledge and experiences. Visit www.militarycommunitynetwork.org or call 215-348-6415 to register.

SOLDIER SIBLINGS SERVE TOGETHER - Sibling rivalry isn’t a problem for a brother and sister from Collegeville, PA., who are serving a deployment together. (read more)

HELLERTOWN AIRMAN KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN - The Department of Defense announced the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Airman 1st Class Austin H. Gates Benson, 19, of Hellertown, PA, died May 3 of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident near Khyber, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 54th Combat Communications Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. 

DOZENS VOLUNTEER AT VET MUSEUM ON COMCAST CARES DAY - More than 50 people showed up bright and early Saturday morning at the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum to volunteer for projects around the building as part of Comcast Cares Day. (read more)

GREASE BAND CONCERT KICKS OFF THIRD ANNUAL WALK FOR THE WOUNDED AT ROSE TREE PARK - Operation First Response will present its third annual Pennsylvania Walk for the Wounded Saturday, May 22 in Rose Tree Park. Walks in years past have been emotionally charged events, as active military and veterans meet and mingle with people from all over the Delaware Valley who come to walk in support of the nation’s seriously wounded soldiers. (read more)

INTEGRATED VIDEO SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. KEY TO ARREST OF VETERANS MEMORIAL’S DEFACERS - Philadelphia’s newly restored Vietnam Veterans Memorial has suffered significant damage from vandals since its dedication November 11, 2009. The surveillance camera system, provided and installed by Integrated Video Security Systems (IVSS), has recorded videos of the vandals consistently, which has led to their subsequent arrests. (read more)

CLAYSVILLE SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION - The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Nathan P. Kennedy, 24, of Claysville, PA, died April 27, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire near Quarando Village, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DUAL MARSHALL BIRTHDAY, 'AMERICANISM' CELEBRATION SET IN UNIONTOWN - A dual celebration of the birthday of Gen. George C. Marshall as well as celebrating Americanism Day will take place Saturday in Uniontown. Born in Uniontown on Dec. 31, 1880, Marshall was Army Chief of Staff during World War II, and served as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense during the Truman Administration. (read more)

 

“WOUNDED WARRIORS” TO ATTEND SPRING OPEN HOUSE AT POTTER COUNTY HUNTING PRESERVE - Twelve of our nation’s “Wounded Warriors” who are being treated at several military hospitals are slated to attend the annual Spring Open House on May 15 at the L-E-E-K Hunting and Mountain Preserve in Potter County for a meet-and-greet. (read more)

 

LLOYDELL RESIDENT AMONG U.S. AIRMEN MIA FROM WWII IS IDENTIFIED - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced that the remains of eight U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been accounted-for and returned to their families for burial with full military honors. (read more)

FOR VIETNAM WAR VETS, MEMORIES REMAIN STRONG 35 YEARS AFTER THE FALL OF SAIGON - Don Bender’s most enduring memory of the Vietnam War is a gruesome one. “It’s about two of my people being killed on Christmas Eve,” said Bender, a retired special-forces sergeant. (read more)

NATIONAL CEMETERY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS from the Times-Tribune - Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Council is seeking volunteers to assist in the setting of this year's Avenue of Flags, Saturday at 8 a.m. More than 400 poles need to be erected, along with a commensurate number of flags throughout the cemetery drive and at the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial. To volunteer, contact Bob Hauser, council chairman, at marinedadbob@yahoo.com or call 717-460-8700.

HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES GABLER’S VETERANS LEGISLATION - House Bill 1990 adjusts the County Code to make it easier for county veterans affairs directors to attend annual statewide association meetings. (read more)

WHEELCHAIR SHOOT SENDS MAN TO PARALYMPIC GAMES - A Pittsburgh rifle shoot has propelled a Pennsylvania man to Olympic competition. Chris Fidler, 49, of Jonestown, Pa., will journey to the U.S. Olympic Committee headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., to train for the next Paralympic Games. A former Army paratrooper from Lebanon County, Fidler has used a wheelchair since suffering a back injury in 1981. (read more)

QUARTER MANIA TO RAISE REUNION FUNDS - Ninth-grade student Nakita Williams, daughter of Bruce and Amy Williams, is planning a "Quarter Mania" auction to raise funds for a Vietnam Veterans Reunion in August. (read more)

STATE HOUSE OKS BILL THAT WOULD RAISE GAMBLING PRIZE LIMITS - The state House of Representatives agreed to increase the kitty for veterans organizations, volunteer fire companies and churches, adopting legislation that would raise prize limits on drawings, raffles and other small games of chance. (read more)

COUNTY LOOKS TO HELP VETERANS, APPROVES 911 TRIANGULATION TEST - The York County commissioners approved a $293,000 grant application to the federal government to provide psychiatric care and social services to returning veterans from York and Adams counties. (read more)

 

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT ED FREEMAN DIES - Medal of Honor Recipient, Captain Ed Freeman, United States Air Force, died April 21 at the age of 70, in Boise, Idaho. Captain Freeman distinguished himself with numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on Nov.14, 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area because of intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing lifesaving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers-some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. Some of soldiers saved were from Pennsylvania.

BIDEN KICKS OFF WOUNDED WARRIOR SOLDIER RIDE - "Riders ready?" Vice President Joe Biden asked wounded warriors before sounding the air horn that kicked off the fourth annual "White House to Light House" Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride. (read more)

AVATAR PROJECT SEEKS TO HELP MILITARY AMPUTEES - In the blockbuster movie “Avatar,” Jake Sully, a former Marine who lost the use of both legs in combat, climbs into a vessel that magically restores his body when he assumes a new, 10-foot-tall avatar identity. (read more)

U.S. FLAGS SALUTE WOUNDED WARRIOR ATHLETES - The American flags raised over five military installations don’t look any different from the one raised over the U.S. Capitol on any given day, but there is one distinct difference. (read more)

VA, TRICARE TO GET MILLIONS FROM SETTLEMENT - Federal agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs and Tricare stand to share more than $300 million following settlement of a fraud case brought by the Department of Justice against pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. (read more)

NEW SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE CHILDREN OF FALLEN SERVICE MEMBERS - The children of military personnel who died in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, can apply for an educational scholarship similar to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.  Benefits are retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009. (read more)

U.S.-CHINA OFFICIALS DISCUSS MIA CASES -  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/Missing Personnel Affairs Bob Newberry concluded a week-long visit to China today after meeting with Chinese officials to discuss several U.S. MIA cases.  China’s past cooperation has led to the recovery of U.S. MIA remains from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. (read more)

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING OFFICE: EXPANDED OVERSIGHT WOULD IMPROVE CLAIMS PROCESS TRAINING - The VA’s annual training requirements and the training received by experienced staff—those with more than two years experience—may not be appropriate, based on the results of GAO’s survey of claims processors nationwide. Experienced claims processors had problems with five key areas: the number of hours of training required, the amount of training received on particular topics, the usefulness of some subject matter, the way training is delivered and the timing of training. (read more)

HOUSE HEARS TESTIMONY ON VA DELAYS from Military.com - Speaking to a House subcommittee, Jacob Gadd of The American Legion's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division said the Veterans Business Administration (VBA) needs to speed up its process of appointing fiduciaries to handle the finances of veterans who are mentally incapable of managing their own benefits. Gadd told the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs that many veterans continue to suffer hardship because of the time VBA takes to process fiduciary applications and approve them. A video of Mr. Gadd's testimony is available on the American Legion website.

TRICARE EXTENDS AUTISM PROGRAM from Military.com - To provide continued financial assistance to active duty service members who have a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), TRICARE extended the Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration to March 14, 2012. The extension allows reimbursement for applied behavior analysis (ABA) rendered by providers (tutors) who are not otherwise eligible to be reimbursed by TRICARE for ABA services. The demonstration is open to beneficiaries in the United States and the District of Columbia who are registered in TRICARE's Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) and diagnosed with an ASD. For more, visit TRICARE's ECHO webpage at www.tricare.mil/ECHO and TRICARE's Autism Services Demonstration webpage at www.tricare.mil/autismdemo.

DOOLITTLE RAIDERS REUNITE from Military.com - Four of the remaining eight famed Doolittle Raiders, known for their nearly impossible bombing raid on Japan, reunited recently for their 68th year at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. On April 18, 1942, Col. Jimmy Doolittle led a group of 80 men to fly B-25 Bombers from the deck of an aircraft carrier more than 600 miles to drop bombs on Japan. At the time, getting a bomber airborne from an aircraft carrier's deck had barely been tested. For more information on the Doolittle Raiders, including educational materials, visit the Doolittle Raiders website, the National Museum of the United States Air Force website, an Animated History of the Doolittle Raid, the Naval Historical Center Doolittle Raid webpage, and the Doolittle Raid Remembered website .

WARRIOR GAMES APPROACHING from Military.com - The Department of Defense's inaugural Warrior Games takes place in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 10 - 14. Eligibility will include wounded, ill, and injured service members from differing categories. The events will be shooting, swimming, archery, sitting volleyball, cycling, track, wheelchair basketball, discus, and shot put. In addition to winners in each event, there will be an "Ultimate Warrior" competition in a pentathlon format, and service team scoring for a rotating Chairman's Cup. For more information, visit the Warrior Games website.

VETERANS SUCCESS JAM from Military.com - The American Council on Education (ACE) and the Kresge Foundation are pleased to announce the convening of the Veterans Success Jam, a national conversation on the role of higher education in the reintegration of returning veterans. The Veterans Success Jam is a three-day, Web-based event that will be held May 3-6, 2010.  Registration is free and there are no requirements to download special software or plug-ins.  Widely recognized and highly regarded hosts will join experts in their fields to guide the conversation on topics like the GI Bill, transition assistance, getting ready for college and other veteran support issues. Further updates on the Jam will be posted on Facebook and Twitter. If you have an .edu, .gov, or .mil email address, register by clicking here.  Those with .com, org or other email addresses should click here to register.  Visit the ACE website to learn more.

NEW WWII DOCUMENTARY from Military.com - WW2 Reflections released its second documentary in a planned trilogy of works that chronicle the major battles fought by U.S. troops in Western Europe during World War II. "The Americans on Hell's Highway" picks up the story shortly after the D-Day invasion, when planning began for Operation Market Garden. The film was produced by Richard Lanni whose video on the 65th anniversary of the Normandy invasion appeared last June. This program covers the many details of what went right and what went tragically wrong during the nine-day saga of Market Garden. For more information, visit The American's on Hell's Highway website.

VA LOAN LIMITS FOR 2010 from Military.com - The 2010 VA home loan limits are out and many locations will remain at the 2009 levels. Even many of the traditionally high-cost locations like Alaska with a maximum guarantee of $625,500 and Nantucket County, Massachusetts with a limit of $1,092,625 will see no change. Overall, very few locations saw an increase for 2010; while several high-cost areas including locations in California, saw loan limits decrease due to falling real estate values. And, several areas which had been considered high-cost in the past are no longer considered high-cost and were reduced to the $417,000 limit. Read more about the VA Loan.

MORE SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS from Military.com - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki recently pledged VA support for President Obama's efforts to remove barriers to access for Veteran-owned small businesses. President Barack Obama also recently issued an executive order to establish and inter-agency task force on veterans small business development. The President's executive order is available on the VA website.

PENSION FOR VETERANS from Military.com - The VA's Improved Non-Service Connected Pension (also known as a VA Disability Pension) is designed to supplement the income of wartime disabled Veterans, and Veterans 65 and over who had to give up career opportunities while they served their country during war. Disabled Veterans under 65 or Veterans 65 and over receiving Social Security Disability Income or Social Security Retirement Income under $985 per month are still eligible for a partial VA Pension, which will pay the Veteran the difference between whatever monthly income the Veteran receives and what the VA Pension pays, as long as the Veteran meets certain requirements. For more information visit the VA Veterans Pension Program webpage.

