Message from the Adjutant General
Great Start to a New Year Supporting Service Members, Veterans and Their Families
Happy New Year, everyone!
At the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), we got off to a strong start to the New Year by attending and supporting the Service Members, Veterans and Their Families Day at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show on January 9.
The DMVA was represented in full-force that day, including having our Outreach team available to answer veterans’ questions; participating in the Veterans in Agriculture Grants press conference; and providing a chef for the Army-Coast Guard Cookoff, which was won by the Coast Guard.
It was great to see so many veterans take advantage of getting their free milk shake, compliments of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. We are already looking forward to all the fun the 110th Pennsylvania Farm Show will bring next year.
Also this month, we welcomed the winter class of Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy candidates. Our program continues to grow and we are proud of the hard-working cadets who have graduated from this academy, as well as the staff who has supported these young men and women along their journey.
Our Pennsylvania National Guard remains busy serving commonwealth and country. More than 1,250 soldiers and airmen remain deployed overseas in areas like Africa, the Middle East and Germany. Here at home, we’ve been supporting security efforts such as the Presidential Inauguration and the certification of the election results at the U.S. Capitol. We are proud of the work our Guard members are doing in service to all of us.
And of course, we are also proud of our veterans. Thank you for all you have done for our country, and continue to do as members of our communities. You deserve all the good that comes your way, including the benefits you have earned while in uniform.
The beginning of a new year is always a great time for us to remind veterans to apply for those federal health care and state benefits by visiting your local county director of veterans affairs or area veteran service officer.
This service is free -- just make sure you have your military discharge documents in hand. If you have difficulty finding that paperwork, don’t hesitate to reach out to DMVA by calling toll-free 800-547-2838 or e-mailing: RA-REQ@pa.gov. We are always happy to assist.
I look forward to bringing you more good news throughout the year as the DMVA continues our work of “One Team, One Mission” in support of Pennsylvania service members, veterans and their families.
Veterans Affairs
DMVA Assists Veterans With More Than $1 Billion in Claims for 2024, Stresses Importance of Having Military Paperwork in Order
For the second year in a row, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) helped veterans secure more than $1 billion in compensation and pension benefits earned through their service. Benefits have expanded in recent years, including the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, making it even more important for veterans to connect with DMVA and receive the benefits they have earned while in uniform.
“With the passing of the PACT law two years ago, reaching and signing up eligible veterans for their benefits has been a top priority,” said Executive Director of Veterans Programs Keith Graham. “We are grateful to our community partners who have helped us to reach this milestone and assure that veterans and their families are appropriately compensated.”
Graham said that DMVA could not have assisted so many veterans if their military paperwork was not in order.
“Veterans having their military paperwork readily available makes the claims process so much quicker and easier,” said Graham. “If for some reason a veteran cannot find their paperwork, they can reach out to our office for assistance in locating their military documents, especially the DD-214 discharge form.”
DMVA’s website provides information on how veterans can obtain a copy of their DD-214 and other service-related paperwork.
DMVA Applauds Shapiro Administration Announcement Making More Veterans Eligible for Free Birth and Death Certificates
More veterans and their families are now eligible for free birth and death certificates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), as of Dec. 30, 2024. The change, part of Act 137 of 2024, expands the veteran fee waiver for applications to include all veterans who were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable.
Normally, there is a non-refundable $20 fee per copy, but with this law, up to 10 free copies are now available for most veterans.
“The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs appreciates the efforts of the Department of Health in providing this invaluable service to veterans and their families,” said Executive Director of Veterans Programs Keith Graham.
For more information, please visit the DOH website.
Veteran Programs and Services
DMVA Pleased to Share VA Announcement Regarding Increase in Veterans Disability Compensation Rates in 2025
Per an announcement by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all veterans’ disability compensation rates have increased by 2.5% to match adjustments made to Social Security benefits. This increase impacts disability benefits, clothing allowance, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), as well as other VA assistance programs.
