Message from the Adjutant General |
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Celebrating Milestones |
In July, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) celebrated several major milestones in our mission to serve those who have served.
The newly opened Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center completed its first full month of operation, already proving to be an invaluable resource for local veterans, service members, and their families. Our dedicated team of accredited veteran service officers continues to meet a growing demand, helping walk-ins and appointments alike with professionalism and care.
This month also marked the safe return of more than 800 Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) soldiers from deployments across Germany, the Middle East, and Africa. These troops spent the last year training Ukrainian forces, supporting military operations, and contributing to global security efforts. Their return added a special meaning to our July 4 celebrations — a reminder of the freedoms they work so hard to protect.
While we welcome these brave individuals home, more than 400 PNG troops remain deployed in peacekeeping roles worldwide. We await their return with gratitude and pride.
The DMVA also paused this month to recognize our place in history. We hosted a commemorative barbecue for members of the Vietnamese and Cambodian communities who were resettled at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) 50 years ago. Fort Indiantown Gap was one of only four U.S. military bases to serve as a resettlement site for more than 30,000 refugees during the late 1970s. It was humbling to meet many of those who found a new beginning here and have since built successful, inspiring lives in our communities.
Additionally, I had the honor of attending the Pass The Torch For Veterans gala — a standout organization focused on veteran support through education, community programming, and advocacy. Their continued dedication is helping improve the lives of countless veterans across the commonwealth.
As summer continues, I wish you and your families safety and joy. I look forward to keeping you informed on all the ways DMVA is making a difference — for veterans, service members, and those who support them — in the months ahead.
Major General John R. Pippy
Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA
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Honor Korean War Veterans On The 72nd Anniversary Of Armistice Day |
The Korean War officially ended on July 27, 1953, with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. This ended hostilities, which broke out three years earlier along the 38th parallel, but was not a permanent peace treaty between North and South Korea. As Korean War Veterans Day will be observed with ceremonies at various locations throughout the commonwealth in July, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) provides continual support and guidance to veterans and their families... |
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Shapiro Administration Helps Veterans Locate Lost Paperwork Needed To Apply For Benefits |
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) encourages veterans who need assistance with locating their lost DD Form 214 (DD-214) and other military documents to contact the DMVA so they can get credit for time served and receive veteran benefits they have earned... |
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75th Anniversary Of The Korean War - “The Forgotten War” |
On June 25, 1950, the quiet dawn on the Korean Peninsula was shattered as more than 135,000 North Korean troops crossed the 38th Parallel (dividing line of North and South Korea) and launched a full-scale invasion of South Korea, starting a war that cost millions of lives and left scars that linger today... |
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74th Wedding Anniversary At Southeastern Veterans’ Center |
Clete and Sharlee Steiner, residents of Coates Hall at Southeastern Veterans’ Center (SEVC), celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary on June 20. Their story begins in 1951. Sharlee, a junior in high school, and Clete, already out of high school, met during a car ride with Sharlee’s cousins and friends while heading to a community function in Wisconsin... |
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60th Wedding Anniversary At Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home |
Phillip and Betty Lawrence, residents at Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 26th. Happy Anniversary, Phillip and Betty!
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WWII Veteran’s Love Of Music, Country, And Family - Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center |
Eugene “Gene” Passarella, a resident at Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center (GMVC), was born on Aug. 12, 1925, in Scranton, PA, the second youngest of 12 children from Italian immigrant parents. Growing up amidst the camaraderie of his large family, Passarella developed a love for music... |
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U.S. Army 250th Birthday Events |
On Jun 14, 2025, the U.S. Army celebrated its 250th Birthday. The Army traces its birthday to 1775 when the Continental Congress voted to establish a Continental Army in response to the ongoing conflict in Massachusetts. Pennsylvania forces supported the first muster of the Continental Army and again supported the Army in celebrating the 2025 anniversary... |
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Task Force Associator Soldiers Return Home After Deployment |
Service members with Task Force Associator began returning home after a year-long deployment to the Horn of Africa. The task force, which is comprised of soldiers from 1st Battalion, 111th Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team provided operational security and crisis response operations throughout the Horn of Africa. |
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Urban Rifle Marksmanship Training |
Recently during Annual Training, members of B Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team conducted urban rifle marksmanship training. First, they conducted range training and then practiced close quarter battle techniques at the High Risk Entry Facility located on Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. |
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High-Octane Refueler – 193rd Special Operations Wing |
For this 193rd Special Operations Wing (SOW) fuels specialist, this isn’t just a tryout… it’s a race against the clock, enduring a grueling physical challenge to join an elite team. In its new future with the MC-130J Commando II, the Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) Team is a new, home-grown capability that will dramatically boost the 193rd SOW’s readiness and global reach. Learn how one airman pushed his limits and what his success means for the future of critical, dynamic operations and missions worldwide. |
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Rapid Airfield Damage Repair – 193rd Special Operations Wing |
An ambitious, multi-state construction project is underway, building a cutting-edge mock airfield and range tower designed to transform military readiness for global contingencies. This isn't just construction; it's a unique, hands-on training ground where our 201st Red Horse airmen are mastering critical skills like rapid airfield repair. This groundbreaking initiative is forging a new generation of highly capable engineers, poised to quickly restore vital airpower in any operational environment. |
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Small Island, Massive Skill – 171st Air Refueling Wing |
Joined by Air National Guard members from across our neighboring states, 171st Air Refueling Wing civil engineers are undertaking a massive construction project on Assateague Island, building vital public infrastructure while simultaneously gaining critical expeditionary skills. This unique "deployment for training" is forging multi-capable airmen by immersing them in real-world, austere conditions that mirror future operational environments. |
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Welcoming Home Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s Warrant Officers – 111th Attack Wing |
The 111th Attack Wing recently appointed its first two warrant officers, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brian Mundorff and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan DeRivera, marking the rank's return to the state after 66 years. The Air Force reinstated the warrant officer position in 2024 to address increasing technical demands in cyber and communications, with these experts serving as crucial advisors and bridging the gap between enlisted and commissioned personnel. |
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Veterans Temporary Assistance Program Provides Financial Relief To Pennsylvania Veterans |
Did You Know? The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) offers financial assistance to veterans who are facing an unexpected financial hardship. The Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) program provides eligible Pennsylvania veterans and their surviving dependents with financial relief for necessities of life such as food, shelter, fuel, and clothing. Veterans and their dependents can apply for up to $1,600 per year to cover unexpected financial hardships, such as utility bills, rent payments, and groceries. |
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Another Successful Year Of Butterfly Tours At Fort Indiantown Gap |
We just wrapped up our annual butterfly tours at Fort Indiantown Gap. Looking for a refresher on what these butterflies are all about? Learn more about our Regal Fritillary Butterfly in this episode of ‘Get To Know Us’. |
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GTKU - Veterans Homes - Southwestern Veterans' Center (SWVC) |
We couldn’t be more excited to showcase our 6 long-term care facilities in our latest “Get to Know Us” video! Dedicated to serving veterans and their spouses, our homes offer care, community and camaraderie for those who’ve served. First up, our Southwestern Veterans’ Center in Pittsburgh! |
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Pennsylvania Newsmakers - Featuring Major General John Pippy |
On this week's Pennsylvania Newsmakers, host Gene Barr talks with Major General PA Adjutant General John Pippy about his cabinet post, and the role and history of the Pennsylvania National Guard. |
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The Commonwealth Beat with Laura LeBeau Episode 87 - Featuring DMVA’s Keith Graham, Executive Director of Veterans Programs |
PA recently opened a brick and mortar veterans outreach center for vets and their family members to receive information about the services they're entitled to, face-to-face. it was a long time coming, but for the department of military and veterans affairs, there's no turning back now. Retired Army Colonel Keith Graham, who oversees veterans' programs at the center, talks about its mission. |
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Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Welcomes Class 25-2 |
On July 13, 2025, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy welcomed Class 25-2. The next 22 weeks are going to be both challenging and rewarding to both the cadets and cadre as we are now at 90 candidates on ground. This is by far the academy’s largest class. The next few weeks of Acclimation will have the candidates transition from their home life to our way of operations... |
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Pennsylvania Passes Three New Laws Supporting Veterans |
The Pennsylvania General Assembly has passed three significant pieces of legislation aimed at improving services and recognition for veterans across the commonwealth. The bills, which recently became law, reflect bipartisan support for honoring and assisting those who have served...
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Pennsylvania Expands National Guard Family Education Benefits |
In a continued effort to support Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) members and their families, Pennsylvania lawmakers have passed House Bill 865 (Act 32 of 2025), which expands access and flexibility within the Education Assistance Program (EAP) and the Military Family Education Program (MFEP), a critical benefit for members of the PNG and their families... |
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East Access Control Point Construction Project Begins |
Construction has begun on the new East Access Control Point (ACP) at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG). This ACP will allow access to FTIG for traffic traveling west on Fisher Avenue from the I-81 Lickdale exit. The project is expected to be completed in April 2026 and includes installation of additional perimeter fence line for FTIG which will greatly improve the force protection for the base. |
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