VA ADDRESSES VETERAN SUICIDES from Military.com - With more than 6,000 veterans committing suicide every year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is redoubling its outreach to veterans and promoting the toll-free suicide-prevention hotline, which is the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The hotline's telephone number is 1-800-273-8255. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is staffed by trained professionals 24 hours a day to help in an immediate crisis. For more information, visit VA's Suicide Prevention webpage.

GULF WAR VETERANS URGED TO SEEK CARE from Military.com - Gulf War veterans with medical symptoms should seek treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs in light of a recent study that says Gulf War service is a cause of post-traumatic stress disorder, a senior Military Health System official said recently. Dr. Michael Kilpatrick, director of strategic communications for the Military Health System, said that if Gulf War veterans seek care through VA, rather than private doctors, researchers can continue to track their data and search for causes of their symptoms. Congress ordered that Gulf War veterans still qualify for high-priority care through the VA. For more information on VA benefits, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

SIX NAMES ADDED TO VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL - This week, the names of six American service members will join the list of other departed or missing troops featured on the intersecting black-granite walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. (read more)

MICROSOFT INVITES ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP PREPARE U.S. VETERANS FOR JOBS - Through a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process, Microsoft will award cash, software and IT skills training curriculum to eligible veterans service organizations, work-force agencies, as well as other nonprofit organizations and their partners that are providing veterans and their spouses with the support they need to be successful in their transition to civilian careers. Support provided by these organizations may include technology skills training, job placement, career counseling and other support services such as childcare, transportation and housing. Organizations have until June 30, 2010, to apply to this initiative and successful applicants will be announced in August. (read more)

A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE - Last week, nearly 200 Goodwill employees lobbied on Capitol Hill on behalf of people who have a great need for job training and career support, particularly people with disabilities, workers over the age of 55, and others facing challenges to finding employment. One of the highest priority issues that Goodwill focused on was the Senior Community Employment Services Program (SCSEP). The Goodwill program matches workers with "host agencies" -- government agencies or nonprofit groups -- for up to 20 hours each week. Participants get on-the-job training and other support services such as bus passes, canes or hearing aids. The program is part of the national Older Americans Act and helps seniors find work -- giving preference to seniors with disabilities, veterans, spouses of veterans, and others who need job training. (read more)

 

·         May 5 - 29: Veterans Virtual Job Fair continues online at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com

·         May 8: Leadership Training for Brain Injury Survivors and Families; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Giant Super Store, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA

·         May 8: Red Cross First Step Event;  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Camp Swatara, 2905 Camp Swatara Road, Bethel, PA

·         May 8: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Outing; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Center Valley, PA

·         May 9: Mothers' Day at the Wall; ceremony starts 9 a.m. at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.

·         May 10 - 14: Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, CO

·         May 10: Veterans Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Jason Altmire; 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Rochester VFW Post 128, 179 Virginia Avenue, Rochester, PA

·         May 11: Cycle of Emotions Women’s Counseling Seminar; 7 to 9 p.m. at Crossroads Counseling Service, 14 Keystone Court, Leola, PA

·         May 12: Operation: Help Vets Get Work; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Allentown CareerLink, 1601 Union Boulevard, Allentown, PA

·         May 12: Webinar: Independent Living and Community Participation. Two sessions; noon to 1 p.m. at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/348677874 and 7 to 8 p.m. at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/982511051

·         May 13: Armed Forces Week Dinner; 6 to 9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 9th and Hamilton Streets, Allentown, PA

·         May 13: Military and Veteran Spouse Forum; 7 to 9 p.m. at Rochester VFW Post 128, 179 Virginia Road, Rochester, PA

·         May 14 - 16: AMVETS/Freedom & Honor Warrior Transition Workshop; begins at 5 p.m. at the Elkins Estate, 1750 Ashbourne Road, Elkins Park, PA

·         May 14: Veterans Freedom Golf Tournament; registration starts at noon at the Ingleside Golf Club, 104 Horseshoe Drive, Thorndale, PA

·         May 14: Veterans Leadership Program Job Fair; 9 a.m. to noon at the Hiram G. Andrews Center, 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, PA

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 

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The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - May 2010

Click here to View

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2 May 2010

DOL Grants Available for Homeless Female Vets, Homeless Vets with Families
Applications due May 27, 2010

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) has announced a grant competition for organizations that will provide comprehensive services that address complex problems facing homeless female veterans and/or veterans with families eligible to transition into gainful employment. Section 2021 of Title 38 of the United States Code requires the Secretary of Labor to conduct, directly or through grant or contract, such programs as the Secretary determines appropriate to provide job training, counseling and placement services (including job readiness, literacy training and skills training) to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force.

Applications for this grant competition are due May 27, 2010.

Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) grants are intended to address two objectives: (1) to provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force, and (2) to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans.

For this Program Year (PY) 2010 grant solicitation, VETS seeks applicants that will provide services through a client-centered case management approach that will network with federal, state and local resources for veteran support programs.

Under this solicitation covering PY 2010, VETS anticipates that up to $3 million will be available for Urban grants and up to $3 million will be available for Non-Urban grants, with a maximum award of $300,000 for grants that serve Urban areas and $200,000 for grants that serve Non-Urban areas. VETS expects to award grants in both the Urban and Non-Urban categories.

The full Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) is available here. Applications submitted through http://www.grants.gov or hard copy will be accepted. If you need to speak to a person concerning these grants, you may telephone Cassandra Mitchell at 202-693-4570 (not a toll-free number). If you have issues regarding access to the grants.gov website, you may telephone the Contact Center Phone at 1-800-518-4726.

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30 April 2010

 

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.

ATTENTION OEF/OIF VETS - Recovery Radio wants you to tell your story. Ernie Smith will be interviewing veterans Tuesday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. on “A Soldier’s Story” being broadcast on http://wafs.tv/. Smith will be interviewing veterans, from WWII to the present war, who want to tell their story. Interview subjects can use their real name or be anonymous. The show’s focus is to make the world understand that freedom is not free and that those that have served are still paying the price every day since they served. If interested please email: recoveryradiotv@gmail.com

NEW SUPPORT WEB SITE FOR VETERANS’ CAREGIVERS - Veteran CareGiver, www.veterancaregiver.com, was developed directly in response to expressed challenges by Wounded Warrior and Veteran families. Caregivers may create a personal network of care, share progress in recovery, locate regional resources including Veterans Service Organizations (VSO's), communicate publicly or privately, and live chat - finding new ways to cope and also to thrive. 

VETERANS GREEN JOBS ANNOUNCES $500,000 GRANT - For Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers returning home from war, finding a new career path can be challenging. But this is where the organization Veterans Green Jobs is stepping in to fill the void. Right now the organization just trains Colorado veterans in things like home weatherization and energy audits. But thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation, Veterans Green Jobs plans to expand into Virginia and Pennsylvania later this year. Brett KenCairn is CEO of the organization. He says it's particularly important for young veterans in their early 20's, who have a 21 percent unemployment rate. (read more)

AMERICA RESPONDS WITH LOVE FINDS VETERAN FOR HOUSE - There’s little chance Tony Buonaiuto will suffer any more burns on his arms, given that he no longer has to stretch over a hot stove to adjust an oven knob. (read more)

ROLLING THUNDER RIDE TO HONOR FALLEN MARINE - The Rolling Thunder, Inc. veterans service organization will hold its 11th annual Salute to Veterans motorcycle ride through Northeast Pennsylvania on Sunday, July 18. (read more)

CONCERT IS MUSIC FOR THE MILITARY - The colors for “Concert for a Cause” have always been black and red, but this year the charitable show went red, white and blue. (read more)

 

BUCKS COUNTY VETERANS RESOURCES ONLINE - On Veterans Day 2009, the Bucks County Commissioners and the Travis Manion Foundation launched the Military Community Network of Bucks County, www.militarycommunitynetwork.org, an on-line information resource for current service members, veterans, families and survivors. The site offers local and national sources of information and resources ranging, from dining discounts and veteran-friendly employers to education and training.

CURRENT WARS PROMPT VIETNAM VETS TO SEEK HELP FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS - A handful of veterans meet on Fridays at the Veterans Affairs clinic in Hempfield to talk about the Vietnam War. (read more)

FRANKLIN REGIONAL STUDENTS TO RECORD VETERANS' INTERVIEWS - The oral histories of local veterans will be videotaped and submitted to the Library of Congress through the efforts of Franklin Regional High School students. (read more)

FIGHTING FOR OPPORTUNITIES AIM OF PARALYZED VETERANS GROUP - Looking like the Batmobile driving down Main Street in Sharpsburg, a BMW motorcycle specially adapted to wheelchair users was the star of the fifth annual open house of the Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America, or PVA. (read more)

 

POW/MIA ROUTE 6 BRIDGE DEDICATION HELD IN SMETHPORT - “It is always a solemn occasion when we gather together to remember veterans who have given their lives for us,” said state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, the guest speaker Saturday at the dedication of the POW/MIA Memorial Bridge Naming Ceremony. (read more)

“WOUNDED WARRIORS” TO ATTEND SPRING OPEN HOUSE AT POTTER COUNTY HUNTING PRESERVE - Twelve of our nation’s “Wounded Warriors” who are being treated at several military hospitals are slated to attend the annual Spring Open House on May 15 at the L-E-E-K Hunting and Mountain Preserve in Potter County for a meet-and-greet. (read more)

 

NAVY NAMES AMPHIBIOUS SHIP FOR CONGRESSMAN JOHN MURTHA - Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the selection of the USS John P. Murtha as the name of the 10th San Antonio class Amphibious Transport Dock ship. Mabus made the announcement at John P. Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County airport in Johnstown, PA. (read more)

KOREAN WAR VETERANS NEDED FOR RECOGNITION CEREMONY - If you are a resident of Lemoyne, Mechanicsburg, New Cumberland, Shiremanstown, Wormleysburg (precinct 1) or the townships of Lower Allen, Monroe, or Upper Allen, please contact Representative Sheryl M. Delozier’s office at (717) 761-4665.

VETERANS CAN RECEIVE FREE TICKETS TO BARNSTORMERS BASEBALL GAME from the Patriot-News - Area veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan can attend the May 27 Lancaster Barnstormers baseball game at Clipper Magazine Stadium free of charge, the Lebanon VA Medical Center announced. Veterans enrolled in the VA system can each obtain two free tickets with $5 food vouchers. Additional discounted tickets may be purchased at the game. Tickets may be obtained by calling Christine Leininger at 717-272-6621 ext. 4565, or e-mailing christine.leininger@va.gov. The event is sponsored by state Representative John Bear, R-Lancaster.

