Hear former POW Dave Carey October 25th, Greensburg

Veterans Angels, a 501c3, invites you to a benefit dinner featuring guest speaker and Jeanette native Dave Carey.

Mr. Carey is a Naval Academy graduate, Navy pilot, and former POW who relates his story to help audience members understand how prison-like as...

Hear Gen. George Casey Nov. 1st

Join the Westmoreland County Veterans of War on Terror Friday, Nov. 1st at Ferrante's Lakeview in Greensburg. Guest speaker will be GEN George W. Casey, Jr., former US ARmy Chief of Staff and CG, Muliti-National Forces Iraq. Download the flyer here.

$50 pe...

Overseas trolls targeting veterans on social media: Report

Foreign agitators continue to target American veterans through a complex network of fraudulent social media pages mimicking well-known service groups and brands, officials from Vietnam Veterans of America warned in a new report released Tuesday.

Register now: "Making the Connection" Ray of Hope Conference Nov. 22

Making the Connection: Trauma, Addiction, Suicide  See the flyer

Sponsored by Westmoreland Co. Suicide Awareness and Prevention Task Force

Friday, Nov. 22

9am to 3 pm

WCCC Science Hall, Youngwood

Who should attend?

• Educators

•Mental Health Professiona...

Upcoming Veterans Opportunities

Vietnam War 1945-1975 at Heinz History Center through September 22.

POW-MIA Vigil at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial, 4141 5th Ave., Pittsburgh.  1200 Sept. 21   to 1400 Sept.   Rain or shine. Visit www.SoldiersAndSoilor...

Thrift Savings Plan Has New Withdrawal Rules

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) has made it easier to withdraw your contributions.

Effective Sept.15, 2019, the TSP changed many of its withdrawal rules and loosened the restrictions on when you can access the money in your account.

102-year-old WWII Woman Veteran from Norvelt Served in WAVES

When the Navy called on women to volunteer for shore service during World War II to free up men for duty at sea, 102-year-old Melva Dolan Simon was among the first to raise her hand and take the oath.

Navy Commodores Jazz Band: Pittsburgh, Oct. 24

Hear the world-class jazz band during their 50th anniversary tour at Soldiers and Sailors, Pittburgh. Free tickets via SoldiersandSailorsHall.org or 412-624-4253.

Memorial planned for veterans who attended Valley High School

A new memorial standing in front of the New Kensington-Arnold high school will recognize and honor their service and sacrifice — in not only the past, but also the future.

Military exercises to bring low-flying helicopters, explosions to Pittsburgh

Dozens of officials from various branches of the Defense Department will be in Pittsburgh on Monday with training exercises starting Tuesday and continuing through Saturday.

Jobs for veterans, List your Veterans Day events, more.

VA Town Hall: Today, Sept. 12 at 4:30 at the Greensburg Community Based Outpatient Clinic

DMVA News 

Governor Wolf Outlines Plans For Lithuania And Poland Trip To Visit PA National Guard Members, Honor Tree Of Life Victims: 

Governor Tom Wo...

Stand Down for Veterans--Pittsburgh, October 6th

Pittsburgh Stand Down

Saturday, Oct. 5. 2019

0930-1400

2934 Small Street, PIttsburgh  PA  15201

Standown Pittsburgh is a day of free services for homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk of becoming homeless.

Donations accepted of: winter gloves...

September is Suicide Prevention Month

If you are a Veteran in crisis — or you’re concerned about one — free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat...

Fort Indiantown Gap Added To List Of PFAS Contamination Sites

Fort Indiantown Gap Army National Guard base in Lebanon County has been added to the state Department of Environmental Protection’s growing list of military and industrial sites where the PFAS class of chemicals has been found.

New housing opportunity for 60 and over in Westmoreland

Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) is not a new concept ---its roots were as a “Grossdawdy Haus” in the 1880’s when Amish families used them as a way to keep loved ones near home. Today it has enormous potential for serving Pennsylvania’s rapidly gr...

