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In this Update:
A New Veterans Newsletter Shaped by You
Every veteran has a story. A story of courage, sacrifice and service to something greater than themselves. To better connect with the men and women who have served, I am launching a new monthly veterans e-newsletter. Whether you are navigating the VA system, seeking community resources or simply looking to stay informed, this newsletter is meant to serve you, just as you served all of us. I don’t want to assume what matters most to you. That’s why I’m asking you to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will guide the topics we cover, highlight the challenges you’re facing and help ensure this becomes a truly valuable resource for our veteran community. Please also consider sharing this e-newsletter with other veterans and encouraging them to sign up. Thank you for your service, and thank you in advance for helping us build something meaningful together. Save the Date: Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Veterans are invited to join Rep. Joe D’Orsie and me for a special Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 7, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Eagle Fire Company, 54 Center St., Mt. Wolf. This event is a way to thank those who have worn the uniform and served our nation with honor. It will be a morning of connection, conversation and appreciation, with helpful information on state programs and services available to veterans. Additional details and RSVP information will be shared in future newsletters. We hope to see you there! Honoring the Greatest Generation
I had the absolute honor of attending a powerful tribute dinner in recognition of the Greatest Generation. The event, hosted by Bruce Lindsey and Liz Gallo and generously sponsored by Mike and Katie Kennedy, was held at the Allenberry Resort. The evening was more than a dinner, it was a profound experience. Surrounded by living history, I listened to the stories of veterans whose service, sacrifice and humility continue to shape our nation. Hearing directly from the heroes of the Greatest Generation left me speechless and deeply moved. If you would like to hear some of these stories for yourself, I encourage you to visit Bruce and Liz’s YouTube channel, It’s About Service, where they are preserving and sharing these powerful testimonies: youtube.com/@itsaboutservice. 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. Upcoming Veterans Events in York and Cumberland Counties
This section highlights veterans events my office has been informed about, but does not represent a complete listing. Inclusion of an event is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. If you would like to submit a veterans event for Cumberland or York counties, please do so by completing our online submission form. AUGUST
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