VETS RECEIVE LATE LAUDING - The military veterans who came to the Jaffa Shrine Center Friday fought decades ago in places like Da Nang, An Loc, Nha Trang, Long Binh, Quang Tri and the Mekong Delta. (read more)

SAMHSA AWARDS $2 MILLION FOR JAIL DIVERSION AND TRAUMA RECOVERY GRANT TO THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced it is awarding a Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery grant to the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. The grant totals up to $2 million over five years. (read more)

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR INDIANTOWN GAP NATIONAL CEMETERY AVENUE OF FLAGS - The Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Council is seeking volunteers to assist in the setting of this year's Avenue of Flags beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 8. (read more)

CENTRE OFFICIALS HEAR ABOUT VETERANS' PROJECT - At their meeting yesterday, the Centre County Commissioners heard from Mark Seinfelt and Joe Medzie with the Moshannon Valley Veterans Memorial Group. (read more)

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAPTER OF AMERICAN RED CROSS SEEKS INPUT ON HOW TO HELP MILITARY, THEIR FAMILIES - The Franklin County Chapter of the American Red Cross plans to conduct a fourth meeting to discuss how the community can better help military personnel and their families, according to Allen A. White Jr., emergency services director. (read more)

WAR HEROES ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY - America's newest war heroes, their bodies and lives changed by tragedy, are on the road to healing; literally. As many as 50 wounded warriors, many from Iraq and Afghanistan, will be part of an entourage of bicyclists on a 110-mile historic and rehabilitative journey this weekend when the 10th "Face of America" winds from the nation's Capitol, to Gettysburg. (read more)

 

TROOPS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GI BILL TRANSFERABILITY - More than 100,000 requests from troops desiring to transfer their unused education benefits to family members have been approved under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a defense official said today. (read more)

SERVICES IMPROVE DIAGNOSIS OF BRAIN INJURIES, PTSD - Better understanding of post-combat brain injuries and psychological trauma, coupled with a host of measures to diagnose and treat such disorders are preventing service members from being unfairly discharged due to undiagnosed conditions, Defense Department officials told Congress members yesterday. (read more)

HOUSE EXPANDS BENEFITS FOR VETERANS' CAREGIVERS - Family members of severely wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who forgo jobs and health insurance to provide care for an injured loved one would get relief under a bill unanimously passed by the House. (read more)

DEFENSE DEVELOPS TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY DATABASES - To get a better handle on traumatic brain injury, one of the invisible wounds of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Defense Department is developing databases to track cases to aid diagnosis and treatment. (read more)

VA MARKS 85 YEARS OF “DISCOVERY, INNOVATION AND ADVANCEMENT” - Eighty-five years of enriching the lives of Veterans and all Americans through top-notch medical research were spotlighted April 26-30 when the Department of Veterans Affairs celebrated National VA Research Week. (read more)

BETTER PROSTHETICS COMING FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS - From developing a new microprocessor-controlled prosthetic leg to a non-chafing socket device, the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center is making big strides in advancing prosthetic science to improve wounded warriors’ quality of life. (read more)

OFFICIAL URGES GULF WAR VETS TO SEEK VA CARE - Gulf War veterans with medical symptoms should seek treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs in light of a recent study that says Gulf War service is a cause of post-traumatic stress disorder, a senior Military Health System official said. (read more)

18 VETERANS COMMIT SUICIDE EACH DAY - Troubling new data show there are an average of 950 suicide attempts each month by veterans who are receiving some type of treatment from the Veterans Affairs Department. (read more)

VIETNAM MEMORIAL TO ADD NAME OF SELMA VETERAN - The name of a Marine Corps veteran from Southern Oregon who died three years ago will be inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day. (read more)

ADAPTIVE SPORTS GIVE WOUNDED WARRIORS CONFIDENCE - At next month’s inaugural Warrior Games, retired Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tim Lang plans to showcase more than his shooting skills and athletic ability on the wheelchair basketball court. (read more)

OBAMA COMMEMORATES ELBE RIVER MEETING - President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a joint statement today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the meeting of Soviet and American troops at Elbe River during World War II. (read more)

WALTER REED WILL HOST SCREENING OF “UNBEATEN” - Wounded, ill and injured service members recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center will have the opportunity to see an inspiring film about wheelchair athletes as part of Armed Forces Week at Walter Reed. (read more)

VA STRIVES TO PREVENT VETERAN SUICIDES - With more than 6,000 veterans committing suicide every year –- and 98 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan taking their own lives during fiscal 2009 alone -- the Department of Veterans Affairs is redoubling its outreach to veterans and promoting its toll-free suicide-prevention hotline. (read more)

VA COMMEMORATES 85 YEARS OF MEDICAL ADVANCES - Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould kicked off the National VA Research Week commemoration, marking 85 years of ground-breaking research that’s improving veterans’ lives, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. (read more)

PRESIDENT HOSTS SERVICE MEMBER-CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - Twenty-four U.S. service members took the oath of U.S. citizenship in front of President Barack Obama during a ceremony in the White House’s Rose Garden. (read more)

HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE VIETNAM WAR - A discussion concerning health issues of Vietnam War veterans will be held on May 5 at 10 a.m. in the Cannon House Office Building on 1^st and New Jersey streets in Washington, D.C. Any Vietnam veteran, spouse, caregiver, or advocate is invited to attend. Veterans are asked to wear their hats identifying them as Vietnam veterans. Those interested must RSVP to spouse@bluewaternavy.org.

OBAMA SEEKS TO AID VET-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES - The Obama administration is renewing efforts to expand opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses, hoping that a little aid to those who own or want to own their own businesses will help fuel a larger boost in the U.S. economy. (read more)

SILVER STAR BANNER DAY - MAY 1 from Military.com - Congress recently passed H.R.855 making Silver Star Service Banner Day on May 1st an Official Day to honor wounded, ill, and injured veterans. The Silver Star Families of America -- an organization formed to remember, honor and assist the wounded and ill veterans and active duty Armed Forces -- joined forces with Military.com to provide a forum to discuss issues relevant to the problems facing our veterans and active duty. Join the SSFOA forum and let them hear from you. Visit the Silver Star Families of America website to learn more about their activities and programs.

MILITARY ONESOURCE OFFERS FINANCIAL ADVICE from Military.com - There are free resources that can help military families get their finances under control. On-base financial managers or Military OneSource consultants can help you develop a budget, identify spending pitfalls, and learn to manage your debt and set short- and long-term financial goals. For military members struggling to get out of debt, an on-base financial manager can give advice about finding reputable debt consolidation companies. Service members who anticipate they may fall behind on their mortgage payments may be able to go to court and ask for anticipatory relief using the Service Members Civil Rights Act.

HELP FOR BEREAVED CHILDREN from Military.com - Here are some tips from a recent article on helping children who are coping with loss: (1) Be honest and open--use clear language that includes the term "death" rather than euphemisms (e.g. "loss", "gone to sleep") that may confuse children; (2) provide a sense of safety and security; (3) be a good detective--pay attention to how and what your child is communicating; (4) support expression of feelings; (5) be a good role model; and (6) help children learn about the person and stay connected. For more information, read the article on the Military Health System Blog or find more resources at The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

MULLEN APPEALS TO PHILANTHROPISTS TO ASSIST VETERANS - The military’s top officer yesterday turned to American’s philanthropic community to help military veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan avoid the devastation of substance abuse, mental illness and homelessness. (read more)

WOUNDED WARRIORS GET CUSTOM PROSTHETICS CASES - The maker of rugged Pelican cases, widely used in the military to protect weapons and computer gear, has launched a program to give custom cases for prosthetics to wounded warriors who have lost limbs. (read more)

 

·         May 1 – 29: Veterans Virtual Job Fair; Online at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com

·         May 2: 5 K Run/Walk for Wounded Veterans; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alvernia University, Angelica Park, 400 Saint Bernardine Street, Reading, PA

·         May 2: George C. Mahon Memorial Golf Outing; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the John F. Byrne Golf Club, Frankford Ave. & Eden St. below Grant Ave, Phila., PA

·         May 4: Quarters on the Quad; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA

·         May 5 – 9: Hunts For Healing Spring Gobbler/Trout Fishing; starts 8 a.m. at Hunts for Healing, 1479 Coburn Hill Road, Laceyville, PA

·         May 5: Health Effects of the Vietnam War - the Aftermath; starts 10 a.m. at the Cannon House Office Building Room 334, 1st and New Jersey Avenues, Washington, D.C.

·         May 6: PA Department of Education Certifying Official Workshop; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DeSales University, Center Valley, 2255 Station Center, Center Valley, PA

·         May 7: Military Child and Volunteer Workshop; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ft. Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 

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23 April 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, NATIONAL GUARD USES SOCIAL MEDIA TO CONNECT TO CITIZENS - The commonwealth is using popular social networking tools to help Pennsylvanians to connect with and learn about the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania National Guard, Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright said. (read more)

PA NATIONAL GUARD DEDICATES NEW ELIZABETHTOWN FACILITY – On April 21, the PNG dedicated the new Elizabethtown Readiness Center and Field Maintenance Shop located at 1453-55 N. Market St., Elizabethtown. The facility supports 250 soldiers of the 328^th Brigade Support Battalion and 18 soldiers from Field Maintenance Shop-16. The $21 million complex replaces the Lancaster Armory built in 1937.

KOREAN WAR VETERANS SEEK NEW MEMBERS from the Times News Online - The Korean War Veterans Association, Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter #109 is seeking new members. Any person who has seen honorable service in any of the armed forces of the United States, within Korea (September 3, 1945 - June 25, 1950), within or without Korea (June 25 1950 - January 31, 1955), or within Korea from February 1, 1955 onwards is eligible for membership. The chapter meets the second Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m., at the American Legion Post in Gilbert, Rt.209. To join, come to a meeting or contact John Howard, Commander, at (570) 722-3027.

 

WILLOW GROVE MARINE RESERVE UNIT WINS 2009 DOD RESERVE FAMILY READINESS AWARD – The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 located at Willow Grove, PA has been named as one of the recipients of the 2009 DOD Reserve Family Readiness Award. The award recognizes the National Guard and reserve units, one from each of the seven reserve components, with the very best programs to support their families.  Representatives from each of the units selected received a commemorative plaque from Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Dennis M. McCarthy and a cash award from the Military Officers Association of America.  The cash award is to be put towards the further enhancement of family support programs. The DoD Reserve Family Readiness Awards Program was established in 2000 to recognize the top unit in each of the reserve components. 

NORRISTOWN PA VET CENTER OPERATIONAL – The VA Veterans Center in Norristown, PA is now operational. The facility is located at 314 East Johnson Highway, Norristown, PA. They can be reached at (914) 364-2006.

PROGRAM OFFERS AID FOR HOMELESS VETERANS IN BERKS COUNTY - Addicted to crack cocaine, Air Force veteran Charles R. Wilcox lived in the third floor of an abandoned house in Philadelphia for 2 1/2 years. (read more)

CONSHOHOCKEN VFW MEMORIAL SCULPTOR DIES - Joseph E. Pavone of Bristol, artist, conservator, cultural leader, and proud Italian American, has died at age 82. (read more)

INSPIRATION FOR ‘DIRTY DOZEN’ DIES - Jack Agnew, one of the original members of an ill-behaved United States Army unit that operated behind enemy lines in World War II and is often credited with having loosely inspired the novel and movie The Dirty Dozen, has died of heart disease in a hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania. He was 88. (read more)

SEEING TONGUE, SPRAY-ON SKIN, TRANSPLANTED HAND: TOP OFFICER ENCOUNTERS MILITARY’S EXTREME MEDICINE WING - First stop: the spray gun that shoots out skin cells. Next, the blind man who “sees” by using his tongue. Finally, a shake of a marine’s transplanted hand. (read more)

LOCAL VIETNAM WAR SOLDIER TO BE HONORED AT THE WALL - William Pierce spent three years fighting in the Vietnam War, but his battle was far from over when he returned home. (read more)

MULLEN TALKS VETERAN ISSUES IN PITTSBURGH - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen met with community leaders and organizations as part of his “conversations with the country” initiative to ensure better futures for Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. (read more)

MULLEN SEES ‘HUGE’ NEEDS AS NUMBERS OF U.S. WAR VETERANS CLIMB - President Barack Obama’s top military adviser said U.S. veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are missing out on cutting-edge treatment, education and family services, even as 50,000 more head home this year. (read more)

CONNELLSVILLE AREA PATRIOTS PREPARE FOR MAY 6 AUCTION - The Connellsville Area High School Patriots will hold its sixth annual auction May 6 at the Elks Club in Connellsville.  (read more)

CANONSBURG VET'S SACRIFICE TO BE REMEMBERED AT VIETNAM MEMORIAL - Joanne Gump will complete one of the most difficult journeys of her life when she visits the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington where her late husband will be recognized for his service in a war more than four decades ago. (read more)

MONUMENT TO BE BUILT AT COMMUNITY PARK - Local veterans and emergency services workers will be honored with a monument at Murrysville Community Park. (read more)

OFFICIALS HOPE FOR ENOUGH INTEREST TO PRESENT WAR MEMORIAL DEDICATION - Council members have sent a letter to each borough household in an effort to have an accurate count of veterans in anticipation of a dedication ceremony for a new war monument on Memorial Day. (read more) 

 

LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER RANKS NATIONALLY - Lebanon beat the national and peer group averages in eight dimensions by very wide margins.  Of the 153 VA Medical Centers across the country, Veterans rated Lebanon VA #1 in the nation for inpatient overall quality and #1 in VISN4, our network of 10 medical centers for shared decision making.  “Achieving these scores is something our staff should be very proud of,” said Robert Callahan, Jr., Medical Center Director.  “These scores prove that our outstanding health care is noticed and appreciated by our Veterans and their families.”  This performance also puts Lebanon on the map as a facility that takes great pride in delivering “Excellence in All.”

