Message from the Adjutant General
A Privilege to be Officially Confirmed as your 55th Adjutant General
I am truly honored to address you this month as the 55th adjutant general of Pennsylvania. I am grateful to Gov. Josh Shapiro and his administration for showing the confidence in me to lead both the Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) as its adjutant general, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) as its head executive.
This position is a privilege that I hold with the utmost respect. I look forward to continuing to work with our service members, families, veterans, and DMVA employees to ensure that we are Always Ready and Always There when our commonwealth or country needs us.
Speaking of Always Ready, Always There, earlier this month family and friends gathered at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg for a deployment ceremony for 140 PNG soldiers. These troops with the 3622nd Sustainment Maintenance Company will spend a year-long deployment in the Middle East to help U.S. Central Command and other allied partners with equipment maintenance.
In total, the PA Army National Guard has nearly 1,184 members mobilized overseas, while the PA Air National Guard currently has 88 members mobilized supporting various missions overseas and within the continental United States. We will continue to support our deployed troops and their families, and await their safe return home.
On the veteran front, this month we had some extra excitement at two of our veterans homes. The Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home and the Southeastern Veterans’ Center residents received Philadelphia Eagles jerseys provided by the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors in conjunction with the Philadelphia Eagles. The residents proudly wore their jerseys during the Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
While the residents of those homes were deemed VIPs during the Super Bowl, so, too are all of Pennsylvania’s nearly 700,000 veterans. We continue to work diligently every day on your behalf to deliver programs and services earned in service to our nation.
I look forward to bringing you more fun and exciting updates of our veterans and National Guard, and how DMVA is working as one team with one mission of serving those who serve\ed all of us.
Veterans Affairs
Honoring Veterans as We Recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day
On March 29 we recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day, but thanks and honors for these warriors will continue throughout the year, as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of when the last U.S. personnel were evacuated from Vietnam.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that today there are between six and seven million U.S. Vietnam veterans throughout the world. In Pennsylvania, this number is nearly 217,000 Vietnam-era veterans.
“This anniversary gives us greater opportunity to thank our Vietnam veterans for their service, and to welcome them home,” said Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Executive Director of Veterans Programs Keith Graham. “This is one of our largest war-era veteran populations in Pennsylvania and we recognize the importance of providing programs and services to this population.”
One way the DMVA assists veterans is by helping them locate lost military documents, particularly their DD Form 214 (DD-214), which is vital when it comes to receiving the benefits they deserve. Anyone needing assistance from the DMVA to locate their DD-214/215, or other military documentation, can call toll-free 1-800-547-2838, email RA-REQ@pg.gov, or visit the Records Request Program on the DMVA website: www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva.
Veterans Programs and Services
Benefits and Assistance are Available for Blind and Low-Vision Veterans
Veterans who experience issues associated with low vision or blindness have a number of options for assistance and benefits that can help to improve their quality of life.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the leading cause of vision loss in veterans are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, neurologic vision loss and glaucoma. The VA offers vision rehabilitation programs for individuals who may be having trouble driving, or may have increased falls, both side effects of vision loss.
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) also administers a Blind Veterans Pension program that provides eligible veterans with a monthly pension of $150, in addition to their VA disability compensation. Eligibility requirements include residency in Pennsylvania on entry into service, discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, and service-connected visual impairments rated at 90-100% permanently disabling.
Veterans interested in applying for this pension should contact their County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county where they reside.
Veterans Homes
“Four Chaplains Day” Ceremony at PSSH
Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home held a ceremony on Feb. 3 in their chapel to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the sinking of the USAT Dorchester where 672 men paid the supreme sacrifice, including four chaplains. This tradition draws an audience of residents, active service members, and community stakeholders to honor an extraordinary example of faith, courage, and selflessness.
Just after midnight on Feb. 3, 1943, the 368-foot ship USAT Dorchester, carrying approximately 900 as part of a convoy, heading from New York enroute to Greenland, was struck by a German U-Boat torpedo off Newfoundland in the North Atlantic.
