DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE

09 May 2008

 Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans.

MONESSEN NATIVE BREAKS BARRIERS AS GENERAL IN PA. NATIONAL GUARD - Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright can immediately pinpoint the hardest part of her job. (read more)

W. LEBANON TO ERECT VETERANS MEMORIAL - For years, it has been a dream of Leroy Peffley, a retiree and West Lebanon Zoning Hearing Board member, to see a veterans’ memorial in his hometown. (read more) 

TROOP RALLY DRAWS SUPPORT FROM CUMBERLAND COUNTY - Veterans, families, and friends gathered at the steps of the state capitol Saturday to rally support for service men and women. (read more) 

COUNTY HONORS HOMETOWN HEROES - Cumberland County commissioners were confronted with a dilemma late last year when Peggy Morrison asked them to honor her son and other county residents killed while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. (read more) 

DON’T CROSS CROSS – SHE WAS A MARINE - The newest commissioner in Cumberland County spent 25 years in the U.S. Marines. (read more) 

WORK WITH KIDS EARNS MARINE HONOR - When thousands of toys were recalled for lead paint and other safety concerns last year, Noel Haynes had his work cut out for him. (read more) 

HOUSING GRANT AVAILABLE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS - Some homeless military veterans in Allegheny County will benefit from a federal housing grant to the county housing authority. (read more) 

TOWN GEARS UP FOR HOLIDAY - Lt. Col. Von George, an Iraq War veteran who returned late last month, will be guest speaker at the borough’s Memorial Day observance. (read more) 

'FLAG GUY' WALKS TO SPARK PATRIOTISM - A lot of people see Terry Ronzio every morning along Route 19, and many probably think of him as the "Flag Guy." (read more) 

REINSMITH HONORED BY VFW AT LADIES AUXILIARY CONFERENCE - Kathy Jo McMillion Reinsmith, of Shippensburg, a member of Durff-Kuhn Auxiliary 6168 of Shippensburg and Pennsylvania's auxiliary president, was honored during the National Mid-Year Conference of the Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars. (read more) 

MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER TO BE RECOGNIZED - A Congressional Medal of Honor winner from The Spanish-American War will be honored with the dedication of a historical highway marker along Route 219 at noon May 26 one mile north of the borough in Burnside Township, Clearfield County. (read more) 

AIRMAN, FORMER VFW COMMANDER HONORED AT FLAG-CHANGING CEREMONY - The Changing of the Colors was performed Sunday, April 27, by the color guard, flag detail and ladies auxiliary members of Post 2110, Veterans of Foreign Wars at the flagpole erected on the lawn of Susquehanna Bank, Second and Oak streets. (read more) 

VOLUNTEERS HONOR VETS WITH PARK CLEAN-UP - Cheryl Tanner dropped her normal routine Saturday and picked up a rake, shovel and hoe to honor those who have defended her country. (read more) 

INTEREST IN WWII CEREMONY EXPANDS - They have been called the “Greatest Generation,” and at 3 p.m. May 18, Cambria County World War II veterans will be honored for their service and sacrifice to this country. (read more) 

RETURNING TO HIS BAND OF BROTHERS - For nearly 40 years, Cpl. Michael Crescenz had lain beside a quiet road in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery just over the border from Philadelphia. (read more) 

ROAD TO VA HOSPITAL ON HIGHLAND DRIVE A ROUGH STRETCH - Patients must endure a bumpy ride to reach the Veterans Affairs hospital in Lincoln-Lemington. (read more) 

COUNTY VETS OFFICE NEEDS ROOM TO GROW - Bucks County’s office of military affairs needs a new home. At least two veterans have complained to commissioners that the office is cramped, difficult for handicapped veterans to access and not private.  (read more) 

VA-DOD PROGRAM SERVES SEVERELY DISABLED COMBAT VETERANS - Bolstering its commitment to improve services to those seriously injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its federal partners have marked a milestone with establishment of a promised new office and deployment of workers to key military treatment facilities. (read more) 

STUDY CASTS DOUBTS ON VET’S CARE - Many Iraq war veterans with traumatic brain injury are not getting adequate health care and job assistance for their long-term recovery despite years of government pledges to provide such care, Veterans Affairs Department investigators say. (read more) 

HOUSING GRANT AVAILABLE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS - Some homeless military veterans in Allegheny County will benefit from a federal housing grant to the county housing authority. (read more) 

VETERANS UPWARD BOUND OFFERS ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEGE-BOUND VETS – Veterans Upward Bound is a national organization providing assistance and financial support to veterans who wish to attend college. The University of Pennsylvania maintains a partnership with this organization. Some of the services provided are academic advisement and career counseling, assistance in filling out financial aid and college applications, and assistance in finding scholarships. Visit http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/aap/vub/ or call 215-898-6892 for more information. Classes at Penn begin May 12^th. 

