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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:
Fourth Annual Women Veterans Day Commemoration
The fourth annual Women Veterans Day Commemoration to honor the service, sacrifice and contributions of women who have served in the U.S. military was held this week at the state Capitol. The event was hosted by my good friend and colleague, Senator Tracy Pennycuick, who is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. June 12 is recognized as Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania. Women are the fastest growing group of Veterans in our nation. While women have served our country with distinction throughout history, it was not until 1948 that they were officially recognized as Veterans. Today, many women who serve in our armed forces serve with integrity and distinction. We are grateful for their service and paving the way for future generations. Read more about this special commemoration. Display of the Constitutional Preambles in Schools
In May, the Senate passed legislation requiring the posting of the preambles of the U.S. Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution in the entry ways of public school buildings. Read more about Senate Bill 250 and Senate Bill 598. Nearly $600 Million in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $596 million in VA infrastructure improvements in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026. The funds will be used by VA medical facilities to improve operational capability and overall healthcare delivery by making significant upgrades. This includes funds for 24 projects for Pennsylvania’s VA medical facilities to renovate a prosthetics lab in Altoona, replace a roof in Butler, replace windows in Lebanon, repair a heat exchanger in Philadelphia, structural reinforcements in Pittsburgh and more. Easier Access to CDL Training for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs implemented part of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act) to improve how certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training programs are approved for VA education benefits. Previously, new CDL training locations were required to meet the full approval requirements of a new CDL training program, which included a two-year minimum operating period, and have its site approved by the appropriate state approving agency before being able to enroll G.I. Bill students. Now, new CDL training locations can be exempt from this two-year operating period requirement if they:
Currently, these changes apply only to CDL programs, but the VA will be studying the impact to determine whether this could be applied to other vocational programs in the future. PA Hero Walk
The PA Hero Walk, a 320-mile segmented fundraising walk across Pennsylvania to raise money to help Veterans with basic necessities including utility bills, housing and more, will take place from June 7 through June 20. Baseball Season Deals
Many Major League Baseball teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates, offer discounted tickets to Veterans. Minor league teams do as well, including the York Revs, which host the Salute to Service game on August 19. The event includes free tickets for all active duty and Veterans. You can view the promotional schedule here. The Harrisburg Senators offer buy one, get one free tickets to Veterans every Tuesday home game through the season. The Lancaster Barnstormers offer a Tribute to Veterans & Active Military Night on July 24. Details can be found here. The Reading Fightin Phils take nominations of Veterans who have served or currently serve our country to have a ceremonial flag flown in their honor on a gameday. The Veteran is recognized before the game, and they and their immediate family receive complimentary tickets. 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. 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, you can form social connections, try new things and build a support system with people who understand you and want to help you succeed at Vet centers. 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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