Amid the chaos, Lt. Alexander Goode (a Jewish rabbi), Lt. John Washington (a Roman Catholic priest), Lt. George Fox (a Methodist), and Lt. Clark Poling (a Dutch Reformed minister) helped soldiers board lifeboats and distributed life jackets. As the ship began to sink and the supply of life jackets ran out, the chaplains gave up their own to those who had none, staying behind. The chaplains were last seen on the deck of the ship, arms linked together, and their heads bowed in prayer as they went to their watery graves. Each chaplain was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart.
Four Chaplains Day is a time to honor and reflect on the courage, unity and sacrifice of four military chaplains from different religious backgrounds who came together during one of the deadliest moments for a U.S. convoy during World War II.
Celebrating National Salute to Veteran Patients Week: Feb. 9–15
National Salute to Veteran Patients is observed annually during the week of Valentine’s Day.
The purpose of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week is an opportunity to pay tribute and express appreciation to a special group of men and women – the more than nine million veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, state veterans homes and other nursing homes. It not only provides an opportunity to visit hospitalized veterans, but it also serves to encourage youth groups, community organizations, members of the public and veteran service organizations to become more involved as volunteers.
To celebrate National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, volunteers from Rivers Casino and the American Red Cross joined the residents at Southwestern Veterans’ Center for an Ice Cream Social on Feb. 13.
BVH Residents Enjoy Super Bowl Parties
The residents and staff at Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home enjoyed Super Bowl parties with appetizers, beverages, and viewing of the classic football movie “The Replacements” to get excited for the big game!
Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center enjoyed boneless wings, calzones and pizza while watching the game during their Super Bowl party.
Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home Philly fan residents were all geared up, dressed in green having their pictures taken in front of a football stadium backdrop, and ready to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles in the game of the year!
Director of Joint Staff
All About the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program
The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) is designed to support the well-being of Pennsylvania National Guard service members and their families throughout the entirety of the deployment cycle. The program connects service members and their families with valuable resources while educating them about the benefits and entitlements they've earned through the member’s service.
The program is divided into four phases, each addressing unique challenges at different stages of the deployment cycle.
Pre-deployment events focus on providing education and information to ensure the readiness of the unit, families, employers, and communities affected by the demands of deployment and family separation. These events proactively address potential issues, fostering resilience and knowledge about available resources.
During-deployment events are specifically for the family members of deployed service members. These events emphasize enhancing family resilience while reinforcing access to key resources, including spiritual and mental health services, outreach programs, family support, and youth programs. They offer families a space to connect with others facing similar challenges, often leading to supportive relationships among attendees.
Post-deployment events (1 & 2) occur after the service member returns from deployment and focus on helping with reintegration. The first post-deployment event addresses potential challenges and behaviors related to the transition home. It helps both service member and families understand the adjustments needed and the difficulties of reintegrating into civilian life. The second post-deployment event continues to emphasize the resources available, equipping service members and their families with the tools and contacts they need to ensure a smooth and successful reintegration.
PA National Guard Army
Another Successful Year Participating in PA Trees 4 Troops
Recently, during the annual winter meeting of the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association (PCTGA), Maj. Gen. Laura McHugh, deputy adjutant general - Army, thanked the members for their participation in the PA Trees 4 PA Troops program. This program is a collaboration between the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and the PCTGA to provide donated Christmas trees to veterans and service members in need. This past holiday season, 75 trees were generously donated by Christmas tree farms across the commonwealth. Pictured with McHugh is Paige and Chris Arader of Arader Farm in Collegeville. The Arader Farm has been a tremendous supporter of the PA Trees 4 PA Troops program since its inception.
Operation Spartan Shield Send-off Ceremony
Service members, families and friends of the 3622nd Support Maintenance Company were honored at a send-off ceremony as they depart for their upcoming deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield. The 3622nd will be supporting U.S. Central Command and partner forces with security objectives in the region. Additionally, during the ceremony, First Sergeant Jesse Rexroth received the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharp Award for his excellence in leadership within the maintenance community! Our soldiers and their families sacrifice much during deployments and we look forward to their safe return.
DMVA News and Events
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Delozier’s!
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we tell the love story of John and Patricia “Patsy” Delozier. The Delozier’s have been residents of the Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (HVH) since January of 2024. John is a Navy veteran and served from 1967- 1972, during the Vietnam War. The Delozier’s have been married for nearly 20 years and their story is certainly one to remember! Let’s hear directly from John and Patsy, as our HVH staff asked them some questions about their love story.
