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In this Update:
Robinson Named to U.S. Service Academy Nominations Advisory Board
I was honored to receive Sen. McCormick’s nomination along with 33 other veterans, public servants, and community leaders from across Pennsylvania to serve on this important advisory board. We will evaluate applications, participate in interviews, and recommend candidates to be considered for appointment to the U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Read more here. Join Us in Harrisburg to Celebrate the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th BirthdayI want to cordially invite all active-duty Marines, veterans, and their families in the Pittsburgh area to join me in Harrisburg on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 9AM at the Pennsylvania Capitol building for a ceremony commemorating the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th birthday. Attendees will hear from guest speakers, have the opportunity to view historic Marine Corps artwork, and take part in the ceremonial cake cutting to celebrate the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th birthday. Please RSVP here by November 10 to join us in Harrisburg for this joyous occasion! Operation Troop Appreciation’s New Headquarters
Congratulations to Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) on the opening of their new headquarters in West Mifflin! OTA supports active-duty troops and returning veterans with critical items needed to move into a new home. The new OTA headquarters offers a welcoming place for all veterans in the Mon Valley to connect, relax, and be supported. Learn more about OTA and how you can support their mission here. Representative Jill Cooper’s Veterans Breakfast
I had the honor of addressing my fellow veterans at Representative Jill Cooper’s (R-55) Veterans Breakfast. I was able to provide a reflection on the significance of the Missing Man Honors Ceremony, speak on the significance of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, and provide a legislative update about how I am supporting veterans across the state through my work in Harrisburg. The event had a great turn out, and it was wonderful to connect with the veterans in attendance. It is events like these that remind us of something we can’t say enough- thank you. Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses
To promote veteran-owned businesses, the Senate passed Senate Bill 64 requiring the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create a logo that can be used by Pennsylvania businesses with at least 51% veteran ownership to designate themselves as a veteran-owned business to the public. With Senate Bill 64, DMVA will also make a database available on its website of veteran-owned businesses that applied for and were approved to use the logo. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Senate Bill 533, a bill I proudly sponsored to remove barriers that prevent disabled veterans from enjoying the outdoors and experiencing the proven therapeutic benefits of hunting, passed the Senate unanimously! The bill directs the Game Commission to waive licensing requirements for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans who wish to participate in hunting events created specifically for their enjoyment, rehabilitation, and healing. Senate Bill 533 has been sent to the House of Representatives and is awaiting consideration. More information about the bill can be found here. American Legion Appointments
On the second Tuesday of each month, my office hosts a benefits expert from the American Legion. If you would like to schedule an appointment with the representative, you may call my office at 412-785-3070. Fort Indiantown Gap and Lickdale Veterans Outreach Center Tour
Senators and staff from the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee toured Fort Indiantown Gap and Lickdale Veterans Outreach Center in August. Senators and staff were able to:
VA Offers Yearlong Community Care Authorizations
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will extend the length of new VA community care authorizations to one year for 30 eligible standardized types of care, an increase from the previous reevaluation every 90 to 180 days. This will improve continuity of care and allow veterans to focus more on their health than frequent administrative requirements. VA Awards $818 Million in Grants to Combat Veteran Homelessness
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that more than $818 million in grants have been given to 235 organizations across the country to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. More than $16 million has been given to organizations serving Pennsylvania’s veterans, including:
These grants will help to fund local organizations as they assist veterans with access to housing and housing counseling, health care, financial planning services, childcare, legal assistance, and transportation. Submit Mileage-Only Travel Claims with the VA Mobile App
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now allows eligible veterans to submit and track mileage-only travel claims directly from their smartphone using the VA Health and Benefits mobile app. With more than 3 million downloads, the app now features a prompt that appears when a VA appointment may qualify for mileage reimbursement. Submitting a claim takes just a few taps – no paperwork required. This update helps speed up processing and reduces the need for paper submissions. Veterans with a 30% or higher service-connected disability rating who travel in their own vehicle to VA medical appointments may be eligible. To learn more or download the app, visit the VA Health and Benefits mobile page. Veterans Discount on NFL Sunday Ticket
Veterans are eligible for a discount of almost 60% off for NFL Sunday Ticket through ID.me. NFL Sunday Ticket gives fans the ability to watch their favorite NFL team’s out-of-market Sunday games, enjoy unlimited streams at home, view key plays, and watch up to four live games on one screen in multiview. Veteran Employment Programs
Hiring Our Heroes, Hire Heroes USA, Onward to Opportunity, and VetJobs are engaged in a formal evaluation effort to measure the impact of their programs. Supported by research from The Veterans Metrics Initiative, their proven models for success feature:
Veterans looking for career support can reach out to these programs for personalized support and proven pathways to success. Need Help Finding Your DD-214 or Military Records?
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) can help veterans locate their DD Form 214 (DD-214) and other essential military documents. These records are crucial for verifying service and accessing the benefits they’ve earned – including retirement, employment opportunities, and membership in veterans’ organizations. If your DD-214 is missing or contains errors, the DMVA can assist with locating or correcting it to avoid delays in receiving your benefits. How to Get Help:
Learn More: Visit the Records Request Program website
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
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