Message from the Adjutant General |
 |
|
|
|
Thankful For Veterans, Service Members And Their Families |
While the NFL annually plays its Super Bowl in February, at the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) we like to say that Nov. 11 – Veterans Day – is our Super Bowl. It has been an honor this month to attend veteran breakfasts, parades and other events to be surrounded by and recognize men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. You are heroes who have dedicated part of your lives to protecting the freedoms we hold dear, and you continue to inspire all of us. You are all living proof of what it means to serve something bigger than yourself. I am sure that at Thanksgiving dinner tables across the commonwealth, words of thanks were spoken about the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed in defense of this nation. As November comes to a close, I promise that the DMVA will not stop honoring all of you, as we celebrate those who served and are serving every day, all year long. One way we continue to honor our veterans is by recognizing commonwealth employees who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, as part of the annual Pennsylvania State Employee Military Service Recognition Campaign. Those eligible receive a lapel pin featuring our nation’s flag and the commonwealth flag signifying their dual military and state public service. These ceremonies began this month and will conclude in December. We are fortunate in Pennsylvania to have a large number of businesses and organizations that provide generous support to veterans, service members and their families. This month, the DMVA received a sizeable cash donation from Hollywood Casino in Grantville, for our Veterans’ Trust Fund. We appreciate this continued support through the casino’s Penn Heroes program. This is just one shining example of how our communities support America’s heroes. On the Pennsylvania National Guard front, we are grateful for the safe return this month of 121 airmen who were deployed to the Middle East. The airmen, members of the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, Allegheny County, provided logistical and operational support to U.S. military operations in the U.S. Central Command area. Welcome home and thank you all for a job well done. At DMVA headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG), this month we received great news that we were the busiest training center in the country, hosting 132,200 personnel for 985,514 man-days of training during Fiscal Year 2025. This is the ninth time in the last 12 years FTIG has been the busiest training center. It is a credit to the FTIG team members who work tirelessly to ensure the units that come here to train have whatever they need to improve and succeed. This month also brought a special opportunity for us at FTIG. It was with great pleasure that we hosted a visit from former Vietnamese refugees who were housed at FTIG during the 1975 fall of Saigon 50 years ago. The contingent toured the Post and re-connected with where it all began for them here in the United States. Lastly, I invite anyone local to Lebanon County to join us at FTIG on Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. for our annual tree lighting ceremony. This special event will take place at the Community Club, and will include a visit from our special friend at the North Pole and conclude with refreshments. I hope to see you here. I wish you a fun and safe holiday season. Major General John R. Pippy
Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
PA VETConnect: Connecting Veterans With Resources And Support |
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is making connections, building relationships and getting veterans, service members and their families the help they need through PA VETConnect. PA VETConnect is the DMVA’s one-stop source for making connections with thousands of resources across the commonwealth. Whether you’re looking for a veteran’s center, VA medical center or help with any challenges related to your service, PA VETConnect has just the right resource for you. There are more than 2,000 resources available through PA VETConnect. “With PA VETConnect, veterans and veteran advocates have free access to the commonwealth’s premier information and referral database,” said Keith Graham, executive director of Veterans Affairs. “Resource areas include benefits, employment, financial assistance, mental wellness and substance use, and post-traumatic stress.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Mental Health Counseling Resources Available At Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center |
Veterans visiting the Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center (LVOC) not only have access to veteran service officers, but can now speak with counselors who can assist with mental health needs as well. The Lancaster Vet Center has a satellite location at LVOC, offering appointments and walk-in hours every Thursday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A counselor is available to offer confidential help for veterans, service members and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma. “It is our goal to assist veterans, active service members and their families with the unique issues they face as individuals who have or continue to serve our country,” said Keith Graham, executive director of Veterans Affairs. “Partnering with Lancaster Vet Center enables us to provide the resources needed to achieve our mission.” To schedule an appointment with the Lancaster Vet Center at LVOC, please call 717-283-0735. The LVOC is located at 40 Fisher Ave., Jonestown, PA, and is easily accessed from Interstate 81. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Happy 250th Birthday, USMC! |
Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home had a party with balloons, cake and a band to celebrate the United States Marine Corps' (USMC) 250th birthday. Originally known as the Continental Marines, the USMC was established on Nov. 10, 1775, in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia. Marines have played a pivotal role in shaping American history. The USMC’s birthday is a cherished tradition observed worldwide by marines with a cake-cutting ceremony ,regardless of where they may be in the world. The first slice is presented to the guest of honor, the second slice to the oldest marine, who then passes it to the youngest marine, symbolizing the transfer of knowledge to the new generation and emphasizing the passing of wisdom within the USMC. The Marine Corps Auxiliary visited Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, where they provided cake and challenge coins to their 18 marines. The Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home held a ceremony which included a version of the Marine Corps cake cutting ceremony with guest of honor, Barb Raymond, director, Bureau of Veterans Homes. Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home welcomed Dr. Nathan Packard, associate professor of military history at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, for a presentation on USMC’s history. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he served in Fallujah as an advisor to the Iraqi Army during the 2007 surge. Packard is a colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve, currently serving with the Operations Directorate (J3), Joint Staff. Southeastern Veterans’ Center threw a party and the local Marine Corps League visited with residents. |
|
 |
|
GMVC Treated To Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Hockey Game |
Residents from Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center attended a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey game on Nov. 5 at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza. They enjoyed viewing the fast action on the ice from a suite, where they could hang out to watch the game against the Toronto Marlies.
The Penguins dominated the first two periods but were stunned by a four-goal comeback by the Toronto Marlies in overtime, resulting in a final score of 4-3. |
|
|
GMVC’s Veterans Day Festivities |
The residents at Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center (GMVC) were treated to pre-Veterans Day celebrations on Nov. 4 with live music by George Rittenhouse performing patriotic music and accepted requests. Veterans were provided a photo booth opportunity, received certificates of appreciation and enjoyed light refreshments. On Veterans Day, GMVC kicked off their festivities in the morning with a speech by Vito Ruggiero, commandant of GMVC. Following his remarks, attendees welcomed Bob Shlesinger, producer, actor and artistic director from the Scranton Public Theatre, to perform “The Last Thoughts of Gino Merli.” It is a one-man play about the Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from northeast Pennsylvania. The show was a hit and left only standing room for viewers. Male veterans received carnations, with women being gifted long stem roses. We had great support from volunteers Fidelity Bank, Amazon and Girl Scouts, who all gave their time to support our veterans and assist us. During lunch, residents were treated to pizza and cold beverages from Mama Mia’s and enjoyed a live musical performance by Bob Ross. The residents received many Veterans Day cards from local schools. The day ended with a trip to Victor Alfieri’s Social Club for a pasta dinner and socializing with their members along with GMVC’s commandant. |
|
|
PSSH’s Volunteer Coordinator Led Veterans Day Parade In Erie |
A parade was held in Erie honoring veterans across our great nation for their service and sacrifice. Ken Vybiral, volunteer coordinator with Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home, led the Veterans Day ceremony that included speakers who participated in the special day.
|
|
|
SWVC’s Second Resident Graduates MBTR With WCC |
Paul Yosi became the second resident at Southwestern Veterans’ Center to receive his certificate for graduating Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). The WCC enlists recovering warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow veterans. |
|
|
|
|
Southeastern Veterans’ Center’s Veterans Day Events |
Veterans Day celebrations at Southeastern Veterans’ Center (SEVC) started with a veterans breakfast where the staff served residents their choice of breakfast. In the afternoon, “The Rat Pack” performed to a packed room for SEVC’s concert series, titled “Cocktails with Sinatra.” The residents of SEVC had a blast as everyone took a stroll down memory lane with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and, old blue eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. |
|
|
Veterans Day Events At SWVC |
The residents at Southwestern Veterans’ Center participated in the Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade Nov. 8.
