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In this update:
Important Notice – In observance of Columbus Day, my offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 13. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Join Us for a 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 8-10 a.m. at the Eagle Fire Company, 54 Center St., Mt. Wolf. This special morning is our way of saying “thank you” to those who have served our nation with honor and dedication. We are excited to welcome Pennsylvania National Guard Brig. Gen. Reece J. Lutz as our featured guest speaker. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the Mobile Veterans Service Officer Outreach Team from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, which will provide helpful information, assistance and resources. Veterans and one guest should RSVP online or by calling 717-432-1730 no later than Wednesday, Oct. 29. Stop by My Open House at the Dillsburg Farmers Fair
I invite you to stop by my district office at 12 N. Baltimore St. during the Dillsburg Farmers Fair on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. My team and I will be available to answer questions, share information about the services we provide and connect with you while you enjoy the fair. I look forward to seeing you and catching up with people from the community. York County at the Center of U.S. Defense Production
I joined U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, state Rep. Seth Grove and York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler for a tour of BAE Systems in York. The facility is the largest manufacturing site in the world for warfighting vehicles and employs more than 1,800 people. These combat vehicles are essential to protecting American troops on the battlefield and ensuring the nation remains prepared to meet modern defense challenges. Our visit highlighted the critical role BAE Systems plays in strengthening America’s defense, supporting military readiness and contributing to the ongoing effort to modernize U.S. and allied forces. I am proud that York County is home to such innovation and hard work, and I am grateful for the men and women at BAE Systems whose efforts directly impact national security. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Under legislation passed by the Senate last month, disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients will be exempt from most hunting license and permit fees when participating at events granted a Military Event License Exemption Permit by the Game Commission. With Senate Bill 533, individuals or entities can apply for the permit for events that are primarily for the rehabilitation or enjoyment of up to 10 participating disabled veterans and/or Purple Heart recipients and held on private property. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Fort Indiantown Gap and Lickdale Veterans Outreach Center Tour
Senators and staff from the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee toured Fort Indiantown Gap and Lickdale Veterans Outreach Center in August. Senators and staff were able to:
VA Offers Yearlong Community Care Authorizations
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will extend the length of new VA community care authorizations to one year for 30 eligible standardized types of care, an increase from the previous reevaluation every 90 to 180 days. This will improve continuity of care and allow veterans to focus more on their health than frequent administrative requirements. VA Awards $818 Million in Grants to Combat Veteran Homelessness
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that more than $818 million in grants have been given to 235 organizations across the country to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. More than $16 million has been given to organizations serving Pennsylvania’s veterans, including:
These grants will help to fund local organizations as they assist veterans with access to housing and housing counseling, health care, financial planning services, childcare, legal assistance and transportation. Submit Mileage-Only Travel Claims with the VA Mobile App
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now allows eligible veterans to submit and track mileage-only travel claims directly from their smartphone using the VA Health and Benefits mobile app. With more than 3 million downloads, the app now features a prompt that appears when a VA appointment may qualify for mileage reimbursement. Submitting a claim takes just a few taps – no paperwork required. This update helps speed up processing and reduces the need for paper submissions. Veterans with a 30% or higher service-connected disability rating who travel in their own vehicle to VA medical appointments may be eligible. To learn more or download the app, visit the VA Health and Benefits mobile page. All Veterans Reunion Picnic – Oct. 12 in Philadelphia
Homecoming 250 will be hosting events to celebrate the Navy and Marine Corps 250th birthday throughout October and November in the Philadelphia area. On Saturday, Oct. 12, from noon to 5 p.m., Homecoming 250 will be hosting an All Veterans Reunion Picnic at Independence Mall. Veterans, service members, their families and supporters are welcome to attend. Admission to the event is free and no ticket is needed for entry.
PA VetCon 2025 – Oct. 22-25 in King of Prussia
PA VetCon 2025 seeks to amplify awareness, facilitate vital conversations and cultivate solutions for challenges confronting veterans and the Pennsylvania National Guard. It offers a dynamic mix of professional growth, networking, fun and inspiration for veterans interested in advancing their careers, building resilience or enjoying camaraderie. The conference will be held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 1st Ave., King of Prussia, PA. Veterans Discount on NFL Sunday Ticket
Veterans are eligible for a discount of almost 60% off for NFL Sunday Ticket through ID.me. NFL Sunday Ticket gives fans the ability to watch their favorite NFL team’s out-of-market Sunday games, enjoy unlimited streams at home, view key plays and watch up to four live games on one screen in multiview. Veteran Employment Programs
Hiring Our Heroes, Hire Heroes USA, Onward to Opportunity and VetJobs are engaged in a formal evaluation effort to measure the impact of their programs. Supported by research from The Veterans Metrics Initiative, their proven models for success feature:
Veterans looking for career support can reach out to these programs for personalized support and proven pathways to success. Need Help Finding Your DD-214 or Military Records?
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) can help veterans locate their DD Form 214 (DD-214) and other essential military documents. These records are crucial for verifying service and accessing the benefits they’ve earned – including retirement, employment opportunities and membership in veterans’ organizations. If your DD-214 is missing or contains errors, the DMVA can assist with locating or correcting it to avoid delays in receiving your benefits. How to Get Help:
Learn More: Visit the Records Request Program website 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 York or Cumberland counties, please do so by completing our online submission form. OCTOBER Saturday, Oct. 11 – Community Yard Sale Saturday, Oct. 11 – Treys Crab Fest Saturday, Oct. 11 – The Annual AVHRRC Veterans Fall Commemoration Event Saturday, Oct. 11 – Entertainment: DJ Dutch Sunday, Oct. 12 – Bingo Wednesday, Oct. 15 – Trivia Night Friday, Oct. 17 – Entertainment: DJ Firehouse with Karaoke Friday, Oct. 17 – Entertainment: Down to Earth Saturday, Oct. 18 – Community Yard Sale Saturday, Oct. 18 – Trunk or Treat Saturday, Oct. 18 – Entertainment: DJ Firehouse with Karaoke Sunday, Oct. 19 – Bingo Monday, Oct. 20 – Music Bingo Friday, Oct. 24 – Entertainment: Phipps & Friends Friday, Oct. 24 – Entertainment: Company Car Saturday, Oct. 25 – Community Yard Sale Saturday, Oct. 25 – Chicken BBQ and Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 25 – Trunk or Treat Saturday, Oct. 25 – Comedy Dinner: Ghosted Sunday, Oct. 26 – Trunk or Treat Sunday, Oct. 26 – Bingo Monday, Oct. 27 – Cornhole Friday, Oct. 31 – Entertainment: Famous Rumors & Costume Party Friday, Oct. 31 – Entertainment: Vanishing Point NOVEMBER Saturday, Nov. 1 – Community Yard Sale Saturday, Nov. 1 – Entertainment: DJ Dutch Sunday, Nov. 2 – Designer Purse Bingo Friday, Nov. 7 – Blood Drive Saturday, Nov. 8 – York County Celebration & Breakfast Sunday, Nov. 9 – Cash Bingo to Benefit Veterans Programs Friday, Nov. 21 – Band Night Ft. STEEL Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Band Night Ft. Cannon Fire DECEMBER Friday, Dec. 12 – Entertainment: Nick Ferraro and the Allstars Friday, Dec. 19 – Entertainment: Soul Cellar |
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