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE TO OFFER VETERANS NETWORKING EVENT - Businesses and Central Pennsylvania College are teaming up to offer veterans assistance in the transition to civilian life. (read more)

WORLD WAR II VETERANS SOUGHT FOR HONORS - The 65th Annual Convention of the Department of Pennsylvania, Marine Corps League is set for June 23-26. (read more)

MEMORABLE BICYCLE RIDE BRINGS WOUNDED WARRIORS TO GETTYSBURG - “You see people coming out; taking time out of their day to watch some guys that have served their nation pass by on bikes,” Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson says. “It’s just a huge pump-up; an adrenalin flow of patriotism. You feel so proud to be an American.” (read more)

 

SUSPECTED SUICIDES DOWN AMONG ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIERS - The number of suspected suicides among soldiers serving on active duty dropped slightly for the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year, according to information Army officials released. (read more)

GENERAL STRESSES MENTAL FITNESS FOR SOLDIERS - The nation's combat-stressed military can take a lesson from Masters champion Phil Mickelson, whose emotions and mental toughness were exposed during his weekend victory, the Army's top general said. (read more)

TASK FORCE RELEASES GULF WAR REPORT from Military.com - The Department of Veterans' Affairs' (VA's) Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Task Force has completed the final draft of a comprehensive report that will redefine how VA officials address the concerns of veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. The draft written report identifies seven areas where VA officials will improve services for this group of veterans.  As a first step, VA officials are seeking public comments on the draft written report before final publication. The public notice will be posted at www.Regulations.gov, and the draft written report will be open for comment for thirty days. In addition, VA officials have created a public discussion board on the seven recommendations. To view the report without making recommendations, visit VA's website.

VA TO CHANGE CLAIM INFO PROCESS from Military.com - VetsFirst, a national veterans service organization that serves the needs of America's veterans with disabilities, and their families and survivors, recently wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, advising him that VA must immediately change the way it provides notices and other information to claimants for VA benefits in order to comply with the law. In response, a letter from VA's General Counsel expressed its intention to partner with the American Council of the Blind to determine the best ways of providing more accessible notice to VA claimants with visual impairments and that it will study other federal agencies' best practices. VetsFirst was joined by United Spinal Association, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans Law Section of the Federal Bar Association in its letter to Secretary Shinseki.

NEW BOARD TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY IN DISABILITY RATINGS - Former service members who disagree with the disability ratings they received when they were discharged as unfit for military duty can now apply to have those ratings reviewed by a new Physical Disability Board of Review. (read more)

FORUM FOR WOMEN VETERANS from Military.com - The Department of Veterans Affairs will invite women veterans and their advocates to a forum in July to discuss the quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women, and ways to improve access to the care and benefits for women veterans. The one day forum will not only help VA learn more from women veterans who depend on VA for care, but will also develop tool kits for strengthening women veteran networks through work with local VA facilities. There are about 1.8 million women veterans among the nation's total of 23 million living veterans. VA estimates women veterans will comprise 10.5 percent of the veteran population by 2020.

MEMENTOS AT ARLINGTON POSE QUANDARY - Army curator James Speraw stood by Spc. Christopher Coffland's grave, tucked among the rows of white headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, and read the inscription on dog tags that he cupped gently in his palms. (read more)

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ADDS EIGHT NEW VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTERS TO ASSIST VETERAN ENTREPRENEURS, SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS - Eight new Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration will join seven existing SBA centers to provide entrepreneurial development services to eligible military veterans and reservists who own or start small businesses. SBA is providing a total of $2.5 million in grants to the centers, continuing funding to the existing centers, and new funding for the new centers. (read more)

REPORT: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND RETURING VETERANS - The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) conducted an environmental scan of the training, outreach, and resources offered by the Single State Agencies (SSAs) in charge of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention services to respond to the needs of returning veterans and their families. This scan was conducted to learn how to more effectively serve returning veterans and family members impacted by substance use disorders (SUDs). (read more)

VA USES RECOVERY ACT MONEY TO REPAIR HISTORIC MONUMENTS - The Department of Veterans Affairs will use up to $4.4 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act program to repair and preserve historic monuments and memorials at VA-operated national cemeteries, soldiers’ lots and other facilities throughout the United States.   (read more)

VET HEALTH CARE GAPS from Military.com - A new report from the Institute of Medicine says U.S. government agencies need to do more to meet the physical and mental health needs of military personnel returning home from tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. The report recommends the government should (1) fund research on the readjustment needs of veterans; (2) prepare for the long-term needs of returning veterans with multiple traumas and traumatic brain injuries; (3) examine whether the mental health needs of female veterans are being met; and (4) consider sending military personnel to some location to readjust to a non-combat environment before returning home to their families. The report was completed under a mandate from Congress. A summary of the report is available in the Institute of Medicine website.

BEWARE OF PHONE SCAM from Military.com - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is warning veterans not to give credit card numbers, bank routing information or any personal and financial information over the phone to callers claiming to update, confirm, or verify VA-related information. VA does not call veterans and ask them to disclose personal financial information over the phone. A veteran targeted by scammers alerted VA, saying that someone called claiming to be with the VA pharmacy and asking a lot of questions. VA has not changed its process for dispensing prescriptions or for enrollment. Veterans with questions about VA services should call (877) 222-8387 or the nearest VA medical center.

FOSTER HOMES FOR VETERANS from Military.com - VA's Medical Foster Home (MFH) program finds a caregiver in the community who is willing to provide a Veteran with 24-hour supervision and personal assistance. This would be a long-term commitment, where the veteran may live for the remainder of their life. Veterans who enter MFH all meet nursing home criteria. The veteran pays the caregiver $1200 to $2500 per month to provide this care. This includes room and board, 24 hour supervision, assistance with medications, and any personal care. For more information, visit VA's Medical Foster Home webpage.

RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT from Military.com - In putting Americans back to work through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Department of Veterans Affairs has been allocated $1.4 billion. That money is set to target programs across the country that are of most interest to Veterans. To learn about the specific VA projects that money is funding, visit VA's new interactive map.

VA UNDERPAYING ON GI BILL LIVING STIPENDS - In a sign of continuing problems with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veterans Affairs Department officials acknowledged Monday that living stipends being paid to students for the spring term are outdated because of problems with computing the payments. (read more)

VIETNAM VETERANS HONORED FOR THEIR SERVICE - Sisters, brothers, wives, daughters, sons, grandchildren, friends and volunteers took turns at a memorial service Monday reading the names of 97 members of the armed forces who died as a result of their service in Vietnam. (read more)

DEAL REACHED ON FAMILY CAREGIVER BENEFITS - People caring for severely disabled veterans would be eligible for a host of new benefits — including payment for some — under a compromise reached between key congressional committees, the Veterans Affairs Department and the White House. (read more)

ARMY TO HIRE CIVILIAN GUARDS from Military.com - The Army is converting about 2,500 installation access control point security guard positions from contractor to federal employee status at nearly 50 stateside locations. Overall, Installation Management Command will be announcing 3,076 openings for guards that will be needed at every garrison, except those aligned under Base Realignment and Closure or those transitioning to joint bases where another service is the lead agency. Job announcements have been made at several installations and will continue to be published throughout the conversion. For more information, visit the USA Jobs website and use the key words "security guard."

EDUCATION COMPACT HELPS MILITARY CHILDREN from Military.com - The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children aims to help military students transition into new schools every time they move. The goal of the compact is to replace the varying policies of each state and school district when it comes to military students including the key issues of enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation. To date, 28 states have adopted it. The compact allows parents to present their child's unofficial records to the new school to expedite classroom assignments. The compact also covers issues of immunizations and children living out of school district when a parent deploys. To out more about the compact, visit the Council of State Governments website.

MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD PROGRAMS from Military.com - Air Force Services officials are highlighting a variety of programs in partnership with base agencies during April to celebrate the Month of Military Child (MOMC). During MOMC, bases throughout the Air Force are hosting special activities at installation libraries, bowling centers, fitness centers, and enlisted and officer clubs. Organizations such as outdoor recreation, security forces and family advocacy are collaborating to promote parades, concerts, book fairs, cookouts, family bingo, block parties, art auctions, parental education activities and more. For more information on your base's activities, visit MyAirForceLife.com.

CAN THE PEACE DRUG HELP CLEAN UP THE WAR MESS? - At a recent conference, researchers reported positive results on the effectiveness of MDMA in relieving PTSD and talked about psilocybin in reducing stress in late-stage cancer patients. (read more)

MULLEN ASKS COMMUNITIES TO ASSIST VETERANS -  Integrating veterans into society is a challenge not only for the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, but for the communities they’re transitioning into, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said recently. (read more)

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND'S 12TH ANNUAL IN MEMORY CEREMONY - The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's In Memory Day Ceremony will honor 97 individuals who died as a result of the Vietnam War, but who do not meet the Department of Defense guidelines for inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. (read more)

 

·         April 24 – 25: PA and VA Individual Ready Reserve Muster; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Edgemont United States Army Reserve Center, 2101 Delchester Road, Newtown Square, PA

·         April 24 – 25: Operation Military Kids: Carnegie Science Center Event; 6 p.m. to 11 a.m. (this is an overnight event) at Carnegie Science Center, One Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA

·         April 24: Leadership Training for Brain Injury Survivors and Families; 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UCP/CLASS, 4638 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA

·         April 24: Lebanon Valley Midget Baseball Veterans' Appreciation Day; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Neversink Fire Company Ball Field, 1611 Walnut Street, Lebanon, PA

·         April 27: PA Dept. of Education Certifying Official Workshop; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the PaTTAN Harrisburg, Conf. Room 1, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA

·         April 28: PA Dept. of Education Certifying Official Workshop; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the PaTTAN Harrisburg, Conf. Room 1, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA

·         April 28: Webinar - Accommodations and Supports for Employment: Noon – 1 p.m. online at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/944324106and 7 - 8 p.m. online at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/138080290

·         April 29 – May 29: Veterans Virtual Job Fair; online at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com

·         April 29: PA Dept. of Education Certifying Official Workshop; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the South Hills School of Business & Technology, 480 Waupelani Drive, State College, PA

·         April 30: The Veterans Group 2010 Spring Classic Golf Tournament; 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Springfield Country Club, 400 West Sproul Road, Springfield, PA

·         April 30: 28th Infantry Division Association Benefit Dinner; 6 - 9 p.m. at Letort View Community College, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 

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20 April 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.

DEPLOYED MILITARY MEMBERS ENCOURAGED TO REQUEST ABSENTEE BALLOT – The Department of State and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs want to ensure that Pennsylvania's deployed military personnel vote in the May 18 primary election by using an official absentee ballot. (read more)

PUBLICITY FOR YOUR VETERANS ORGANIZATION – TV Worldwide, the Internet’s first TV network, is offering veterans groups and organizations who provide services to veterans the opportunity for an on-air interview to be shown on their USVets TV and TV MainStream channels. Contact Randall Cook at (703) 961-9250 extension 239 or email rcook@tvworldwide.com. You can view the network programs at www.TVWorldwide.com.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LOOKING TO HIRE WOUNDED WARRIORS – The U.S. House of Representatives’ Wounded Warrior Program is currently seeking wounded warriors for staff positions in the house. The House Wounded Warrior program provides two year paid fellowships for transitioning service members to work in the offices of Congressional Members while providing experience and exposure for future employment opportunities. Learn more about the program by visiting http://www.cao.house.gov/wwp-about.shtml or contact Jorge Caridad at (202) 226-1965 or email Jorge.Caridad@mail.house.gov.

