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In this Update:
Next Veteran Service Officer Day is December 9
My office is continuing to host Veteran Service Officer Days every month to help veterans who have questions or need help applying for benefits they have earned through their service. The next event will take place on Wednesday, December 9 at my Strasburg district office. Community residents can schedule an appointment by calling my office at 717-397-1309. State Budget Update
The FY 2025-26 General Appropriations Act was signed into law on Nov. 12. This year’s state budget increases funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ general government operations by 6.6% and increases federal funding for state veterans’ homes by 52.9%. VA Operations Returning to Normal
With the recent enactment of legislation ending the federal government shutdown through Jan. 30, 2026, operations under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs affected by the shutdown have resumed normal activity for the time being. Pennsylvania Treasury Returns Medals to Veterans
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the return of 57 miliary decorations to veterans and their families this year, including Purple Hearts, Civil War relics and a Gold Star Widows and Pilgrimage Medal. The Pennsylvania Treasury still holds nearly 500 unclaimed military items, including medals, dog tags and service pins from all branches of the armed forces. To search for any unclaimed property, go to unclaimedproperty.patreasury.gov/en/Medals. Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial Annual Candlelight Service
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will be hosting their Annual Candlelight Service at the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. This outdoor event invites attendees to speak in remembrance of loved ones who served in the military. A color guard will perform the flag honors and a local choir will sing a few selections. The service will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m. at 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville. Wreaths Across America Events
Wreaths Across America will host hundreds of ceremonies across the commonwealth to remember and honor veterans by laying wreaths on their headstones on Dec. 13. For more details and a map with all of the Wreaths Across America ceremonies, click here. Holiday Discounts for Veterans
Veterans can take advantage of exclusive discounts and cashback offers from top gifting brands like Yeti, Ray-Ban, Columbia, Stanley, Walt Disney World and more through ID.me to help with holiday shopping. To sign up, visit va.gov, create an account and verify your identity. Verification is often instant but may take up to three days. Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show
The Christmas Gift Expo returns to the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg from Dec. 3-7. Veterans with valid military ID will receive free admission on Sunday, Dec. 7. With more than 550 vendors, live entertainment and photo opportunities with Santa (benefiting Four Diamonds, a nonprofit supporting children with cancer), the event offers a festive and convenient way to complete holiday shopping. Veterans Crisis Line
The holidays can be a difficult time of year. If you are a veteran in crisis, or concerned about one, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and press 1, text 838-255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net to chat online. |
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