PRESIDENT’S PROCLAIMATON HONORS TROOPS’ SPOUSES - Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspires every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace. (read more) 

CONGRESS WEIGHS VETERANS’ ADJUSTMENT AID - Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii, badly wounded in World War II, reflects on the help he received in readjusting to civilian life after intense combat in Europe and finds today’s government support for returning troops impersonal and inadequate. (read more) 

GATES: PURPLE HEART FOR PTSD ‘NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT’ - With growing recognition of the toll post-traumatic stress disorder has taken on U.S. forces, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said the Defense Department may consider awarding Purple Heart medals to combat veterans afflicted with it. (read more) 

MILITARY STRESSING VETERANS' COUNSELING - Applicants for government security clearances will no longer have to declare whether they sought mental health counseling after serving in combat zones, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced yesterday. (read more) 

HOUSE VA COMMITTEE ACTIONS From the NAUS Weekly Update May 2, 2008 - The full House Veterans' Affairs Committee met on Wednesday and approved a slate of fourteen veterans' benefit and health care bills.  One of the bills provides for an annual cost of living increase in veterans' disability benefits and Dependency Indemnity Compensation.  Another bill, H.R. 5684, would significantly increase educational benefits for veterans.  Two amendments were added to this bill.  Ranking Member Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN) added an amendment that would allow reserve members to count their active duty time cumulatively, rather than consecutively, as is currently required.  Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME) successfully added an amendment that would allow veterans to use the GI Bill to obtain a commercial drivers license. 

TRICARE FRAUD From the NAUS Weekly Update May 2, 2008 - Last week a federal judge directed a Philippine company to pay back nearly $100 million it swindled from TRICARE.  The company, Health Visions Corporation, pled guilty to mail fraud last year.  It was ordered to liquidate all assets, pay $99,915,131 in restitution, pay a $500,000 fine, and forfeit a swindled $910,910.60.  In addition, the corporation, its officers, directors and employees have been barred from any future participation in TRICARE or other government programs. Health Visions' ran its racket over a period of about seven years between Oct. 1, 1998, and August 2004.  During that timeframe, its doctors, hospitals and clinics, oftentimes with the assistance or knowledge of military retirees, inflated claims and billed TRICARE for services that were never provided.  But the extent of the fraud went beyond Health Visions.  In 2003 alone, two-thirds of the amount paid to Philippine providers, roughly $40 million of $61.8 million, is believed to have been fraudulent.  17 individuals have already been convicted for their participation in various schemes and many other cases are pending. According to a recent press release, TRICARE Management Activity claims processing requirements and controls in the Philippines have been revised to reduce fraud.  However, a February 2008 DoD audit reported that the program remains vulnerable to rip-offs and makes a series of proposal to strengthen internal controls even further. DoD has been rightfully criticized for being slow to act to identify and curtail this illegal action and the lack of financial oversight by the people who are supposed to be "minding the store."  All of this comes at a time when the department is asking Congress to raise fees for military retirees and their beneficiaries.  Clearly DoD needs to pursue effective and appropriate ways to make TRICARE more cost-efficient before seeking to "tax" beneficiaries.  That includes getting off its hands to get a grasp on fraudulent behavior.   

SBP ACCOUNTS BEING REVIEWED From the NAUS Weekly Update May 2, 2008 - The Defense Finance and Accounting Service is currently reviewing all military retiree accounts affected by the new "Paid-Up SBP" law.  On Oct. 1, retirees who are at least 70 years old and have paid at least 30 years of premiums will no longer have to pay premiums to keep the coverage.  The change will be reflected in the Nov. 2008 pay statement.  If a retiree does not meet the eligibility criteria on Oct. 1, the premiums will stop when the retiree has met both criteria - reached age 70 and paid SBP premiums for 30 years.  Eligible retirees will be notified by DFAS via mail regarding the status of their account and premium payment count. 

VETERAN POPULATION PROJECTION UPDATED From the NAUS Weekly Update May 2, 2008 - VA Press Release - The Department of Veterans Affairs has updated the official estimate of the veteran population.  Using its Veteran Population Model (VetPop), VA estimates a total veteran population of approximately 24,816,000 as of September 30, 2007.  Estimates are based on data from the Department of Defense (DoD), the Census Bureau and the Veterans Benefits Administration.  VetPop was last updated in 2004. VetPop uses the Census 2000 estimate of veterans—26,745,000 as of April, 2000—as a starting point.  The population increases as service members separate from active duty and decreases through mortality.  VetPop models these changes using DoD's reports of past and projected separations as well as DoD mortality rates.  VetPop2007 results are higher than VetPop2004 results due to lower mortality rates and higher-than-expected separations.  The difference is 1.2 percent in 2007 and grows to 2.8 percent by 2015. VetPop results can be accessed by visiting www.va.gov, selecting “Veteran Data” on the left side menu, then click on "Demographics."  The website includes estimates of veterans by county and by Congressional District, as well as descriptive documents and tutorials on how to access the data.  Further questions regarding VetPop should be emailed to VetPop@va.gov.  

