Disabled Veterans eligible for free National Park Service Lifetime Access Pass

Good for entry into 400+ National Parks and over 2,000 recreation sites across the country

Franklin Regional student documentary on traveling Vietnam Wall earns national award

When Colten Oakes, a Franklin Regional senior, got his camera out at the traveling Vietnam War memorial in Murrysville Community Park, he couldn’t help thinking of his grandfather, whose dog tags were hanging around Oakes’s neck.

World War II combat medic, now 96, to receive military honors

A 96 year-old Belle Vernon man will be honored next week for his service as a World War II combat medic in a campaign to liberate the Philippines.

Memorial Day happenings around the Alle-Kiski Valley

Memorial Day observances in Allegheny TWP, Lower Burrell, Kiski TWP, New Ken, Vandergrift, and more

Norwin Historical Society plans Memorial Day ceremonies at cemeteries, monuments

The Norwin Historical Society will hold its annual Memorial Day observances Sunday at area cemeteries and war memorials.

Events, info, and Emploment from around the State and Nation

Local

135th Annual Memorial Service In Latrobe: 

- May 25, 2019, 7 p.m.- Latrobe United Methodist Church, 440 Main St., Latrobe, PA (Westmoreland County)- Point of contact: Barry Novosel, Cmdr American Legion, Post 515 at 724-537-6061 or email Home...

Norwin grad to speak at Irwin Memorial Day parade

A Norwin High School graduate and officer in the 82nd Airborne Division will be the keynote speaker at the Irwin Memorial Day Parade on Monday.

Students spruce up Lower Burrell’s Veterans Central Park

When a trip to New York City fell through, Burrell High School students decided to donate $1,000 they raised for the outing — along with their free labor — for a much-needed sprucing up of Lower Burrell’s Veterans Central Park on Monday.

Kiski Area students looking for vets/families to include on veterans web site

During the festivities this Saturday honoring the late Sgt. Jason M. McClary at the Allegheny Township War Memorial, Kiski Area students will be signing up area veterans and the families of late veterans for inclusion on the Kiski Area Veterans Website.

Hard work helps Norwin Air Force Junior ROTC win high honors

Hard work combined with community service were responsible for Norwin High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC program earning the second-highest recognition from the Air Force’s Junior ROTC, officials with the program said.

Help VLP Celebrate Veteran Moms

Veterans Leadership Program of western PA is collecting donations of new, unused items for moms who have served. Drop off at 3 locations in Westmoreland County:

• County Veterans Affairs, 2nd floor, Westmoreland County Courthouse, 2 N Main St., Greensburg
• VA ...

PA Hero Walk to honor the late Army Sgt. Jason McClary

The PA Hero Walk will hold a memorial ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday for Army Sgt. Jason McClary at 21 Towne Center Drive in Allegheny Township.

Veterans don’t need to pay for help to apply for benefits in PA

Westmoreland County’s director of Veterans Affairs is reminding veterans that applying for benefits should never come with a fee.

DAV at Alle-Kiski CareerLink May 24th

MOBILE SERVICE OFFICE WILL BE AT PA CAREERLINK ALLE-KISKI-MAY 24, 2019

9AM-3PM IN ROOM #132

Download Flyer

DAV information seminar that broadly covers:

• Claims Assistance
• Disability Compensation
• Special Benefits for Certain Disabled Veterans
• Nonservice-Connected ...

Women's Tea at VAPHS May 29th

Women veterans and service members are invited to tea at the Women's Health Clinic, University Drive VA, Building 1, Room 1A175

Wednesday, May 29 from 11am to 1 pm

West Newton Avenue of Flags on display for 25th year

Volunteers on Friday helped assemble the 25th annual West Newton Cemetery Avenue of Flags, a Memorial Day tradition.

Memorial Day observances at National Cemeteries

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) will host Memorial Day ceremonies from May 25 to May 27 to commemorate the nation’s fallen service members.“At VA, we ...

Memorial Day observances, employment, and events from around PA

135th Annual Memorial Service In Latrobe: 

- May 25, 2019, 7 p.m.- Latrobe United Methodist Church, 440 Main St., Latrobe, PA (Westmoreland County)- Point of contact: Barry Novosel, Cmdr American Legion, Post 515 at 724-537-6061 or email Home515@v...

What helps prevent dementia? Try exercise, not vitamin pills

If you want to save your brain, focus on keeping the rest of your body well with exercise and healthy habits rather than popping vitamin pills, new guidelines for preventing dementia advise.

Memorial Day Ceremony to honor Sgt. Jason M McClary--May 25, 2019

At 10AM on May 25, 2019, the Kiski Valley Veterans and Patriots Association, also known by their fundraising name, PA Hero Walk, will hold a ceremony at the Allegheny Township War Memorial adjacent to Century 21. This event will be focused around bringing...

