Message From the Adjutant General
Spring Comes In March, But So Too Does Another Opportunity to Honor Veterans
In March we set our clocks an hour ahead, giving us extra daylight to enjoy the outdoors and all the freedoms afforded to us thanks to those who served and sacrificed. We also ushered in the first day of Spring and began looking to warmer weather and increased outdoor training activity here at Fort Indiantown Gap.
On March 29 we observed Vietnam Veterans Day. Many events across our commonwealth honored the heroism, bravery and sacrifices of Vietnam-era veterans and their families. As the son of a Vietnam vet, thank you to those who took time to thank these men and women for their service.
Continuing our veteran advocacy, we met with James LaCoursiere, national commander of the American Legion and discussed important issues such as employment, food insecurity and benefits for veterans. Veteran service organizations like the American Legion play a critical role in reaching Pennsylvania’s nearly 700,000 veterans and their families.
On the Pennsylvania National Guard side of things, there are 1,184 members of the Army mobilized overseas. Air Force currently has 88 members mobilized supporting various missions overseas and within the continental United States.
We continue to focus on the safety and protection of our service members by upgrading their resources. One big step in that direction is the addition of more than 600 new or upgraded vehicles which began arriving in Pennsylvania early this month.
As part of a program to modernize the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, it is receiving upgraded Stryker vehicles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles.
I will continue to keep you updated on all we do to enhance the capabilities of our National Guard and improve the lives of our veterans.
Veterans Affairs
Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians That They Can Use Their Tax Return To Support PA’s Military, Veterans, And Their Families
Pennsylvanians filing their 2024 personal state income taxes can help Pennsylvania’s military personnel, veterans and their families by donating any amount of their refund to the state’s Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) and/or Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF). Donations can be made directly on the state Personal Income Tax form.
Both programs are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).
The MFRAP helps Pennsylvania service members and their families by providing financial assistance, up to $5,000, to those with a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control.
The VTF provides grants to veteran advocates that ultimately assist and support Pennsylvania veterans and their families. The VTF also funds the Veterans Temporary Assistance program, which provides temporary financial assistance of up to $1,600 in a 12-month period to veterans and their beneficiaries who reside in Pennsylvania for the necessities of life, including food, shelter, fuel and clothing.
Veteran Programs and Services
Help With Records Coordination
An important step in the transition process from the military to civilian life is remembering to properly record and store paperwork such as the DD214, DD215, or NGB22. Accessing these documents is vital to obtaining well-earned benefits and accessing programs and services.
Many people are not aware that the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) offers a record request program through which veterans can obtain copies of the above-referenced military documents. Simply reach out to the department by emailing RA-REQ@pa.gov and outline which documents are needed.
In addition, veterans can obtain more information about this and other DMVA programs by completing the Pennsylvania Veterans Registry form and checking the appropriate boxes.
Veterans Homes
A Little Bit Of Irish At GMVC
Saint Patrick’s Day, a widely celebrated tradition in Ireland, isn’t just about shamrocks, leprechauns, Guinness, and Celtic skirts. Irish people are known for their hospitality, wit and resilience, along with their love of storytelling. No matter how far away from Ireland they may travel, the ability to share a good tale is part of their Irish identity.
Paul Nolan, a resident at Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center (GMVC), was born and raised in Donegal Ireland as the youngest of eight children. Nolan enjoyed playing with friends, chasing the neighborhood girls, horseback riding, and helping with the family farm. The food they ate came from their farm and cooked on an open fire. At the age of 18, Nolan's mother requested that he travel to America for a better life, as with the rest of his siblings before him. Honoring her wishes, he lived with his sister in Philadelphia, PA.
Nolan was in the Army from 1964-1970 and received the Good Conduct Medal, Expert Rifle Medal and Marksman Medal. Paul returned and settled in Philadelphia with his wife, an Italian, whom he met in a bar. Nolan worked as a Stone Mason, noting one of his biggest accomplishments was assisting in building the Hoover Dam.
Nolan never kissed the Blarney Stone as he was afraid of hanging over a cliff, but he did visit the Cliffs of Moher.
Nolan now enjoys bingo, telling stories, and joking.
On March 8 Nolan participated in Scranton’s Saint Patrick's Day Parade riding in the GMVC van, celebrating his heritage.
Twilight Wish And Forbes Road CTC Present SWVC Veteran With New Laptop
Volunteers from Forbes Road Career & Technology Center (CTC) provide tech support to Southwestern Veterans' Center (SWVC) residents during their monthly “Help Desk” session where high school students from the Computer Networking & Security Program address issues for the residents with their personal electronic devices.
