
Information Central for Marine Vets and Their Families

Pennsylvania State Veterans' Commission
Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us
Click on the links above for ongoing info for PA Veteran's. Check back often.
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.

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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)
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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)
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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
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.

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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 2nd 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)
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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 11th. 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
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.

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PENNSYLVANIA VETERANS COMPETING IN WHEELCHAIR
GAMES
- At the games, which are sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and
will run Sunday to Friday, vets who use wheelchairs will compete in 17 sports,
including airguns, archery, basketball, field events, hand cycling, nine ball,
quad rugby, softball, swimming, table tennis, trap shooting, weightlifting and
wheelchair slalom. (read more)
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BOBACK HONORS DECORATED DISABLED VETERAN - Rep. Karen Boback
(R-Columbia/Luzerne/Wyoming) hosted a special ceremony at the Capitol on June
28 to honor the military service of retired Sgt. Robert Wayne "Buddy"
Costigan, a decorated disabled veteran who served during the Vietnam War. (read
more)
MCA VETERANS REMEMBER AREA VET IN FLAG
CEREMONY
- On Saturday, June 20, Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its
Changing of the Colors flag ceremony in honor and memory of another veteran of
World War II. (read
more)
GUARDSMAN GETS LUCKY DRAW AT AT&T PRO-AM - The pressure of
driving iron through sand, running from bunker to bunker or getting near
troubled woods while desperately trying not to hit innocent civilians is
nothing new for most combat veterans. (read more)
PHILADELPHIA SOLDIER KILLED - Pfc. David Jefferson,
23, of Philadelphia, died July 2 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries
sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive
device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment,
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell,
KY.
WEST CHESTER SOLDIER DIES - Spc. Louis R.
Fastuca, 24, of West Chester, died July 5 at Abdulhamid Kalay, Afghanistan, of
wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive
device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd
Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Italy.
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MCCANDLESS
CEMETERY COULD BE SWALLOWED BY TIME - A little-known McCandless cemetery where
soldiers from four wars are buried might lose its principal volunteer
caretaker. (read
more)
WWII
LANDING CRAFT WILL DOCK HERE IN SEPTEMBER - A ship that delivered supplies to Normandy
for the D-Day invasion will arrive in Pittsburgh in September and take on a
different kind of cargo -- tourists. (read more)
NEW VA CLINIC OPENS JULY 15 IN POTTER COUNTY from Endeavor
News.com - An opening date has been announced for the new Veterans Medical
Center in Potter County. Bath (N.Y.) VA Medical Center, in conjunction with the
Potter County Commissioners, have announced that the veterans’ primary
care office and outreach center will open at the Mapleview property (24 Buffalo
Street) in Coudersport on July 15.
AMID CELEBRATION, MANY REMEMBER INDEPENDENCE - As they celebrate
the Independence Day weekend with backyard cookouts and dips in the pool,
Francis Tyson hopes his fellow citizens of Northeast Pennsylvania will at least
pause to remember the reason for the holiday. (read
more)
NEW
REHAB FACILITY AT LEBANON VA CENTER - In addition to physical therapy,
occupational therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and prosthetics will be housed
at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. (read
more)
DONORS
NEEDED FOR WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA PROGRAM - The Conrad Weiser Society and Children
of the American Revolution is assisting Wreaths Across America (EIN#
20-8362270) find patriotic donors willing to sponsor wreaths which will be
placed on the graves of veterans at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery during the
2010 Christmas season. A donation of $15.00 per wreath will cover the costs to
make and transport the wreaths to the cemetery. The goal is to find sponsors
for 2,500 wreaths to be placed at the cemetery. For more information, call
207-483-2039 or visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
KETTLEBELLS
FOR WARRIORS
- The York Barbell Company, The CrossFit Journal and Dragon Door have joined
forces with Russian Kettlebell Certified Instructor Michael A. Krivka to raise
awareness and funds for the Wounded Warrior
Project through the 1st Annual Kettlebells for Warriors. The event consists of
a six (06) hour Russian Kettlebell Workshop
where participants will learn the fundamental skills and techniques to safely
and effectively use this powerful fitness tool.
Workshop attendees will receive a full day of professional Kettlebell training
with 100% of the profits going directly to the Wounded Warrior Project to fund
unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs
of America's wounded warriors. Cost is $150 per person, contact Mike Krivka at
(301) 404-2571 or email kettlebellsforwarriors@gmail.com.
'I
WAS IN AWE OF HIM,' SAY THOSE WHO KNEW EX-FIGHTER PILOT, FORMER GAME COMMISSION
DIRECTOR
- During World War II he flew 28 combat missions with the Marine Corps’
famous Black Sheep Squadron and 58 missions with two other squadrons in the
South Pacific. He was awarded 11 air medals and three Distinguished Flying
Crosses. (read
more)
AUDITOR
GENERAL JACK WAGNER'S ANNUAL SHARING & CARING GOLF TOURNAMENT JULY 12 AT
EDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
- Auditor General Jack Wagner's 24th annual Sharing & Caring golf
tournament, which benefits disabled military veterans, will be held July 12 at
Edgewood Country Club. (read
more)
ADOPT A PLATOON - Our U.S. deployed
Troops truly need to know we care about them and let them know we will always
be there for them. As they fight for our Nation and freedom, your cards
and letters help to raise their spirits, and your care packages help to ease
their load. Our military families also carry a heavy burden and your package of
a pair of socks, lip balm, candy and travel hygiene items not only serve our
Troops but also eases the strain on military families. Your continued
support of our Troops through AdoptaPlatoon means more to our brave men and
women serving our Nation than words can say. For more information, visit www.adoptaplatoon.org or email info@adoptaplatoon.org.
WHEELCHAIR VETS GATHER FOR ANNUAL GAMES IN
DENVER -
It's called quad rugby, or murderball, but for Robert Schuler, the
wheelchair-smashing contact sport was the lift he needed to start living again.
Schuler, 28, an Army veteran of the Iraq war, was boogie-boarding in Hawaii
where he was stationed when an accident crushed his fifth vertebra, leaving him
a quadriplegic. (read more)
NEW PROGRAM HONORS MILITARY KIDS, FRIENDS
WITH FUN
- After moving 10 times with her father, Army Master Sgt. John Vick, Kelsie
knows as well as anyone the sacrifices military children make. And, like many
military kids, she takes it in stride. “I liked it,” she said, of
the military lifestyle. (read more)
SHINSEKI,
INOUYE SET TO SPEAK AT CEREMONY MARKING END OF WORLD WAR II - Veterans Secretary
Eric Shinseki and U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye are due to speak at the USS Missouri
ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. (read more)
VA
LAUNCHES DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ONLINE CLAIMS SYSTEM - Secretary of
Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today plans to develop a fully
automated, online system for handling Veterans’ disability compensation
claims. More than a simple digitization of existing paper-based claims, the new
system is part of VA’s modernization of the end-to-end processing
workflow. Automation will substantially reduce processing time and
increase accuracy while simplifying the way that Veterans interact with the
claims process. (read more)
VA
TAKES ACTION TO STRENGTHEN MEASURES TO PROTECT VETERANS - The Department of
Veterans Affairs’ (VA) primary mission is to serve our nation’s
Veterans. President Obama has charged the Department with ensuring the VA
medical network is a top-notch health care system. (read more)
·
July 14: Grand Slam Career Fair; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at
Citizens Bank Park, One Citizens Bank Way,
Philadelphia, PA
·
July 15 – 18: American
Legion State Convention; starts 9 a.m. at the Harrisburg Hilton, One North
Second Street, Harrisburg, PA
·
July 16: Welcome Back Jobs Career
Fair; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Philadelphia National Guard Armory, 2700
Southampton Road, Philadelphia, PA
Please visit our website and see what
Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à
www.paveterans.state.pa.us
The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - July 2010
Click here to View
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.

