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In this Update:
No Veteran’s Family Should Be Left Behind
KEEPING FAITH WITH THOSE WHO SERVED: SENATE BILL 130 BECOMES LAW I am incredibly proud that my Senate Bill 130 has been signed into law as Act 42 of 2026. This may be one of the most meaningful Veterans bills we have passed. When a Veteran passes away, a grieving family should not have to navigate a maze trying to discover what benefits were earned through that veteran’s service. Act 42 changes that. Under this new law, funeral directors and cemeteries must notify the county veterans affairs director within 96 hours of receiving the remains of a deceased service member. Just as importantly, the family must be given the contact information for their county Veterans affairs director. That simple connection can make an enormous difference. It means more families will have someone helping them understand the burial benefits, honors, and assistance their loved one earned through service to our nation. The PA Funeral Directors Association has provided guidance on connecting families with their County Veterans Affairs Director. Additionally, the following handout provides a synopsis of key burial benefits available to Veterans: PSACDVA Handout for Funeral Directors (PDF) I am especially grateful that this legislation passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly unanimously. Republicans and Democrats came together around a simple principle: When someone serves our country, we have an obligation to remember that service—and to stand beside the family when that final day comes. Our Veterans earned these benefits. Their families should know about them. Getting SB 130 across the finish line and signed into law as Act 42 is something I am tremendously proud of. Mission accomplished. Now Pennsylvania will do a better job keeping faith with those who served. Veteran Service Officer Meetings
VETERAN SERVICES – CHAMBERSBURG DISTRICT OFFICE ** Our NEXT available appointment date is THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 ** On the third Thursday of each month, starting September 17th, a Veteran Service Officer with the Pennsylvania American Legion will be available BY APPOINTMENT ONLY at my Chambersburg District Office to assist veterans and their families. Assistance is available with: State and Education Benefits Military Personnel and Medical Records Compensation and Pension Claims Burial and Survivor benefits Enrollment in the VA Health Care System. Chambersburg District Office *Please note: Office hours are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call or email to schedule an appointment. Our NEXT available appointment date is THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 If you served our nation, we are here to serve you. Letterkenny Army Depot Tour
LETTERKENNY ARMY DEPOT – SUPPORTING OUR WARFIGHTERS & FRANKLIN COUNTY My team and I, along with Senator Scott Hutchinson, recently had the opportunity to visit and tour Letterkenny Army Depot, one of our region’s most important employers and a critical part of our nation’s defense industrial base. The numbers tell an impressive story:
But Letterkenny is about much more than numbers. Its skilled workforce provides electronics, welding, engineering, machining, fabrication, advanced manufacturing, material preparation, supply and transportation, and power-generation expertise in direct support of America’s warfighters. Letterkenny is also investing in the next generation through programs focused on hiring, training, and developing the skilled artisan workforce needed for future modernization efforts. Its expertise in air and missile defense and precision fires makes Letterkenny an indispensable part of Army readiness and our national security. I am proud to have this extraordinary installation – and the thousands of dedicated men and women who support its mission, right here in Franklin County. Supporting Letterkenny means supporting our local economy, our veterans, our warfighters, and the defense of our nation. Totem Pole Playhouse – South Pacific Show
A wonderful Sunday afternoon with my beautiful wife, Rebbie, enjoying South Pacific at the Totem Pole Playhouse! There’s nothing quite like live theater, and we had a great time enjoying this American classic right here in our community. South Pacific is also a powerful story shaped by the experiences of American servicemen and veterans of World War II, which made the performance especially meaningful. A terrific performance by a very talented cast. Bravo to everyone at Totem Pole Playhouse for a fantastic show! State Veterans Commission Meeting
Our next Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission meeting will be: Friday, October 2 The Commission will hear updates and discuss programs, benefits, services, and other issues affecting Pennsylvania’s veterans and their families. Click here for meeting information and virtual participation details. New Law Connects Families with VA Burial Benefits
Under a new law, Act 42 of 2026, families of a deceased service person being buried or cremated in Pennsylvania after Sept. 18 will receive contact information for their county veterans affairs office from funeral directors and cemeteries. County directors of veterans affairs will also be notified by funeral directors and cemeteries within 96 hours of receiving the remains of a deceased service person. This will help connect families with this local veterans’ resource which will be able to help them access benefits for which they might be eligible. State Veterans Commission Meeting
The State Veterans Commission (SVC) will hold its next regular meeting on Friday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. at Fort Indiantown Gap. The SVC advises the adjutant general and the DMVA on all matters pertaining to the status, welfare, benefits, employment and support of veterans and veterans’ programs in Pennsylvania. The public is welcome to attend either by phone or virtually.
$1.2 Billion in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $1.2 billion in VA infrastructure improvements which will be used by VA medical facilities to enhance operational capability and healthcare delivery for significant maintenance, replacements and upgrades. This includes funds to 42 projects for Pennsylvania’s VA medical facilities including replacing a roof in Coatesville, replacing domestic hot water tanks in Erie, renovating air conditioning in Lebanon, installing exterior security measures in Philadelphia, repairing fire and smoke dampers in Pittsburgh, replacing a fire station roof in Butler and more. VA Announces Clinical Trials to Help Veterans with Major Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder
The VA announced a new clinical trial to evaluate psilocybin’s effectiveness and safety in treating major depression in veterans. Psilocybin is a classic hallucinogen and produced by more than 100 species of mushrooms worldwide. The trial, Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression, will enroll veterans with a diagnosis of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and be conducted in five VA locations throughout the U.S., including Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia. This follows the VA’s announcement of a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of GLP-1 treatment for alcohol use disorder. This clinical trial, Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans, will be conducted in 18 locations throughout the U.S., including the Philadelphia VA Healthcare System. Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run
The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is a Pennsylvania-based, non-profit organization that provides programming, including Back to School Character Days, aimed to empower veterans and families of the fallen to develop character in future generations. The TMF is hosting several upcoming 5Ks throughout the U.S. in honor of 9/11, including these in the commonwealth:
Left, Right, Left 5K
The Veterans and Military Employee Resource Group of Piedmont Airlines is hosting the Left, Right, Left 5K on Sept. 16 starting at 9:15 a.m. at Harrisburg International Airport. All proceeds from the $25 per person entry fee will go to Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania to support a local village south of Harrisburg of 15 tiny homes surrounding a community center for homeless veterans. Shareapy Military
Shareapy offers free virtual peer support for active-duty military, veterans, first responders and their immediate family members. Once registered, you can:
There is no cost for eligible members. For more information and to sign up, click here. Tech Deals for Veterans
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