Message from the Adjutant General |
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Celebrating Our Veterans and Military as Veterans Day Approaches |
As Veterans Day draws near, we are reminded of the importance of honoring and paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served and protected our country. I hope every veteran enjoys this special day, whether attending a parade, sharing a free meal, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing at home. You have earned the right to celebrate in whatever way is most meaningful to you.
While you celebrate, know that the entire nation joins you in gratitude. America will never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans.
At the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, honoring veterans is part of our daily mission. This month, we were proud to partner in PA VetCon 2025—an annual event that brings together local, state, and federal advocates to network, collaborate, and explore new ways to support Pennsylvania’s veterans. This year’s conference focused on addressing critical social challenges faced by veterans, and I am optimistic about the positive impact and progress that will result from these efforts.
We also celebrated the 250th birthdays of the Navy and Marine Corps. I had the privilege of attending a gala in Philadelphia, the birthplace of these services. The event featured public ship tours, flyovers, static displays, concerts, and opportunities for the community to engage with service members. It was a fitting tribute to 250 years of heritage and service. Here’s to another 250 years of excellence from the Navy and Marine Corps!
In a more solemn moment, members of the DMVA honored Warrant Officer Junior Grade William J. McMichael, a World War II service member from Pennsylvania. Recently recovered and returned home, he was laid to rest at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. This ceremony was a powerful reminder of the enduring sacrifices made by our service members and their families. Welcome home, soldier. We salute you.
The DMVA also participated in the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ Drug Take-Back press conference, supporting the collection and disposal of unused prescription drugs. This initiative helps reduce the availability of misused prescription drugs, improves public safety, and strengthens our communities.
On the Pennsylvania National Guard front, our soldiers, airmen and civilians continue to face challenges due to the federal shutdown. Despite these hurdles, the Guard remains Always Ready and Always There. Our service members and their families are receiving strong support, and we look forward to the end of the shutdown so we can resume our full mission of serving our communities and nation.
On a positive note, a once-lost piece of Pennsylvania National Guard history has been returned to Fort Indiantown Gap. The Pennsylvania National Guard Headquarters flag, believed to date back to around 1920–21, was discovered earlier this year among antique flags. We are deeply grateful to Joseph Reselli for locating and generously donating the flag back to its rightful home.
In closing, thank you all again for your service to this nation. I wish every veteran a happy and memorable Veterans Day. Major General John R. Pippy
Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA
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Consider Honoring A Veteran By Donating To The PA Veterans’ Memorial As The Site Celebrates Its 24th Anniversary |
Oct. 7, 2025, marked the 24th anniversary of the PA Veterans’ Memorial. Located on the grounds of Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, the memorial features a combination of an enclosed narthex and open-air amphitheater that stands 107-feet high and 360-feet long, making it the largest monument in any of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries. “The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is proud to maintain this monument to honor veterans of all eras from the Revolutionary War forward,” said Brian Natali, director, Bureau of Veterans Outreach and Reintegration. “It serves as an active living memorial to the ideals and principles for which veterans have served, battled and died.” Anyone who would like to make a contribution for the upkeep of the memorial can visit our online donations webpage. |
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Mental Health Counseling Resources Available At Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center |
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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First Jeep Show Held At HVH |
Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home recently held its first Jeep show on Sept. 20 in the front parking lot of Eisenhower Hall. Jeeps at the show ranged from 1950s to 2025. Members from 814 Jeep Peeps volunteered to come in and put their Jeeps on display. A few residents handed out ducks to show which Jeeps were their favorite! |
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Happy 101st to George Stanko! |
George Stanko, an Army veteran and resident at our Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home, turned 101 years young on Sept. 21.
Stanki was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He spent his early childhood in Erie, PA then moved to Fairview, PA. Stanko graduated from Tech High School in Erie, PA in 1943. He went on to serve in the Army from March 16, 1943, to Feb. 23, 1946.
