April provides us a great opportunity to recognize those who are behind the scenes, yet play an important role in the veteran community.

Throughout National Volunteer Month, DMVA held special celebrations to recognize the more than 1,100 men and women who volunteered nearly 34,000 hours assisting with the care of the residents in our six veterans homes. Our homes run much smoother and the residents receive better care because of these giving individuals.  

April is also the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize and celebrate the resilience and sacrifices of military-connected children. I had the honor of participating in a press conference held at the state capitol to show gratitude for the Purple Star Program and recognize the participating Pennsylvania schools that show a strong commitment to the future success of military children.  

Thank you all for going the extra mile. You really have a big impact where it means the most.

This month also afforded DMVA opportunities to partner with and serve our communities.  

The DMVA stood alongside executives from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and broke ground on a new Veteran Village in Harrisburg. As a result, soon, homeless veterans and their families across central Pennsylvania will have a warm place to live and call home. I can’t thank this organization enough for once again stepping forward to help our American heroes when they need it most.  

The Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) also made a huge impact on our communities this month.  

The PNG Counterdrug Joint Task Force worked with a number of state agencies during Pennsylvania Drug Take-Back Day to load, transport and dispose of un-wanted prescription drugs. This partnership helps to reduce the availability of illicit drugs, improve public safety and diminish drug use in our society. To date, the PNG has assisted on properly disposing of more than 1.5 million pounds of un-wanted prescription drugs.  

Staying with the PNG, we were proud to host this year’s Best Warrior Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap. The four-day state-level competition saw 23 service members, including some from Lithuania, compete in nine evaluated events. This was the first time ever that service members from Lithuania competed in this event, further strengthening our more than 30-year state partnership program with that incredible country.

In late March, I had the opportunity to visit with more of our partners in Lithuania for the Baltic Military Conference. The annual event serves as a unique forum for the convergence of decision-makers, senior military officers, and defense experts facilitating the exchange of insights and perspectives on critical military strategic matters. It is a great opportunity to learn from others, but to also share the successes of the PNG as we continue to garner the respect and admiration around the world for our ability to be Always Ready, Always There.  

May promises to be another month chock full of opportunity and I look forward to sharing with you all that DMVA does in honor of our veterans, service members and their families. 

Gratefully,  

Major General John R. Pippy

Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA