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In this update:
Meet Our New District Office Director
I am pleased to announce Nicholas Shields has joined my team as the new district office director in the Dillsburg office. He brings a strong background in public service, leadership and community engagement to the role. A former U.S. Army infantry officer and military veteran, he has led teams in high-pressure environments, managed complex operations and demonstrated a commitment to service. His background includes grassroots outreach efforts, where he developed relationships with community leaders across multiple counties. As district office director, Nick will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Dillsburg office, supervise staff and ensure constituents receive timely and effective assistance. He will also serve as my local representative, working closely with residents, businesses and community organizations to address concerns and connect people with state resources. His background in leadership, logistics and constituent engagement makes him well-suited to handle complex issues and maintain strong relationships throughout the district. We look forward to the work ahead and continuing to serve you. When you stop into the office or see him out and about, please be sure to say hello! Support for Veterans Through Equine Therapy
For many veterans, the transition from military to civilian life can bring challenges such as hypervigilance, emotional disconnection and shifts in identity and purpose. Whispering Soul Equine Healing, located in Newville, offers the Veteran Renew and Rebuild Pathway program. This 12 session equine assisted psychotherapy program is designed to support veterans during this transition through guided, ground-based interactions with horses. Participants receive real-time feedback that strengthens awareness, regulation and connection. Designed as a cohesive therapeutic journey rather than standalone sessions, the pathway builds over time to support healing, identity work and reintegration. Veterans gain tools for forward planning and lasting change with compassionate clinical guidance. You can learn more about this program here. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Offers Relief to Eligible Pennsylvanians
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides financial relief to homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania, offering rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000 for eligible older adults and people with disabilities. The program helps ease the burden of property taxes and rent for those on fixed or limited incomes. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
In addition, household income must be $48,110 or less annually. Applications for the 2025 program are now being accepted, with a deadline of June 30. If you need assistance with applying, eligibility questions and program guidance, please reach out to my office at 717-432-1730. DMVA Hosts Safeguarding Our Veterans Webinar
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will host the Safeguarding Our Veterans webinar on Wednesday, April 8, from 10-11 a.m. This virtual session is designed to help veterans, families and caregivers better understand the risks facing the veteran community and the resources available to help prevent fraud and abuse. Participants will learn about challenges Pennsylvania veterans face, protective services and the reporting process, and how to identify scams like pension poaching. The webinar will also highlight available resources and support services for veterans. Those interested in attending can register here. Measure Protecting Veterans’ Benefits Advances
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved legislation to protect veterans from individuals and organizations who charge excessive fees and engage in predatory practices on those applying for and receiving benefits. Senate Bill 1209 would require certain people to annually register with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs if they are paid to assist a veteran, service member or eligible dependent with the preparation, presentation or prosecution of a veterans’ benefits claim. Before these individuals may provide a veteran any services, they will also be required to provide written disclosure of fees and services, as well as notice that free assistance is available from county directors of veterans affairs, congressionally chartered veterans’ service organizations and accredited representatives, paid assistance is not required to file a veterans’ benefits claim and filing a claim through a paid provider does not guarantee a favorable outcome or a specific disability rating. Senate Bill 1209 will also prohibit those paid to assist with veterans’ benefits claims from directly soliciting veterans by phone, text, social media or in-person. It sets limits on compensation for those individuals and prohibits them from receiving any compensation for assisting with a veterans’ benefits matter filed within 365 days of a veteran’s release from active-duty service. State Veterans Commission Meeting
The State Veterans Commission (SVC) will hold its next regular meeting on Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. The SVC advises the adjutant general and the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on all matters pertaining to the status, welfare, benefits, employment and support of veterans and veterans’ programs in Pennsylvania. The meeting will be held at the Lickdale Outreach Center, 40 Fisher Ave., Jonestown. You can also join by telephone at (267) 332-8737 or via Microsoft Teams. VA Moves to Better Ensure the Second Amendment Rights of Veterans
Veterans receiving assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Fiduciary Program will no longer be deprived of their Second Amendment rights by being reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) as “prohibited persons” based solely on their participation in the program. The VA, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Justice, is ending its practice of reporting veterans in the program to NICS without a judicial or quasi-judicial body decision because it is prohibited under federal law and the U.S. Constitution. It is also having all past VA reporting of veterans in the Fiduciary Program removed from NICS. Ultimately, no veteran will be stripped of their Second Amendment rights just because they participate in the Fiduciary Program. Improving Access to Education and Training Benefits
Claims for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make an official review of entitlements will no longer be needed by any veteran seeking more information regarding education and training benefits granted under the 2024 Supreme Court Rudisill decision. While the VA had previously notified 380,000 veterans of the need for them to submit a claim, a claim for an official decision on entitlement will not be required of them or any other veteran to learn more about their benefits. Eligibility for two different education programs has also been extended due to another federal court decision for certain veterans who served for a single obligated period of sufficient length. More information can be found here. An Evening with WWII P-47 Pilot Alan Shapiro
The Veteran’s Breakfast Club and the Central Pennsylvania WWII Roundtable are hosting an evening of storytelling with 101 year-old WWII pilot Alan Shapiro. Originally from Elkins Park, Mr. Shapiro joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944 at 18 years old and served with the 1st Allied Airborne, 316th Troop Carrier Group, 37th Troop Carrier Squadron. He flew critical missions from Market Garden to Operation Varsity, supporting the Allied Powers across Europe.
Pennsylvania Veterans Homes
The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers eligible veterans or surviving spouses’ residency in one of the six extended-care facilities throughout the state. The varying levels of care provided include personal, domiciliary, skilled nursing and memory care. To be eligible, the veteran must have an honorable discharge, served in the U.S. or PA Armed Forces and be resident at time of entry or current resident of Pennsylvania. Click here for detailed instructions on how to apply or call the home you are interested in directly. April Showers Bring May Flowers
Are you looking to plant some fruits, vegetables and flowers to get spring started? There are plenty of discounts for veterans to get their gardens started, and flowerbeds and lawns looking refreshed!
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