POSITIONS ON WASHINGTON CROSSING NATIONAL CEMETERY’S HONOR GUARD AVAILABLE – Washington Crossing National Cemetery has openings available for volunteers to serve on the Ceremonial Rifle Squad. Honorably discharged veterans willing to train with a rifle and serve at least one day a month are eligible to apply. To volunteer, contact either Ray at (215) 816-8643 or email Rauanheimo@usa.net, or Gunny at (215) 253-1935 or email jsandle@aol.com.

FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS NEEDED FOR SURVEY – The National Alliance for Caregiving is seeking participants for a new study of family caregivers of Veterans. This study is intended to determine how caregivers of Veterans are coping and what community and VA services, resources, and programs would support and assist them with their caregiving activities. If you are a family caregiver of a Veteran or know of one, and wish to take part in this study, please sign up at: www.gwsurvey.com/caregiversofveterans.html. Caregivers are defined as those providing unpaid assistance, such as personal care, bathing, dressing, feeding, help with medications and other treatments, transportation to doctors appointments, and arranging for services. Caregivers of Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will be included in the study. Caregivers include relatives and friends. Contact Kathy Cameron at kathleen56@caregiving.org for more information. 

VETERANS NEEDED FOR PHILADELPHIA VETERANS COURT MENTOR PROGRAM – The Philadelphia Veterans Court needs Philadelphia area veterans to serve as mentors to those currently in the Veterans Court Program. Interested persons can be either veterans or active service members and must be able to commit to this program for several months. For more information, contact Tom McCourt at (215) 939-0951 or email tom.mccourt@courts.phila.gov.

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SCHUYLKILL CARBON MARINE CORPS LEAGUE INSTALLS OFFICERS – The Schuylkill Carbon Marine Corps League Detachment 626 held their installation of officers recently at the Nesquehoning VFW. (read more)

 

CENTER FOR VETERANS TO OPEN – The counseling center will offer community-based services - including bereavement, sexual assault and substance abuse counseling - to veterans and their families. (read more)

MEMBER OF UNIT LINKED TO 'DIRTY DOZEN' DIES IN PENNSYLVANIA – John “Jack” Agnew, one of the original members of a U.S. Army unit that operated behind enemy lines in World War II and is often credited with having loosely inspired the movie “The Dirty Dozen,” has died at age 88. (read more)

DFA PLANT HONORED BY VFW - Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.’s (DFA) New Wilmington plant received an American Legion Employer of Veterans Award during a ceremony this week. The plant also was recently named Pennsylvania Small Employer of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). (read more) 

FOR VETS, BATTLE DOESN’T ALWAYS END WHEN SHOOTING STOPS - Standing with his wife at LAX Airport in late August 2004, Dennis River of Beaver Falls felt the same rush of emotions he’d felt before boarding a plane at Pittsburgh International Airport for boot camp in May 2002. (read more)

WOUNDED VET EMBARKS ON NEW JOURNEY OF FAITH - This past Saturday marked two events with long-lasting significance for Blairsville area resident Jeremy Feldbusch. (read more)

 

SPECTER TOURS VAN ZANDT - On Tuesday at the Van Zandt VA Medical Center, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter spoke of his father Harry, a wounded World War I "Doughboy," who like many of his comrades felt cheated of a bonus promised Great War veterans by the federal government. (read more)

NATIONAL GUARD UNIT HONORED AT CHAMBERSBURG ARMORY - Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldiers, their families and employers were recognized during a Freedom Salute ceremony held recently at Franklin County's armory. (read more)

 

SHINSEKI EMPHASIZES ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES EARLY - Close collaboration between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, plus proactive military screening policies, are helping to identify and treat mental-health issues in returning combat veterans before they escalate into more serious, long-term problems, Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki told American Forces Press Service. (read more)

PORTRAITS HELP BRING CLOSURE TO FALLEN TROOPS' LOVED ONES - For Michael Reagan, the portraits always start the same way. (read more)

HOME FOR BEREIVED FAMILIES OF FALLEN SOLDIERS TO BE BUILT IN DOVER - A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for May 1 for a new home for military families visiting Dover Air Force Base to witness the return of U.S. war casualties from overseas. (read more)

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS REACHING OUT TO VETS VIA BLOGS AND SOCIAL MEDIA - A little before 8 every morning, Brandon Friedman steps into his cubicle, turns on his computer and tries to single-handedly revolutionize the way the Department of Veterans Affairs talks to vets. (read more)

UTAH VETERAN FIGHTS 'DEAD' STATUS - Despite what the Department of Veterans Affairs says, Merle Voss insists he is still alive. (read more)

GI BILL RECOUP REFUND CHECKS ‘IN THE MAIL’ - Thousands of veterans, who took the Emergency GI Bill Advance last fall, recently found that the Department of Veterans Affairs Debt Management Center (DMC) had mistakenly withheld their entire benefit payment for March. The VA acknowledged that there had been a glitch which incorrectly withheld more of their benefit than it was supposed to and that vets don’t need to do anything to get their refund payment. (read more)

 

·         April 21 – 25: First National Vietnam Era Veterans' Homecoming; Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC

·         April 21: PA Dept of Education Certifying Official Workshop; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Family University, Woodhaven Campus, Room W9, 1311 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA

·         April 21: DAV Mobile Service Office Visit to East Petersburg; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Center/Recreation Park, 6051 Pine Street, East Petersburg, PA

·         April 22: DAV Mobile Service Office Visit to West Chester; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion, 305 East Gay Street, West Chester, PA

·         April 22: Job One: Veterans Employment (JOVE); 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA

·        April 23: Blair County Vietnam Veterans Recognition Ceremony; 2 to 3 p.m. at the Jaffa Shrine Center, 2200 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 

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9 April 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.

FOURTEEN FREEDOM SALUTES TO RECOGNIZE NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS FOR SERVICE IN IRAQ THIS WEEKEND - Nearly 1,600 soldiers in the Pa Army National Guard will be recognized during 14 Freedom Salute ceremonies to be held across the state between Friday, April 9, and Sunday, April 11. The Soldiers served in Iraq with the 56^th Stryker Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The salute ceremony recognizes Soldiers for their service, and family members and employers for their support. Ceremonies will be held in Bellefonte, Butler, Cambridge Springs, Chambersburg, Easton, Elizabethtown, Fayetteville, Lewis Run, Lewistown, Punxsutawney, Reading, Tamaqua and York.

Date/Time: Friday, April 9 – 7 p.m.

Location: Bellefonte Area Middle School, 100 N. School St., Bellefonte, PA 16823

Unit: Company C, 2/112^th Infantry

Date/Time: Friday, April 9 – 7 p.m.

Location: Butler Readiness Center, 250 Kriess Road, Butler, PA 16001

Unit: Company A, 1/112^th Infantry

Date/Time: Saturday, April 10 – 10 a.m.

Location: Cambridge Springs Readiness Center, 22992 Center St. Ext., Cambridge Springs, PA 16402

Unit: Company B, 1/112^th Infantry

Date/Time: Saturday, April 10 – 10 a.m.

Location: Chambersburg Readiness Center, 1010 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA 17202

Unit: Troop C, 2/104^th Cavalry

Date/Time: Saturday, April 10 – 2 p.m.

Location: Cambridge Springs Readiness Center, 22992 Center St. Ext., Cambridge Springs, PA 16402

Unit: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1/112^th Infantry

Date/Time: Saturday, April 10 – 3 p.m.

Location: Punxsutawney Readiness Center, 461 N. Finley St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767

Unit: 856^th Engineers

Date/Time: Saturday, April 10 – 3 p.m.

Location: Lewistown Readiness Center, 28 Armory Lane, Lewistown, PA 17044

Unit: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2/112^th Infantry

Date/Time: Sunday, April 11 – 10 a.m.

Location: Easton Readiness Center, 520 Uhler Road, Easton, PA 18040

Unit: Troop B, 2/104^th Cavalry

Date/Time: Sunday, April 11 – 10 a.m.

Location: Lewis Run Readiness Center, 119 Airport Road, Lewis Run, PA 16738

Unit: Company C, 1/112^th Infantry

Date/Time: Sunday, April 11 – noon

Location: VFW Post #8951, 1800 Andrews St., York, PA 17404

Unit: Troops D, 2/104^th Cavalry

Date/Time: Sunday, April 11 – 1 p.m.

Location: Elizabethtown Readiness Center, 1455 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Units: Company C, 328^th Brigade Support Battalion; and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 328^th Brigade Support Battalion

Date/Time: Sunday, April 11 – 2 p.m.

Location: South Mountain Readiness Center, 10025 South Mountain Road, Fayetteville, PA 17222

Unit: Battery B, 1/108^th Field Artillery

Date/Time: Sunday, April 11 – 2 p.m.

Location: 106 Ardmore Ave., Tamaqua, PA 18252

Unit: Troop A, 2/104^th Cavalry

Date/Time: Sunday, April 11 – 3 p.m.

Location: Reading Readiness Center, 2601 River Road, Reading, PA 19605

Unit: Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2/104^th Cavalry

FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS NEEDED FOR SURVEY - The National Alliance for Caregiving is seeking participants for a new study of family caregivers of Veterans. This study is intended to determine how caregivers of Veterans are coping and what community and VA services, resources, and programs would support and assist them with their caregiving activities. If you are a family caregiver of a Veteran or know of one, and wish to take part in this study, please sign up at: www.gwsurvey.com/caregiversofveterans.html. Caregivers are defined as those providing unpaid assistance, such as personal care, bathing, dressing, feeding, help with medications and other treatments, transportation to doctors appointments, and arranging for services. Caregivers of Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will be included in the study. Caregivers include relatives and friends. Contact Kathy Cameron at kathleen56@caregiving.org for more information. 

 

CANCER INFORMATION PROGRAM PLANNED – On Saturday, April 24 at 8:30 a.m. the Delaware Valley Gilda's Club is offering a special program called "Living with Cancer: Their Impact on Veterans and Their Families." This program will be held in the Lansdale Hospital Conference Rooms E/F, 100 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA and will cover VA rights and benefits for veterans with service related cancers, surviving primary cancers and new research and therapies, and the importance of social and emotional support when cancer touches a family. Seating is limited. Please register by calling (215) 441-3290 ext. 100 or emailing lena@gildasclubdelval.org.

EVENT TO AID HOMELESS VETERANS - Hundreds of homeless veterans are expected to gather in Bristol Township in September for three days of comprehensive aid. (read more)

PATRICK MURPHY SECURES $1.3 MILLION FOR VA MEDICAL CENTERS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HOMELESS VETERANS - Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District), joined by Veteran advocates, announced local and federal efforts to end homelessness among Veterans. Rep. Murphy announced $1.2 million in federal funding for the Coatesville VA Medical Center and $100,000 for the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. (read more)

FREE COUNSELING AVAILABLE TO AREA VETERANS, FAMILIES - The DuBois Vet Center in Clearfield County plans to offer individual and group readjustment counseling to Johnstown-area combat veterans and their families. (read more)

 

SLAIN MARINE'S DAD GETS OFFERS OF HELP - Albert Snyder of York, Pennsylvania took Westboro Baptist Church to court, after members picketed the 2006 funeral of his son, Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder. He initially won, but that verdict was overturned by an appeals court, which also said Snyder must pay over $16,000 in legal costs incurred by Fred Phelps, pastor of the church. (read more)

BELLEFONTE TO CELEBRATE SOLDIERS' RETURN HOME - Sgt. Chad Fisher and Spc. Andrew Fisher deployed with more than 100 other Charlie Company soldiers as part of the 2nd Battalion 112th Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The community will salute them with a celebration Saturday in Bellefonte.  (read more)

TOMBSTONE DEDICATION CEREMONY SCHEDULED IN CHAMBERSBURG FOR CONFEDERATE OFFICER - A Confederate colonel who died in Chambersburg during the Civil War will be honored in a special ceremony hosted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. (read more)

 

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING OFFICE REPORT: VA HAS TAKEN STEPS TO MAKE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO WOMEN VETERANS, NEEDS TO REVISE KEY POLICIES - The VA facilities visited by GAO provided basic gender-specific and outpatient mental health services to women veterans on site, and some facilities also provided specialized services for women. Seventeen of the 19 medical facilities visited by GAO offered basic gender-specific services including pelvic examinations and cervical cancer screening on site, and 15 offered access to one or more female providers for gender-specific care. (read more)

