Message from the Adjutant General |
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A Month Of Awards, Awareness and Activity |
As September comes to a close and National Suicide Prevention Month concludes, it's essential to remember that supporting veterans in crisis is a year-round responsibility. We extend our sincere thanks to the Department of Human Services for hosting its annual Suicide Prevention Press Conference and for including the DMVA. Collaborations like this help ensure that veterans know they are valued, that they are not alone, and that help is always available. This month was also a time to recognize and honor those on the front lines who have been advocating on behalf of veterans and their families. The DMVA was proud to accept a President Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award on behalf of the Shapiro Administration. The award was presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for DMVA’s Oversight of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services (GAC-VS). The GAC-VS champions many topics to help raise awareness and protect the veteran community, often tackling tough social challenges such as women-specific health care services, veteran suicide, pension poaching and other scams, homelessness, and veteran treatment courts. It was my honor to also preside over the DMVA Recognition Awards this month. This annual program honors employees throughout the agency for exemplary work serving servicemembers, veterans and their families. Eleven awards were given out in the areas of Innovation, Outstanding Achievements and Employee of the Year. Congratulations to the recipients and thank you for all you do to support our One Team mission. On the Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) front, soldiers, veterans and PNG leaders observed the deactivation of 1st Battalion, 109th Field Artillery Regiment and the activation of 28th Division Artillery during a ceremony here, Sept. 14, 2025.
For decades, the 109th has answered the call—both on the battlefield and in our communities—serving as a cornerstone of civic life through its armory in Wilkes-Barre. Building on that proud tradition of service and international cooperation, I had the honor of welcoming a delegation of more than 20 Lithuanian defense, diplomatic, and business officials during their visit to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) facility at Fort Indiantown Gap.
Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG), with its UAS and counter-UAS facilities, will be a premier training location for the east coast. Our goal is to then tie that in with our allies and partners, with NATO, and specifically with our state partner, Lithuania.
Finally, more than 700 participants ran, walked and ruck marched for a solemn cause during the 14th annual March for the Fallen at FTIG.
The March for the Fallen, hosted by the PNG, honors and remembers the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. This event brings together Gold Star Families, military personnel, veterans and community members. It was another impressive showing of support for our fallen comrades, and as the season turns to fall, we look forward to continuing our coverage with a report on the DMVA and PNG next month.
Major General John R. Pippy
Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA
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6888 Ceremony Held To Honor Special WWII Veterans |
The Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial was the site for a ceremony celebrating the recent work of the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference’s Unmarked Graves Project, to honor members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, four of whom are interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery (IGNC). Nicknamed “The Six Triple Eight,” this was the only all-black, all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II. The battalion was tasked with clearing a massive backlog of mail for U.S. troops in Europe. The women succeeded in processing 17 million pieces of mail in record time, exceeding all expectations... |
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Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center Buzzing With Anticipation For Beekeeping Program |
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) partnered with the VA’s HIVES Program and the non-profit Hives for Heroes, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, to host a free webinar on the business and mental health aspects of beekeeping. “Veterans in the Hive: A Path to Thrive” included a day of expert-led training and wellness tailored for veterans interested in beekeeping. Participants learned tips for beginners as well as advanced practitioners. In addition, the program promoted the mental health aspects of beekeeping. “We will continue to gauge interest in beekeeping and explore the opportunity to create a small apiary for local veterans at the Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center,” said Jeff King, director, DMVA Bureau of Veterans Programs. “With sufficient interest, we could start the program as soon as Spring 2026.” |
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Southwestern Veterans’ Center Cruisin’ On The Rivers In Pittsburgh |
On Sept. 3 veterans from Southwestern Veterans’ Center boarded a riverboat at Station Square in Pittsburgh for a three-hour tour (not named “SS Minow”) cruising the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers organized by Sharing and Caring, Inc.
Sharing and Caring, Inc. is a non-profit organization is composed of an all-volunteer staff of military veterans and are dedicated to improving the lives of hospitalized veterans... |
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150 Volunteers Honored For PSSH Cemetery Preservation |
On Sept. 8, visitors and volunteers attended a ceremony held at Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home’s (PSSH) Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery to celebrate the completion of a two-year gravestone cleaning project aimed at honoring all the veterans buried and restore the cemetery to its original glory... |
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U.S. Army Veteran/GMVC Nurse Takes On New Mission |
On Aug. 26, the staff at Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center (GMVC) in Scranton gathered for a special sendoff for one of their own.
Amy Pua, a U.S. Army veteran turned nurse, donated her kidney to her dad
Pua’s father was on dialysis and needed a kidney, so she stepped up to the plate. The surgery came one year after trials and tests to make sure Pua was the perfect match...