Gentiva Hospice conducted a pinning ceremony for Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Residents then enjoyed a game of bingo sponsored by Catholic War Veterans, with a special guest from the University of Pittsburgh’s football team. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
3rd CST Training In Advance Of External Evaluation |
This past quarter, the Third Civil Support Team (CST) conducted a comprehensive training progression designed to enhance unit readiness and validate core mission competencies in preparation for the upcoming U.S. Army North External Evaluation. This train-up cycle integrated a full-spectrum of response operations, technical rescue proficiency and advanced chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threat detection and mitigation to ensure the unit remains fully capable of performing in complex, high-risk environments. The unit began with two major field-training exercises, each tailored to sharpen operational capabilities within specific categories of current and emerging threats. The first exercise centered on biological weapons response. Survey team members conducted scenario-driven downrange operations that required rapid identification, containment and mitigation of simulated biological hazards. Through this lane, the unit refined sampling protocols, reinforced decontamination procedures and strengthened its ability to coordinate with interagency partners. Special emphasis was placed on the accurate characterization of hazards, ultimately reinforcing the unit’s role as a key asset in both local and state-level hazardous response. The second training exercise focused on pharmaceutical based agents, with precise attention paid to fentanyl and its clandestine production. This scenario tested the unit’s ability to apply specialized detection, identification and mitigation, along with decontamination procedures to pharmaceutical threats. Downrange teams practiced area and target monitoring, patient extraction and downrange analytics, all while adhering to strict aseptic techniques. The event enhanced the unit’s ability to address real-world chemical hazards that pose significant risk to both first responders and the public. |
Full Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating The Month Of The Military Family |
Each November, we recognize the Month of the Military Family — a time to honor the strength, resilience and unwavering commitment of our military families who serve alongside their loved ones in uniform. Military families are the foundation of readiness and retention, providing vital support that enables service members to stay focused, mission-ready and resilient through the challenges of military life. From frequent training dates, the uncertainty of deployment, Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PANG) military families adapt with courage and grace. Their ability to remain connected, flexible and hopeful demonstrates the very qualities that sustain our force and strengthen our local communities. This month reminds us that readiness begins at home — and when families are informed, supported and connected, the entire force thrives. Across installations and communities, we celebrate by recognizing the essential role families play in mission success. Family readiness programs, support networks and community partnerships are key to ensuring military families have access to the resources they need to navigate change, build resilience and thrive together. As we honor the Month of the Military Family, PANG J9 reaffirms our commitment to empowering every spouse, child and parent who stands behind our service members. Together, we create a culture of care and connection that promotes both family well-being and force readiness — strengthening our military today and for generations to come. |
|
|
 |
|
Honoring Those Who Continue Their Service, Aid The Commonwealth
|
Maj. Gen. Michael Wegscheider recently presented several commonwealth employees with a commemorative pin as part of the State Employee Military Service Recognition Campaign. This campaign honors individuals who felt the call to serve in the United States military and then continued to serve their communities by working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Fort Indiantown Gap Installation Firefighters Austin Folio (Marine Corps) and Benjamin Condran (Air Force), along with Assistant Chief Ryan Williams (Army) were recognized. Paul Brennan (Marine Corps), a target range technician, was also recognized for his service. Longevity awards were also presented to Assistant Fire Chiefs William Gaiski and Ryan Williams.
Additionally, Firefighter Timothy Knapp was selected as the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Employee of the Quarter for July-September 2025. As stated in the salutation, “Firefighter Knapp consistently demonstrates an above-and-beyond attitude both on and off duty. He regularly volunteers for additional tasks to support the department’s professional development and advancement.”
All of our employees truly embody the “one team, one mission” spirit and we are grateful for their commitment to our service members, veterans and their families.
Congratulations to our recognized employees and thank you to all veterans for their service!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Pennsylvania Air Guard’s 171st Airmen Home From Operation Spartan Shield |
Cheers, hugs and tears of joy filled the air at the 171st Air Refueling Wing as more than 120 Airmen returned home recently after a 150-day deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
The returning Airmen were greeted by a crowd of family members, colleagues and base leadership eager to welcome them back.
"It's an incredible feeling to have our Airmen home safely," said Col. Scott Rushe, 171 Air Refueling Wing deputy wing commander. "Their dedication and professionalism during this deployment were essential to the success of Operation Spartan Shield and reflect the highest standards of the 171st."