USO ANNOUNCES SESAME WORKSHOP TOUR DATES - The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families, a free traveling USO show based on Sesame Workshop’s award winning “Talk, Listen, Connect” initiative and produced in partnership with Vee, is back in the United States after an around-the-world tour. (read more)

SECRETARY SHINSEKI RELEASES DRAFT GULF WAR TASK FORCE REPORT - Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that the Department’s Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Task Force has completed the final draft of a comprehensive report that will redefine how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) addresses the concerns of Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. (read more)

NEW DEVELOPMENTS LEAD TO EARLY TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY DETECTION - Advanced brain scans that can detect injury earlier than before are among several improvements developed by military doctors and scientists to treat service members with traumatic brain injuries. (read more)

VA STREGNTHENS NURSE TRAINING - VA is establishing new partnerships with five of the country’s finest nursing schools to strengthen its nurse corps. These new VA Nursing Academy partnerships will expand the number of collaborations between the department and nursing schools from 10 to 15. “The expanded role of VA in the education of nurses will ensure the department has the nurses needed to continue our world-class health care for Veterans,” said Dr. Linda D. Johnson, director of VA Nursing Academy. “The VA Nursing Academy expands the teaching faculty, improves recruitment and retention, and creates new educational and research opportunities.” The VA Nursing Academy is a virtual five-year pilot program that expands learning opportunities for nursing students at VA facilities and funds faculty development of VA staff for additional faculty positions to school partners. Five nursing schools will form new partnerships with five VA medical centers and join the VA Nursing Academy this year: Western Carolina University, Asheville, N.C.; University of Alabama, Birmingham, Ala.; University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu; Pace University, Manhattan and Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Waynesburg University, Pittsburgh. For more information about the program, check the Web at www.va.gov/oaa.

VA TO INTENSIFY GULF WAR ILLNESS OUTREACH, CARE - Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki yesterday announced promising news for veterans of the Persian Gulf War experiencing the broad range of symptoms referred to as Gulf War Illnesses. (read more)

SHINSEKI VOWS TO REDUCE VA’S CLAIMS BACKLOG - Prioritizing the work ahead shortly after his first anniversary on the job, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said his focus for the year ahead is on reducing the disability claims backlog. (read more)

SENATE HEARING ON VA HOMELESSNESS PLAN - The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee recently held a hearing on VA's plan to end veteran homelessness in the next five years. It is estimated that more than 100,000 veterans are homeless in the U.S. on any given night. The hearing ended abruptly at 11 a.m. after opponents of health insurance reform objected to allowing most committee hearings, including the Veterans' Affairs hearing, to continue. However, information on the hearing, witness testimony and a webcast of the hearing are available on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee website. (read more)

VETS GRANT COMPETITION from Military.com - The U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service announced an $8.3 million grant competition to provide job training, counseling and placement services (including job readiness, and literacy and skills training) to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force through its Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. The Department of Labor is soliciting applicants to design programs that help eligible veterans by providing job placement services, job training, counseling, supportive services and other assistance to expedite the reintegration of homeless individuals into the labor force. For more information, visit http://www.grants.gov and http://www.dol.gov/vets.

VA STUDY OF WOMEN VIETNAM VETS from Military.com - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a comprehensive study of women veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War to explore the effects of their military service upon their mental and physical health. The study will contact approximately 10,000 women. Information will be gathered by a mail survey, a telephone interview and a review of medical records for a selected sample of women. VA will study female Vietnam Veterans who may have had direct exposure to traumatic events. For more information on the study, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. For information on how to participate in the study, call (888) 831-3325.

VA PROPOSES AGENT ORANGE RULE from Military.com - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that adds three new illnesses to the list of health problems found to be related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposures. The illnesses are B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson's disease; and ischemic heart disease. Even though this is a proposed rule, VA encourages Vietnam Veterans with these three diseases to submit their applications for compensation now so the Agency can begin development of their claims and so they can receive benefits from the date of their applications once the rule becomes final. Additional information about Agent Orange and VA's services for Veterans exposed to the chemical are available on VA's Agent Orange webpage.

AIR FORCE PORTRAITS IN COURAGE from Military.com - The stories of heroism, valor, sacrifice and bravery of 17 Airmen appear in the fourth edition of the Air Force's "Portraits in Courage" now available. This issue is the fourth in a series that began in March 2007. The "Portraits in Courage" series was developed to highlight the honor, valor, devotion and selfless sacrifice of America's Airmen. Read more about these 17 Airmen here. To see previous web versions, visit the U.S. Air Force Information webpage, and look for the "Portraits in Courage" link at the bottom of the webpage.

JOBLESSNESS HITS MALE VETS OF CURRENT WARS - Unemployment for male Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans has tripled since the recession began, rising from 5% in March 2007 to 15% last month, Labor Department statistics show. (read more)

DID YOU KNOW THAT APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH? - About one in five women and one in a hundred men seen in VA medical facilities report that they experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST); that is, sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred during military service. MST can affect veterans' physical and mental health many years after the event. VA offers a variety of services designed to assist veterans who have experienced MST. For example, treatment for physical and mental health conditions related to MST is available at every VA facility and is provided to veterans free of charge, regardless of service-connection status. Veterans may be able to receive this free MST-related care even if they are not eligible for other VA care. Every VA facility also has an MST Coordinator who serves as a point of contact for veterans and staff. It's important to remember, however, that every VA employee has the power to help veterans recover from MST by responding sensitively to inquiries about MST, remaining knowledgeable about VA's MST-related services, and ensuring that information about veterans' MST status is kept confidential. For more information, contact your facility's MST Coordinator or visit the MST Resource homepage at http://vaww.mst.va.gov.

VA TACKLES ROOT CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS - No one who has ever served the United States in uniform should ever end up living on the street, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki insists. (read more)

 

·         April 10: Ready, Set, Go!; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the 171st ARW Aero Space Dining Facility, Pittsburgh International Airport, Coraopolis, PA

·         April 10: Charlie Company Welcome Home Celebration; 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bellefonte Elementary School, 100 West Linn Street, Bellefonte, PA

·         April 11: Aspinwall VA Fundraiser; 1 to 5 p.m. at the Westmoreland Fair Grounds, Greensburg, PA

·         April 12: DAV Mobile Service Office Visit to Kingston; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at VFW Post #283, 757 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston, PA

·         April 19: Philly Hires Philadelphia Job Fair; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza, 4100 Presidential Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA

·         April 13: PA Dept of Education Certifying Official Workshop; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gannon University, Room 1200, A.J. Palumbo Center, 824 Peach Street, Erie, PA

·         April 13: DAV Mobile Service Office Visit to Camp Hill; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pennsylvania State Department Building, 4219 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA

·         April 13: Monroe County Career Quest; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fernwood Hotel and Resort, East 209 and River Road, East Stroudsburg, PA

·         April 14: DAV Mobile Service Office Visit to Reading; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Square Mall, 3050 North 5th Street Highway, Reading, PA

·         April 14: Webinar: Accommodations and Supports for Post Secondary Education; Two sessions: 12 to 1 p.m. online at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/790999723 and 7 to 8 p.m. online at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/722117466

·         April 14: Veterans and Cancer Outreach Project; 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wellness Community at the Anne McCouch Center, 1000 West Main Street, Lansdale, PA

·         April 15: DAV Mobile Service Office Visit to Norristown; 9 a.m. to noon at the Senior Adult Activity Center, 536 George Street, Norristown, PA

·         April 15: Job One: Veterans Employment (JOVE); 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA

·         April 16: Coffee, Conversations, and Connections; 8 to 10 a.m. at Central Penn College, Second Floor Room 203, College Hill & Valley Roads, Summerdale, PA

·        April 16: Federal Jobs Information Seminar; two sessions: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cumberland County CareerLink, 1 Alexandria Court, Carlisle, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 

 

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2 April 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.

RUN THE ARMY TEN-MILER FOR ‘GIVE AN HOUR’ – Register here http://www.armytenmiler.com/Register to run this popular ten-mile race in Washington, D.C., on October 24, 2010. Then e-mail Andrew Pogany, gapogany@giveanhour.org, to let him know you're registered, and he'll make you a member of Team GAH.  You’ll be outfitted with a GAH shirt and put in touch with other runners in your area so you can train together if you'd like. This is the nation's largest ten-miler and one of the largest in the world. It's huge and it's fun! It also sells out within days, so register early.

VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR BEGINS – Starting on April 29 until May 29, Milicruit and Hire Heroes will host a virtual career fair for veterans. Unlike traditional career fairs that require you to travel to an actual location, battle long lines, and perhaps get one minute with a recruiter, the Milicruit events allow you to interact as if in person, but from the comfort and convenience of your home or office, and they are available on demand for an entire month. Registration and participation are free to all veterans. Simply go to the following website and sign up http://www.veteranscareerfair.com.

RUSSIAN TV TO COMMEMORATE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF WWII VICTORY -  Needs U.S. Veterans for Interview and Appearance at Red Square in Moscow - They are looking for American veterans who will be participating in the VE-Day parade at the Red Square in Moscow, Russia.  They also need to find a veteran or veterans who participated in the meeting of U.S. and Russian combat troops at the Elbe River on April 25, 1945 if possible. The preferred locations to meet are in the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Connecticut areas. (read more)

VETS REMINDED TO SEEK BONUS from the Reporter - Eligible veterans of the first Persian Gulf War are reminded to apply for the state's Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Bonus Program. The program was established to ensure that Pennsylvania veterans of the first Persian Gulf Conflict received a bonus, just as did veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict. Eligible Pennsylvania veterans of the Persian Gulf Conflict can receive up to $75 per month for each month of active service in the Persian Gulf Conflict up to a maximum of $525. The program pays $5,000 to families of veterans who died in active service in the Persian Gulf Theater or as a result of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries sustained in the conflict. In addition, $5,000 is paid to prisoners of war. To qualify for the program, a person must have served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations during the period from Aug. 2, 1990, to Aug. 31, 1991, under honorable conditions. Qualified applicants also must have received the Southwest Asia Service Medal and been legal residents of Pennsylvania at the time of military service. Applications are available online at www.milvet.state.pa.us. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31, 2015.

GEISINGER LAUNCHES WEB SITE FOCUSED ON THE NEEDS OF VETERANS' FAMILIES - Geisinger recently launched www.PAVetFamilyWeb.com. This Web site is designed to serve Pennsylvania families who are coping with military separations and multiple deployments of a service member as well as caregivers, wounded warriors, service members and military veterans. (read more)

 

LAUREL HILL CEMETERY EXHIBIT HONORS KALAS - Kalas was an ardent supporter of veterans and veterans causes, including his involvement in the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum in Media and also as the voice behind the annual Veterans Day Parade in Media. (read more) 

LVMAC VETERANS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM TO START APRIL 15 – The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) will begin its new veterans employment program on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. The program is for ex-service members returning from active duty under honorable conditions who have little or no civilian work experience, veterans who have lost their jobs as a result of recent active duty service, and other veterans who are seeking employment. The program will focus on developing job hunting skills and matching veterans to existing vacancies in the Greater Lehigh Valley area. Additionally, enrollment screening will be required prior to attendance.  For more information, call David Newton at (610) 349-5856 or email dnewton7@verizon.net.

VA PATIENTS' DATA MAY BE COMPROMISED AFTER OAKLAND SECURITY BREACH - Veterans Affairs officials in Pittsburgh are investigating whether a non-staff member inappropriately accessed names, Social Security numbers and personal health information of more than 6,000 veterans. (read more)

VA PITTSBURGH RELEASES FIRST ANNUAL REPORT - The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Research Office is pleased to announce that the inaugural edition of their Annual Report is now available online at http://www.pittsburgh.va.gov/Research/docs/RDAnnualreport2009_508lr.pdf. Hard copies can be obtained by contacting Krissa Caroff at 412-954-5384 or Krissa.Caroff@va.gov. 

