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In this Update:

• Congratulations, New Freedom VFW!
• Remembering 9/11
• Honoring Fallen NYCRPD Officers
• Ending the NFA
• New Law Connects Families with VA Burial Benefits
• $1.2 Billion in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA
• VA Announces Clinical Trials to Help Veterans with Major Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder
• Shareapy Military
• Tech Deals for Veterans
• Veterans Job Listing

Congratulations, New Freedom VFW!

Seeing New Freedom VFW Post 7012’s new building finally completed was incredibly exciting! This facility came together through donated land, volunteer labor, community support, and the sacrifices of Veterans and their families. The VFW has long advocated for Veterans and preserved important traditions that connect generations and anchor our community. This new building is a testament to the gratitude and respect of the community for our Veterans. I was honored to join Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Rep. Kate Klunk, Burkentine Real Estate Group, the New Freedom Community, our treasured Veterans and their families to celebrate this dream turned into reality.

Remembering 9/11 Victims

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists highjacked four airliners on America’s east coast, ultimately killing nearly 3,000 people in a coordinated attack orchestrated by the radical extremist group Al-Qaeda. 

I had the privilege of attending and speaking at multiple ceremonies across the district to remember and honor those who lost their lives on that earth-shattering day, 25 years ago.

We will never forget.

Honoring Fallen NYCRPD Officers

Northern York County Regional Police Department Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker, and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser. 

One year ago, our community experienced a loss which forever changed us. One year later, their sacrifice remains just as profound. Their bravery is not forgotten, and their sacrifice is forever etched in our hearts.

Ending the NFA

A federal district judge recently ruled the National Firearms Act (NFA) unconstitutional. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of several states whose law poses an obstacle to those who are seeking to take advantage of that ruling. I have co-sponsored legislation introduced by Sen. Judy Ward which would bring clarity to this section of statute and allow those in Pennsylvania who are covered by the recent injunction to take advantage of it and exercise their constitutional rights.

These items are no more dangerous than those left unregulated by the NFA. In fact, the use of a suppressor is often a common courtesy in many European countries, despite their extremely strict gun control laws. As your state senator, I will remain a champion of not only defending your second amendment rights, but also expanding them.

New Law Connects Families with VA Burial Benefits

Under a new law, Act 42 of 2026, families of a deceased service person being buried or cremated in Pennsylvania after Sept. 18 will receive contact information for their county Veterans affairs office from funeral directors and cemeteries. County directors of Veterans affairs will also be notified by funeral directors and cemeteries within 96 hours of receiving the remains of a deceased service person.

This will help connect families with this local Veterans’ resource which will be able to help them access benefits for which they might be eligible.

$1.2 Billion in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $1.2 billion in VA infrastructure improvements which will be used by VA medical facilities to enhance operational capability and healthcare delivery for significant maintenance, replacements and upgrades.

This includes funds to 42 projects for Pennsylvania’s VA medical facilities including replacing a roof in Coatesville, replacing domestic hot water tanks in Erie, renovating air conditioning in Lebanon, installing exterior security measures in Philadelphia, repairing fire and smoke dampers in Pittsburgh, replacing a fire station roof in Butler and more.

VA Announces Clinical Trials to Help Veterans with Major Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder

The VA announced a new clinical trial to evaluate psilocybin’s effectiveness and safety in treating major depression in Veterans. Psilocybin is a classic hallucinogen and produced by more than 100 species of mushrooms worldwide.

The trial, Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression, will enroll Veterans with a diagnosis of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and be conducted in five VA locations throughout the U.S., including Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia.

This follows the VA’s announcement of a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of GLP-1 treatment for alcohol use disorder. This clinical trial, Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans, will be conducted in 18 locations throughout the U.S., including the Philadelphia VA Healthcare System.

Shareapy Military

Shareapy offers free virtual peer support for active-duty military, Veterans, first responders and their immediate family members. Once registered, you can:

• Join weekly virtual “Get Togethers”
• Connect with fellow Veterans and family members
• Access wellness resources and community programming

There is no cost for eligible members. For more information and to sign up, click here.

Tech Deals for Veterans

• Apple offers a 10% discount through their Veterans and Military Purchase Program when verified through ID.me.
• HP offers up to 40% off for Veterans verified through ID.me.

Veterans Job Listing

Every week, the Pennsylvania National Guard Association updates its free job board with good openings for National Guard members, Veterans and their families across Pennsylvania and in nearby states. The board features nearly 10,000 employment and internship postings.