“We welcome this upward adjustment to veterans’ disability compensation rates, and see this as an opportunity to help even more veterans, as our Veteran Service Officers work to help them obtain well-deserved benefits,” said Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Afairs Executive Director of Veterans Programs Keith Graham.
More information about this announcement can be found at the VA’s website.
New Year Sees Greater Opportunity Available for Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption
With the new year came a new presumptive need level for the Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption, which was adjusted upward to $114,637 on Jan. 1, 2025.
One-hundred percent permanently disabled wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who were previously denied due to financial need are encouraged to re-apply, as a new state law recently went into effect that excludes all veterans benefits from the income assessment as well.
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) provides programs and services like the Real Estate Tax Exemption program to assist in improving the lives of veterans throughout the commonwealth. To learn more, visit our website.
Anyone looking to apply for this benefit should contact the county director of veterans affairs in the county in which they reside.
Veterans Homes
Busy Start to 2025 at Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home
The Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (HVH) held New Year’s Eve parties for each nursing unit and building, which included a variety of refreshments and live music performances.
The week of Jan. 6 was “Elvis Week” at HVH. One of the many fun activities for the residents was a local musician, Phil McCauley, playing Elvis tunes. He was even joined by a resident who had some vocal talents of his own to share!
Jan. 20 – 25 was Activities Professionals Week with each day being an event themed party, such as “All Sports Day / Martin Luther King Jr. Day” on Monday, “Throwback 70s Day” on Tuesday, “Western Hoedown Day” on Wednesday, “Beach Party Day” on Thursday, and “Cabin Fever Day” on Friday.
A Salute to BVH Residents Milestone January Birthdays
Turning 100 is much more than another year added to the calendar, it’s a testament to resilience and a wealth of life experiences!
Happy 100th birthday to:
Winfield Woodland on Jan. 19 - resident at Southeastern Veterans’ Center
Stanley Kenney on Jan. 29 - resident at Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home
Albert Teplitsky on Jan. 30 - resident at Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home
30th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrated at SWVC
A group of students and faculty from the University of Pittsburgh visited Southwestern Veterans’ Center on Jan. 20 for a morning of playing cards and board games with the residents in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
King, one of the most important figures in American civil rights history of the 20th century, was born Jan. 15, 1929. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father by becoming a Baptist minister. King was also a husband, father, friend and fierce advocate for the betterment of all people.
On April 4, 1968, at the age of 39, King traveled to Memphis, TN to lead a march in support of striking sanitation workers. As he stood on the balcony of his hotel he was assassinated.
The anniversary to honor the life and legacy of King occurs on the third Monday of every January.
Although King’s life was cut short, his dream continues not only through civil rights struggles, but also in the hearts of many Americans.
The staff in our veterans homes honor King every day. They acknowledge the spirit of service and contribute to making a positive impact to our residents, provide the support that is needed for each resident, gaining insight into the challenges faced by veterans thereby promoting compassion, and advocate for justice to ensure that those veterans who served their country receive the care and support they most certainly deserve.
Southwestern Veterans’ Center Resident Celebrates 102nd Birthday
The Southwestern Veterans’ Center (SWVC) celebrated the 102nd birthday of resident Catherine (Eldredge) Gentilcore, aka “Kitty”, who was born Dec. 8, 1922 in Laconia, NH.
Kitty knew at a young age that she wanted to be a nurse.
After high school, Kitty attended the nursing program at Laconia Hospital, earned her RN degree, and began working at the local hospital. Kitty also earned RN degrees in Florida, Pennsylvania and California.
During WWII, Kitty went to Florida to undergo physical exams to join the Women’s Army Corp. Before the final exam, she met a funny and good-looking Italian boy from Pittsburgh named Lee; they married less than six months later. Kitty worked as a nurse while Lee continued to serve in the Air Force. After his discharge, they relocated to Pittsburgh and raised four children while Kitty continued working full-time as a nurse.
