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If you know a veteran, please forward this issue to him or her as it provides important updates, resources, and information.
Honoring Those Who Served at My Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Many thanks to Brigadier General John R. Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, our keynote speaker; Jennifer Vazquez, who sang the National Anthem to open the program; the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard; Pastor Grover Devault; and the staff of the Eden Resort for helping to honor our veterans last month at my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. You can view more photos and details from this event here. Former Marine in Ephrata Collecting Bikes for Toys for Tots
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Eric Bair, a former Marine and current owner of Sports Barber in Ephrata. Eric has helped with Toys for Tots for 14 years by collecting bikes so kids wouldn’t have to choose between toys or a bike. His first year, he collected seven bikes; in 2023, he collected an impressive 318 bikes! All the bikes stay in Lancaster County and benefit our communities. If you would like to help Eric with his collection, he is accepting cash donations and new 16-, 18-, and 20-inch bikes for boys and girls until Friday, Dec. 6. Donations will be accepted at The Sports Barber, 50 E. Main St., Ephrata, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Dozens of volunteers will inflate all tires, inspect each bike for safety, and load them up for delivery to the distribution point. Touring a Veteran-Owned Business in Lititz
I toured Fluid Conditioning Products, Inc. (FCP) in Lititz, which makes filters for U.S. Navy nuclear submarines and surface ships, military jet aircraft, helicopters, military land vehicles, and more. As a service-disabled veteran-owned business, FCP supports the troops. I am pictured with Vice President/Operations Manager Tom Ruffhead and President Susan Niggel. Happy 100th Birthday to Local Veteran, George Haldeman
Happy belated 100th birthday to Manheim resident and U.S. Army Air Force veteran George Haldeman! He was born in Sunhill, Lancaster County, on November 7, 1924. The beloved husband of Anna May Haldeman for seventy-five years prior to her passing, he is the proud father of three children and also has been blessed with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Haldeman honorably served this country in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Following his military service, he worked in the dry-cleaning industry and as a vacuum salesperson for Electrolux. Cheers to 100 years! Disaster Assistance and Resources for Veterans
As we witnessed in August, disasters can strike at any time. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and PA Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) have been working to assist the residents of counties in our region affected by flooding. What might not be known is that in the wake of a disaster, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers some resources that may help veterans and their families. Visit the VA’s Disaster Help website for more information. Food Assistance for Veterans and Their Families
In central Pennsylvania, more than 9% of households receiving food assistance have at least one member who has served or is still serving in the military. The Central PA Food Bank provides fresh, nutritious foods for veterans and their families. The MilitaryShare Program is open to all military branches, prior service, reservist, or inactive ready reserve. For the convenience and privacy of the individuals and families served, MilitaryShare distributions take place at armories, VFW, and AMVET locations. While the specific items distributed will vary, each registered family receives fresh produce, one quart of fresh milk, a dozen eggs, cheese, and a box of pantry staples such as soup, pasta, sauce, and cereal. When available, meat, fish, and poultry may also be included. Clients must call ahead to pre-register and for the distribution schedule. Please call 717-821-4684 for Lancaster County. Learn more. Veterans Job Listing
Every week, the Pennsylvania Nation Guard Associations updates its free job board with good openings for National Guard members, veterans, and their families across Pennsylvania and in nearby states. The board features nearly 10,000 employment and internship postings. What are Vet Centers?
VA vet centers provide free and confidential readjustment counseling for war-zone veterans and their families, from World War II to the current Global War on Terror. Vet centers are small, non-medical, counseling centers conveniently located in our region. They’re staffed by highly trained counselors and team members dedicated to seeing you through the challenges that come with managing life during and after the military. Our region is served by the Lancaster Vet Center, which is one of 12 vet centers in Pennsylvania and more than 300 across the country. Whether you come in for one-on-one counseling or to participate in a group session, at vet centers you can form social connections, try new things and build a support system with people who understand you and want to help you succeed. Who is Eligible to Receive Services at Vet Centers?Vet center services are available to veterans at no cost, regardless of discharge character, and without the need to be enrolled in VA health care or having a service-connected disability. If you are a veteran or service member, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, you can access vet center services if you:
Contacting Your Local Vet CenterEven if you are unsure if you meet the criteria to receive services from a vet center, please contact a center. Center services are also available to family members when their participation would support the growth and goals of the veteran or active-duty service member. If you consider them family, so does your local center. Bereavement services are also available to family members of veterans who were receiving vet center services at the time of the veteran’s death, and to the families of service members who died while serving on active duty. The Lancaster Vet Center, located at 1817 Olde Homestead Lane, Suite 207, Lancaster, PA 17601, can be contacted at 717-283-0735 or toll free 24/7 at 1-877-WAR-VETS (927-8387). The other vet center locations in Pennsylvania are:
For more information, please visit www.vetcenter.va.gov. |
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