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“Bambi” And “Thumper” Visit HVH |
Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (HVH) received special visitors on Sept. 6 – “Bambi” and “Thumper” - miniature donkeys that are part of the equine therapy program offered by STAT Inc., a Ligonier Therapeutic Center. STAT Inc. is a 501(c)3 registered charity founded in 2007 by Catherine “Cat” Markosky, who is an entrepreneur and a mother to children with special needs... |
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GMVC’s 6th Annual Benefit Ride |
On Aug. 30, Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center (GMVC) hosted its 6th Annual Benefit Ride sponsored by Scranton Electric City Harley Davidson and the HOGS. There were more than 100 motorcycles that participated, and they raised $4,275 for the GMVC Resident Welfare Fund, directly benefiting the veterans at GMVC...
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Joint Resiliency Directorate Program Has Big Impact On The Guard |
The Joint Resiliency Directorate (J9) integrates and synchronizes programs, policies, and resources to support the readiness and well-being of service members, civilians, and families across the Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG). It provides state leadership with recommendations, assessments, and data to improve force readiness and resilience. It serves as the focal point for resiliency programs that include those discussed below and more... |
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24 soldiers Graduate From Live Fire Shoot House Master Trainer Course |
Congratulations to the 24 soldiers who recently graduated from the Live Fire Shoot House Master Trainer Course. The nine-day course focuses on team move and shoot drills and properly executing room clearing procedures. This course builds confidence and lethality within our formations! The 24 soldiers who graduated are now certified to take this course back to train their fellow unit members. We appreciate them taking additional time away from their families and employers to gain this credential! |
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Pennsylvania National Guard Participates In Special Flyover |
On Sept.14 the crowds at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA were treated to a special surprise in recognition of the United States Army’s 250th anniversary which is being celebrated this year. During the playing of the national anthem, a flyover was performed by UH-60 Blackhawks and CH-47 Chinooks crewed by members of the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, 28th Infantry Division. |
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Air Palau – 171st ARW |
Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen with the 258th Combat Airfield Operations Squadron out of Johnstown, PA, recently posed for a photo at Palau’s International Airport with the local liaison officer during Exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025. The 258th Combat Airfield Operations Squadron is a geographically separated unit of the 171st Air Refueling Wing and serves an essential mission by providing air traffic control services both stateside and overseas to civil, military, and even presidential aircraft while also maintaining mobile readiness to deploy... |
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Patriot Day – 193rd SOW |
U.S. Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training here Sept. 11, timed to commemorate Patriot Day. This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II aircraft departed Harrisburg international Airport and followed a training route visible to those at Fort Indiantown Gap, Middletown, Lewisberry, Dillsburg, Shippensburg and some adjacent areas of central Pennsylvania...
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Rugby Training – 111th Attack Wing |
Pennsylvania Air National Guard Maj. Soosoo Taulelei, director of operations for the Personnel Services for the 111th Logistics Readiness Squadron, trained for RugbyTown 7s at Biddle Air National Guard Base, Horsham, PA. Glendale Co, is home to the RugbyTown 7s’ annual rugby competition where 21 teams from around the world, including a team from each branch of the U.S. armed services face off against each other... |
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The Pennsylvania National Guard - sUAS (Drone) Training |
The Pennsylvania National Guard is soaring to new heights with innovative warfare tactics! Leading the way in Unmanned Aircraft Systems training, they’re equipping soldiers with the skills they need for effective remote combat operations. From small-scale drills to extensive training initiatives, the Guard is ready to rise to the challenge. |
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GTKU - Veterans Homes - Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home (HVH) |
Our “Get to Know Us” video series recently made a pit stop in Duncansville, Blair County. The Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (HVH) was established in 1994 and is the largest of our six long-term care facilities! |
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Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Cadets Tackle Community Service |
Cadets from Class 25-2 participate in several different Service to Community projects throughout the course of their time at Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) earning more than 40 hours of volunteer service. These projects are designed to both enlighten and broaden the cadets’ understanding of their environment where they live... |
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State Elected Officials And Staff Visit The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy, Highlighting Life-Changing Impact On Cadets |
A recent visit to the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) provided community leaders with an in-depth look at the academy’s transformative work with at-risk youth.
The tour began with an overview of KSCA’s mission and structure, followed by an opportunity to observe cadet formation, where cadets demonstrated the discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail that are instilled throughout the program. Visitors then proceeded to the dining facility to share lunch with cadets from their local districts, creating an opportunity for open conversation...
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October Brings New Energy To DMVA |
Facilities and Engineering is excited to bring renewed energy to the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) this October in celebration of Energy Action Month. This dedicated month serves to educate and inspire employees, contractors, and Guardsmen about the importance of energy conservation and the positive impact it has on the DMVA... |
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