MOBILE OFFICE OFFERS ADVICE FOR VETERANS - Veterans will soon be able to seek professional assistance in regards to their benefits when the Disabled American Veterans’ Mobile Service Office vehicle rolls into town. (read more)

10 INDUCTED INTO SOLDIERS & SAILORS' HALL OF VALOR - In a room lined with plaques honoring the bravery of war heroes past, John D. Neel listened Sunday as state Sen. John Pippy, R-Moon, read aloud a description of why Mr. Neel, a U.S. Army Air Force first lieutenant during World War II, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. (read more)

VIRTUAL REALITY GAINS USE IN TREATING SOLDIERS - The woman toiling to change the culture of the Army, to make soldiers more resilient to combat stress after eight years of war, will convene a meeting in Washington County with doctors and counselors treating wounded warriors. (read more)

 

PAUL K. WINNER: 'THEN WE HEADED FOR THE HEDGEROWS' - Eldred Township resident Col. Paul K. Winner, retired from the Army, went through five major campaigns in Europe during World War II. (read more)

 

VA PROPOSES CHANGE TO AID VETERANS EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE - Well over 100,000 Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other areas will have an easier path to qualify for disability pay under a proposed regulation published by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that adds three new illnesses to the list of health problems found to be related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposures. (read more)

VETS HEALTH CARE BILL PASSES SENATE from Military.com - The U.S. Senate recently passed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009. The legislation would strengthen support for caregivers and attendants of veterans and would help ensure veterans in need of institutional care have the choice of receiving care from a family member at home. This bill would provide caregivers of veterans with health care, counseling, support, and a stipend. It also expands services in rural areas and ensures that veterans who are catastrophically disabled or who need emergency care in the community are not inappropriately charged for those services. The bill moves on to the House of Representatives. 

VETERAN REINTEGRATION ROUNDTABLE HELD from Military.com - House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) led a roundtable discussion to identify reintegration challenges faced by service members and veterans, and to explore potential legislative solutions to these challenges. The roundtable format allows participants to share relevant information in a more conversational and less formal setting. Details of the discussion along with a list of participants are available on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.

LEGION WINS PEPSI CONTEST from Military.com - PepsiCo has announced that The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors program will be awarded a $250,000 grant from the soft drink company after finishing first in Internet voting during February's Refresh Everything Project. Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised funds for Operation Comfort Warriors, a program dedicated to providing military personnel with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. The American Legion pays all administrative costs for the program, meaning 100 percent of the donations, including the grant money, will go directly to purchasing items for the troops. For more information, visit the Operation Comfort Warriors webpage at www.legion.org/ocw.

SENATE PASSES WELCOME HOME DAY from Military.com -  A resolution introduced by U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, encouraging communities across the nation to establish "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" was passed unanimously by the Senate. The resolution designates March 30, 2010, as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day," to honor the return home of our armed service members after serving in Vietnam. For more information on the War in Vietnam, including educational materials, visit the U.S. Army in Vietnam, the Virtual Vietnam Archive, the Public Broadcasting Service's Battlefield Vietnam webpage, the Vietnam War Bibliography, and the Gravel Edition of The Pentagon Papers.

NEW FORUM FOR SILVER STAR FAMILIES from Military.com - The Silver Star Families of America, an organization formed to remember, honor and assist the wounded and ill veterans and active duty Armed Forces, has joined forces with Military.com to provide a forum to discuss issues relevant to the problems facing our veterans and active duty. Join the SSFOA forum and let them hear from you. Visit the Silver Star Families of America website to learn more about their activities and programs.

TILLMAN MILITARY SCHOLARSHIPS from Military.com - In 2009 the Pat Tillman Foundation established Tillman Military Scholarships to help service members and their dependents access educational opportunities and encourage their life long commitment to service. The Tillman Military Scholarships are intended to cover direct study-related expenses such as tuition, fees, and books, as well as other needs such as room and board and child care. The Pat Tillman Foundation allocates scholarships to individual applicants through the Foundation and through select university partners with existing service member support programs and enrollment. The application and all supporting materials must be submitted online no later than  5p.m. EST on Friday, April 30, 2010. For details visit: the Pat Tillman Foundation website.

ALLIANCE FOR NATIONAL DEFENSE SCHOLARSHIPS from Military.com - The Alliance for National Defense is offering scholarships for women who are currently serving or are in an ROTC program planning to serve in one of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The $2,500 scholarship awards are based on merit, military experience, academic potential, community service and need. Enlisted applicants must currently be enrolled at an accredited college or university. Current members of the ROTC must be entering their Junior or Senior year. In addition, applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. One award will be given to an enlisted and one to a member of the ROTC. Deadline for applications must be received by May 1, 2010. To learn more visit the Alliance for Defense website.

RE-LOOK BOARD NEEDS MANY MORE DOCS - A special board established by Congress to review and raise any low-ball disability ratings the services awarded to injured or ailing members since 9-11 needs four times as many physicians as it has now to ensure timely action on a rising number of applications, says the board's top officer. (read more)

VA ADDRESSES LEJEUNE H2O CONTAMINATION from Military.com - The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing about veterans and families who have been exposed to toxic substances, such as the water contamination at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Ranking Member on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, addressed the need for immediate access to care for veterans and their families who have been adversely affected while waiting on the completion of studies and concrete answers. Information on the hearing, including links to videos of the hearing on YouTube, is available on the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs--Ranking Member website.

PUERTO RICO TO CANCEL CERTIFICATES from Military.com - As of July 1, Puerto Rico will invalidate all birth certificates issued before that date by the Puerto Rico Health Department through its Vital Statistics Records Office. Accordingly, the Vital Statistics Record Office will begin issuing new birth certificates which incorporate technology to limit the possibility of document forgery. More than 30,000 Puerto Ricans are currently serving in all Army components. For more information on how to apply for a birth certificate from Puerto Rico -- including forms that will need to be completed -- visit the Puerto Rico Vital Statistics Records Office website.

2010 CENSUS BEGINS from Military.com - Defense Department officials are working with the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure that all military personnel are accounted for in the 2010 Census. All service members who receive a census form are required to fill it out and mail it back to the Census Bureau. The data of military members stationed overseas -- who will not receive any forms -- will be processed administratively. Service members who live in group quarters will be required to fill out a "military census report" that will be submitted on their behalf to the bureau. Service members who are not U.S. citizens will be counted in the census. For more information, visit the 2010 Census website and the U.S. Census Bureau website.

TAX STATEMENTS AVAILABLE ON MYPAY from Military.com - myPay users can access their 2009 tax statements online at https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx, thereby avoiding the delays and possible security risks of regular mail delivery. Last November, DFAS officials implemented a myPay security enhancement requiring users to establish new login credentials, including personalized login IDs and passwords. The Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) agency has posted step-by-step instructions in both text and video at the myPay site at https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx and at the DFAS website www.dfas.mil to help customers set up their new information. At least 3.7 million users use MyPay to access pay account information, tax statements and to update their bank, personal and allotment information instantly and securely.

WOUNDED WARRIOR PAY ESTIMATOR from Military.com - The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) launched their new Medical Disability Retired Pay Estimator, an interactive online tool for medically retiring Wounded Warriors, available at the DFAS website. The user input driven tool helps medically retired service members estimate their retired pay, Combat Related Special Compensation and VA disability compensation. Visit the DFAS Retired Disability Income Estimator.

SHINSEKI CHEERS ON DISABLED VETS AT WINTER SPORTS CLINIC - Walking among skiers preparing to hit the slopes here during the first day of the National Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki noticed a long row of lonely wheelchairs just beyond the staging area. (read more)

VA LOOKS TO COMPUTERIZE PROCESSING OF G.I. BILL BENEFITS - Veterans Affairs Department data shows the still-new college aid program has improved at getting payments to veterans and universities after its rocky introduction last August. But computerizing the benefits is the only permanent solution to tame the complicated system of tuition and housing funds, according to Roger Baker, the VA's assistant secretary for information and technology. (read more)

ARMY GUARD BATTLES SOLDIER SUICIDES - With 2010 suicide numbers slightly above last year’s and coming off the worst January on record, the Army National Guard is emphasizing resilience, transition programs and the importance of asking for help. (read more)

DISABLED VETS DISCOVER ‘MIRACLE ON MOUNTAINSIDE’ - About 400 disabled veterans here for the 24th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic -- including about 150 veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan -- aren’t anticipating pulling April Fools pranks tomorrow. They’re expecting miracles today. (read more)

"WOMEN VETERANS: AN EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT FORUM" TO FOCUS ON WOMEN VETERANS - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will invite women Veterans and their advocates to a forum in July to discuss the quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women, and ways to improve access to the care and benefits for women Veterans. (read more)

 

• April 9: Coatesville POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony; Noon to 1 p.m. at the Coatesville VA Medical Center All Faith Chapel, Coatesville, PA
• April 10: Charlie Company Welcome Home Celebration; 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bellefonte Elementary School, 100 West Linn Street, Bellefonte, PA
• April 11: Aspinwall VA Fundraiser; 1 to 5 p.m. at the Westmoreland Fair Grounds, Greensburg, PA

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 

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The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - April 2010

Click here to View

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26 March 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.

ADJUTANT GENERAL TO HOLD VIRTUAL TOWN HALL MEETING – On Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from 10 to 11 a.m., Major General Jessica L. Wright, The Adjutant General, will host the department's first online Virtual Town Hall.  During this live session, she will answer questions related to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Pennsylvania National Guard and our various programs and services. You can participate online by clicking on http://www.dmva.state.pa.us. Just prior to the event a button will appear on the top of the main page to “Join the Virtual Town Hall” – click this link to participate in the live event.

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF APRIL 1 – Starting April 1 you will be able to follow the Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs, The Adjutant General, and the PA National Guard via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr. So get online to connect with us anytime!

PA National Guard

www.facebook.com/panationalguard

www.flickr.com/panationalguard

www.youtube.com/panationalguard

www.twitter.com/panationalguard

The Adjutant General

www.twitter.com/tagpng 

PA Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs

www.twitter.com/padmva

WARTIME HELICOPTER NAMES SOUGHT FOR BOOK – Helicopter names are being collected for an upcoming book to be published by an aviation publisher. During the Vietnam War, helicopters were given names such as “Flying Coffin” or “Iron Butterfly” by their crews while they were serving overseas. The book is focusing on the period of 1961-73. To date, 2,719 names have been cataloged and over 3,000 are expected by the time this project is complete. If you know of a name of a Vietnam war-era helicopter, please send it to John Brennan via email at johnmailman@yahoo.com or by regular mail to John Brennan, 17355 Via Annette, San Lorenzo, CA 94580.

MEYERS KEY CLUB VISITS HOSPITALIZED VETERANS AT THE MEDICAL CENTER - For the fifth consecutive year, members of E.L. Meyers Key Club visited hospitalized veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Township, during National Hospitalized Veterans Week. (read more)

 

LVMAC VETERANS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM TO START APRIL 15 – The Lehigh Valley Military Action Committee (LVMAC) will begin its new veterans employment program on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. The program is for ex-service members returning from active duty under honorable conditions who have little or no civilian work experience, veterans who have lost their jobs as a result of recent active duty service, and other veterans who are seeking employment. The program will focus on developing job hunting skills and matching veterans to existing vacancies in the Greater Lehigh Valley area. For more information, call David Newton at (610) 349-5856 or email dnewton@verizon.net.

POW/MIA BRACELET BRINGS SOLDIER'S STORY FULL CIRCLE - Zoi Miller was excited about the package she was about to send. She was so excited, in fact, that when she got to the post office, she realized she had forgotten the recipient's address at home. (read more)

VA PITTSBURGH STARS & STRIPES CAFÉ EXPANDS - Watch out Starbucks! The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Stars & Stripes Café now has three branches. The Café is a Veteran-run enterprise serving gourmet coffees, teas, real fruit smoothies, danishes and homemade biscotti. The business is overseen by staff from Vocational Services and the Community Support Program. Veterans initially start out as Incentive Therapy (IT) workers and then progress onto Compensated Work Therapy (CWT), with added responsibilities. Currently six CWT workers, one Chapter 31 (VBA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) Veteran, and three IT workers are employed in the three cafés. More than 20 Veterans have worked in this enterprise since it began, with a few moving on to competitive employment.