MOTHER'S DAY AT THE WALL From the NAUS Weekly Update May 2, 2008 - The Ninth Annual Mother's Day at The Wall Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 11, at 9:00 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) will honor the Mothers of our service members by asking students throughout the United States to prepare Mother's Day cards to be read by Moms at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Mother's Day.  After reading the cards, the Mothers will lay the cards at its base of The Wall.  VVMF invites everyone to join them as they pay tribute to America's Mothers.  If you would like to send a card to be read by a Mom at The Wall, please send your cards to the VVMF at 1023 15th Street, N.W., Second Floor, Washington, DC 20005 by Wednesday, May 7.

 CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS ON THE PA BUREAU FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

 CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA BUREAU FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

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

 CHRISTOPHER L. NELSON

MARKETING AND VETERANS INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Phone: (717) 861- 6979

Toll Free: (800) 547-2838

Fax (717) 861 - 8589

08 May 2008

Click here for the first issue of the all new "Pennsylvania Veteran" monthly newsletter.

02 May 2008

 Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans.

PSSH CELEBRATES VETERANS HOME WEEK WITH WEEK-LONG SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PSSH) has announced their upcoming schedule of events for State Veterans’ Home Week. The event runs from June 8 through the 15^th and offers a wide variety of activities for residents, resident family members, and the local community to participate in. The schedule is available on the PSSH website at www.pssh.state.pa.us or by clicking here. 

PENNSYLVANIA OFFERS BONUS TO GULF WAR VETERANS - Pennsylvania is now recognizing the service of its Gulf War veterans – as well as certain surviving family members – through a new bonus program officially launched on April 4. (read more) 

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL RELIEF AVAILABLE TO PA NATIONAL GUARD AND ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS - The Pennsylvania Military Family Relief Assistance Program (PA MFRAP) provides financial assistance, in the form of grants, to eligible Pennsylvania service members and their eligible family members. Eligible members must have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of military service. (read more) 

VIETNAM MEMORIAL ARRIVES IN EDINBORO (VIDEO) - A half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has been erected on a lawn at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. It will remain in place until Monday. (read more)

 MOVING WALL HONORS LOST VIETNAM SOLDIERS - More than 40 years have passed, but Deborah Nichols Stranahan said she still has dreams that the high school sweetheart she married at a little church in Spartansburg is on his way home. (read more) 

RESIDENTS CELEBRATE AMERICAN SPIRIT - A celebration of the American spirit was held Thursday in Uniontown for the 75th anniversary of Americanism Day. (read more)

 SENIORS TO LIVE IN 'RESEARCH COTTAGES' IN MCKEESPORT - Sometime this summer, two low-income elderly people will move into a special new home in McKeesport. By doing so, they also set in motion a quality-of-life research project that aims to show the promise technology may hold for the hopes of independent living by seniors, disabled veterans and others who are physically and mentally disabled. (read more) 

SIPTROTH ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF PERSIAN GULF BONUS - Applications for the state Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Bonus Program, created under legislation co-sponsored by state Rep. John Siptroth, are now available. (read more) 

LOYALTY DAY - Dozens of vets celebrated US Loyalty Day at the state capitol yesterday morning. Organizers say it's a holiday recognizing our nation's Democratic heritage. (read more)

 PX WILL REMAIN PART OF PITTSBURGH LANDSCAPE - Some 160,000 active, retired and reserve military in the tri-state area will be pleased to hear the Department of Defense Commissary Operating Board (COD) approved planning for a permanent commissary near the 911th Airlift Wing and U.S. Army 316th Sustainment Command on April 28. (read more)

 AMERICANISM DAY PARADE SET IN UNIONTOWN - American Legion Post 51 in Uniontown will celebrate the city's 75th annual Americanism Day with a parade May 1. (read more)

 READING VFW POST MARKS CENTURY OF SERVICE - VFW Post 38 hits a milestone and continues its tradition of helping the community despite dwindling membership. (read more)

 DISPLAY TO HONOR FALLEN TROOPS - Peggy Morrison has been on a mission of remembrance since her son Nicholas, a Marine, was killed in Iraq in August 2004. (read more)

 HARRISBURG TV STATION OFFERS PREVIEW OF NEW DOCUMENTARY SERIES – WITF, a public television station in Harrisburg, is offering a free preview of their documentary series “The War Stories” at the Forum Building at the Capitol Complex in downtown Harrisburg on May 14^th at 6:00 PM. This series is made up of ten vignettes and features interviews from Pennsylvania veterans and those who worked and sacrificed at home. The series will air Sunday, May 25 at 7:00 PM on WITF.

 VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY & COLLEGE OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP TO NATIONAL GUARDS, VETS - Valley Forge Military Academy & College has established the General H. Norman Schwarzkopf ’52 Scholarship program in honor of one of the institution’s most respected alumni and an outstanding military leader. This scholarship will be awarded to the most qualified and capable students to attend Valley Forge Military Academy & College, who will be known as “Schwarzkopf Scholars.”

 Schwarzkopf Scholars shall be selected on the basis of the following criteria: 

a)                Those applicants having the highest level of merit, as defined by the Valley Forge Military Academy & College.

b)                Former and or active enlisted personnel of the armed forces who were wounded in the course of their service to the United States of America and who are otherwise eligible for admission to Valley Forge Military College and or the Army’s Early Commissioning Program (ECP).

c)                Scholarships may be awarded to former and or active enlisted personnel of the armed forces of the United States of America, who are otherwise eligible for admission to Valley Forge Military College and or its ECP, in consideration for that service.

For more information about this scholarship, contact Donna Speranza at (610) 989-1306 or email DSperanza@vfmac.edu. 

CARNEY VETERANS DENTAL LEGISLATION MOVES FORWARD - Congressman Christopher P. Carney testified today to the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health about his bipartisan legislation, H.R. 5595, the Make our Veterans Smile Act. (read more)

 KOREAN WAR VETERAN STORIES SOUGHT FOR BOOK - The Korean War has been called “the forgotten war,” but a local veterans group wants to make sure Korean War veterans are never forgotten. (read more) 

AREA SCOUTS ‘DO THEIR BEST’ IN SPRING CLEAN-UP OF CIVIL WAR VETERANS CEMETERY- Tucked away in the White Deer Valley near the county’s southern border in Brady Township, behind the locked gates near the Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex, stands Christ’s Lutheran Church, known locally as the Stone Church. (read more) 

PENTAGON SAYS YES TO NEW COMMISSARY IN MOON - The Pentagon’s Commissary Operating Board voted Monday to support building a new commissary in Moon Township, said U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-18, Upper St. Clair Township. (read more)

 CHAIRMAN ACCEPTS AWARD ON BEHALF OF SERVICEMEMBERS - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff accepted the Gold Medal of the Union League of Philadelphia here last night on behalf of the men and women of the U.S. military, who he said make America's freedom possible. (read more)

 MULLEN ASKS PHILADELPHIANS TO EMBRACE WOUNDED VETERANS - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff called on the citizens of Philadelphia last night to embrace those who have lost loved ones or who have been wounded in service to America. (read more)

 SILVER STAR FAMILIES PLAN DAY OF REMEBRANCE - Last year, 44 states and the District of Columbia proclaimed celebrated May 1 as Silver Star Day. This year, Silver Star Families of America, which began the grassroots movement, is hoping all 50 states will remember and honor their wounded and ill veterans May 1 to kick off Military Appreciation Month. (read more) 

VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEES VERY BUSY From NAUS Weekly Update for April 25, 2008 - This week both the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees and several of their sub-committees were busy.  Thursday, the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs approved draft legislation that advocates a broad overhaul of the VA disability claims system.  This unnumbered bill would change the way the VA assigns ratings to veterans, basing them on quality of life verses the current impact on loss of earnings capacity.  Also, and very importantly, it would require the VA to design a plan to modernize its claims filing system with new and improved information technology. Also on Thursday, the Senate passed H.R. 1315, which contains various measures to help veterans.  One of the provisions would provide benefits to Filipino veterans who fought along side U.S. forces in World War II.  Ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) offered an amendment, which was defeated, which would strip out benefits for those Filipino veterans that had not been injured in the line of duty.  The bill now goes back to the House where further attempts to change or eliminate this part of the bill are expected. Earlier in the week, the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity favorably marked up several pieces of legislation that would improve the MGIB; direct a study to measure the effectiveness of VA's vocational rehabilitation program; improve VA home loan guarantees; move administrative authority for the Selective Reserve MGIB from DoD to the VA; improve the Special Adapted Housing program; limit housing foreclosures for service members returning from combat and allow VA to publicize benefits information in national media.

 COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION PASSES HOUSE From NAUS Weekly Update for April 25, 2008 - The House overwhelmingly passed the FY 2008 Coast Guard Reauthorization Act H.R. 2830, by a vote of 395-7.  The bill had previously elicited a veto threat from the White House due to the inclusion of a provision that would have required the Coast Guard to assess whether security at Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) sites was up to standards.  Several amendments to the bill modified the requirements which may overcome Administration objections.  Another provision of the bill will finally allow Coast Guard members to reside in the Armed Forces Retirement Home System.  Currently only Coast Guard members who served while the Coast Guard or individual units were under operational control of the U.S. Navy are allowed to participate.