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

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

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

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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.
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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 1st 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)
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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
Please
visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us
The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - June 2010
Click here to View
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.

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

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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)
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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)
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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
Please visit our website and see what
Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à
www.paveterans.state.pa.us
The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - May 2010
Click here to View
DOL Grants Available for Homeless Female Vets, Homeless Vets with Families
Applications due May 27, 2010The 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.
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.

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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)
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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.
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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 1st 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
Please
visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us
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.

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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 328th Brigade Support
Battalion and 18 soldiers from Field Maintenance Shop-16. The $21 million
complex replaces the Lancaster Armory built in 1937.
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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)
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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
Please
visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us
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.

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

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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 56th
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, 2/112th Infantry
Date/Time:
Friday,
April 9 – 7 p.m.
Location:
Butler
Readiness Center, 250 Kriess Road, Butler, PA 16001
Unit:
Company
A, 1/112th 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, 1/112th Infantry
Date/Time:
Saturday,
April 10 – 10 a.m.
Location:
Chambersburg
Readiness Center, 1010 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA 17202
Unit: Troop C, 2/104th 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, 1/112th
Infantry
Date/Time:
Saturday,
April 10 – 3 p.m.
Location:
Punxsutawney
Readiness Center, 461 N. Finley St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767
Unit:
856th
Engineers
Date/Time:
Saturday,
April 10 – 3 p.m.
Location:
Lewistown
Readiness Center, 28 Armory Lane, Lewistown, PA 17044
Unit:
Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 2/112th Infantry
Date/Time:
Sunday,
April 11 – 10 a.m.
Location:
Easton Readiness Center, 520 Uhler Road, Easton,
PA 18040
Unit: Troop B, 2/104th Cavalry
Date/Time:
Sunday,
April 11 – 10 a.m.
Location:
Lewis
Run Readiness Center, 119 Airport Road, Lewis Run, PA 16738
Unit:
Company
C, 1/112th Infantry
Date/Time:
Sunday,
April 11 – noon
Location:
VFW
Post #8951, 1800 Andrews St., York, PA 17404
Unit:
Troops
D, 2/104th Cavalry
Date/Time:
Sunday,
April 11 – 1 p.m.
Location:
Elizabethtown
Readiness Center, 1455 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Units:
Company
C, 328th Brigade Support Battalion; and Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 328th 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, 1/108th Field Artillery
Date/Time:
Sunday,
April 11 – 2 p.m.
Location:
106
Ardmore Ave., Tamaqua, PA 18252
Unit:
Troop
A, 2/104th Cavalry
Date/Time:
Sunday,
April 11 – 3 p.m.
Location:
Reading
Readiness Center, 2601 River Road, Reading, PA 19605
Unit:
Headquarters
and Headquarters Troop, 2/104th 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)
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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
Please
visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us
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.

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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.
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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.
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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)
Please
visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us
The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - April 2010
Click here to View
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.

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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
PA Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs
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.
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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.
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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