A total of 121 personnel and 57 tons of cargo were mobilized on short notice to provide critical logistical and operational support to U.S. military operations in the U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, area of responsibility. The deployment significantly enhanced mission readiness and capabilities within the region. Operation Spartan Shield is an ongoing U.S. mission focused on strengthening partnerships and maintaining a stabilizing presence in the Middle East. The 171st Air Refueling Wing Airmen provided crucial support, including aerial refueling for U.S. and NATO allies operating within the region.
The 171st Air Refueling Wing is a critical component of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, providing aerial refueling capabilities and support to military operations worldwide. The wing's commitment to excellence ensures the readiness and effectiveness of U.S. forces both at home and abroad.
(Air National Guard article by Sgt. Kyle Brooks) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Wreaths Across America |
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will participate in Wreaths Across America held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Dec. 13. This yearly event is to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. Date: Saturday, Dec. 13, 12 p.m. Location: Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Rd., Annville, PA 17003 Additional Information: Overview - Wreaths Across America |
DMVA Encourages Military And Veteran Farmers To Apply For Entrepreneur Award |
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) continues to partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) to support military and veteran agriculturalists. New this year is the Pennsylvania Military & Veteran Agriculture Entrepreneur Award, which recognizes an exceptional active-duty service member, veteran or military family member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship in Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector. The award highlights the significant role of military and veteran producers in strengthening Pennsylvania’s food system, rural economies and agricultural resilience.
The award is supported by PDA's Agriculture Business Development Center (ABDC). Questions can be directed to Stephanie Shirk, ABDC director, at steshirk@pa.gov. steshirk@pa.gov.
The timeframe for nominations is Nov. 26-Dec. 15, 2025. The award ceremony will be held at the 2026 PA Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
For more information and to make a nomination, click here: 2026 PA Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Participates In Penn State Military Appreciation Day |
Twenty cadets and three staff members of the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) spent several hours at Penn State University’s Bryce Jordan Center this past weekend helping to cook, serve food, clean up and assist Gold Star families, veterans and service members within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our cadets worked side-by-side with more than 50 volunteers from Walmart Distribution Center, Woodland, Pennsylvania. Together, with Walmart employees, KSCA served lunch and refreshments to hundreds of veterans and their families. The cadets had the opportunity to spend some time talking to the Gold Star Families and veterans about their experiences and what it meant to serve in the military. The initiative helped our cadets better understand the sacrifices made by both veterans, and their families, to ensure freedom for all of us. It was a long, eventful day working with all our honored members of the military. A fantastic day for all! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Assembly And Governor Act To Strengthen National Guard Benefits And Support Veterans |
A recent change in state law will make it easier for service members, veterans and their spouses to transition into teaching careers by eliminating two fees required for educator certification. As part of the 2025-26 budget agreement, lawmakers approved omnibus amendments to the public school code. One provision now prohibits the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) from charging certification or educator-discipline fees to service members, veterans and their spouses. These fees typically cover the review of an applicant’s credentials and the issuance of teaching certificates. Depending on the certificate type, they can range from $0 to $160, while the professional educator discipline fee can range from $0 to $100. Until this change, service members and their families paid reduced rates - capped at $10 and $25 respectively - but not full exemptions. With Pennsylvania facing a serious teacher shortage, removing these remaining costs is a meaningful step toward helping more qualified individuals enter the classroom. Unfortunately, some service members have faced situations where deployment was unfairly used against them in child-custody decisions. To address this, the general assembly unanimously passed - and the Governor signed - Act 40 of 2025, known as the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act. This law reforms Pennsylvania’s child custody statutes, ensuring that military service does not disadvantage parents. It prohibits permanent changes to custody or visitation orders based solely on a parent’s deployment, allowing deployed parents to delegate their visitation rights to another person and utilize communication technologies. |
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Tree Selected, Set Up For The Season |
Division of Installation Maintenance and Bureau of Environmental Management set up the Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) Holiday Tree in front of the FTIG Club for this year’s holiday season. The tree was selected from the FTIG training area and will be decorated within the next few weeks in time for the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Community Club on Dec. 4 at 5 p.m., which is open to the public. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We want your feedback!
What do you think of this Together We Serve Publication?
Let us know by filling out our feedback form! |
|
|
Need to contact us? Click the button below! |
|
|
| Contact us! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