Sen. Ward appointed to Veterans’ Center Advisory Council

The 236-bed state-operated center provides health care and related services to veterans and spouses who are disabled, chronically ill, or in need of specialized care. It includes 40 beds for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

FEDVIP Open Enrollment for Dental and Vision Insurance Starts Soon

The annual open enrollment for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) begins Nov. 11 and runs through Dec. 9, 2019.

Military Share, Events, Employment

DMVA DigestA publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans AffairsSeptember 4, 2019

A publication of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Local

Military Share/Food Bank Sign Ups In Greensburg: 

- Sept. 10, 20...

State and U.S. lawmakers lead discussion on veteran suicide, tout bills

Discussion focused on three issues: the challenges of transitioning out of the military, how to connect veterans with the right services, and how to treat veterans in the criminal justice system.

Latrobe veterans’ photos, stories needed for historical society program

Latrobe Area Historical Society is seeking photos and stories of local veterans of any U.S. conflict since World War II as it prepares a slide show honoring area residents who served in all eras.

Vet Center News

Please see the newsletter for details and schedules.

Retirees Could Receive Tricare Refund Check

Military retirees who paid annual Tricare Prime enrollment fees in 2018 or 2019 could soon see a refund check in the mail, thanks to a new change to how the system calculates their annual out-of-pocket maximum payment.

News for Veterans from around the state and nation

DMVA News 

DMVA Events Calendar: 

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs events calendar is regularly updated all the time with upcoming events for PA military and veterans. Just visit the DMVA website and click on Ev...

National Guard to Offer Vet Center Help During Drill Weekends

Guardsmen could soon have access to on-site mental health help at their monthly drill weekends as part of a partnership between the National Guard Bureau and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2019 Health and Education Expo, Oct. 23, Greensburg

Join the Area Agency on Aging and the Westmoreland County Commissioners for the annual Health & Education Expo at the Ramada, Greensburg. Download the flyer.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 9 am to 2 pm.

• Free Health, hearing, vision screenings
• Blood pressure, joint ...

Veteran Entrepreneurship Workshop Monday, Oct. 28, Connellsville

Operation Entrepreneurship for Veterans and their Dependents

Monday, October 28

8:30 am Light breakfast, Workshop 9-11 

Free, but RSVP to  724-603-2093

See flyer for more details

Transportation options for veterans to VA Hospitals Pittsburgh

Find information on VA Shuttles between campuses, DAV van transportation throughout the region, and alternative transportation options in the guide.

More information is available on the VA Beneficiaries Travel website.

Free Health Fair for Veterans Sept. 28, Murrysville

Saturday, September 28 from 8 am to 1 pm

Murrysville Alliance Church, 4130 Old Wiliam Penn Hwy., Murrysville, PA  156668

Free screenings for glaucoma, cataracts, skin cancer, blood pressure. Flu shots

Representatives of local Veterans Service Organi...

Monument planned to honor those who served in War on Terror

The county donated an acre, the sign was planted, landscape architects and artists are being consulted, and all that the board needs now is to reach their goal of raising $350,000 to complete the Westmoreland Co. Veterans of the War on Terror Monument.

Veterans Leadership Program September Events

Tuesday, September 3rd, 1-2:30pm - LGBTQ Veteran Support Group. Contact: Sarah Merlina, VAPHS Social Worker, at 412-216-3711 OR Abbie Lieberum, Readjustment Counselor, at 412-678-7704 for more information.

Wednesday, September 4th, 7-9pm - Women Veterans D...

VA Smoking ban, Family Assistance program, more

VA modifies smoke-free policies at health care facilities to include workers

As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) commitment to a smoke-free health care environment for Veterans, in October, the department will extend its smo...

VA modifies smoke-free policies at health care facilities to include workers aimed at increasing the

As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) commitment to a smoke-free health care environment for Veterans, in October, the department will extend its smoke-free policies to include employees at its health care facilities.

POW-MIA Vigil, Sept 21-22, Pittsburgh

Join the Vietnam Veterans, Inc., as they raise awareness and remember all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. 

