Honoring Women Veterans While Advancing Partnerships At Home And Abroad |
Throughout Women Veterans Month in March the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) recognized the contributions to our military might by the more than 62,000 Pennsylvania women veterans. Quite a number of those women serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG), work for the DMVA, or reside in our veterans homes. As part of this recognition, we reminded Pennsylvanians that purchasing a Honoring our Women Veterans license plate is one way to celebrate the legacy of women veterans, while also helping to fund the Veterans’ Trust Fund. This month, we also had the honor of welcoming two of our veteran service organization community partners to Pennsylvania. We had the privilege of attending the official ribbon-cutting ceremony as AMVETS (American Veterans) National Headquarters relocated from Washington, D.C., to Washington, PA. Founded in 1944, AMVETS has more than 250,000 members nationwide. I personally was able to meet with American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) to discuss the shared commitment of the DMVA and the American Legion to supporting veterans, service members, and their families. The visit was highlighted by a tour of FTIG. For more than a century, the American Legion has advocated for veterans and active-duty personnel, mentored youth, and strengthened communities across the United States. We had a very busy and successful month on the PANG front. The DMVA was pleased to honor a team of soldiers from the PANG’s 28th Infantry Division who won the innovation category at the U.S. Army’s inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition. The competition was held at the Huntsville Test Range in Huntsville, Ala., and included soldiers from active-duty, National Guard and Army Reserve units. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the high level of skill within the PANG and its ability to compete with the best in the world. The PANG also deploys throughout the world, and in March we bid farewell to approximately 150 soldiers during a deployment ceremony at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg. The deploying soldiers are with the 131st Transportation Company, 228th Motor Transportation Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group. They will provide critical logistical support to the Operation Atlantic Resolve mission by delivering equipment and supplies throughout the U.S. Army Europe and Africa area of operations. We all wish them a safe deployment! This month I had the extreme pleasure of attending both the Baltic Military Conference in Lithuania, and the African Land Forces Summit in Italy. This year’s conference theme was “Building a Fortress of Strength,” underlining the efforts of strengthening of Europe’s defense capabilities, the challenges of a new era of warfare, and the need for a coordinated response to the actions of hostile states. This is the only international strategic-level conference of its kind in Lithuania, providing a unique platform for cooperation and high-level discussion. In that spirit of partnership and shared purpose, prior to departing for the conference, the PANG extended warm wishes to our Baltic partners on the occasion of Restoration of Independence Day. Our long-standing partnership through the State Partnership Program continues to strengthen our mutual commitment to security, cooperation, and democratic values. We are proud to stand alongside Lithuania as a steadfast ally and friend. We ended the month by participating in a Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony with Veteran Community Initiatives in Johnstown, PA. It was a meaningful opportunity to honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of Vietnam veterans, whose service and dedication continue to inspire and deserve lasting recognition. Until next month, stay safe and enjoy the warmer weather upon us.
Major General John R. Pippy
Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA |
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Helping Connect Veterans To Resources They Need |
County Offices of Veterans Affairs are professionally accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), providing unique advantages for veterans seeking free assistance with benefits and services. Pennsylvania’s 67 county offices of veterans affairs play an essential role in ensuring that veterans and their families receive the benefits, services and support they have earned through their service. Assistance provided by county veterans affairs offices is free, enabling veterans to receive professional guidance, claims assistance and advocacy regardless of their financial situation. One of the greatest values of working with a county office of veterans affairs is the responsiveness these offices provide. Because they operate locally, staff members are accessible to veterans in their own communities and can respond quickly to questions, claims assistance and urgent needs. Veterans are not just a number in a system—they are neighbors whose concerns are addressed in a timely and personal manner. Another advantage is that Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who serve as county veterans affairs office directors and staff are professionally accredited. This accreditation ensures that they are properly trained and authorized to assist veterans with filing claims, navigating benefits and representing them throughout the claims process. County veterans affairs offices are also deeply connected to the local community. Staff members often collaborate with local organizations, healthcare providers and community groups to expand resources available to veterans. The DMVA works very closely with these offices, helping to connect commonwealth veterans to the resources that help them most. This community presence helps identify veterans who may not know they are eligible for benefits and connects them to the assistance they deserve. By combining responsiveness, accredited expertise, community involvement and free services, county veterans affairs offices remain a vital resource dedicated to serving those who served our nation. |
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More Than 30 Professionals, Community Members Gather For Collaborative Meeting Of Lycoming Clinton Veteran Coalition |
