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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:
Supporting Our Veterans Through Health and Wellness
The YMCA of the Roses in Shrewsbury is proud to support the brave men and women who have served our country through the Veterans Wellness Program, a free 12-week initiative designed to help Veterans and their spouses/partners live healthier, more connected lives. This program is open to honorably discharged Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, reservists, and their spouses or partners. It provides opportunities to improve physical and mental wellness while building a sense of camaraderie and support. What the Program Offers:
Who Qualifies:
This opportunity is completely free for eligible participants. An informational session will be held on Wednesday, September 3 at 1 p.m. for those interested in learning more. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Tomasic at ktomasic@rosesymca.org. Programs like this strengthen our community by honoring those who have served and supporting their journey toward lasting wellness. You can learn more here. A New Chapter for Veterans in New Freedom
Last month, I had the honor of joining local leaders, Veterans, and community members in New Freedom for the groundbreaking of the new VFW Post 7012. This new facility will be ADA-compliant, ensuring no Veteran is ever turned away due to physical barriers. It will also serve as a resource hub for mental health, benefits assistance, education, and a space to gather with others who understand the unique bond of service. Thanks to the generosity of New Freedom Borough, Burkentine Builders, and more than $1.7 million in community-raised funds, this project is a true testament to what patriotism in action looks like. This is how we honor our Veterans, by building something that says: You are seen. You are valued. You are not forgotten. Streamlining Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 232, disabled Veterans with a 100% disability will no longer have to apply for a free Pennsylvania fishing license on an annual basis. Starting Aug. 29, all disabled Veterans with a 100% disability determination from the VA, whether it is a permanent determination or not, will be able to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses. Easing Repayment of PA Military Family Education Program Awards for Service Members Who Separate Under Certain Circumstances
Currently, Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) service members participating in the PA Military Family Education Program who separate from the PANG must repay the total award plus interest. Through a change made by Act 32 of 2025, service members will only be responsible for repaying a portion of the program’s benefit if they separate from the PANG on or after Sept. 5, 2025 due to death, medical reasons, discharge at the convenience of the Guard or other compelling circumstances which warrant forgiveness. PA’s Newest Brigadier Generals
In June, the state Senate confirmed the promotions of the following four Pennsylvania National Guard Officers from colonel to brigadier general:
These individuals will continue to serve our Commonwealth and lead our National Guard with honor and distinction. Reduced Veterans’ Group Life Insurance Premiums
Veterans insured coverage under the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program have started seeing lower monthly premiums for all ages. Discounts range from 2% to 17%, with an average reduction of 11%. Insured Veterans are being notified of their monthly premium reduction through direct mail, email, online accounts and premium bills. No action is required. Veteran Burial Benefits
The National Cemetery Administration has launched Plan Today, Honor Forever, a nationwide campaign to help Veterans understand their options and apply for VA pre-need burial eligibility. Eligible Veterans have burial and memorial benefits for themselves, their spouses and qualifying family members whether being buried in a VA national cemetery or within a private cemetery. Taking Veterans Out to the Ballgame
Baseball fans who have served in the U.S. Military can save some money when going to Major League Baseball (MLB) games at the ballpark. MLB teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles offer discounted tickets through GovX for home games throughout their seasons to Veterans and their families. 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 Center
Even 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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