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In this Update:
Welcome to My Veterans E-Newsletter!
Thank you for subscribing to my veterans e-newsletter. Every month, I’ll be sharing updates on veteran resources and benefits, as well as local veteran-related events and happenings in the 29th district in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. If anyone you know may be interested in this information, please share this email with them. They can subscribe here. If you or anyone you know has questions about what benefits or services you may be eligible for, my joint office with Rep. Dane Watro in Mahanoy City hosts appointments with an American Legion service officer each month. The officer will be able to assist with applications for VA disability benefits and provide information, referrals, and resources on educational programs, employment and business services, death benefits, and other important topics of interest to veterans. 30-minute appointments are available from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Schedule yours today by calling 570-773-0891. How Can We Better Support Veterans When They Return Home?
At the invitation of Senator Devlin Robinson, I chaired a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee in Glenfield earlier this year about ways we can better support veterans in Pennsylvania. We heard from Brig. Gen. Mark Goodwill, the Director of the Joint Staff of the Pennsylvania National Guard, about the many programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Organizations including UPMC, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Pittsburgh Hires Veterans, and Per Scholas shared their work to connect veterans with healthcare and train them for productive, fulfilling careers. Helping our veterans find meaningful employment and connecting them with available services is the least we can do when they return home to their families. We should never leave behind any of our friends and neighbors who dedicated their lives to defending our nation and our freedoms. Nesquehoning VFW Creates Veterans and First Responders Memorial Garden
I recently visited the newly created Veterans and First Responder Memorial Garden in Nesquehoning. The Nesquehoning Memorial VFW Post #8008 partnered with the Panther Valley Blueprint Communities team and Penn State Master Gardeners to create a space honoring our armed forces and first responders. The garden will also serve as a place for people to learn about native plants. Rep. Doyle Heffley and I secured highly competitive state funding to support this project. While there, I presented them with a vintage VFW plaque from the Yuengling family, which has now returned home. Streamlining Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 232, disabled veterans with a 100% disability will no longer have to apply for a free Pennsylvania fishing license on an annual basis. Starting Aug. 29, all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination from the VA, whether it is a permanent determination or not, will be able to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses. Easing Repayment of PA Military Family Education Program Awards for Service Members Who Separate Under Certain Circumstances
Currently, Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) service members participating in the PA Military Family Education Program who separate from the PANG must repay the total award plus interest. Through a change made by Act 32 of 2025, service members will only be responsible for repaying a portion of the program’s benefit if they separate from the PANG on or after Sept. 5, 2025 due to death, medical reasons, discharge at the convenience of the Guard or other compelling circumstances which warrant forgiveness. PA’s Newest Brigadier Generals
In June, the state Senate confirmed the promotions of the following four Pennsylvania National Guard Officers from colonel to brigadier general:
These individuals will continue to serve our Commonwealth and lead our National Guard with honor and distinction. Reduced Veterans’ Group Life Insurance Premiums
Veterans insured coverage under the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program have started seeing lower monthly premiums for all ages. Discounts range from 2% to 17%, with an average reduction of 11%. Insured veterans are being notified of their monthly premium reduction through direct mail, email, online accounts and premium bills. No action is required. Veteran Burial Benefits
The National Cemetery Administration has launched Plan Today, Honor Forever, a nationwide campaign to help veterans understand their options and apply for VA pre-need burial eligibility. Eligible veterans have burial and memorial benefits for themselves, their spouses and qualifying family members whether being buried in a VA national cemetery or within a private cemetery. Taking Veterans Out to the Ballgame
Baseball fans who have served in the U.S. Military can save some money when going to Major League Baseball (MLB) games at the ballpark. MLB teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates, offer discounted tickets through GovX for home games throughout their seasons to veterans and their families. |
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