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In this Update:
Operation Enduring Freedom
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM Afghanistan became an important part of my life. I served several tours there, ultimately leading soldiers from 18 nations. We wore different uniforms and spoke different languages, but we shared the same mission and the same risks. As we commemorated the 25th anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom, it was a tremendous honor to hear firsthand from several men who served in Afghanistan, including veterans and those still serving in uniform, as they shared their experiences and reflections. We were also blessed with wonderful musical performances made this commemoration even more meaningful. Twenty-five years later, I remember the soldiers, the Afghan children we helped, those who came home carrying unseen burdens, and especially those who never came home. The ending of the war was painful, but this remains true: Our soldiers did not fail. They served with courage, honor, and extraordinary professionalism. We owe our fallen more than gratitude. We owe them wisdom. May God bless all who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, our fallen and their families, and the United States of America. Senate & House VAEP Hearing: From Combat to Careers
Our Senate and House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees held a joint hearing on “From Combat to Careers”—how Pennsylvania can help veterans turn military experience into civilian careers. We heard from Penn State, health care educators, employers, and state agencies about SkillBridge internships, pathways from military medical service to nursing, and ways to make professional licensing easier to navigate. We also discussed career opportunities for military spouses and how to connect more families with programs already available. Civil Air Patrol Briefing
As Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, I convened an informational meeting with the leadership of the Pennsylvania Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. The Pennsylvania Wing includes more than 1,800 volunteers serving in 47 squadrons and six groups across the Commonwealth. As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol serves through three congressionally chartered missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and homeland security support. We received an excellent briefing from PA Wing Commander Col. Leslie Herr and her team, followed by the swearing-in of members of the Civil Air Patrol Legislative Squadron. I was especially impressed by the outstanding young people who joined us: Cadet 1st Lt. Lucy Draeger, Cadet Maj. Aaron Keohane, Cadet Maj. Sebastian Oprea, Cadet 2d Lt. Ava Shumway, and Cadet Maj. John White. Their professionalism, confidence, knowledge, and commitment to service were remarkable. Pennsylvania has much to be proud of in these young leaders. Thank you to everyone in the Civil Air Patrol for your dedication to our Commonwealth and nation. Tiny Homes Tour
My office toured Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania’s “Veterans Grove,” a tiny home village for Veterans facing homelessness. Located on a 5-acre parcel along the Susquehanna River in the outskirts of Harrisburg, Veterans Outreach built a village of 15 tiny homes surrounding a community center. The Veterans Grove community is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of each Veteran through a therapeutic community model that builds camaraderie, personal responsibility, and healing, while recreating the stable support network offered to them before they left the service. What stands out is that VOPA is not just providing shelter, they are working on the whole Veteran, so that they’re coming back into our community. Since opening – VOPA has served over 50 Resident Veterans and over 274 Non-Resident Veterans. Measures to Support Guard Spouses & Veterans With PTSD
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which I chair, advanced a bill and a resolution to establish a loan repayment program for Pennsylvania National Guard spouses and expand treatment options for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Senate Bill 1471, which I sponsored, would allow a Guard member’s state education benefits to be applied toward repayment of their spouse’s existing student loan. The change was requested by the Pennsylvania National Guard Association and would not require any additional taxpayer funding. Senate Resolution 122, which I sponsored with five other veteran senators, would urge Congress to pass the TREAT PTSD Act, which would expand access to Stellate Ganglion Block therapy, a specialized PTSD treatment for veterans and members of the armed forces. I’m very proud of the committee’s work to help veterans and active-duty service members. These important measures help ensure those who put their safety on the line to protect our communities have the support they need to thrive. Read more about the bill and resolution here. Veteran Service Officer Meetings
VETERAN SERVICES – CHAMBERSBURG DISTRICT OFFICE ** Our NEXT available appointment date is THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 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 dmastriano@pasen.gov *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. Accelerating Access to Veterans’ Benefits and Employment Opportunities
Under a recent executive order, federal agencies must update their technology systems and policies to give veterans quicker access to the benefits they earned through their military service. The Accelerating Access to Veterans’ Benefits and Employment Opportunities Executive Order directs the Departments of War and Veterans Affairs to improve their sharing of military personnel and medical records from the time an individual enlists until they no longer require veterans’ benefits. They must also streamline the application process for and access to benefits for veterans. The order also requires updates of the Transition Assistance Program and other veteran workforce programs to ensure service members leaving active military service are either connected to a job or enrolled in career and technical education, as well as connected with appropriate veterans’ representatives to assist them with applying for healthcare, disability, home loan, job placement or education benefits. Veteran Employment Networking Event
Pittsburgh Hires Veterans is hosting a free veteran employment networking event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 14 at Robert Morris University. Veterans, military spouses and transitioning service members are invited to bring resumes, hear how to translate miliary experience into marketable skills and connect with area employers. Click here for more information and to register. Fundraising for the Valor Clinic Foundation
Several upcoming fundraisers are scheduled to benefit the Valor Clinic Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps veterans and their families throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, the Valor Clinic served over 4,000 veterans and their families through programs that provide outreach and housing stabilization to homeless and at-risk veterans; peer-driven wellness and reintegration; holiday food boxes and meals; and benefits navigation and advocacy. Its October fundraising events are:
The Valor Clinic will also host the following free events in October that use peer to peer and outdoor events like fishing and hunting to help veterans with elevated social conflict, emotional scars and a loss of purpose and direction. Life partners and significant others are encouraged to attend.
Veterans Symposium
The 21st Annual Veterans Symposium hosted by Veterans Community Initiates (VCI), Inc. will be held on Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. VCI is a nonprofit Veteran Service Organization that provides free programs and services to veterans and their families throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, and its annual symposium brings together veterans, experts, policymakers, service providers and advocates for exploratory learning about issues and initiatives affecting the veteran community, including veterans’ well-being, rights and services. 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. Discount on YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket
YouTube TV offers NFL Sunday Tickets for $198 for the military community verified through ID.me. NFL Sunday Ticket gives fans the ability to watch their favorite NFL teams’ 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. Fall Home Improvement Deals
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