75th Anniversary of D-Day Commemoration Ceremony, Pittsburgh

What: 75th Anniversary of D-Day Commemoration Ceremony

Where: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum

When: June 6th, 2019 at 9:30am

Partners: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum

          &...

Applying for Veterans Benefits Should Never Come with a Fee

Annville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) reminded veterans and their dependents that they should never pay for assistance to apply for veterans’ benefits. Federal and state laws make provisions...

VA’s Home Loan Guaranty program notifies Veterans of potential loan fee waivers

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced May 13 that Veterans who qualify for a VA Home Loan funding fee waiver are now being notified in their home loan eligibility certificate and disability compensation award letter.

Army Reserve and Guard in Blended Retirement System may see more cash

Army Reserve and Guard members who chose the new Blended Retirement System and who will be eligible for continuation pay this year will see thousands of dollars more cash.

FREE Memorial Day event for the family at Soldiers & Sailors, Pittsburgh

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. invites you to a FREE Memorial Day celebration Monday, May 27th from 11AM to 4PM to honor and celebrate our Military!

RAIN OR SHINE!

Soldiers & Sailors' free community event starts with a ref...

Memorial Day car show will benefit veterans, children’s charities

Proceeds to benefit PA Hero Walk.

Open house Friday, May 17, at Southwestern Veterans’ Center

The center has memory, personal and skilled nursing care, said center commandant Rich Adams in an announcement. Residents have access to therapy, 24-hour care and recreation on site and in the community.

News from around the region, state, and nation

Veteran event at Idlewild May 25

Veteran X is sponsoring a free event for veterans and their family members at Idlewild Saturday, May 25th at 12 noon. Please see flyer for details.

Check out these military, veteran discounts and deals for May — and beyond

Whether you’ve always wanted to design your own firearm, visit SeaWorld on the cheap, or get the best deal on a hotel for your next family vacation, check out our list of deals. While some offers are specific to May, more and more businesses are...

A Photo of a General’s Family Highlights Civil-Military Concerns

Senators saw a prime example of military leadership during Gen. James McConville’s testimony to become the next Army chief of staff. Others saw a problem about those who choose to serve.

With her service dog, a Navy vet with PTSD will run the Pittsburgh Marathon

SCRANTON, Pa. — Melissa Hughes has run dozens of races since her first 5K five years ago. So she knows exactly how it’s going to go down when she and her best friend run through the city on Sunday during the Pittsburgh Marathon.

Trout Unlimited to aid disabled vets in fly fishing at Foggy Mountain Lodge

A group of about 45 disabled veterans are expected to test their fly casting skills during a fly fishing outing on May 11 at Foggy Mountain Lodge Lake off Route 130 in Cook Township.

PA DMVA News from around the region, state, and nation

 DMVA News 

Adjutant General Addresses State VFW Annual Loyalty Day Event: 

Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), spoke about loyalty...

News for Job Seekers from PA CareerLink

New staff announcements, Employment conference, Upcoming events, Employer spotlight, Hot Jobs list--all in the CareerLink Chronicle

Woman Veterans Moms Donation Drive

Veterans Leadership Program invites you to support veteran moms during the month of May. See flyer for needed items and drop-off points, including Veterans Affairs at the county courthouse, Christian Laymen Corps in Greensburg, and Greensburg's CBOC.

Create a safely plan for you veteran in the home

Fierce Loyalty: Safety Plan

This video can help veterans and their loved ones understand the importance of creating a safety plan tailored to individual or family needs that can support someone in the home who may be in crisis. The video tells the story of...

Veterans and Military, you are not alone. Call the Crisis Line for help.

Military personnel and Veterans who need help or support can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, press 1. Or, text 838255.

Local, state, and national news for veterans

Local:

Free Legal Assistance Military Discharge Upgrades: 

- May 2, 2019, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.- Pittsburgh VAMC H.J. Heinz Campus, Building 71, 1010 Delafield Rd., Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County)- Make an appointment today at 202-733-3324 or email up...

Call or chat with the VA Women Veterans Call Center

Women Veterans Call Center: 1.855.VA.Women  (1-855-829-6636)

Are you a women who served in the military?Do you know your Veteran status?  Do you have a Veteran ID card? Should you receive any benefits from VA, like the GI Bill?

The U.S. De...

Camp Soles: Discounted week for military kids

The YMCA Camp Soles, Rockwood, PA, 15557 is offering a special rate for children of military.

Date: June 16-21, 2019

Rate: $220 for the week of June 16-21.

Other weeks are available with the price of $320. Use discount code omkweek19.

Ages:&...

Vietnam vets appreciate Heinz History Center artifacts of war, memories

John Clark had been in Vietnam for about three weeks when, while out on patrol, he stepped on a metal stake that went through the side of his foot.

