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In this Update:
Invest In Veterans Week
The commonwealth will recognize March 1-7, 2026, as Invest in Veterans Week in Pennsylvania through a resolution being introduced in the state Senate. Following the annually recognized National Invest in Veterans Week, this resolution will commemorate the contributions made by veteran entrepreneurs and will challenge Pennsylvanians to transform appreciation into actionable support for veteran business owners. Individuals can participate simply by buying from veteran-owned businesses, leaving positive reviews on internet platforms, promoting the week on social media and sharing about the week with friends and family. If you run a veteran-owned business, my office would love to hear from you! Veterans Temporary Assistance Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Veterans Affairs (DMVA) administers the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program which provides temporary financial assistance up to $1,600 for necessities including food, shelter, fuel and clothing within a 12-month period to eligible veterans and their beneficiaries who reside in Pennsylvania. To be eligible, veterans must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, been honorably discharged after a period of active duty other than active duty for training, died in service or suffered a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Veterans’ Administration. The DMVA website lists the financial circumstances that qualify veterans for help via the VTA program. Veterans interested in applying for a VTA grant should contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs within the county they reside. Free and Reduced Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
In June, a bill I strongly supported to remove the requirement that a disability be the result of a war or armed conflict for a disabled veteran to obtain a free or reduced cost fishing license was signed into law as Act 21 of 2025. Under the new law, veterans with a 100% service-connected disability can obtain a free lifetime fishing license and those with a service-connected disability rating between 60% and 99% can obtain a resident fishing license for $1. For more information on free and reduced cost disabled veteran fishing licenses, check out the Fish and Boat Commission’s website. Veteran Therapeutic Equine Riding Program Receives Grant
Slippery Rock University’s Storm Harbor Equestrian Center received a $76,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for their Veteran Therapeutic Riding Program. Veterans have been going to SRU to work with horses since 2006, just after the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center opened. The center has been able to offer free equine-assisted programs to veterans through various grants and donor support. Before this grant, the equestrian center was only able to host about 50 to 60 veterans each month. Now, they will be able to host more than 80 each month. This grant will also help Slippery Rock enhance programs that promote independence, well-being and quality of life for veterans, with a focus on their mental health. If you are a veteran and would like more information about the program offered at Storm Harbor, reach out via email at stormharbor@sru.edu or phone at 724-738-4010. VA Increases In-Home and Community-Based Services Expenditure Cap
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced an increase in the expenditure cap for in-home and community-based services for veterans with certain complex medical conditions, including spinal cord injuries, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and other complex medical conditions at 100% of the cost of similar care in a VA Community Living Center. The previous rate of coverage was 65%. These changes come from the federal Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This will significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible veterans for in-home and community-based services including home health aides, home respite, community adult day health care, Veteran Directed Care and skilled home health. The increased cap will allow eligible veterans to continue to reside in their home and receive care at a lower out-of-pocket cost. Veteran Directed Care gives veterans access to personal care services and help with daily living activities. For more information and to see if you’re eligible for Veteran Directed Care, check here on the VA’s website. National Vietnam War Veterans Day
National Vietnam War Veterans Day will be observed on March 29 to honor the millions of Americans who served and the thousands who did not return home. This day marks when the last U.S. combat troops withdrew from South Vietnam in 1973. March 29 was officially established annually as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania through Act 124 of 2024. There will be events across Pennsylvania to remember and honor Vietnam veterans, including:
Pennsylvania Women Veterans Conference and Resource Fair
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pennsylvania (VFW) will be hosting the 2026 PA Women Veterans Conference & Resource Fair for all women veterans in Pennsylvania to gather for fellowship, camaraderie and presentations by, for and about women veterans. There will be a welcome reception, workshops and breakout sessions, all day activities, a pottery painting class, self-defense class and more! Veterans do not need to be VFW members to attend. The keynote speaker is retired U.S. Marine Corps Officer Eric McElvenny. He was wounded during combat action by an IED ultimately resulting in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. Eric went on to be a two-time Paralympian and eight-time Ironman finisher.
Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall Of Valor Induction Ceremony
The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., will be inducting the next group of veterans into the Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor. The new inductees will join more than 750 veterans inducted into the Hall of Valor since 1963. Soldiers & Sailors recognizes and pays tribute to the Pennsylvania veterans who have received the military’s highest awards for valor: the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldiers Medal, Airmen Medal, Coast Guard Medal or Navy/Marine Corps Medal (for bravery and heroism during times of military conflict).
The Hall of Valor inducts veterans annually. If you know a Pennsylvania veteran you think should be inducted, nominate them here. Spring Refresh Discounts
Veterans can take advantage of discounts to help refresh your home for spring. Whether it’s new patio furniture, a paint update or cleaning supplies, there are discounts for all your spring refresh and cleaning needs!
Veterans Fitness & Wellness Program
Veterans with spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers can sign up for free, virtual classes through Paralyzed Veterans of America designed to improve strength, endurance and hand-eye coordination for veterans with mobility issues. The classes are available to veterans of all levels and abilities and are intended to improve stress management, cardiovascular health, mental health and more. Information about the program and how to register is available here.
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