Widowed at age 50, Kitty moved to California to help her son and continued nursing well into her 80’s, taking on private duty assignments after retiring from full-time patient care.
Kitty injured her shoulder at age 93 and could no longer live independently. She moved to SWVC in 2015 where she’s known as “Miss Kitty” and is loved for her positivity and making people laugh with her love of costumes.
Kitty reminds everyone to be thankful for the gift of family as her greatest accomplishment has been her children. She also has seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Kitty is a gift and a blessing to the staff at SWVC, they’re grateful she’s there to share her wisdom and her love of life.
Happy 102nd Birthday, Miss Kitty!
Southwestern Veterans’ Center Resident Celebrates 105th Birthday
The Southwestern Veterans’ Center celebrated the 105th birthday of resident Carrie Branch, born in Sylvania, GA, on Dec. 27, 1919. She was the third of nine children.
Carrie gave birth to her first and only child in 1939. Shortly thereafter, they joined other family members in the Homestead section of Pittsburgh, PA.
Carrie’s second home was at the Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Braddock, PA where she devoted many hours of service over the years ministering to anyone in need.
Carrie worked at PPG Industries for 36 years before retiring.
In 1998, Carrie married Edward Branch, an Army veteran, and former steelworker. They remained happily married until his death in 2015 at 103 years old.
Carrie loves children; she was a nanny, babysitter, and mentor to many.
She is a fantastic cook - whether she is frying chicken, or baking cookies or pound cakes for the holidays, she finds great joy in feeding people’s spirits and bellies.
Carrie has two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandsons, one great-great-granddaughter and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews who adore her.
Carrie continues to reside at Southwestern Veterans’ Center in Pittsburgh and is also the oldest resident among the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ six veterans homes!
Happy 105th Birthday, Carrie!
Director of Joint Staff
New Weekly AA Meeting Starting at FTIG
A new Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting is starting at Ft. Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA, every Wednesday at noon beginning on Jan. 29, 2025. This meeting will be held at the Post Chapel (Bldg. 0-38) and is open to all National Guard (Army and Air), Reserve and active-duty personnel as well as any civilian employees. This confidential and supportive group is open to all who are seeking help with alcohol abuse or addiction regardless of rank, branch, or affiliation.
AA is a safe place for participants to share experiences, strength, and hope. It will also enable participants to create bonds with those who understand the unique challenges of civilian and military life. The meeting is appropriate for those struggling with addiction and those who simply have a concern for their alcohol consumption.
The meeting is strictly confidential, and participants can come in civilian clothes, PT uniform, or duty uniform with or without their name visible. The impact and difference participation can make on people’s lives can be the first step towards better health, happiness, and a more fulfilling life. Those struggling with alcohol are not alone.
For more information, please contact JoAnn Tresco, risk reduction coordinator, at joann.p.tresco.ctr@army.mil or phone: 717-708-8500 or James Ring, state resiliency coordinator, at james.a.ring6.mil@army.mil or phone: 717-769-9676.
Showcasing the PA National Guard Army Cyber Team and the Cyber Shield National Level Cyber Exercise
The Pennsylvania National Guard Army Cyber Team hosted the 2025 Cyber Shield Initial Planning Conference in early January at the Fort Indiantown Gap, Keystone Conference Center. Brig. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and Head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, welcomed over 100 exercise participants and planners from across the country that came to the national level cyber planning event.
Cyber Shield is the largest recurring unclassified interagency and joint national-level cyber exercise. Cyber Shield involves an average of nearly 1,000 participants: including members of the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, representatives of state and federal government agencies, industry partners, and academia taking part to test their collective skills and evaluate their defensive capabilities in response to cyber warfare.
The National Guard and Reserve cyber mission forces contain some of the most talented cyber security and information technology government and civilian workforce, significantly contributing to the ability of the National Guard and Reserve to assist in the event of a state or national level cyber security incident. Cyber Shield brings state defensive cyber operations elements, cyber brigades, cyber protection teams, government agencies, and other DoD cyber mission forces together to exercise and validate standard operating procedures, reporting systems, tool sets, and critical skills to better prepare for future cyber mission requirements.