Changes for family caregivers, Westmoreland Veterans Court, more....

 DMVA News 

Adjutant General Reaches Out To PA Legislature To Support Gov. Wolf's PA GI Bill: 

Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), ...

Stories of heroism still resonate as 75th anniversary of D-Day nears

ANGOVILLE-AU-PLAIN, France — Long after 160,000 Allied troops stormed the Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944, long after the war was over, long after France was rebuilt, the stories of valor never lose their power.

Westmoreland County prepares to launch new veterans court program

After years of hiatus, a reinvigorated and enhanced veterans court — expected to begin operations by early May — will enable former members of the military convicted of crimes to earn reduced sentences.

Editorial: Veterans court extends a helping hand

A veterans court is a way to acknowledge that when the tour of duty is over, there are scars that remain — sometimes invisible and sometimes not — that can make it hard to just go back to the life that was there before.

Veteran news from around the state and nation

 DMVA News

Adjutant General Honors 171st ARW For Outstanding Unit Award, Discusses Gov. Wolf’s PA GI Bill:

Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMV...

The new push for getting more women to sign up for VA benefits

Pennsylvania Rep. Chrissy Houlahan admits she never even looked into her veterans benefits until she ran for Congress. “I just never thought that I should.”

Suicide never entered his mind. Then 9/11 happened.

“It’s OK to seek help,” she says. “There is no wrong door. Whether that is a peer or a spouse or a chaplain or a mental health professional, it’s OK to seek help.”

Team River Runners provides paddling sports activities for veterans, family members

Team River Runners' mission is to provide all veterans and their families an opportunity to find health, healing, community purpose, and new challenges through adventure and adaptive paddle sports. Regular paddling opportunities in a variety of paddling o...

Kiski Township’s Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker receives military’s second-highest honor

Thirty-one soldiers who participated in the Thunder Run mission near Baghdad on April 5, 2003, received the Silver Star for valor.

Free tick bite evaluation for VA patients right at home

Got a tick bite? Don’t risk Lyme disease – Veterans enrolled in VAPHS can now request to be evaluated in the privacy of their home through VISN 4’s free virtual tick bite clinic. If you have been bitten by a tick, call 412-822-2222 and press 3 from 8 a.m....

Save the date: Vet Center BBQ May 24th

The warmer weather has us all thinking of summer, sunshine and BBQ! So it is time to start spreading the word about our annual BBQ. You are invited to our annual FREE BBQ and Open House at our White Oak Vet Center on Friday May 24th 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. ...

Charley Family Shop’n Save owner will bike 3,000 miles in 48 days for veterans' charity

Ray Charley is going to bike a mile for nearly every year of his life. Every day. For 48 days

Military.com Explains Tricare's Explanation of Benefits

If you're like me, you probably wonder just what that document you get from Tricare after you receive any type of medical care actually is.

Boots to Business Reboot, PIttsburg, June 14

Veterans, active duty, Guard, and Reserve and their spouses may attend this full day training on owning a veteran-owned small business at no cost.

Friday, June 14

8:30 am to 3 pm

Western PA Small Business Adminstration District Office

411 Seventh Ave., Suite ...

Vietnam Moving Wall coming to Kittanning June 6-10

The moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall will be at Kittanning Riverfront Park June 6-10th, 2019.

Park is located at South Water Street, Kittanning.More information: https://www.wavesofthunder.com/the-moving-wall .

Eye exams for VAPHS veterans

Veterans enrolled at VA Pittsburgh can call 412-360-6700 to make a routine Eye Clinic (optometry) appointment. No primary care referral necessary!  

Delmont Girl Scouts' award acknowledged at Township Supervisors' Meeting

Delmont Girl Scout Rebecca Schlisser was honored for receiving her Silver Scout award today in North Huntingdon at the annual Westmoreland Association of Township Supervisors' meeting, where she received their 2018 Youth Award. 

Rebecca led the ef...

Avoiding veteran scams-interview with Veterans Affairs Director Matt Zamosky

KDKA's Lynne Hays-Freeland interviews Westmoreland Director of Veterans Affairs on the recent suit by the PA Attorney General of an organization preying on veterans. Learn about reputable resource for claims assistance. Listen to the brief interview at ht...

VA Welcome Kit provides road map during life transitions

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

Based on where you are in life, your VA benefits and services can support you in diffe...

Warhawk fighter plane joins World War II program at Westmoreland air show

A restored Air Force P-40 Warhawk fighter plane will join the high-flying spectacle May 25-26 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity.

Info for Justice-involved Veterans

Westmoreland County has a veteran population of approximately 28,000, according to VA estimates.  Westmoreland County and Westmoreland County Courts would like to remind those who have served, as well as friends, family and attorneys who represen...