 EMERGENCY WAR SUPPLEMENTAL From NAUS Weekly Update for April 25, 2008 - Negotiations continued this week on what would be included in the funding requested by the President.  So far the bill will reportedly contain the $108 billion that the President requested to fund Afghan and Iraq operations for the remainder of FY 2008 and $70 billion for the first several months of FY 2009, which the President did not request.  As reported earlier, the majority leadership is considering adding domestic spending issues to the bill.  These include a limited extension of unemployment benefits, funding for wildfire firefighting efforts and aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Additionally we learned this week that the leadership is considering putting in language to block new administration regulations that decrease Medicaid spending by $13 billion over the next five years.  This legislation was passed overwhelmingly in the House in separate legislation but faces a veto threat.  Funding for MGIB improvements may also be included.  On a positive note, the majority leadership says the Emergency Supplemental bill will not include any controversial war policy provisions as they are looking to avoid a veto.   

DFAS REPORTS END IN SITE FOR BACK PAY From NAUS Weekly Update for April 25, 2008 - The Defense Finance and Accounting Service has reported that by May 31, it will complete its review of 133,000 files of disabled retirees who possibly were due back payments under two "concurrent receipt" programs which Congress approved in 2003 and 2004.So far, DFAS and the Department of Veterans Affairs have paid a combined $308 million in back payments to disabled military retirees.  The VA Retro Pay program was set up two years ago to calculate amounts mistakenly withheld from retirees as they began receiving either Combat-Related Special Compensation or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay.

DFAS says that 22,500 cases remain to be completed and retro payments calculated and paid.  They also report the number of contractors hired and trained to work the files has climbed to 233 from 51 since December.

 MORE THAN 85,000 SERVE VETERANS AS VA VOLUNTEERS - As the nation prepares to mark National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3, officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encourage more Americans to join the Department’s corps of 85,000 volunteers. (read more)

 CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS ON THE PA BUREAU FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

 CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA BUREAU FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

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

 CHRISTOPHER L. NELSON

MARKETING AND VETERANS INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Phone: (717) 861- 6979

Toll Free: (800) 547-2838

Fax (717) 861 - 8589

25 April 2008

 Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans.

VIETNAM VETERANS TO HOLD INFORMATION FAIR - Vietnam Veterans of Greater Blair County Chapter 967 will hold an information fair for veterans and their families from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Pennsylvania National Guard Frankstown Armory.  

Speakers will address, among other topics, posttraumatic stress disorder, veterans benefits, behavioral and transition issues, suicide prevention, emergency assistance, homelessness and employment and training. Also included are “breakout panels” lasting 15 to 20 minutes, followed by opportunities for participants to ask individual questions and collect material. For more information about the fair, contact John Foy, President of Chapter 967, at (814) 946-4517 or Tim Susengill, of Blair County Veterans’ Services, at (814) 695-9680. 

MEMORIAL RIDE SPONSORED BY PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER - On Saturday, Rolling Thunder Chapter 5 PA will sponsor its fourth annual Bataan Death March Memorial Ride. (read more) 

LIBRARY BRINGS LOCAL TREASURES ONLINE - On page 230 of a scrapbook of local veterans you'll find pictures of Marcus, Kenneth, Elwood, Robert and Elmer Yeakel crisp in the uniforms they wore while serving in World War II and Korea. (read more)

VIETNAM VETERANS TO ROAST CERNIC - Ed Cernic Sr., a well-known local businessman, will be the target of a roast being organized by Johnstown-based Laurel Highlands Chapter 364, Vietnam Veterans of America. (read more)

COPPER MARKERS STOLEN FROM VETS’ GRAVES - “It irritates me,” said Fred Cunningham, Crawford County’s director of Veterans Services. (read more) 

NAILOR HONORS FAMILY OF PERSIAN GULF WAR SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION - In honoring the family of an Air Force instructor killed in the line of duty in the Persian Gulf in 1990, Rep. Jerry Nailor (R-Mechanicsburg) today presented Vicki Reid, the widow of Capt. Fredrick “Artie” Reid, with one of the first checks from the new Persian Gulf Veterans Bonus Program. The presentation took place in Soldiers’ Grove adjacent to the state Capitol. (read more) 

STATE ISSUES FIRST BONUS CHECKS TO GULF WAR VETERANS - Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held a ceremony at the State Capitol Thursday to present the first checks from the Persian Gulf Veteran Bonus Program. (read more) 

FIRST PERSIAN GULF CONFLICT BONUS CHECKS PRESENTED – (video report - click on “Veteran Bonuses”) 

PA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS OFFERED SCHOLARSHIP FROM PIERCE COLLEGE – Pierce College in Philadelphia is offering a $10,000 scholarship to qualified members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. This scholarship is provided as a “thank you” to Pennsylvania National guard members as they pursue advanced degrees. The scholarship is available for classes starting Fall 2008 at any of Pierce College’s campuses. For more information or to apply for this scholarship, contact 2LT Israel Miller at (717) 861-9329 or email israel.a.miller@us.army.mil. 

