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If you know a Veteran, please forward this issue to him or her as it provides important updates, resources, and information. In this Update:
Invest In Veterans Week
The commonwealth will recognize March 1-7, 2026, as Invest in Veterans Week in Pennsylvania through a resolution being introduced in the state Senate. Following the annually recognized National Invest in Veterans Week, this resolution will commemorate the contributions made by Veteran entrepreneurs and will challenge Pennsylvanians to transform appreciation into actionable support for Veteran business owners. Individuals can participate simply by buying from Veteran-owned businesses, leaving positive reviews on internet platforms, promoting the week on social media and sharing about the week with friends and family. If you run a Veteran-owned business, my office would love to hear from you! Veterans Temporary Assistance Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Veterans Affairs (DMVA) administers the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program which provides temporary financial assistance up to $1,600 for necessities including food, shelter, fuel, and clothing within a 12-month period to eligible Veterans and their beneficiaries who reside in Pennsylvania. To be eligible, Veterans must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, been honorably discharged after a period of active duty other than active duty for training, died in service or suffered a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Veterans’ Administration. The DMVA website lists the financial circumstances that qualify Veterans for help via the VTA program. Veterans interested in applying for a VTA grant should contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs within the county they reside. New Vision Benefit Available at the Lebanon VA Medical Center
Veterans receiving care through the Lebanon VA Medical Center will soon have access to a new optical service through PatriotVision, offering convenient and affordable options for eyeglasses. Through this program, veterans can purchase glasses using a valid prescription issued by the VA Eye Clinic or a Community Care provider. If your prescription was issued by a Community Care provider, it must first be verified by the VA Eye Clinic. PatriotVision provides a range of options beyond standard prescriptions, including transition lenses, premium frames, and second pairs of glasses at prices often lower than outside retailers. While PatriotVision does not accept insurance, upgrades, and additional pairs can be purchased using a credit card. For added convenience, glasses can either be shipped directly to your home within 7–10 business days after purchase or picked up at the PatriotVision shop. The program also extends benefits beyond veterans. Spouses, family members, and VA employees are eligible to purchase glasses as long as they bring a valid prescription. VA employees may also pay using employee payroll deduction (EPD). Please note that contact lenses are not available through PatriotVision, but additional information on contact lens options can be found at vcspatriotvision.com. Free and Reduced Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
In June, a bill I strongly supported to remove the requirement that a disability be the result of a war or armed conflict for a disabled Veteran to obtain a free or reduced cost fishing license was signed into law as Act 21 of 2025. Under the new law, Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability can obtain a free lifetime fishing license and those with a service-connected disability rating between 60% and 99% can obtain a resident fishing license for $1. For more information on free and reduced cost disabled Veteran fishing licenses, check out the Fish and Boat Commission’s website. VA Increases In-Home and Community-Based Services Expenditure Cap
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced an increase in the expenditure cap for in-home and community-based services for Veterans with certain complex medical conditions, including spinal cord injuries, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and other complex medical conditions at 100% of the cost of similar care in a VA Community Living Center. The previous rate of coverage was 65%. These changes come from the federal Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This will significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible Veterans for in-home and community-based services including home health aides, home respite, community adult day health care, Veteran Directed Care and skilled home health. The increased cap will allow eligible Veterans to continue to reside in their home and receive care at a lower out-of-pocket cost. Veteran Directed Care gives Veterans access to personal care services and help with daily living activities. For more information and to see if you’re eligible for Veteran Directed Care, check here on the VA’s website. National Vietnam War Veterans Day
National Vietnam War Veterans Day will be observed on March 29 to honor the millions of Americans who served and the thousands who did not return home. This day marks when the last U.S. combat troops withdrew from South Vietnam in 1973. March 29 was officially established annually as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania through Act 124 of 2024. Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall Of Valor Induction Ceremony
The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., will be inducting the next group of Veterans into the Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor. The new inductees will join more than 750 Veterans inducted into the Hall of Valor since 1963. Soldiers & Sailors recognizes and pays tribute to the Pennsylvania Veterans who have received the military’s highest awards for valor: the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldiers Medal, Airmen Medal, Coast Guard Medal or Navy/Marine Corps Medal (for bravery and heroism during times of military conflict).
The Hall of Valor inducts Veterans annually. If you know a Pennsylvania Veteran you think should be inducted, nominate them here. Spring Refresh Discounts
Veterans can take advantage of discounts to help refresh your home for spring. Whether it’s new patio furniture, a paint update or cleaning supplies, there are discounts for all your spring refresh and cleaning needs!
Veterans Fitness & Wellness Program
Veterans with spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers can sign up for free, virtual classes through Paralyzed Veterans of America designed to improve strength, endurance, and hand-eye coordination for Veterans with mobility issues. The classes are available to Veterans of all levels and abilities and are intended to improve stress management, cardiovascular health, mental health, and more. Information about the program and how to register is available here. Veterans Job Listing
Every week, the Pennsylvania Nation 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. What are Vet Centers?
VA Vet centers provide free and confidential readjustment counseling for war-zone Veterans and their families, from World War II to the current Global War on Terror. Vet centers are small, non-medical, counseling centers conveniently located in our region. They’re staffed by highly trained counselors and team members dedicated to seeing you through the challenges that come with managing life during and after the military. Whether you come in for one-on-one counseling or to participate in a group session, at Vet centers you can form social connections, try new things and build a support system with people who understand you and want to help you succeed. Who is Eligible to Receive Services at Vet Centers?Vet center services are available to Veterans at no cost, regardless of discharge character, and without the need to be enrolled in VA health care or having a service-connected disability. If you are a Veteran or service member, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, you can access Vet center services if you:
Contacting Your Local Vet CenterEven if you are unsure if you meet the criteria to receive services from a Vet center, please contact a center. Center services are also available to family members when their participation would support the growth and goals of the Veteran or active-duty service member. If you consider them family, so does your local center. Bereavement services are also available to family members of Veterans who were receiving Vet center services at the time of the Veteran’s death, and to the families of service members who died while serving on active duty. Vet center locations in Pennsylvania are:
For more information, please visit www.Vetcenter.va.gov.
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