Recently, when one of the residents expressed a desire to learn to use a laptop, the students decided to reach out to a local organization, Twilight Wish, to help provide a new laptop for him.
On March 12, during SWVC’s monthly session of “Help Desk,” Jim Morris was presented a new laptop from Twilight Wish and then students from Forbes Road CTC immediately helped the veteran log on and set up his new device. The volunteers will return regularly to continue to help Morris learn to use his new device, as well as any resident at SWVC who needs tech support for their personal electronic devices.
Twilight Wish Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that grants wishes to economically disadvantaged seniors over age 65 who cannot make their own dreams come true or are permanent members of an eldercare facility. Their mission is to honor and enrich the lives of seniors through intergenerational Twilight Wish celebrations. Their vision is to make the world a nicer place to age, one Twilight Wish at a time.
PSSH’s Residents Travel Back In Time
The residents from the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home strolled through one of the nation’s most historic waterfronts at the Erie Maritime Museum on Feb. 27.
The Erie Maritime Museum, a commonwealth-owned historic site and museum, is the home port of the U.S. Brig Niagara and features exhibits on the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie, the U.S. Navy’s first iron-hulled warship USS Michigan/Wolverine, and Erie’s maritime history. The museum is housed in a repurposed historic building that formerly served as the Penelec power generating plant.
March Mardi Gras Celebrations At Two Homes
The month of March had the residents at Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home thinking Spring as they played Mardi Gras mini golf, made bird feeders with plastic cups and peanut butter and received puppy cuddles from some four-legged visitors from the Lower Bucks Dog Training Club.
Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home residents celebrated Mardi Gras with parties at each resident building, featuring costumes, delicious refreshments, live music and karaoke.
Southeastern Veterans’ Center Centenarian Celebrations
Nicolina (Nicki) Goryl
On Feb. 21 Southeastern Veterans' Center (SEVC) resident Nicolina Goryl celebrated her 105th birthday. Goryl, while wearing her tiara, spent her day celebrating with her family and fellow residents with a catered lunch from Giovanni’s. Goryl is one of SEVC’s oldest residents.
Margaret (Peg) Elliot
Navy veteran and SEVC resident Margaret (Peg) Elliot celebrated her milestone birthday on Feb. 23 -- 100 years old! Elliot's family visited for the Rag Dolls party along with Senator Katie Muth and Representative Dan Williams.
HVH Resident Celebrated 102nd Birthday
Robert “Russell” Stiffler, a resident at Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home, celebrated his 102nd birthday on March 18 with the help of some friends, fellow residents and staff.
Stiffler was born in Strongstown, PA and spent most of his childhood and adult life in Seward, PA.
Stiffler joined the Army in August 1944 (at age19) and served until October 1946 with the rank of staff sergeant. He was assigned to the 1940th Labor Supervision Company in Europe, where he filled many positions which included warehouse worker and transportation specialist, with his last duty assignment being a staff/duty non-commissioned officer.
Stiffler was awarded The Army of Occupations Medal (Europe), World War II Victory Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal with one bronze star.
After his service, he worked as a steel and ironworks laborer until retiring in 1977.
GMVC Resident Celebrated 101st Birthday
Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center resident George Liparini celebrated his 101st Birthday on Feb. 19.
Liparini served in the Army in 1943-1945 where he earned the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze stars, American Campaign Medal, two Overseas Service Bars and the WWII Victory Medal. Liparini was married for 51 years to his late wife, Ruth, and he was a firefighter in West New York for many years. He had one child and has three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Liparini is very outgoing and enjoys watching sports on TV, playing bingo, music programs, socials and singing. He has his own cellphone and enjoys talking to his grandson on the phone.
National Vietnam Veterans Day/Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
The staff and volunteers in our veterans homes are proud and honored to serve a total of 439 Vietnam Era Veterans: 23 at Delaware Valley Veterans' Home, 64 at Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center, 89 at Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home, 61 at Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, 109 at Southeastern Veterans' Center, and 93 at Southwestern Veterans' Center!
To all of Vietnam Era Veterans – “Thank you…and welcome Home!”
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as “National Vietnam War Veterans Day.” It coincides with the anniversary of the withdrawal of the U.S. combat forces from Vietnam on March 29, 1973, and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago.