Stanko completed his basic training in Louisiana and then served in World War II in different parts of Europe including Germany, France, Holland and Czechoslovakia. He was a corporal in the 8th Armored Division. He is very proud to have fought for his country that he loves so much... |
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Happy 102nd Mary Ann Lidwell! |
Mary Ann Lidwell, a Marine Corps veteran and a resident at our Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home, turned 102 years young on Oct. 11. Lidwell was born in Amsbury, PA and a former resident of Ashville, Pa. She enlisted into the Marine Corps on March 14, 1944, and served on active duty during WWII from May 2, 1944, to Sept. 26, 1945. Lidwell’s military discharge states to serve in a “National Emergency” as an aircraft mechanic/ Rosie the Riveter...
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Happy Birthday Paul Lynn! 102 Years Young! |
Paul Lynn, an Army veteran and resident at our Southeastern Veterans’ Center (SEVC), turned 102 years young on Sept. 17.
“We are so lucky to have met Paul and be part of his legacy. Paul has seen so much in his lifetime, it is truly remarkable. Paul is a gentle soul that loves life and people,” The staff at SEVC said. “He believes that we all have purpose. We love that he is still with us to teach us these little reminders of love and compassion to our fellow neighbors."... |
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Phillies’ Tugger and Friends Visit DVVH |
Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home (DVVH) had some special visitors prior to the Philadelphia Phillies’ First Responders Night at Citizens Bank Park to celebrate and honor local veterans.
Tugger, the Philadelphia Phillies service dog in training, and Sam with Team Foster (a Philadelphia-based nonprofit partner) and the Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), spent the day bringing much-needed joy and tail wags to the residents at DVVH...
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SWVC Resident Graduates MBTR With WCC |
Vince S. became the first resident at Southwestern Veterans’ Center to receive his certificate for graduating Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC).
The MBTR program is a unique, volunteer-based animal-assisted therapy initiative led by WCC. It involves service members and veterans in training future service dogs. Besides knowing the dog will one day go on to help a fellow veteran, many warriors involved in MBTR cite their own benefits, including enhanced communication, confidence, accountability, emotional regulation and patience... |
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“Strong Bonds” Events Help Military Marriages Thrive |
As if marriage isn’t hard enough, the Army shows up and throws in some of its chaotic and demanding schedules, relentless expectations and, of course, those pesky mobilizations. It’s a wonder how anyone in the military stays married. But they do! One of the ways couples in the military help keep their relationships healthy despite the demands of both military and civilian life, is they plan for intentional time together to work on strengthening that relationship.
What’s cool is how the Army recognizes the importance of such a plan and has made certain to provide Army couples with opportunities to do that work in a fun and exciting weekend... |
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Pennsylvania Army National Guard DAG Transition |
The Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PAARNG) is undergoing a significant transition as we bid farewell to outgoing Deputy Adjutant General (DAG), Maj. Gen. Laura McHugh and we welcome incoming Deputy Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Mike Wegscheider.
After serving as your DAG for four and a half years, McHugh is embarking on a new chapter in her life, retirement! |
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Second Annual PA VetCon Successful, Well-Attended |
The Shapiro Administration kicked off PA VetCon 2025 in King of Prussia this month, bringing together local, state and federal advocates to network, collaborate and learn how to best serve Pennsylvania’s veterans. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) led the conference.
The three-day-long conference included speakers and panel discussions, along with other events centered around serving veterans throughout the commonwealth.
Check out the videos below for a recap of the PA VetCon 2025! |
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PA VetCon 2025 Day 1 Recap |
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PA VetCon 2025 Day 2 Recap |
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PA VetCon 2025 Day 3 Recap |
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Leadership And Followership At KSCA |
How do adolescents learn to avoid trouble and keep their friends? Why is it necessary to be a good follower as they learn to become a good leader? Leadership and followership is one of the eight core components that all cadets at the Keystone State Challenge Academy (KSCA) learn and practice that addresses those questions.
Cadets begin by learning how to become a good follower during the acclimatation phase, the first two weeks of the course. They take direction from the cadre and are taught the simple things to both cope with a large group of peers and are introduced to a structured lifestyle that reflects on becoming a good follower. These traits are essential for the development of a foundational learning model on how to then become a good leader... |
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General Assembly and Governor Act To Strengthen National Guard Benefits And Support Veterans |
Two new Pennsylvania laws, passed by the general assembly and signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, are helping to strengthen support for our guard members and improve care for veterans across the commonwealth...
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