Representatives from g the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans Affairs (DMVA) along with representatives from federaland local government, as well as non-profits, veteran service organizations and local veteran posts, met at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in Williamsport, PA Their mission: to network, share information on resources and events supporting veterans, service members and their families, along with discussing potential solutions to problems facing this target population. Additionally, recognizing March as National Nutrition Month, the group learned about the numerous programs of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank which served as meeting host and spotlight presenter. Attendees toured the food bank warehouse and learned how the nonprofit tackles food insecurity within its 27-county footprint. One program specifically designed for those with military service is MilitaryShare – a supplemental, needs-based food distribution designed to provide fresh, nutritious food to eligible veterans, surviving spouses and those in the National Guard and Reserve components. More information about the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s MilitaryShare program, including sites and registration information, can be found at Military Food Assistance Program | Central PA Food Bank. The Lycoming Clinton Veteran Coalition (LCVC) meets in person from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the second Friday of March, June, September and December. Those interested in participating in the LCVC can contact Samantha Cossman at scossman@pa.gov for more information. There is no fee or agreement to get involved in this informal, networking group |
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DMVA Mobile Outreach Team Available To Provide Free Assistance For Commonwealth Veterans Applying For Benefits |
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) mobile veterans’ outreach team is available to travel for free throughout the state to assist veterans by obtaining information and initiating benefit claim paperwork with the assistance of accredited veterans service officers. The DMVA brings these essential services directly to veterans and can be booked online for community events such as county fairs, festivals and more. “As the commonwealth’s largest veteran advocate, DMVA takes great pride in our outreach initiatives and our ability to connect with veterans in their communities,” said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “If you are hosting a community event, we hope you consider having our outreach team in attendance to work with veterans and help connect them to the benefits they deserve and earned through their selfless service to this nation.” There are a wide range of federal, state and county benefits available to qualified veterans and their families, including service-connected disability compensation, pensions, VA health care benefits, burial benefits, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation, veterans homes, and long-term care. |
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DMVA Celebrates Women Veterans By Participating In Monthlong Tributes |
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) spent the month attending events and honoring Pennsylvania’s more than 62,000 women veterans during Women’s History Month. The month began with Pennsylvania being recognized at the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) Conference for achieving Silver Level status in the Military Women's Memorial (MWM) Strive for 500 State Challenge for 2025. The Strive for 500 State Challenge is a powerful initiative to expand outreach and engagement and encourage women veterans to record their military service by registering with MWM to ensure women veterans are seen, heard and supported.
An event at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania followed with a special tribute to the trailblazing women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Attendees gathered for a panel discussion honoring their legacy, followed by a screening of The Six Triple Eight, bringing their remarkable story of service and resilience to life.
Camaraderie and appreciation continued at the VFW Post 7155, in Trappe, PA Women Veterans Luncheon. The event provided a warm and welcoming space for women veterans to gather, share experiences and strengthen bonds within the community.
The month culminated with the 13th Annual VFW Women Veterans Conference, held at Marriott Pittsburgh. This 2 ½-day event kicked off with a relaxed evening, offering attendees the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and build new relationships. The next day featured a full slate of engaging breakout sessions, including guidance on accessing VA insights on combating veteran fraud and identity theft, along with practical advice on avoiding funeral fraud and bereavement scams. Participants also had the chance to, “Tell Your Story,” engage in hands-on activities like pottery or take part in a self-defense class.
The evening concluded with a dinner program featuring remarks from Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Maureen Weigl, DMVA’s deputy adjutant general of Veterans Affairs. |
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National Women’s History Month |
During the month of March, women residents and staff throughout our veterans homes were proudly celebrated and honored for their achievements, leadership and contributions to history, culture, society and various professional fields. The seeds of Women’s History Month began Feb. 28, 1909, with National Women’s Day and it marked the protest of New York City women workers who marched through the streets the year prior, advocating for better working conditions and women’s suffrage. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. Then, in 1987, congress passed Public Law 100-9, officially declaring the entire month as Women’s History Month in the United States. Since 1995, every U.S. president has proclaimed the annual observance in March. National Women's History Month is a dedicated month to reflect on the contributions of women to U.S. history. From Abigail Adams to Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks, the timeline of women’s history milestones stretches back to the founding of the United States. |
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140th Anniversary Of PSSH |
In 1867, the construction of a U.S. Marine Hospital began in Erie on around 100 acres. Although the building was offered to the federal government for use as a branch of national homes for veterans, this offer was declined, and construction halted June 3, 1885, due to lack of funding.  Subsequently, Act 40 of the PA General Assembly established a commission aimed at providing a home for indigent and disabled soldiers from Pennsylvania. Following considerations for a central site, the decision was made to convert the unused Marine Hospital in Erie. New buildings were constructed around the original three-story brick building, which became the central part of what is now the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PSSH).
The PSSH was dedicated and opened Feb. 22, 1886, earning the distinction of being the oldest veterans home in Pennsylvania and one of the oldest in the United States. The PSSH has adapted to meet the needs of its current residents, while continuing to fulfill its founders' mission and serving as a source of pride for the commonwealth and the city of Erie. |
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Mardi Gras Festivities At HVH |
 Residents at the Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (HVH) celebrated Mardi Gras with parties in all three of the facility’s buildings: Eisenhower Hall; Arnold Hall; MacArthur Hall. The galas included live music, karaoke, donut treats and fun props.
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U.S. Navy Band Recital At PSSH |
The United States Navy Concert Band on their national tour through Erie, PA stopped by the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PSSH) for an exclusive recital. On the eve of their sold-out performance at Erie’s Warner Theatre, the U.S. Navy Band sent a woodwind quintet and a saxophone quartet to PSSH for a select show. As part of its 2026 Northeast tour celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, the U.S. Navy Band concert is designed to connect each community with their Navy. The program featured a broad selection of musical works, from American classics to contemporary pieces. As the premier musical organization of the U.S. Navy, the United States Navy Band is honored to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, celebrating this historic milestone throughout the year by bringing the Navy where ships can’t go, telling the Navy story, instilling pride and patriotism, as well as representing the professionalism of hundreds of thousands of sailors and Navy civilians serving around the world 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The U.S. Navy Band’s concert in Erie and at PSSH adds another chapter to our maritime history, which dates to 1813 when Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and Daniel Dobbins built a nine-vessel fleet at the mouth of Cascade Creek to challenge
British control of the Great Lakes. |
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Joint Staff Training Course |
In 2005 North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), US Northern Command (N-NC) initiated and developed a prototype Joint Staff Training Course (JSTC). Program oversight is provided by the NGB J37. The JSTC provides comprehensive training and education in joint staff skills in support of the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ)-State missions in state, federal and dual status commander (T32 and T10) statuses. Currently, this is the only course in the Department of Defense (DOD) that collectively trains and educates joint staff. The JSTC provides the PA-JFHQ staff with a deep understanding of joint doctrine, operational planning and the integration of different military service capabilities. This knowledge is crucial for success in a joint and domestic operations environment. The course provides participants with a chance to develop as a cohesive, collective element. One able to use cross-functional staffing operations to conduct comprehensive operations in a dynamic domestic operations environment. It also prepares the staff for no-notice and preplanned events in support of civil authorities in accordance with applicable state and federal doctrine and plans. Additionally, it prepares the PA- JFHQ staff to operate in a, ”whole community,” environment, translating TAG guidance into actionable objectives. The JSTC is a three-day course that provides a blended learning experience composed of two integrated components; the web-based Joint Domestic Operations Course (JDOC) and a culminating face-to-face state engagement. |
Full Article |
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April Is Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month |
All are invited to participate in the Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAPM) activities happening across the commonwealth on Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) facilities. The annual Rise to Run five-kilometer race will be held April 11 at 9 a.m. at the Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC). There will be vendors, a coffee truck and professional timing by Timberhill Timing. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Register for a race t-shirt today!  Interested parties can spend the day learning and earning four continuing education units during the Annual Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Summit, also at the AHEC, April 23, at 8 a.m. Nicole Snell is keynote speaker, of Empowered Journeys Inc., along with emotional intelligence interactive scenarios with EII. Register today for a swag bag and a fun day of learning.
Denim Day is observed the last Wednesday of April worldwide since 1999. This campaign raises awareness about victim-blaming and sexual violence myths. Our collective participation demonstrates unity, bringing recognition to this important issue. In observance of SAAPM, all PANG service members, federal and state employees, along with all contractors, are authorized to wear denim jeans in lieu of their duty uniform or business attire April 29. These events highlight the important functions of PANG and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). Initiatives like these are vital to the readiness of our service members, their families, state and civilian employees. If you would like to know more about these events, please call PANG SAPR at 866-922-6275. |
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Lucky To Tell These Stories Throughout March |
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DMVA - Fort Indiantown Gap's 85th Anniversary |
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DMVA - PANG Task Force CYBER |
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Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers Win Innovation Title At U.S. Army’s Best Drone Warfighter Competition