Cyber Shield 2025 will occur in early June at the Virginia State Military Reservation near Virgina Beach, VA. Fort Indiantown Gap was selected as the hosting site for the January Cyber Shield Initial Planning Conference because it is anticipated that Cyber Shield 2026 and 2027 will take place at the Fort Indiantown Gap Mission Training Complex. The PA Army Cyber Team has participated annually in every Cyber Shield event since 2015, and members of the PA Army Cyber Team currently hold and have held national level key leadership positions within the exercise executive command and planning staff.
If interested in more information about the Cyber Shield exercise, the PA Army Cyber Team or how to become a member, please reach out to Maj. Christine Pierce, J36/PA National Guard director of Cyber Operations at christine.m.pierce.mil@army.mil.
PA National Guard Army
PA National Guard Soldiers Honored at Departure Ceremony
On Jan. 4, a departure ceremony was conducted at Fort Indiantown Gap to honor the Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers from the 528th Finance Company, 213th Regional Support Group as they prepared to leave for a yearlong deployment. The unit will deploy to the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations for a year in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. There are currently more than 1,000 members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard serving outside the commonwealth and overseas providing stability and security operations and helping to prevent threats to the U.S. in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Thank you for your continued support of our service members!
Heartwarming Moment for the PAARNG at the PA Farm Show
The Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s (PAARNG) positive impact on our community was highlighted at this year’s annual Pennsylvania Farm Show. A heartwarming moment was caught on camera when a group of children had a photo of SFC Benjamin Sampson, PAARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion, printed on a wooden canvas and brought it back to him for his signature. Recruiters, such as Sampson, are often the face of the PAARNG to the community and their dedication and commitment are truly appreciated!
PA National Guard Air Force
ROM of the Year – 171st ARW
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alex Wagner has been named the 2024 Retention Manager of the Year for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, marking his second consecutive win, thanks to his unwavering commitment to supporting airmen at the 171st Air Refueling Wing. With a diverse background in security forces and recruitment, Wagner excels in his current role by managing responsibilities like education benefits, career changes, and personnel tracking, often collaborating with peers to maximize effectiveness. His success, recognized at the state, regional, and national levels, stems from his dedication to helping airmen and his focus on training the next generation to maintain the 171st ARW’s high standards.
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/488847/171st-retention-manager-earns-top-honor-second-year
The Year of Mission Ready Airmen – 171st ARW
The 171st Air Refueling Wing is fully embracing the Air Force's Mission-Ready Airmen (MRA) initiative, which encourages airmen to develop skills beyond their primary roles to ensure readiness amid evolving global challenges. The wing has actively implemented MRA through innovative solutions, such as boom operators assisting in the command post and personnel from various fields helping with kitchen duties, ensuring mission continuity during shortages and exercises. While adopting MRA poses challenges like additional training demands, the 171st ARW is confident that it will enhance the unit's resilience, making it more adaptable and prepared for future national defense needs.
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/488846/year-mission-ready-airman
Keystone State Challenge Academy
KSCA Welcomes Class 25-1
On Jan. 12, 2025, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) welcomed the newest class of cadets, Class 25-1. The academy brought in 58 young adults to start this challenging yet rewarding program. The candidates started strong and motivated and progressed quickly toward the crossover ceremony to officially become cadets. During this class, the cadets will practice life skills and focus on specified training that they require to function independently and effectively within society.
Such classes and exercises include balancing a checkbook; doing individual taxes; establishing a savings or 401K; securing a loan; better business practices and applying for grants or student loans. We will also establish an ASVAB improvement course for those who are looking into following an enlistment path. This new schedule will not hinder their credit recovery or GED prep but improve their overall performance in this course and prepare them for their future.