ORGANIZATION HIRES HEROES - Returning from combat in Iraq or Afghanistan with a disability certainly brings with it a number of challenges, but for one soldier, a great aid to his successful recovery was the easy transition he made into the civilian job market. (read more) 

FUND ASSISTS GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR VETERANS WITH EDUCATION COSTS - If you are a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and finding that the cost of higher education is keeping you from getting a degree, you are not alone. Ninety percent of enlisted personnel do not have a college degree, and with 375,000 troops separating from the service every year, many are finding that current education benefits are just not enough.  (read more) 

PEIRCE COLLEGE OFFERS TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR MILITARY MEMBERS AND VETERANS – Peirce College offers several tuition assistance programs for Pennsylvania veterans and military members who are still serving.

• Protect and Serve Grant – gives veterans and military members (including National Guard) an automatic grant of up to 25% off tuition.  This also applies to spouses and dependants. Click here for more information: www.protectandserveus.com
• Pennsylvania National Guard Scholarship - $10,000 scholarship for PA National Guard members who study at             Peirce College. Click here for more information: www.peirce.edu/pangscholar

Peirce College will be holding their “Protect and Serve” open house on May 27^th. For details, click here: www.peirce.edu/PS

 ARMY RESERVE TO MARK CENTURY OF SERVICE TO NATION - The U.S. Army Reserve will celebrate its 100th birthday on April 23, marking a full century of service in which Army Reserve soldiers have continuously answered the nation's call. (read more)

 MARINE CORPS ASKS FOR HELP WITH CAMP LEJEUNE WATER STUDY – The US marine Corps is asking all former Marines, family members and civilian employees who resided or worked aboard Marine Corps Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 to REGISTER with the Marine Corps for information regarding past water quality.  To register, go to https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/clsurvey/Survey/survey.html and click on the “Notification Registry” or call (877) 261-9782 Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, EST or via email, clwater@usmc.mil with Camp Lejeune Water Study” in the subject line. More information about the study can be found here: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/SITES/LEJEUNE/

 VA WANTS YOU: DEPARTMENT PUSHES TO HIRE VETERANS IN WORKFORCE From NGAUS Notes April 11, 2008 - The Department of Veterans Affairs, which has a distinguished history of hiring former military members, is stepping up efforts to recruit even more new veterans, especially recently disabled veterans into its workforce. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake announced Thursday the creation of a Veterans Employment Coordination Service to oversee the department's recruitment of veterans.  "It is important VA continues to set the example to private and public employers," Peake said. "This program builds upon the department's long tradition of service to veterans, particularly the disabled." The new office will work with military transition programs, veteran service organizations and other VA programs to promote careers in the VA workforce. The program will also work with VA managers and human resources offices to ensure supervisors are aware of programs for hiring veterans. Efforts to assist severely injured veterans have already begun with the department's participation in career fairs targeting veterans of the global war on terror. In November 2007, VA announced plans to hire 10 full-time regional veterans employment coordinators who provide assistance to veterans interested in careers at the department. About 31 percent of VA's 260,000 employees are veterans and nearly 8 percent are service-connected disabled veterans. VA ranks first among non-defense agencies in the hiring of disabled veterans and is second only to the Defense Department in the overall number of veterans on the workforce. 

VA CALLING ALL RECENT COMBAT VETS - On May 1, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will begin contacting nearly 570,000 recent combat veterans to ensure they know about VA’s medical services and other benefits. (read more)

 VA LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE VETS TO STAY HEALTHY - In February 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) joined forces in an unprecedented effort to improve the health of veterans across the country and launched a new initiative called “Healthier US Veterans.” (read more)

 VA BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR – Former American prisoners of war (POWs) are eligible for special veterans benefits, including enrollment in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care for treatment in VA hospitals and clinics without copayments as well as disability compensation for injuries and diseases that have been associated with internment. These benefits are in addition to regular veterans benefits and services to which they, as veterans are entitled. (read more) 

DOD, VA LEADERS CHART WAY FORWARD FOR WOUNDED CARE - The Defense Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs are diligently working together to solve problems for America's wounded warriors, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee today. (read more) 

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWEST VETERANS INFORMATION ON THE PA BUREAU FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

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

CHRISTOPHER L. NELSON

MARKETING AND VETERANS INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Phone: (717) 861- 6979

Toll Free: (800) 547-2838

Fax (717) 861 - 8589

18 April 2008

 Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans.