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A team of soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division won the innovation category at the U.S. Army’s inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition. The competition, held Feb. 17-19 at the Huntsville Test Range in Huntsville, Ala., included soldiers from active duty, National Guard and Army Reserve units. It had three categories: Best Operator, Best Tactical Squad and Best Innovation. The team’s project, dubbed Project R.E.D. (Recovery Exploitation Drone), utilized a drone equipped with AI-enabled object-recognition software to identify downed enemy or friendly drones and a robotic, 3D-printed, carbon fiber arm with claw to grab the downed drone and fly it back for intel exploitation or repair. “I want to congratulate the 28th Infantry Division on their victory and the incredible ingenuity they shared with the rest of the country at the U.S. Army’s national competitions in Alabama,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “The Pennsylvania National Guard is one of the finest in the nation, and I am proud to see them showcasing our commonwealth’s long legacy of leadership and innovation on and off the battlefield. We have to believe in and invest in this type of ingenuity – and that’s why my administration will always support our National Guard and is calling for more resources to support Pennsylvania’s innovation economy in my latest budget.” “The 28th Infantry Division team at the inaugural U.S. Army Best Drone Warrior Competition is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication that defines the Pennsylvania National Guard,” |
Full Release |
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Honor Women Who Served: Purchase A Women Veterans License Plate And Support The Veterans’ Trust Fund |
As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) reminds drivers that purchasing a women veterans license plate recognizes the importance of women who served and supports programs assisting the more than 62,000 women veterans living in Pennsylvania. “Women’s History Month serves as a reminder to show support, honoring our women veterans through purchasing one of our women veterans license plates,” said Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs. “These plates stand as a gesture of gratitude, exemplifying that Pennsylvanians hold in the highest esteem all that our women veterans have done in defense of our nation.” “We are proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions and sacrifices of women veterans – and all veterans – in our great commonwealth. We continue to offer a variety of military registration plates designed with women veterans in mind to demonstrate this support,” said Mike Carroll, PennDOT secretary. “We also embrace our part in meeting the needs of Pennsylvania veterans by committing $15 from the sale of each Honoring Our Women Veterans special fund plates to support the Veterans’ Trust Fund.” The following four license plates honoring women veterans are available for purchase and are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): |
Full Release |
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Pennsylvania National Guard’s Task Force CYBER Saves Pennsylvanians Nearly $600,000 From Online Threats In 2025 |
Newly gathered data shows that the Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) Cyber Protection Team provided 1,170 hours of free cybersecurity training throughout the commonwealth in 2025, saving Pennsylvanians nearly $600,000. The PANG Cyber Protection Team provides cybersecurity training on vulnerability and critical infrastructure assessments, penetration testing, and network monitoring. The training teaches Pennsylvanians how to recognize, avoid, and respond to online threats such as phishing attacks, malware, and data breaches. “Increased funding will help meet rising cybersecurity demands while safeguarding our communities and the critical systems they rely on,” said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Expanding these efforts will also strengthen coordination between state and local partners, ensuring organizations across Pennsylvania are better prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to evolving cyber threats.” Pennsylvania is known to be a high-value target for cyberattacks because of its vast critical infrastructure, healthcare, and finance sectors. “Protecting our communities today means strengthening our defenses in cyberspace,” said Lt. Col. Christine Pierce, director, Cyber Operations. “The Pennsylvania National Guard Cyber Protection Team is providing critical training to local governments, schools, and infrastructure partners so they can recognize, prevent, and respond to evolving cyber threats. We appreciate the continued investment at the state level as it helps ensure these essential services remain available to protect Pennsylvanians and the systems we rely on every day.” In the months ahead, the Pennsylvania National Guard Cyber Protection Team will continue managing its busy workload, while working to expand its reach to serve more communities across the commonwealth. |
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Cadets Take Part In Medical Training |
Select cadets from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) participated in a hands-on demonstration with the Medical Battalion Training Site (MBTS), 4-166 Regional Training Institute Non-Commissioned Officers March 11, 2026, at their Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) facility. Cadets got the chance to work several medical tasks, including evaluating and transporting casualties, applying a tourniquet, packing a wound and working with a medical simulation mannequin.  The cadets spent several hours addressing questions about future careers in medical fields, along with what opportunities the Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PAARNG) offer for medical military occupation specialties (MOS) and potential units that have medical personnel. The sergeants of 4-166 MBTS walked through the steps of each of the stations, having the cadets participate in and try each evolution.
A special thank you to the following sergeants that made this training enjoyable and a great experience for the cadets: Sgt. Eltman; Sgt. Flores; Staff Sgt. Hursh; Staff Sgt. Nilon; Sgt. 1st Class Unger; Sgt. 1st Class Huffmyer; Sgt. 1st Class Hopperstead. KSCA truly appreciates when units on FTIG take time out of their training to spend time with the cadets and show them that there are so many things to do and not to limit themselves to just one thing. |
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Cold Temperatures Halted Projects, Collaboration Minimized Impacts |
 Construction across the commonwealth for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) facilities was slowed down due to the unprecedented cold fronts across the region. The frigid temperatures and pouring of concrete are not a good mix, so many projects had to go stagnant and wait for warming temperatures. This has caused some delays with project completion dates, but with the coordination of the office of facilities and engineering and Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), the impact to units and mission will be minimal. Some projects impacted are improvements to facilities at Biddle Air Guard Station, which are now expected to be completed and will allow for occupation of units this spring.
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