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In this Update:
Support Wreaths Across America
On Wednesday, December 10, at 10:00am, Senator Jay Costa (D-43) and I will host Pennsylvania’s Wreaths Across America ceremony in the Capitol rotunda in Harrisburg. We invite you to join us to honor those who serve and remember all who have given their lives in service and sacrifice. If you can’t attend the ceremony in person, it will be livestreamed here. You can also get involved by sponsoring a wreath or signing up to volunteer here. The event will kick off Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 13, at hundreds of ceremonies around the commonwealth. Volunteers will lay wreaths on veterans’ graves and say each of their names aloud to remember and honor these brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Some of the ceremonies included are:
For more details and a map with all of the Wreaths Across America ceremonies, click here. 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 on Wreaths Across America Day. 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. Celebrating the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday
Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th birthday at the State Capitol last month, including the South Hills Pittsburgh Detachment 726 of the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Recruiting Station Harrisburg, and many others. You all helped make the ceremony one to remember! Semper Fi! 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%. Read more about the provisions passed in this year’s state budget and what I worked to support here. 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. Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grant cycle. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, veterans’ organizations, and county directors of Veterans Affairs or the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. The VTF supports new or expanded programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional, or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation, and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities, and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention, and legal assistance. Applications must be submitted by 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. 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. 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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