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Senate Adopts Resolution Supporting Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries
The Pennsylvania Senate passed a resolution today calling on Congress to support care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries. The measure was introduced by state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), who chairs the Pennsylvania Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. [Read More]
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Senate Adopts Resolution Supporting Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries
HARRISBURG β The Pennsylvania Senate passed a resolution today calling on Congress to support care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries. The measure was introduced by state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), who chairs the Pennsylvania Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Senate Resolution 245 urges Congress to pass the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act, S. 3130, which would establish a three-year pilot program dedicated to developing and evaluating new neurorehabilitation treatments specifically for veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injury.
βIβd like to thank U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick for introducing this important bipartisan legislation,β Mastriano said. βI am hopeful we can replicate this effort in Pennsylvania to support organizations like Aurelius in Harrisburg who are having great success in treating veterans with traumatic brain injuries.β
Aurelius is a non-profit clinic in downtown Harrisburg dedicated to helping veterans, special operators and others affected by chronic traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Their mission is to accelerate healing and restore quality of life through a multidisciplinary, evidence-inspired approach that goes beyond traditional therapy.
"We commend the Pennsylvania Senate for bringing the critical issues of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder among our nation`s veterans to the forefront through Senate Resolution 245,β said Anson Flake, cofounder of Aurelius. βBy recognizing the urgent need for innovative neurorehabilitation strategies and expanded access to care, the Senate is helping advance a conversation that can save lives and restore hope for countless veterans and their families."
Far too many of our veterans return home carrying the invisible wounds of war, including chronic mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The bipartisan Federal Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act of 2025 would expand access to innovative neurorehabilitation treatments, improve mental health care, and help prevent veteran suicide.
Our heroes answered the call to serve our nation. Now it is our duty to ensure they receive the care, support, and cutting-edge treatment they have earned.
This resolution urges Congress to pass this important legislation and deliver better outcomes for Pennsylvania veterans and veterans across America.
Today we celebrate Italy Republic Day β a proud day in the history of Italy commemorating the 1946 vote in which the Italian people chose to establish a republic.
Republic Day honors Italyβs rich history, culture, and enduring commitment to freedom and democracy. It is also a time to celebrate the deep friendship between Italy and the United States, strengthened through generations of shared values, heritage, and sacrifice.
Wishing all those celebrating a joyful and blessed Festa della Repubblica!
Senator Boscola and I were grateful for the opportunity to recognize Specialist Alcides Perez, Jr. for his courageous service and the sacrifices he made in defense of our nation. Americans like Alcides answered the call when our country needed them most, serving with honor under some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
His sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to our freedom have not gone unnoticed. We are forever grateful for his service and proud to honor this American hero.
#PurpleHeart #Veterans #AmericanHero #NeverForget ππ¦
Honoring Purple Heart Recipient Alcides Perez, Jr. π
When America was attacked on September 11, 2001, a young Alcides Perez stepped forward to serve. At just 17 years old, he volunteered for the United States Army, joining the generation that answered our nation`s call in a time of war.
During combat operations in Iraq, Specialist Perez served with extraordinary courage, participating in more than 100 combat missions and helping capture numerous high-value enemy targets. Time and again, he volunteered for some of the most dangerous duties, serving as a point man and vehicle gunner while facing direct enemy fire. In November 2004, he also volunteered for the perilous mission of clearing a former underground chemical weapons facility.
For wounds sustained in combat, Specialist Perez was awarded the Purple Heart last year. His distinguished military service has also earned him the Combat Infantry Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and numerous other decorations. He has recently been submitted for the Army Commendation Medal with Valor.
As we near the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we must never forget the brave Americans who stepped forward to defend our nation in its hour of need.
Today, Senator Boscola and I were privileged to present Specialist Alcides Perez, Jr. with a Pennsylvania Senate citation in recognition of his bravery, sacrifice, and faithful service to the United States.
Please join us in congratulating and thanking this outstanding soldier and American hero.
Today, I am proud to recognize several outstanding Pennsylvania Army National Guard officers who have been nominated for promotion to higher rank in recognition of their exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to our Commonwealth and Nation:
β Col. Jonathan Lloyd β nominated for Brigadier General
β Col. Randy Lutz β nominated for Brigadier General
β BG Reece Lutz β nominated for Major General
β Col. David Marous β nominated for Brigadier General
β Col. Andrew O`Connor β nominated for Brigadier General
These nominations reflect decades of faithful service, outstanding leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Soldiers of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the defense of our Nation. Promotion to the ranks of Brigadier General and Major General is a rare and significant achievement, reserved for officers who have demonstrated exceptional ability, character, and dedication throughout their careers.
The promotion process is not yet complete. These officers have been nominated and now await the remaining steps in the process, including a vote out of PA Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee which I chair β and then a full Senate vote before they are officially promoted.
Please join Rebbie and me in congratulating these distinguished officers and their families on this well-earned achievement. We thank them for their continued service and wish them every success as they prepare to assume greater responsibilities in service to Pennsylvania and our Nation.
Congratulations, gentlemen, and thank you for your service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America.
May 31st, 1889 - Johnstown Flood kills over 2,200 Pennsylvanians.
The catastrophic failure of the South Fork Dam, located 14 miles upstream, released 20 million tons of water into Johnstown, Pennsylvania, killing over 2,200 people (often cited as 2,208 to 2,300+). The disaster followed days of heavy rain, causing a 60-foot wall of debris to strike the city.
