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In this Update:

• Honoring Service and Sacrifice Throughout May
• Free Healing Retreats for Veteran Families
• Equine-Assisted Therapy Helps Veterans Heal at Leg Up Farm
• Requiring Public Schools to Display the POW/MIA Flag
• Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program
• Improving Veteran Access to Homeownership

Honoring Service and Sacrifice Throughout May

May is an important month for recognizing the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military. This month is especially meaningful to me because several members of my own family have served. Their experiences have given me a personal appreciation for the sacrifices military families make and the lasting impact service has across generations. Throughout Military Appreciation Month, we honor active-duty service members, veterans and military families whose dedication has helped safeguard the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Within this month of recognition, Armed Forces Day, observed May 16, provides an opportunity to thank those currently serving at home and abroad. Their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty reflect the highest ideals of service and deserve our continued gratitude and support, not only in May but throughout the year.

Memorial Day brings a more solemn reflection as we remember the Americans who gave their lives in service to our country. As we gather with family and friends during the holiday weekend, we are reminded of the cost of freedom and the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

There are several local events planned and below are just a few:

• The Camp Hill 107th Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony and Festivities will be held May 25, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony in the Camp Hill Cemetery at 11 a.m. to honor fallen service members. After the ceremony, there will be children’s activities and food vendors in Willow Park. 

• The annual salute to over 500 military veterans resting in peace at Mt. Olivet Cemetery will be held May 21 at noon. Veterans’ families, American Legion members, Cedar Cliff JROTC Cadets and wrestling team, scouts, VFW members and community leaders will place small U.S. flags on individual gravesites. Additionally, a new U.S. Flag will be raised at the Memorial flagpole while “Taps” echoes throughout the cemetery. The event is free, and a grilled lunch will be served. Reservations are appreciated but not required. Reserve a spot here.

With heartfelt gratitude, I thank the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to serving our nation and honor the memory of those who gave everything in its defense. Their selflessness and devotion to country will never be forgotten.

Free Healing Retreats for Veteran Families

Project New Hope is offering free, five-day healing retreats for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans and their families (up to six people). Held at Beacon Lodge Camp in Mifflin County, this peaceful 583-acre mountain setting provides a supportive space for veteran families to reconnect and heal together.

2026 Retreat Dates:

• June 13–17
• July 11–15 (Women’s Retreat)
• August 8–12

These retreats are free, but space is limited and deadlines apply. To learn more or register, visit the Project New Hope website.

Equine-Assisted Therapy Helps Veterans Heal at Leg Up Farm

Veterans have a unique opportunity for healing and personal growth through equine-assisted psychotherapy at Leg Up Farm in Mount Wolf. The program supports emotional wellness by helping participants rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and reconnect with others in a supportive, nontraditional setting.

Through guided interaction with horses and trained professionals, veterans work toward improved communication, reduced stress and a renewed sense of self. Services are offered in individual, family and group formats to meet a range of needs. Veterans interested in learning more can contact Leg Up Farm for additional information.

Requiring Public Schools to Display the POW/MIA Flag

The Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 835 which would require all Pennsylvania public schools already displaying the American flag to also display the POW/MIA flag.

The POW/MIA flag is a powerful symbol recognizing and honoring the courageous men and women of the Armed Forces who remain prisoners of war or missing in action. By displaying this flag, schools also demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families and educating students about the importance of service. Read more about Senate Bill 835.

Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program

Qualifying veterans can apply through their County Director of Veterans Affairs to receive $150 per month through Pennsylvania’s Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program.

Applicants must have been a Pennsylvania resident upon entering the military; have received Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge; have a service-connected injury or incurred a disease resulting in the loss or loss of use of two or more extremities; and have at least a 40% or higher disability rating compensation rating in each limb as determined and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Find your County Director of Veterans Affairs here.

Improving Veteran Access to Homeownership

All veterans, service members and surviving spouses applying for a VA-backed home loan can now obtain their active Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in real-time through the VA: Health and Benefits mobile app. A COE verifies eligibility for the VA Home Loan Program to lenders.

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