Saturday, Sept. 21, noon through Sunday, Sept. 22 at 2 pm.  Saturday at dusk there will be a candlelight ceremony.

Fre...

VA releases Launchpad app to streamline health care access for Veterans and caregivers

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently launched a new mobile application designed to save Veterans and their caregivers time online.

The Vietnam War at Heinz History Center through Sept. 22nd

It’s the war that changed us forever. The war that still haunts America’s dreams. And the war that left us with more questions than answers.The History Center’s newest exhibition explores one of the nation’s most controversial conflicts – the Vietnam War.

New Pittsburgh VA Director Heralds Tech, Telemedicine & Expanded Access To Care

The Pittsburgh Office of Veterans Affairs welcomed its sixth director in five years this summer in former Navy Lieutenant Commander and experienced hospital chief Donald Koenig.

RSVP by Monday for Veterans Appreciation Picnic in Youngwood Oct. 1st

Veterans Appreciation Picnic

Tuesday, Oct. 1       4 - 7 p.m.

Youngwood Park and Pool,Pavilion #2, 801 S. 10th Street, Youngwood

Hosted by Rep. Eric Nelson

Please RSVP by Sept. 23, for yourself or any immediate family members who wi...

Mark your calendar for District 57 Veterans Picnic Oct. 1

Veterans Appreciation Picnic

Tuesday, Oct. 1       4 - 7 p.m.

Youngwood Park and Pool,Pavilion #2, 801 S. 10th Street, Youngwood

Hosted by Rep. Eric Nelson

Please RSVP by Sept. 23, for yourself or any immediate family members who wi...

All VA Healthcare Facilities Going Smoke-free Oct. 1st

All VHA health care facilities will be smoke-free for patients, visitors, contractors, volunteers, and vendors effective October 1, 2019. Accordingly, at VHA health care facilities, by that date all designated smoking areas for patients, visitors, contrac...

Veterans can receive VA services at MedExpress, urgent care facilities

“The new urgent care benefit is not a substitute for emergency care for life-threatening conditions. Veterans experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or visit their nearest emergency department.”

Serenity, Connection and Free Fly Fishing

On the waterways of our great nation, Veterans hardened from service and sacrifice, are feeling peace, joy and an emotional connection—often for the first time in a long time.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHWFF) began in 2005 serving wounded m...

Thinking of starting a small business? Let SBA help

The SBA’s (Small Business Administration) Office of Veterans Business Development can help Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members, and their Dependents or Survivors access a variety of business planning and financial resources to c...

New Military Suicide Report May Revive Debate Over Gun Restriction

Of the 309 suicides among active-duty troops, firearms played a role in 202 deaths. (As a reminder, the Westmoreland County Dept. of Veterans Affairs, on the 2nd floor of the County courthouse, offers free gun locks to veterans. Call 724-830-3530.

Some Groups Claiming to Serve Vets Bilk Public Out of Millions, FTC Finds

The FTC, legitimate veterans service organizations, watchdog groups, the Better Business Bureau, states attorneys general, AARP have repeatedly put out warnings to potential donors to check out the groups claiming to help veterans.

Blue water presumptive conditions named

Eligible Veterans may now be entitled to disability compensation benefits

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is preparing to process Agent Orange exposure claims for “Blue Water Navy” Veterans who served offshore of the Repu...

Veteran Entrepreneurs: SBA Lender Match helps link you with business loans

The SBA works with lenders to provide loans to small businesses. The agency doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by its partnering lenders, community development organizations, and micr...

VA announces final community care regulations under MISSION Act

WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the publication in the Federal Register of two final regulations as part of its new Veterans Community Care Program under the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthe...

Register now for Veterans Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, and Marathon Relay Nov. 3rd

Registration is open for the eighth annual InFirst Bank Veterans Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay, which will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2019. Come out and run a beautiful course (it's a Boston qualifier too!) and support area veterans. All...

Veteran Suicide Prevention Month

Year-round, and particularly during Suicide Prevention Month in September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) empowers communities to take action to support our Nation’s Veterans. Each community across the country plays a role in suppo...

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...