How did you meet each other?
John and Patsy met through a christian singles group in August of 2005. Patsy was 62 at the time and was a mother of three and a widow whose first husband had passed away after 44 years of marriage. John was 67 at the time and had never been married or had kids. One night, after a social event with their christian singles group, Patsy asked John to walk her to her car and she was impressed with her own boldness!
What do you love the most about each other?
John said he “prayed for a good christian woman,” and got his wish. He also loves that when he asked her out, she said “yes!”
Patsy said she “prayed for someone nice who would care about me, and John is exactly that.” Patsy also loves that when they started dating, she asked him “Will you change after we get married?” John said “No,” and he has kept his word.
What are your most cherished memories together?
Their first date was when Patsy brought John to her granddaughter’s 18th birthday party.
Upon meeting John, Patsy’s granddaughter gave him a big hug. John remarked to Patsy afterwards how nice it was to be hugged by her family.
John and Patsy decided they were going to get married during a conversation while driving together in John’s car! After this, Patsy and John went together to buy wedding rings at Walmart. The Walmart worker insisted that John get down on one knee right there in Walmart to propose to Patsy… so he did!
Their wedding took place in November of 2005. When Patsy was a little nervous a few days before the wedding, she confided in John saying, “I think I’ve got cold feet.” John’s response was “Well go get socks on!” …and the wedding went off without a hitch!
Keystone State Challenge Academy
KSCA Cadets Taking ASVAB
A critical component of the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) program is post-residential phase. Graduates are followed by the KSCA team for two full years post-graduation. Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy cadets begin working on their post-residential plans early into the 22 week-Residential Phase of the program. Introduction to career counseling, interest inventories, career fairs, and job skills guides them toward the “Three E’s” upon graduation– Education, Employment, or Enlistment.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) helps determine a cadet’s eligibility for military service and job training. The ASVAB also helps them identify strengths to determine a possible Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Cadets interested in enlistment use the initial ASVAB standardized test as a baseline for which they have an opportunity to repeat the testing after targeted instruction to improve their performance in verbal, math, science, technical, and spatial domains.
In Pennsylvania, the ASVAB is now considered as an alternative assessment as a pathway to graduation for teens struggling to pass the Keystone Exams. The KSCA can assist students by helping them pass the ASVAB and earn their diploma from their home school. This is one of several alternative actions the KSCA program can offer in partnership with the school districts to help teens earn a diploma.
Several of our graduates have enlisted in the military upon completion of this 22-week Residential Program. Recently we had the honor of witnessing one cadet being sworn in to the U.S. Navy, surrounded by his family, the KSCA staff, and his fellow cadets.
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KeystoneChalleNGe to watch our cadets in action and scroll down to witness the swearing in.
Policy and Legislation
Expanded Access to Free Birth and Death Certificates for Pennsylvania Veterans and Families
As of Dec. 30, 2024, more veterans and their families in Pennsylvania are eligible for free birth and death certificates, thanks to changes under Act 137 of 2024. This bipartisan legislation, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro in Oct. 2024, expands the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s (DOH) veteran fee waiver program.
Previously, the waiver only applied to active military members and honorably discharged veterans. Act 137 broadens eligibility to include veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, covering more military service classifications.
Under the new law, eligible veterans can receive up to 10 free copies of birth and death certificates, waiving the usual $20 per copy fee. This benefit also extends to spouses, widows or widowers, and dependent children of qualifying veterans.
To qualify, applicants must submit documentation verifying military status. It’s important to note that orders placed before Dec. 30, 2024, will follow the old guidelines, and no refunds will be provided for fees paid prior to this date.
In 2024, the DOH issued over 362,000 birth and death certificates to Pennsylvania residents. This legislative update aims to ease administrative burdens for veterans and their families during significant life events.
For more information on eligibility and application processes, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.
Marywood University Offers 100% Tuition Coverage to Pennsylvania National Guard
Marywood University is now offering eligible Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) students and families 100% tuition coverage. This opportunity is made possible through the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and the Military Family Education Program (MFEP), both designed to help military-connected students achieve their academic goals.