VIETNAM WAR VETERAN FINDS HOSPITALITY AT HOLLIDAYSBURG HOME - Jo-Jo Gemmill, 60, and a winner of three

Bronze Stars during the 1968 Tet Offensive in Vietnam, almost wound up being “homeless for life” after his discharge from the Army.  (read more)

 PENNSYLVANIA SOLDIERS’ AND SAILORS’ HOME SELECTED AS ONE OF THE SITES FOR ERIE’S ‘SOUNDS OF SUMMER’ CONCERT SERIES – A favorite summer concert series is returning to Erie this summer. Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott announced the return of the "Sounds of Summer" series. (read more)

 WILSON HIGH SCHOOL OFFERS PARTIOTIC ADULT PROM FOR MAKE-A-WISH CHILD – The sophomore class of Wilson Senior High School in West Lawn is sponsoring its seventh annual patriotic prom to honor past and present members of our armed forces on April 26, 2008 in the school’s gymnasium. A demonstration by the Reading High school Marine Corps JROTC Drill Team is scheduled along with live music by the Swing Fever Dance Band. Last year, 800 people attended this event, including veterans from WWII to the Present. Tickets are $15 each and will be sold at the door. Proceeds from this event will enable the Class of 2010 to send a Make-A-Wish child on a “dream” vacation. For more information, call Peter Riffle at (610) 670-0180.

 GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT FALLEN SOLDIERS’ FAMILIES, WOUNDED VETS - The third annual 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund Golf Tournament will be held May 12 at the Wyoming Valley Country Club. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the families of fallen soldiers, wounded veterans, educational opportunities, and programs for children with special needs. The foundation is working with Luzerne County Community College and local agencies to help create services for soldiers and families who are affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

 Registration forms and $125 per golfer must be received by May 1. Included in the donation are 18 holes of golf and cart, gift bag, T-shirt, ball cap, boxed lunch, cocktails and dinner. Prizes for first-, second- and third-place in each flight will be awarded. 

Registration starts promptly at 11a.m. and at 11:45 a.m. the $2,500 putting contest and $100,000 par 3 shoot out begins. Every ace garnered on hole 13 will net a $15,000 cash award. A 12:15 p.m. a shot-gun start for captain and crew begins the competition with cocktails, dinner and an auction following the tournament. Team and individual prizes will be awarded at the dinner. Non golfers may attend the dinner and auction for $50. Reservations are required. Hole and tee sponsors and donations of item or gift certificates for the auction are sought. 

For more information, contact Chuck Garnet at 570-760-0521 or Allan Roberts at: 570-362-2802. Forms may also be picked up at the following locations: The Ranch Wagon restaurant, 255 Memorial Highway, state Route 309 North, Shavertown; and Nick of Time Printing, 620 Market St., Kingston.

 DREXEL TO OFFICIALLY TAKE OVER OPERATION OF PHILADELPHIA ARMORY TODAY - The Philadelphia Armory, a west Philadelphia landmark located on 33rd and Lancaster Ave., will officially become a central part of the life of Drexel University today in a signing event and celebration at noon today. The Armory’s Drill Hall will be taken over for use by Drexel Athletics, with the plan to renovate it into a convocation and basketball arena for the University. (read more) 

MEMORIAL RIDE TO INDIANTOWN GAP NATIONAL CEMETERY PLANNED -  ABATE of Pennsylvania, Ridge Runners Chapter 58, is sponsoring a memorial ride to visit the graves of soldiers at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at noon May 24. A memorial service in honor of those who served will also take place. Motorcyclists, veterans, families and friends are invited. For more information about meeting places, contact Mike Gher at 717-834-3944

 PERSIAN GULF VETS MAY APPLY FOR BONUS - Persian Gulf War veterans who reside in Pennsylvania and served between August 15, 1990 and August 30, 1991, are eligible for a special bonus payment from the Pa. Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA).  On Thursday Tom McDonnell, Wayne County Veteran’s Affairs Coordinator, urged eligible veterans to take advantage of this benefit. He briefed the Wayne County Commissioners on the subject. (read more)

 VALLEY FAMILIES ANTICIPATING NATIONAL GUARD'S RETURN - A year ago, the 128 soldiers of Allentown's 213th Area Support Group left for Iraq amid tears, cheers and the rumble of a 16-motorcycle escort. This weekend, they can expect a homecoming with all of the same elements, but the tears will be tears of joy. (read more) 

AUDITOR GENERAL JACK WAGNER TO TOUR GINO J. MERLI VETERANS CENTER IN SCRANTON - Auditor General Jack Wagner will tour the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The center is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' State Veterans Home System. (read more)