Director of Joint Staff
PA SAPR Program Leads The Charge For SAAPM 2025
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program is proud to host the below events aimed at education, empowerment, and advocacy across the force.
1. Start by Believing Day on April 2, encouraging a cultural shift in how we respond to disclosures of sexual violence, with belief, not doubt.
2. The Rise to Run 5K and 1K Walk on April 6, at Carlisle Barracks brings the community together to raise funds for the Carlisle YWCA and the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), with food trucks, rock climbing, and more.
3. SAPR Annual Refresher Training Week on April 7, with guest speaker Nicole Snell, CEO of Empowerment Journeys, Inc., providing two training workshops at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., open to the public, Ft. Indiantown Gap (FTIG), bldg. 8-80. Snell is a world class educator on setting professional and personal boundaries.
4. Denim Day on April 30, the longest-running campaign against victim blaming, by wearing denim to show solidarity with survivors.
5. The 2nd Annual DoD SAAPM Joint Summit on April 30, FTIG, featuring guest speaker Marissa Cohen and interactive sessions like “Let’s Set Some Boundaries” and “Talk to Anyone.”
Soldiers and Airmen can also engage with the SAPR team over coffee at the Teal Bean Café, a traveling awareness initiative offered by request throughout April.
For questions or coordination, contact Pete Mielo at 717-821-3324 or Beth Lacy at 717-821-0051.
55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade – Task Force District Support To The 60th Presidential Inauguration
Every four years on January 20 the President of the United States is inaugurated in Washington, D.C. Historically, U.S. National Guard units provide defense support to civil authorities for the Presidential Inauguration, the inaugural parade, and other related events. The Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) provided such support for the 60th Presidential Inauguration, continuing a legacy that began in 1789 when U.S. militiamen escorted George Washington to the very first inauguration.
More than 750 Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard service members supported the event from Jan. 16-23, 2025 as part of Task Force District (TF-District), based around the 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade headquartered in Scranton, Pa. TF-District fell under Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, comprised of about 8,000 National Guard service members from approximately 40 states and territories. TF-District, commanded by U.S. Army Col. Brad Pierson, was also comprised of elements from the Mississippi, New York, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Virginia National Guards, totaling approximately 2,300 service members. TF-District was responsible for assisting civil authorities with crowd management, cordon security, traffic control, and other security, support, and sustainment efforts for the Presidential Inauguration and its related events.
TF-District proved resilient and adaptable during its support to civil authorities. Due to inclement weather concerns leading up to Jan. 20, the inauguration ceremony and inaugural address, which would normally occur outside the U.S. Capitol, instead occurred inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Furthermore, the inaugural parade, which normally takes place along Pennsylvania Avenue, beginning at the Capitol and ending at the White House, was moved indoors to the Capitol One Arena. These factors necessitated adaptability in planning, as well as effective communication and synchronization between TF District and interagency partners to ensure successful completion of missions.
Ultimately, TF-District provided security and traffic control support for many events surrounding the Presidential Inauguration, including a dinner event at the National Gallery of Art Jan. 19, a Trump victory rally at the Capitol One Arena Jan. 19, a pre-inauguration candlelight dinner at the National Building Museum Jan. 19, several inaugural balls at the Walter Washington Convention Center and Union Station on Jan. 20, a National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral On Jan. 21, and more.
By end of mission, TF-District executed nine individual missions in support of the Presidential Inauguration, totaling more than 275,000 manhours of support. This includes staffing 85 traffic control points throughout the duration of the mission. Many TF-District service members speak fondly of the positive interactions they had with interagency partners and members of the local public while on the streets of D.C. Every Pennsylvania National Guard service member returned home safely at end of the eight-day mission. It was an honor for members of the 55th MEB and its auxiliary elements to support an event with such deep-rooted National Guard history.