To ensure full coverage, Marywood has discounted its normal tuition to align with Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) rates, allowing eligible students to have their tuition fully covered by EAP and MFEP.
Eligible EAP and MFEP students must:
Commit to a six-year service obligation with the PNG
Maintain active membership in the PNG
Enroll in an approved degree program
Submit all required paperwork through their National Guard unit
Complete an annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Pennsylvania State Grant Application
While the EAP covers tuition costs as determined by PASSHE, it does not cover all fees. However, it provides substantial financial support for Guard members pursuing higher education.
The Military Family Education Program extends similar benefits to the spouses and children of Guard members who commit to an additional six years of service. This program covers tuition and a portion of technology fees, offering essential support to military families. For more information, visit marywood.edu/veterans or contact April Paciotti at adpaciotti@marywood.edu
Legislation to Streamline Veterans Claims Process
Congressman Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) has introduced new legislation to simplify and expedite the veterans’ claims process. Recognizing the bureaucratic hurdles veterans face when seeking benefits, this bill seeks to reduce delays and enhance accessibility for those who have served.
The legislation focuses on cutting down the paperwork and processing time by modernizing the claims system. It introduces a streamlined approach that minimizes redundant documentation and ensures quicker determinations. Additionally, it enhances coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies to improve information sharing and verification processes.
A key feature of the bill is the implementation of a digital claims submission system that allows veterans to track their applications in real-time. The system is designed to provide greater transparency and reduce the chances of claims being lost or unnecessarily delayed. Furthermore, the bill mandates additional training for VA claims processors to ensure accurate and timely reviews of applications.
Congressman Bresnahan emphasized that this initiative is a response to widespread concerns from veterans about prolonged processing times and inconsistencies in benefits decisions. By making the system more efficient, the bill aims to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they deserve without undue hardship.
The proposed legislation has gained bipartisan support, with veteran advocacy groups praising its potential to create a fairer and more efficient claims process. If passed, it would represent a significant step forward in improving the VA’s ability to serve those who have sacrificed for the country.
Facilities and Engineering
Marquette Lake Undergoing Renovations
Marquette Lake in Lebanon County will be going through a $13 million dollar renovation for the upcoming months which will impact any fishing plans for the foreseeable future. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will be replacing the bridge and dam at the lake while also doing some cleaning of the area. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has identified some issues concerning Marquette Lake and a construction project will be moving forward after the necessary funding has been secured. The lake will be drained and improvements to the infrastructure will start with an expectation for completion in FY 2027. Marquette Lake is located outside the fence of Fort Indiantown Gap along PA 443 and was used during WW2 as a training site for the loading and unloading of watercraft.
Fort Indiantown Gap
Fort Indiantown Gap Hosts Warfighter Exercise
From Jan. 27 to Feb. 6, 2025, and despite several bouts of nasty winter weather, Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) hosted its first Warfighter Exercise (WFX-23-5), since 2023.
The WFX’s provide realistic training to division level units utilizing state-of the-art computer simulations to prepare them for future mobilizations. Fort Indiantown Gap has been selected as the site for several WFX’s since the first one was held on the installation in the fall of 2016.
During the exercise, FTIG saw a large influx of soldiers coming on to the post from New York’s 42nd Infantry Division (42ID), as well as from other states who performed various roles as members of the training audience. All told, more than 2,400 soldiers received training during the exercise.
While the Mission Command Training Center (MCTC) at FTIG provided the facilities, support personnel and computer systems for the WFX training itself, several other organizations at FTIG ensured that the soldiers basic life support requirements (food, housing, fuel, etc.), were met through detailed planning, coordination, and execution.
Organizations including the FTIG Training Center, 213th Regional Support Group (RSG), the Pennsylvania G4, USPFO for PA, the FTIG Community Club, as well as others, all worked in together to provide the training audience with the logistical support they required. This included the 1,500-1,800 daily breakfast and dinner meals served by the FTIG Community Club, as well as the 50 barracks buildings, and 275 Chargeable Transient Quarters (CTQ’s), which provided for the soldiers housing needs and was supplied by FTIG Billeting.