 BOOKS ON PA HISTORY FOR SALE ONLINE - Scholars, researchers and history buffs no longer need to visit the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to buy books, magazines and videos. More than 400 books, magazines and DVDs are now available at http://www.PAbookstore.com. (read more)

GOVERNOR RENDELL TAKES NEXT STEP TO SAVE WILLOW GROVE - Governor Edward G. Rendell today advised Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter that he believes the bulk of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove should be designated as the Willow Grove/Horsham Joint Interagency Installation. (read more)

 VETS THE FOCUS OF C-SPAN VISIT - This region’s and military veterans’ needs were the focus of national attention Thursday as C-Span, the nation’s public affairs cable television network, brought its election bus to central Pennsylvania. (read more)

 SENATORS UNVEIL BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE BENEFITS FOR OUR COUNTRY’S CITIZEN SOLDIERS - A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators—including Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), and Evan Bayh (D-Ind.)—today unveiled their plan to provide the men and women of our National Guard and Reserves with benefits that better reflect their increased service to our country. (read more) 

VA CREATES OFFICE TO COORDINATE HIRING VETS - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake announced creation of a Veterans Employment Coordination Service to oversee the Department’s program to recruit new veterans into the VA workforce, especially recently disabled combat veterans. (read more)

 OVERCOMING OBSTACLES IS KEY TO VETERANS’ SUCCESS STORIES - Military members are trained to overcome obstacles, as part of a team, to achieve their mission.  Returning to civilian life, especially after a combat tour, poses new challenges for many service members, requiring new tools and new forms of support. (read more)

 ARMY RESERVE TO CELEBRATE CENTURY OF SERVICE - Since April 23, 1908, the men and women of the U.S. Army Reserve have answered the nation's call to service at home and around the globe. Next week, the reserve will mark its 100th birthday with ceremonies in and around the nation's capital. (read more)

 NEW REPORT ON VETS' MENTAL HEALTH 'VERY CONSISTENT' WITH MILITARY FINDINGS - A study released today shows that nearly 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, findings that military health officials called "very consistent" with their own.  (read more)

 VETERANS' EDUCATION FUND BEGINS NEW ROUND OF SCHOLARSHIPS - If you are a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and finding that the cost of higher education is keeping you from getting a degree, you are not alone. Ninety percent of enlisted personnel do not have a college degree, and with 375,000 troops separating from the service every year, many are finding that current education benefits are just not enough. (read more)

 AIR FORCE HAS NEW WEB SITE FOR RETIREES From the NAUS Weekly Update April 11, 2008 - The Air Force Office of Retiree Services has created a new Web site just for its retiree community.  The site has a lot of good information for retirees of all services but concentrates on the Air Force Community.  The site can be found Here. 

PRESIDENT BUSH DECLARES APRIL 9 NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY - America is blessed to have brave men and women willing to step forward to defend our freedoms and keep us safe. The members of the United States Armed Forces have proudly held fast against determined and ruthless enemies, protected our citizens from harm, and freed millions from oppression. On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we pay tribute to the courageous and selfless individuals who were taken captive while serving the cause of peace and securing liberty across the globe. (read more)

 SENATORS INTRODUCE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE RETIRED PAY EQUITY ACT 2008 From the NGAUS Newsletter April 11, 2008 - Senator’s John Kerry (D-MA) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) introduced legislation that would provide reduced age for receipt of retirement pay eligibility for active duty periods retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001. Senator Chambliss stated that the 2001 effective date makes more sense because that is when the role of the National Guard (and Reserve Component) “fundamentally  changed.” Senator Kerry stated that providing our Guard and Reserve retroactive credit for retirement benefits they have earned is one way Washington can honor their tremendous sacrifices. Co-sponsors include senators: Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Johnny Isakson (RGA), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) 

PROGRAM GETS WOUNDED VETS OUTDOORS, ACTIVE - Wounded veterans who once enjoyed sports and being outdoors have the opportunity once again, courtesy of a program in Alabama. (read more)

 OVERCOMING OBSTACLES IS KEY TO VETERANS' SUCCESS STORIES - Military members are trained to overcome obstacles, as part of a team, to achieve their mission.  Returning to civilian life, especially after a combat tour, poses new challenges for many service members, requiring new tools and new forms of support. 

$75 MILLION PROGRAM TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS VETS NATIONWIDE - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi today announced $75 million to provide permanent supportive housing for an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans nationwide. Bernardi and Peake made the announcement with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a newly renovated housing program for homeless veterans in Queens, and emphasized the Federal and local government’s partnership to house and support America’s homeless veteran population. (read more) 

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWEST VETERANS INFORMATION ON THE PA BUREAU FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

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

 CHRISTOPHER L. NELSON

MARKETING AND VETERANS INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Phone: (717) 861- 6979

Toll Free: (800) 547-2838

Fax (717) 861 - 8589