U.S. Army Spc. Kane Lesoine, a motor transport operator assigned to the 121st Transportation Company, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, shakes hands with a D.C. Metropolitan Police Department official while providing traffic control in Washington, D.C. as part of Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Jan. 19, 2025. Approximately 8,000 National Guard service members from approximately 40 states and territories comprised JTF-DC to support the 60th Presidential Inauguration, continuing a legacy that began in 1789 when their predecessors escorted George Washington to the first inauguration. At the request of civil authorities, these National Guard service members provide critical support such as crowd management, traffic control points, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) response, civil disturbance response and sustainment operations. Their expertise and seamless collaboration with interagency partners help ensure a safe and peaceful transition of power during this historic event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith)
U.S. Army Spc. Jolene Riley, assigned to the 1069th Military Police Company, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, coordinates with D.C. firefighters during Joint Task Force-District of Columbia's (JTF-DC) support of the 60th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 19, 2025. Approximately 8,000 National Guard service members from approximately 40 states and territories comprise JTF-DC to support the 60th Presidential Inauguration, continuing a legacy that began in 1789 when their predecessors escorted George Washington to the first inauguration. At the request of civil authorities, these National Guard service members provide critical support such as crowd management, traffic control points, CBRN response, civil disturbance response and sustainment operations. Their expertise and seamless collaboration with interagency partners help ensure a safe and peaceful transition of power during this historic event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith)
U.S. Army Col. Brad Pierson, commander of the 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, recognizes Spc. Laura Cerrato, a New York Army National Guard member, with a command coin for her extraordinary support to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) in support of the 60th Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C., Jan. 21, 2025. Approximately 8,000 National Guard service members from approximately 40 states and territories comprise JTF-DC to support the 60th Presidential Inauguration, continuing a legacy that began in 1789 when their predecessors escorted George Washington to the first inauguration. At the request of civil authorities, these National Guard service members provide critical support such as crowd management, traffic control points, CBRN response, civil disturbance response and sustainment operations. Their expertise and seamless collaboration with interagency partners help ensure a safe and peaceful transition of power during this historic event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith)
Keystone Connections Readiness Training Program Helps Raise Suicide Awareness
The Keystone Connections Readiness Training (KCRT) is a new and innovative suicide prevention program that takes a different approach to a difficult topic than what service members are familiar with. Facilitator-led training allows participants to interact on a personal level with members in their unit who they normally might not associate with outside of a military environment.
The training aims to normalize the reality of suicide and reduce the stigma that creates an aversion to seeking help. Through shared stories and small group conversations, common ground is found among unit members with diverse backgrounds. These connections encourage and strengthen the foundations of unit cohesion which is critical during times of crisis.
Resources are available to talk with service members about available services that can mitigate stressors in their lives. The KCRT also brings in non-military affiliated counselors for confidential one-on-one conversations. While the resources reinforce tools available to service members, the purpose of the counselors is two-fold. First, they serve to provide service members with the unique experience of meeting with a clinical professional. Secondly, they provide service members with the opportunity to speak confidentially and receive additional resources.
The KCRT continues to evolve with each event, however its tenets of raising suicide awareness, reducing the stigma against help-seeking behavior, and fostering a resilient force through unit cohesion remain constant.
PA National Guard Army
DMVA Employees Recognized For Years Of Service
Two Department of Pennsylvania Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) employees were recently recognized by Maj. Gen. Laura McHugh, deputy adjutant general-Army, for their years of service to the commonwealth. Officer Doug Harris started as a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources employee and joined the Ft. Indiantown Gap Police Department in 2009. He has worked for the commonwealth for 27 years. Fort Indiantown Gap firefighter Robert Taylor was also recognized for 20 years of service in the commonwealth. Both employees provide critical services to the post, the surrounding communities, and the commonwealth and we are thankful to have them on our team!
Pennsylvania Army National Guard Receives Media Awards
Several members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard recently won awards at the National Guard Bureau’s annual Media Contest. The competition is open to all 54 states and territories and our first-place winners will move on to the Army competition.
PAARNG winners include:
Cadet Jessica Barb, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st place, Unit Public Affairs Representative of the Year
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 1st place, Public Affairs Organization of the Year – Command Information (Large)
Mr. Brad Rhen, Joint Force Headquarters, 1st place, Civilian Writer of the Year
SFC Shane Smith, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 2nd place, Military Videographer of the Year
1SG HollyAnn Nicom, 109th MPAD, 3rd place, Military Photographer of the Year
We extend our congratulations to all and are extremely proud of your accomplishments!
PA National Guard Air Force
Airmen of the Future — 193 SOW
The 193rd Special Operations Wing recently launched the Ready Airmen Training program to enhance aircraft maintenance efficiency by cross-training personnel in multiple specialties. This initiative aims to create a more adaptable and deployment-ready force by enabling Airmen to perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reducing the number of specialists needed for deployments and increasing overall operational efficiency.
Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15oADFtkBn/
Pennsylvania’s Finest Maneuver — 171st ARW
The 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 193rd Special Operations Wing, sister wings from the state of Pennsylvania, execute a maneuver that they do best together – in-flight refueling. In these photos, an MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd SOW, prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 171st ARW.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18gGfzoJZu/
Photos: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8905855/193rd-mc-130j-commando-ii-refuels-with-171st
A New Era of Excellence — 111th ATKW
The 111th Communications Flight has been redesignated as the 111th Communications Squadron in recognition of its expanded responsibilities and vital role in supporting the 111th Attack Wing's mission. This change signifies the unit's commitment to securing and maintaining essential communication infrastructure in a dynamic operational environment and highlights its integral role in ensuring mission success.
DMVA News and Events
Purchasing A Women Veterans License Plate Recognizes Women Who Served, Supports Veterans’ Trust Fund
As we celebrate Women's History Month in March, one way you can support the approximately 63,000 women veterans in PA is by purchasing one of the women veterans license plates. In December, the Shapiro Administration announced six new military license plates to honor PA veterans, with three of these plates specifically honoring women veterans.
Keystone State Challenge Academy
Special Flag Football Program Has Positive Impact On Cadets
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has partnered with MVP360 for a special program of Flag Football this class. MVP 360 is a non-profit leadership development program designed to develop youth into productive members of society through sports and life skills. “MVP” stands for Motivates, Values, and Personality; the number 360 represents a well-rounded mindset in which an individual, family, and community promote education, fitness, social acceptance and emotional well-being. Michael Bross, a counselor-case manager for KSCA is the driving force in support of solidifying this relationship for future classes.
Class 25-1 started this program on Feb. 22, 2025 and completed three sessions with six more to come. The cadets are working on football drills and short scrimmage games focusing on technique and teamwork. This focuses the cadets on concentration, self-awareness of output, and dedication to the team. Moving forward, the cadets will start playing full field games for one quarter of play. We are proud of the commitment that the cadets have toward both our program and MVP 360. We look forward to what they will accomplish in the future and also look forward to our relationship with MVP 360 for future courses.
Policy and Legislation
Finding A Job As A Veteran In Pennsylvania: New Opportunities And Initiatives
For veterans in Pennsylvania looking to transition into civilian careers, a variety of initiatives are underway to help connect them with meaningful employment. From legislative efforts to executive action, Pennsylvania is prioritizing its veterans and ensuring their skills and experiences are recognized in the job market.
One of the latest efforts includes a public hearing hosted by the Senate Majority Policy Committee on March 18 in Glenfield. The hearing focused on strategies to better integrate veterans into the workforce by bringing together nonprofits, unions, and government officials to discuss new opportunities and services. Brig. Gen. Mark Goodwill, Director, Joint Staff, Pennsylvania National Guard was a panelist at the hearing. Senator Devlin Robinson emphasized the importance of supporting veterans' physical, emotional, and economic well-being, while Senator Dave Argall stressed the need to connect veterans with career pathways that match their expertise.
Governor Josh Shapiro has also taken steps to make it easier for federal employees, including veterans, to transition into state employment. Through Executive Order 2025-01, Pennsylvania now recognizes federal work experience—including military service—as equivalent to state experience in hiring decisions.
As part of this initiative, the state is developing a new website designed to support former federal employees in navigating Pennsylvania’s hiring process. This resource will provide an overview of the state’s application system, explain the differences between civil service and non-civil service jobs, highlight the benefits of working for the Commonwealth, and list 23 high-priority, hard-to-fill state positions alongside their federal equivalents. Additionally, the site will include tailored information for veterans and military service members, along with direct access to recruiter contacts for further support.
Beyond the website, Pennsylvania has also hosted job fairs to connect federal employees and veterans with potential employers and has streamlined hiring processes to reduce wait times. These efforts aim to make the transition into state employment as seamless as possible, ensuring that experienced professionals can continue serving their communities in meaningful roles.
Facilities and Engineering
New Combined Shop Maintenance Support Building Construction Project
Construction has started on a new Combined Shop Maintenance Support (CSMS) Building for Western Pennsylvania after nearly a decade of planning. This building will be located at Pittsburgh International Airport near the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air Guard Station. The project is funded through MILCON Federal and PA State Capital Funds with an estimate cost of $31 million. The current CSMS Shop was built in the 1920’s and is in Coraopolis, PA along 5th Avenue with limited space for expansion. The new CSMS will greatly enhance the maintenance readiness of Western Pennsylvania Units while also providing a new updated work environment for federal technicians that are assigned to the shop. Construction is projected to be completed in Summer of 2027.