Message from the Adjutant General |
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A New Year is Upon Us
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On the eve of a brand-new year, I’d like to take a moment to wish you peace, happiness, and prosperity. I am humbled by the dedication of our staff at DMVA and of our service members in uniform.
To our veterans and their families, we will continue to recognize and honor all who served and sacrificed while keeping our country free and safe.
Throughout the last few weeks of the year, we have been celebrating, visiting, and honoring service members both past and present.
At our Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PSSH) in Erie we hosted an annual Wreaths Across America event on Dec. 14. Staff joined by community volunteers laid wreaths on 1,364 veterans graves that date back to the Civil War. The PSSH is the only Pennsylvania veterans home which maintains an active veterans cemetery.
Concurrent to that event, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the Wreaths Across America program at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, where thousands of wreaths were laid at the graves of our military heroes. Also supported greatly by the local community, this event featured special guests who are WWII veterans, including a few who fought during the Battle of the Bulge.
This made the event even more special as this year is the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, a battle that hastened the ending of WWII.
The DMVA hosted a special Battle of the Bulge commemoration at Fort Indiantown Gap on Dec. 16. During the event, we also recognized the valiant effort the 28th Infantry Division demonstrated in this battle by defending against the Germans and setting the framework for the allied victory that hastened the end to the war.
Also in December, DMVA began its yearly winter visits to our six veterans homes. Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, DMVA staff and local dignitaries spread holiday cheer among the residents and staff. These visits allow us to let those who sacrificed on our behalf know that they are not forgotten.
On the eve of a New Year, I ask that you reach out to the veterans in your lives from time-to-time and let them know that their legacy of service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
I wish you a very happy and healthy 2025.
Gratefully,
Brig. Gen. John R. Pippy
Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the DMVA
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DMVA Assists Operation Desert Storm Veterans With Claims, 34 Years After War |
Jan. 17, 2025 marks the 34th anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Storm, which began with an aerial bombing campaign against Iraq in 1991 and ended with the liberation of Kuwait one month later. This is considered the second key phase of the Gulf War, with the first phase being Operation Desert Shield, which involved the build-up of military forces from August 1990 to January 1991... |
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Financial Assistance for Higher Education to Eligible Dependents of Disabled and Deceased Veterans |
With winter break upon us, now is a good time to look into educational benefits for the children of severely disabled and deceased veterans offered by the DMVA. The Educational Gratuity Program supports children of veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and who have 100% permanent service-connected disabilities incurred during a period of war or armed conflict, as well as the children of veterans who died in active service during a period of war or armed conflict...
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Celebrities Bring Holiday Cheer to DVVH |
On December 9, Governor Josh Shapiro joined Brig. Gen. John Pippy and Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Dr. Debra Bogen for a visit to the Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home where they spoke with residents and thanked staff for their service. They also met with three WWII veterans, ages 99, 100 and 101... |
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Holiday Fun at SEVC |
A few ladies from The Villas at Linfield (a 55-plus community) in Royersford, PA visited the Southeastern Veterans’ Center (SEVC) for a wreath-making Ladies Club event. The wreaths looked professionally done and they had fun making them... |
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Philadelphia Eagles Pep Bank Performs SEVC |
The Philadelphia Eagles Pep Band performed for the residents at the Southeastern Veterans’ Center (SEVC). It just so happens that the saxophone player, Bobby Mansure, is the son of resident Bob Mansure... |
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GMVC Gets Visit From Santa, Mrs. Claus and More |
The residents at Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center (GMVC) were all on Santa’s “nice list” this year….so the elves (staff) and residents have been busy! There was a ride on the Santa’s Express Train, a few trips to see local Christmas lights, holiday luncheons, a Secret Santa Day with a DJ which included photo ops with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and elves, holiday movies and pizza, and coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts...
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Community Spreads Holiday Spirit at HVH |
The residents at Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (HVH) have been adorned with the views and sounds of the Christmas holiday by taking part in many activities. Both residents and staff participated in a Christmas play called the “The Grinch"... |
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PSSH Has Busy December, Holiday Season |
The Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PSSH) has had its share of snow (and then some) in December, almost like being in a snow globe! It certainly set the stage for some holiday spirit. The residents have enjoyed their trips around town to view the Christmas lights and displays, in addition to visiting live reindeer at Apthorp Reindeer Farm... |
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Task Force Strong Supports Operation Lake Effect |
In late November and early December, Task Force Strong, based around the 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry, supported the City of Erie during major winter storms. Task Force Strong supported the city and county by transporting stranded motorists, recovering stuck civilian, commercial and rescue vehicles, transporting first responders and essential personnel to their workplaces, and executing health and welfare checks in the community... |
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Survivor Outreach Services’ (SOS) Program |
The Survivor Outreach Services’ (SOS) mission is to provide dedicated outreach and long-term support to surviving families of fallen soldiers that embraces and reassures survivors that they are continually linked to the military family for as long as they desire. The SOS program connects survivors with people who can help regardless of a loved one’s military component, duty status, location, or manner of death...
