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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    A photograph of military women getting their picture taken.
    Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

    Pennsylvania Salutes You For Your Service

    Welcome Back!

    Now that you’re home it’s time for your country and Commonwealth to serve YOU.

    We've got you covered.

    Whether you are looking to become a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, wanting to connect to benefits through PA VETConnect, or looking for Employment resources, we have you covered.

    The logo for the veterans crisis line - 1-800-273-8255 and press 1

    You are not alone.

    Recovery starts with a call, 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
    Family members and advocates who know a veteran suffering from addiction can also call the toll-free hotline. 

    Confidential Help 24/7/365

    If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with returning to civilian life, you can get free, confidential help anytime, anywhere.

    Free Crisis Talk Hotline

    Dial 988 and Press 1

    Talk Now

    Free Crisis Texting Hotline

    Text 838255

    Text Today

    Free Online Chatting

    Chat Here

    Don’t forget to properly record and safeguard your military paperwork.

    (This includes the DD214, DD215, or NGB22.)

     

    Records and Paperwork

    Your military service is an incredibly valuable resource, and the Commonwealth offers numerous employment opportunities.

    Veterans Employment

    Returning to civilian life? Starting a second career? Looking for an employer that values active National Guard and Reserve service? Bring the unique experience and personal qualities you developed in the military and continue your work in public service with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania!

    Veterans Employment Website

    National Guard

    When you join the PA National Guard, not only will you join a world-class organization, you may also be eligible for numerous benefits.

    National Guard Website

    PA CareerLink

    Create a PA CareerLink® account for resume building tools, new job alerts, job search tracking tools, and much more.

    PA CareerLink Website

    Continuing your Education

    If you choose to continue your education, your earned GI Bill benefits can be used to attend post-secondary schooling, begin an apprenticeship, or enroll in an on-the-job training program.

    Dept. of Ed GI Benefits

    GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.

    Veteran GI Education Benefits

    Military Occupational Crosswalk

    Service Members, Veterans, and their Family Members often struggle with obtaining a professional license so they may support themselves and their families. Act 35 of 2022 will ease struggles for these military applicants and remove barriers to licensing and employment.

    Professional Licensing for Veterans

    Highlights of programs that can assist in your family's transition:

    PA VETConnect

    Through PA VETConnect, veteran advocates have access to the Commonwealth’s premier information and referral database, compiled specifically to improve the lives of service members, veterans, and their families.

    PA VETConnect

    PA Veterans Registry

    It is important for the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to connect with veterans and their families to inform them about programs and services available thanks to their service. To help make this important connection, the DMVA created the PA Veterans Registry.

    Veterans Registry

    For an extensive resource guide for Veterans, Service Members, and their Families:

    The Commonwealth owes our service members and their families a tremendous amount of gratitude. This extensive guide is intended to be a place where they can find a multitude of resources and services, all in one place.

    Our military has earned these benefits, and we want them to be able to find them and access them with ease.