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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:
A Weekend of Remembrance Across York CountyThis Memorial Day, I had the distinct honor of standing alongside Veterans, families, and community members to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
The weekend began at the 8th Annual Benefit Custom Car & Bike Show hosted by York County Veterans Outreach. It was an incredible turnout to support local Veterans, and the highlight was speaking with Grand Marshal Sgt. Howard “Bud” Pressel, Jr. A WWII tail gunner in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Sgt. Pressel was shot down over Austria, held as a POW, and liberated by Gen. George Patton’s forces. At 101, he was finally awarded the Purple Heart earlier this year. His story is a living testament to the strength and resolve of the Greatest Generation.
On Sunday, I joined East Prospect Borough’s Memorial Day service, where the community gathered not just to remember, but to recommit ourselves to the values for which so many gave their lives.
Memorial Day was spent in Hanover and Wrightsville, where I joined parades and ceremonies with the Allied Veterans Council and American Legion Post 369. Each service reminded me that honoring our fallen means more than words, it means action, service, and gratitude lived out every day.
Thank you to everyone who welcomed me into their communities to celebrate. These moments of remembrance keep the legacy of our heroes alive. Veterans: Save on Summer Fun
Many Pennsylvania amusement parks offer admission discounts to qualified Veterans throughout the summer to thank them for their service. Veterans must present valid U.S. military credentials, often through ID.me. Active-duty members of the military and Veterans can enjoy savings while making memories with their families at these parks:
Hundreds of Military Decorations Await Return to Veterans and Families
Approximately 500 military decorations are held by the Pennsylvania Treasury waiting to be returned to Veterans and families. They include medals, pins, buttons and ribbons from every branch of service and most major conflicts. Veterans are encouraged to search here for possible unclaimed military decorations. Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a retired U.S. Armey Reserve Colonel, has returned 500 military decorations and memorabilia since 2021. Twelve Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars and one Gold Star Medal are now with their rightful owners. Senate Passes Measure to Streamline Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 232 to remove the annual fishing license fee and application for Veterans with 100% disability. Currently, only disabled Veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the VA can receive free lifetime fishing licenses. Disabled Veterans with a 100% disability determination also receive free licenses but must apply for them on an annual basis. Senate Bill 232 would take away the annual fee and application part of the process. It would allow all Veterans with a 100% disability determination from the VA, whether or not it is a permanent determination, to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 60% and 99% would be able to obtain a resident fishing license for $1. VA Announces More Than $52 Million in Suicide Prevention Grants
Approximately $52.5 million in grants is available for community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention or emergency clinical services to Veterans at risk of suicide. Grant applications must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by July 18 at 5 p.m. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year. Learn more about services that make an organization eligible and apply here. Happy 250th Birthday to the U.S. Army!
On June 14, the United States Army will celebrate its 250th birthday. The Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopted the New England Army of Observation in 1775, making it a “continental” army that could represent all 13 colonies with the addition of the troops from the three middle colonies. Pennsylvania was significant in its formation in that six of the 10 initial companies raised to join those in New England troops were from the commonwealth. The Continental Army was America’s first national institution. Events to honor the Army’s founding will be held in Philadelphia – the Army’s birthplace – from June 13-15. 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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