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In this Update:
Upcoming Military Share Food DistributionsSee the graphics below for information on upcoming food distributions for veterans and military families in State College and Johnstown!
Free Dental Care for Clearfield County Veterans
If you’re a veteran residing in Clearfield County and you don’t have dental insurance, you may be eligible for free dental care from the Free Medical Clinic of DuBois. Call 814-372-2200 to check your eligibility. America’s 250th Speakers Series in Johnstown
The final event of the America’s 250th Speakers Series being hosted by the Cambria County Veterans Museum will take place on Friday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cambria County War Memorial. Dr. Paul Newman, a historian and professor at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, will speak on Pennsylvania’s Revolution as an Indian War. Fourth Annual Women Veterans Day Commemoration
The fourth annual Women Veterans Day Commemoration to honor the service, sacrifice and contributions of women who have served in the U.S. military will be held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol June 10 at 11:30 a.m. This year’s virtual women veterans display will be available online here beginning June 8. Read more about this special commemoration. Legislative and Policy Updates
Requiring Public Schools to Display the POW/MIA Flag The Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 835 which would require all Pennsylvania public schools already displaying the American flag to also display the POW/MIA flag. The POW/MIA flag is a powerful symbol recognizing and honoring the courageous men and women of the Armed Forces who remain prisoners of war or missing in action. By displaying this flag, schools also demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families and educating students about the importance of service. Read more about Senate Bill 835. Display of the Constitutional Preambles in Schools In May, the Senate passed legislation requiring the posting of the preambles of the U.S. Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution in the entranceway of public school buildings. Read more about Senate Bill 250 and Senate Bill 598. Nearly $600 Million in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $596 million in VA infrastructure improvements in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026. The funds will be used by VA medical facilities to improve operational capability and overall healthcare delivery by making significant upgrades. This includes funds for 24 projects for Pennsylvania’s VA medical facilities to renovate a prosthetics lab in Altoona, replace a roof in Butler, replace windows in Lebanon, repair a heat exchanger in Philadelphia, structural reinforcements in Pittsburgh and more. Easier Access to CDL Training for Veterans The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs implemented part of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act) to improve how certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training programs are approved for VA education benefits. Previously, new CDL training locations were required to meet the full approval requirements of a new CDL training program, which included a two-year minimum operating period, and have its site approved by the appropriate state approving agency before being able to enroll G.I. Bill students. Now, new CDL training locations can be exempt from this two-year operating period requirement if they:
Currently, these changes apply only to CDL programs, but the VA will be studying the impact to determine whether this could be applied to other vocational programs in the future. Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program
Qualifying veterans can apply through their County Director of Veterans Affairs to receive $150 per month through Pennsylvania’s Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program. Applicants must have been a Pennsylvania resident upon entering the military; have received Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge; have a service-connected injury or incurred a disease resulting in the loss or loss of use of two or more extremities; and have at least a 40% or higher disability rating compensation rating in each limb as determined and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Find your County Director of Veterans Affairs here. Information for County Directors in Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties is below: Cambria County Veterans’ Services Office
Centre County Veterans’ Affairs
Clearfield County Veteran’s Affairs Office
Improving Veteran Access to Homeownership
All veterans, service members and surviving spouses applying for a VA-backed home loan can now obtain their active Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in real-time through the VA: Health and Benefits mobile app. A COE verifies eligibility for the VA Home Loan Program to lenders. PA Hero Walk
The PA Hero Walk, a 320-mile segmented fundraising walk across Pennsylvania to raise money to help veterans with basic necessities including utility bills, housing and more, will take place from June 7 through June 20. Baseball Season Deals
Many Major League Baseball teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, offer discounted tickets to veterans. Many minor league teams have military promotions, as well. The Altoona Curve offers a military discount of $1 off tickets with a valid military ID, and the State College Spikes will host a Military Appreciation Night game on July 3, 2026. |
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