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Colonel Carl Eifler Award Given to PAANG Member
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One team one mission was on display when the PAARNG and the Keystone State Challenge Academy (KSCA) teamed up to speak to the Berks County Intermediate Unit director and other high school representatives during a recent recruiting event... |
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A Big Year of Deployments |
As we begin to move into the new year, we would like to pause and reflect on the incredibly busy and productive year it has been for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard! The year culminated with the total deployment of more than 2,000 soldiers, with more than 1,000 still away from home and their families... |
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PPG Paints Arena Veteran’s Day Performance – 171st ARW |
This Veterans Day, Pittsburgh welcomed members of the U.S. Air Force Heritage Band of America, joined by U.S. Army counterparts, to perform the national anthem at the PPG Paints Arena ahead of a National Hockey League game...
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New Wing Commander – 193rd SOW |
Join us in welcoming the new commander of the 193rd Special Operations Wing (SOW), U.S. Air Force Col. Robert S. Noren, who now commands the wing’s more than 1,900 Airmen...
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The 193rd AOG Celebrates 75 Years |
The 193rd Air Operations Group celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special celebration honoring its history of humble beginnings to its critical role in today’s global defense...
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10 Miles on Biddle – 111th ATKW |
Guardsmen from the 111th Attack Wing strengthened fellowship and physical readiness by joining together for a 10-mile bike ride around the base...
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DMVA 2024 Year in Review |
It’s been a great year here at DMVA and the PA National Guard! In 2024, we’ve faithfully honored our veterans, cared for our residents and served our commonwealth at home and abroad. Here’s to an even better year in 2025! |
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DMVA Commemorates 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge |
On Dec. 16, the DMVA held a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Bulge and the PANG’s 28th Infantry Division’s role in the historic fight. The event highlighted the resolution drafted by Rep. Chris Pielli, designating Dec. 16 as "Battle of the Bulge Day" in Pennsylvania. The event also included the 28ID Band playing the National Anthem, a reading of the 28ID Battle Plan, a prayer for the fallen, a symbolic wreath laying, and Taps... |
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PA Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Celebrates Wreaths Across America |
On Dec.14, members of the community and volunteers from the DMVA’s Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PSSH) in Erie placed wreaths on 1,364 graves in its Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in coordination with the national Wreaths Across America program... |
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Keystone State Challenge Academy Graduates 45 Cadets |
On Dec. 14, 45 KSCA cadets became graduates after successfully completing a very “challenging” 22-week program. Our graduates were justifiably proud as their families cheered them across the stage. The cadets arrived in July 2024 and through the almost six-months successfully completed all eight Core Components of the program, including – Academic Excellence, Service to Community, Physical Training, Health and Hygiene, Job Skills, Leadership/Followership, Responsible Citizenship, and Life Coping Skills... |
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Staffer Takes on New Role, Responsibilities in Policy and Legislation Office |
The DMVA is excited to announce that Anna Sassaman from our team is taking on a new role as a legislative specialist and will serve as our constituent services specialist...
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Tools and Contacts for Finding Your Legislator |
With new legislators taking office, it is a great time to ensure you can contact the officials who represent you. Whether you are advocating for veterans’ benefits, seeking assistance with a local issue, or simply staying informed, knowing your legislator is the first step in being an engaged and empowered citizen... |
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Learn the Important Difference Between Tax Year versus Calendar Year |
Navigating taxes can be complex, particularly when distinguishing between terms like "tax year" and "calendar year." For veterans, military service members, and their families, understanding these concepts is essential for effective financial planning, accessing benefits, and meeting tax obligations...
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Construction Begins on Veteran and Military Outreach Center |
The DMVA Office of Facilities and Engineering has begun construction on the former Lickdale Elementary School building located off Fisher Ave in Jonestown to convert it to a Veteran and Military Outreach Center. This will provide the Office of Veteran Affairs a footprint within the community to provide resources to Pennsylvania veterans... |
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Fort Indiantown Gap Holds 2024 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony |
The Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) Training Center held it’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and reception at the FTIG Community Club on the evening of Dec. 6, 2024, and it was attended by the largest number of guests to date! This year’s ceremony featured... |
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Warfighter Exercises Return to Fort Indiantown Gap |
After a brief interlude, Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG), is once again scheduled to host Warfighter Exercises (WFX), this time with two scheduled in calendar year 2025. The WFX’s are training events that utilize computer simulations to train and evaluate Army division-size elements on Mission Command in large-scale combat operations... |
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Events |
2025 events coming soon!
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