Follow the KSCA Facebook to provide support as each day KSCA staff print and display those posts for the candidates.
https://www.facebook.com/KeystoneChalleNGe
Policy and Legislation
The Pennsylvania Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee: Championing Support for Veterans and Emergency Responders
The Pennsylvania Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness (VAEP) Committee plays a vital role in addressing the needs of veterans and emergency responders throughout the commonwealth. Active in both the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate, the committee focuses on critical issues such as benefits for commonwealth veterans, veterans homes, Pennsylvania National Guard, and ensuring robust support for first responders.
This year, the committee benefits from strong bipartisan leadership. In the House of Representatives, the majority chair is democrat Rep. Jared G. Solomon, and the republican chair is Rep. Mark M. Gillen. Over in the Senate, the committee is led by republican Sen. Doug Mastriano as Majority Chair, with democrat Sen. Katie Muth serving as the minority chair. Together, these leaders bring a wealth of experience and commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by Pennsylvania’s veteran and emergency services communities.
Additionally, the VAEP committee includes several veterans and Pennsylvania National Guard members, ensuring that firsthand experience guides its policymaking and priorities. The inclusion of lawmakers with military and emergency response backgrounds reflects a deep understanding of the needs of those who serve.
Through bipartisan collaboration, the VAEP committee works to advance initiatives that support Pennsylvania’s veterans, strengthen emergency preparedness, and ensure the wellbeing of those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
For more information on committee members, contact information, legislation being voted on, session schedules, and more, please visit: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/.
Important Updates on Veterans and Military Benefits: 2025 Compensation Rates and the Rudisill Decision
Veterans and their families have two major updates to look forward to in 2025. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to enhance benefits and support those who have served.
Compensation Rate Increase for 2025
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, VA disability compensation rates will increase by 2.5%, matching adjustments to Social Security benefits. This increase applies to disability benefits, clothing allowances, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), and other VA assistance programs, ensuring greater financial support for veterans and their families.
Military Pay Raises for 2025
Military service members will see pay increases starting in 2025, with junior enlisted troops receiving the largest percentage boost in decades. President Joe Biden signed the 2025 pay raises into law on December 23, 2024. Check the 2025 Military Pay Charts
E-1 through E-4: Junior enlisted service members will receive a 14.5% raise, which includes an additional 10% on top of the standard raise for all military personnel. The increase, effective April 1, 2025, will result in yearly salaries ranging from $27,828 for E-1s to $44,107 for E-4s with at least six years of service, depending on rank.
Most other ranks: All other service members will receive a 4.5% pay raise starting Jan. 1, 2025. Senior officers in grades O-8 through O-10, whose pay is capped by law, will see slightly smaller increases.
These pay adjustments reflect a compromise that prioritizes financial support for younger troops, addressing long-standing challenges for junior enlisted personnel who have struggled with basic expenses.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will increase by 5.4% for 2025, marking the second consecutive year of significant growth. Rates are calculated based on geographic duty location, paygrade, dependency status, and local housing costs.
Service members can review the updated BAH tables, including special allowances such as BAH Transit and BAH Type II, on the Defense Department’s website.
Basic Allowance for Housing: Check your 2025 BAH Rates
Rudisill Decision: Expanded Education Benefits
In a landmark April 2024 ruling, the Supreme Court expanded education benefits for veterans with multiple periods of qualifying service. Veterans who served under both the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB) no longer need to waive MGIB benefits to access PGIB. Additionally, PGIB entitlement is no longer limited by remaining MGIB benefits, though the 48-month combined benefit cap still applies.
Veterans who last received an education claim decision after Aug. 15, 2018, will have their eligibility automatically reviewed. Those with decisions before that date must apply for additional benefits by completing VA Form 22-1995, and selecting “Rudisill review” on the application. To ensure benefits do not expire, veterans should apply only when ready to use them. The deadline for recalculating delimiting dates is Oct. 1, 2030.
For more information on eligibility, applications, or these updates, visit https://www.va.gov/. These changes highlight the VA’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of veterans and their families.