VFW CHAPLAIN HONORS FELLOW VETERANS - Bob Walker is a 64-year member of Indiana VFW Post 1989 in White Township, where he has coordinated military funeral honors for veterans for the last five years as chaplain of the honor guard. He recently sat down with Gazette staffer Margaret Harper to talk about the VFW's honor guard and his own military service. (read more)

PITTSBURGH VA MEDICAL CENTER HOSTS OVER 330 FOR PDHRAs - VA Pittsburgh’s University Drive Division hosted a Post Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) for more than 335 members of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania Army National Guard earlier this year. Members of the National Guard, who returned from Iraq this past fall, received information about VA health care services and resources available to them through VA Pittsburgh and local veteran service organizations. VA Pittsburgh staff was on hand to accept referrals, process health enrollment packages and schedule appointments as well as provide primary care and behavioral health services. Two-hundred fifty of the service members were already enrolled with the VA and the remaining 60 were enrolled on site. Seventy-one of the service members were seen by a VA Pittsburgh primary care provider and 11 had consults with VA Pittsburgh’s behavioral health staff and many more appointments were made. There were several service members who received leads on employment at VA Pittsburgh from the human resources team, which provided guidance to more than 20 Veterans during the PDHRA.

FOUR REISSUED WORLD WAR II MEDALS JOG GREEN TREE MAN'S MEMORY – When World War II veteran George Yochem went to his mailbox a few months ago, he expected the usual assortment of bills and sales fliers. But this day was different; this day he heard from Uncle Sam. Again. (read more)

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SHIPMENTS SHOW SUPPORT FOR TROOPS IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN - Menoher Post 155 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Geistown works all year to support the men and women who have fought or are currently fighting for our freedom. (read more)

 

NEVERSINK BASEBALL TEAM PLANS VETERANS SALUTE - A North Cornwall Township midget baseball team plans to honor veterans and help send some of them on a trip to the World War II Memorial in Washington. (read more)

COMMANDER’S “TWEETS” REACH LEGION OF VETERANS - Among the world’s Twitter-philes — Ashton Kutcher, Lady Gaga — you might not expect to find a retired Navy captain. Aren’t retirees supposed to be confounded by today’s gadgets? (read more)

AREA SOLDIERS HONORED - A recognition ceremony for more than 70 area soldiers was as much of an official welcome home as it was a way to honor the soldiers, their families and the community for service and support last year. (read more)

PALMYRA TEEN HEADED FOR NATIONAL SPEECH COMPETITION - Sam Hardy, sponsored by Palmyra's American Legion Quigley-Baum Post 72 from the 19th District in Lebanon County, took first place in the 2010 American Legion Department of Pennsylvania Oratorical Contest held March 6 at the Harrisburg Forum, winning a $7,500 scholarship. Hardy also won the competition last year. (read more)

 

SGLI & VGLI WILL PAY BENEFICIARIES - Has a veteran ever asked you about a rumor that VA’s Service members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) or Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) won’t pay if a policy holder dies in a car accident and wasn’t wearing their seat belt? Or it won’t pay if the covered veteran was in a motorcycle accident and wasn’t wearing a helmet? That’s all they are, rumors… they are completely false! SGLI and VGLI coverage will pay insurance benefits to a covered veteran’s beneficiaries regardless of whether he or she was wearing a seat belt or a helmet. While wearing a seat belt and a helmet are important precautions to prevent serious injuries in car and motorcycle accidents, they will not affect payment of SGLI or VGLI benefits. Check it out for yourself and learn about other SGLI and VGLI rumors and myths at http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/SGLI/mythsRumors.htm.

CEREMONY HONORS FALLEN MEDICAL SERVICE MEMBERS - Army Cpl. Adam J. Fargo, a medic, was killed by a homemade bomb while on patrol in Iraq more than three years ago. (read more)

VA RECOGNIZES “PRESUMPTIVE” ILLNESSES IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki today announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking steps to make it easier for Veterans to obtain disability compensation for certain diseases associated with service in the Persian Gulf War or Afghanistan.  This will be the beginning of historic change for how VA considers Gulf War Veterans’ illnesses. (read more)

SENATORS SALUTE NATIONAL GUARD’S VALUE - U.S. senators applauded the National Guard’s domestic and overseas contributions at a Capitol Hill breakfast. (read more)

VA KICKS OFF DISABLED VETERANS WINTER CLINIC - More than 400 injured Veterans have signed up to take part in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., the largest adaptive event of its kind in the world, scheduled from March 28 through April 2. (read more)

RANKS OF AMPUTEES HAVE RISEN STEADILY IN EIGHT YEARS OF WAR - After the blast, something didn't feel right, so 1st Lt. Joe Guyton looked down. Through the swirling dust, he glimpsed the white of his left shinbone. His right leg was gone, instantly vaporized, his uniform abruptly ending at the knee. (read more)

WATCH CAREER TV AT VA WEB SITE - Who operates the most viewed career video website featuring the most recruiting and career videos? Career TV! Where has VA just placed a video highlighting the dynamic and diverse VA workplace and the opportunities VA offers those starting careers? Career TV! Career TV helps students and young professionals learn about careers with the world’s top organizations and now features a three-minute video outlining the breadth and scope of VA career opportunities and the rewards and satisfactions of working to fulfill the VA mission. Career TV offers employers the opportunity to connect with job seekers in the 18 to 29 year old demographic that VA is counting on to carry the torch through the 21st Century. Check out VA’s CareerTV video at http://careertv.com/. Share it with people you want to see at work with VA and check out VA’s new jobs website at http://www.vacareers.va.gov/.

MARCH IS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH from Military.com - In 1943, during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first president to proclaim March as Red Cross Month. Every day, through its network of chapters, stations and more than one million volunteers, the American Red Cross is there when disaster strikes at home or abroad. If there has been a death or an illness in the family, or some other urgent situation, the Red Cross gets accurate information to the service member in any country. The Red Cross also provides response relief and first aid training as well as phone cards and computer access for deployed service members. For more information on the American Red Cross, visit the Military.com website at http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/family-support/american-red-cross.

OPERATION PURPLE REGISTRATION OPENS from Military.com - Registration is now open for the National Military Family Association's Operation Purple summer camps for military children. To find a camp near you and register, visit the 2010 Operation Purple Camps webpage at http://www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/operation-purple/camps/. For more information on the program, visit the Operation Purple Program webpage at http://www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/operation-purple/.

$39 MILLION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS from Military.com - The Department of Veterans Affairs is allocating $39 million to fund about 2,200 new transitional housing beds through grants to local providers. About $24 million in grants are available to renovate or rehabilitate space to create about 1,000 transitional housing beds. The grants put a priority upon housing for homeless women and housing on tribal lands. A second group of grants, valued at about $15 million, is expected to fund about 1,200 new beds for homeless providers who already have suitable transitional housing. For more information on the grants, visit VA's Homeless Veterans webpage at www.va.gov/homeless or contact VA's program office at 1-877-332-0334.

COMMITTEE CONDUCTS HEARING from Military.com - The Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs recently conducted a hearing to examine the role the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) plays for veteran-owned small business. Operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with no formal statutory mandate, the current mission is to improve the business climate for veterans, minimize access barriers, and inform the public about the benefits of working with veteran-owned small businesses. In 1999, a government-wide goal was established to set-aside three percent of all contracting for service disabled veteran owned small businesses (SDVOSB). CVE is responsible for verifying businesses for participation in this set-aside program. Prepared testimony for the hearing and recording of the hearing is available on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs website at http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=548.

IRAQ CAMPAIGN MEDAL GAINS STARS from Military.com - The Department of Defense has announced that additional campaign stars are authorized for wear on the Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM). The campaign stars recognize a service member's participation in DoD designated campaigns in Iraq. A list of additional campaign phases and associated dates for the ICM is available at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13366. Service members who have qualified for the ICM may display a bronze campaign star on their medal for each designated campaign phase in which they participated. The stars will be worn on the suspension and campaign ribbon of the campaign medal. Service members should contact their respective military departments for specific implementation guidance.

INITIATIVE FOR DISABLED VETERANS from Military.com - The upcoming Federal Hiring Event for People and Veterans with Disabilities, scheduled for April 26, is one of several initiatives announced in October by President Obama to ensure fair and equal access to employment for people with disabilities. People with disabilities can submit resumes seeking interviews at the April 26 hiring event by going to www.USAJOBS.gov and clicking on "Special Hiring Events." An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 people with disabilities are expected to submit resumes. By 2016, an estimated 550,000 current federal employees will retire, creating the opportunity to fill some of those jobs with people with disabilities.

NUMBER OF HOMELESS VETS DROPS from Military.com - The number of Veterans homeless on a typical night dropped 18 percent as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) entered the second year of its campaign to eliminate homelessness among Veterans within five years according to a report by VA's Community Homeless Assessment Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG). A recent VA study of Veterans discharged from VA-funded residential rehabilitation and transitional housing programs indicated that 79 percent remained housed one year after discharge. Information about the CHALENG process and previous CHALENG reports about homelessness are available at VA's Project CHALENG webpage at http://www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/chaleng.asp. The 2009 report is projected to be published in spring 2010.

VA HONORS WOMEN VETERANS from Military.com - The Department of Veterans Affairs joins with the nation to observe Women's History Month in March by encouraging VA facilities to recognize and honor employees who are women Veterans. Women Veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the Veteran population. They comprise 7.5 percent of the total Veteran population and nearly 5.9 percent of all Veterans who use VA health care services. For more information about VA programs and services for women Veterans, visit VA's Center for Women Veterans webpage at www.va.gov/womenvet and the Women Veterans Health Care webpage at www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth.

NEW FORUM FOR SILVER STAR FAMILIES from Military.com - The Silver Star Families of America, an organization formed to remember, honor and assist the wounded and ill veterans and active duty Armed Forces, has joined forces with Military.Com to provide a forum to discuss issues relevant to the problems facing our veterans and active duty. Join the SSFOA forum and let them hear from you. Visit the Silver Star Families of America website to learn more about their activities and programs.

MILITARY AIMS FOR BETTER CONCUSSION DETECTION - Battlefield medics will soon conduct mandatory examinations of service members who may have sustained concussions instead of waiting for them to complain of symptoms, the military's brain-injury experts said recently. (read more)

THEATER HOSPITAL WALL PRESERVES MEMORY, SACRIFICE - The 20-by 30-foot flag thousands of patients have passed under on their way to the Air Force Theater Hospital at Joint Base Balad often is photographed in military circles. But lesser known, though no less poignant, are the walls of the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility's recreation room. (read more)

U.S. PARALYMPICS NEEDS MORE DISABLED VETERANS TO BUILD DEPTH - The chief executive officer of U.S. Paralympics believes Americans won’t be competitive with other disabled sports powerhouses until more injured service members begin hitting the slopes, skiing in the backcountry and ripping slap shots from sleds. (read more)

OFFICIALS STEP UP EFFORTS TO DETECT, PREVENT BRAIN INJURY - The Defense Department is “extremely invested” in the early detection of traumatic brain injury, and is pushing new guidelines and numerous research initiatives to the front burner to aid in that effort, a brain injury expert said. (read more)

SOCIAL MEDIA LIKELY COMING TO VETS HEALTH PORTAL - Veterans Affairs Department officials plan to add social-media style tools to the portal veterans use to access health records, a VA official said at the 2010 FOSE conference. (read more)

DEFENSE READIES SYSTEM TO TREAT PTSD, BRAIN INJURIES REMOTELY - Thousands of miles and a lack of facilities have kept the Army from providing treatment to soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder. But the Defense Department plans to deploy a solution soon that relies on a transportable telehealth system that will virtually bring doctors to patients. (read more)

 

·         March 29: Vietnam Veterans Day; State-recognized day of interest

·         March