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In this Update:
Soldier Story – Captain Mallon and First Sergeant Gumpertz
In the early morning of September 26, 1918, Captain James Mallon and First Sergeant Sydney Gumpertz of the 33rd Infantry Division led their men in one of the most daring actions of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France during the First World War. Mallon—an Irish Catholic Street brawler—and Gumpertz—a Jewish descendant of Gold Rush pioneers—had forged a bond at Camp Logan, Texas. Separated in the fog as they attacked the Bois de Forges, both men moved aggressively. Mallon, with a group of soldiers, took out nine German machine guns, an antiaircraft gun, and four howitzers. When his pistol emptied during a charge, he knocked out a German officer with his bare fists, then outflanked two more machine guns and captured over 100 prisoners by day’s end. Meanwhile, Gumpertz led 50 men under heavy fire. When a machine gun pinned them down, he surged forward and stormed the position, killing two and forcing sixteen Germans to surrender. Later, he crept up to a concrete bunker and destroyed it with a grenade through the firing slit. At the forest’s edge, he reunited with Captain Mallon, who had just knocked out a German officer with a punch. Both men were awarded the Medal of Honor. Gumpertz would be one of only three Jewish recipients in the American Expeditionary Forces to receive this honor. We remember the legacy of James Mallon and Sydney Gumpertz Sincerely, Senator Doug Mastriano, PhD Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) For the Love of a Veteran Event – Point of Light Certificates
Saturday, I was honored to present Point of Light Certificates to Blaine Glatfelter, founder of the God Bless America Motorcycle Color Guard, and Jesse Kuhn, founder of the Band of Brothers Motorcycle Group. As I mentioned at the For the Love of a Veteran Inc. event, you are all like brothers and sisters to me! Your steadfast commitment to supporting our Veterans and proudly displaying our flag is truly inspiring. You are a shining light in the darkness, and this recognition could not have gone to more wonderful Americans and Patriots! For the Love of a Veteran Event– Pennsylvania Freedom Medals
On Saturday, at the PTSD Awareness Event hosted by www.fortheloveofaveteran.org, I had the pleasure of presenting Pennsylvania Freedom Medals to three outstanding ladies. Each of them has made a significant impact on the lives of military Veterans and their family members. Thank you for supporting our Veterans! Congratulations to all three! Chris Waltz – Founder and CEO of www.fortheloveofaveteran.org Their mission is to give aid and raise funds for Deployed Troops and homeless Veterans. They also aim to raise awareness and help in the fight against PTSD. Kim Woltman – Secretary of www.fortheloveofaveteran.org Their mission is to help those who selflessly protect us every day. Delainey Roberston – is the youngest to receive the PA Freedom Medal. She is 15 years old and runs a non-profit, the Jeremy Redding-Memorial, that lifts up and elevates our Veterans. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for doing this and being a light in the community! SB89 Passed in the House VAEP Committee
On Monday, June 16th, I was proud to see my bill, Senate Bill 89, pass unanimously and with strong bipartisan support in the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee. This legislation, which had already passed the Senate unanimously, is a critical step toward strengthening our overdose tracking and response systems in Pennsylvania. By requiring EMS providers to report overdose incidents through a secure, real-time information platform, SB 89 will enhance coordination between first responders, the Department of Health, and the Pennsylvania State Police. I look forward to its consideration by the full House in the coming days. My Resolution would Recognize September 12th as “The Day of the Bible”
This week, I introduced a resolution to designate September 12th as “The Day of the Bible” in Pennsylvania. On this date in 1782, Congress—meeting in Philadelphia—authorized the first complete English-language Bible printed in America, the Aitken Bible. The resolution honors Pennsylvania’s role in this historic moment and recognizes the Bible’s enduring influence on our culture, values, and civic life. It’s a reflection of my continued commitment to preserving our Judeo-Christian heritage and core American principles. Senate Votes to Combat Overregulation
To address overregulation that stifles business growth and drives jobs to other states, the Senate passed two regulatory reform bills. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, Senate Bill 333, would establish an enhanced legislative review process for costly new regulations. It is designed to address concerns about unchecked regulatory burdens on businesses, communities and taxpayers. Senate Bill 444 would establish a one-time automatic review process for regulations that impose a fiscal impact exceeding $1 million annually on taxpayers or employers. The review would ensure regulations remain effective, efficient and in the public interest. Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Targeting Rise of Deepfake Scams Approved by Senate
The Senate unanimously voted to stem the rise of “deepfakes” and other forms of digital impersonation by treating them as forgeries punishable by law. Technology enables individuals to create convincing images, audio and video of others – often without consent – that are nearly indistinguishable from reality. These digital forgeries have been used to commit financial scams and injure personal reputations. Senate Bill 649 would enact penalties for anyone who creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine to defraud or injure. The measure would protect First Amendment rights and preserve valid expressions of parody, satire and other forms of free speech. Senate Bill 649 is now before the House of Representatives for consideration. PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia
A new reciprocity agreement allows holders of Pennsylvania Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in Virginia, making it the 30th state that has a concealed carry reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania. The agreement resulted from efforts of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to maximize reciprocity agreements while protecting standing law and constitutional rights. The agreement is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:
Funding Available for Community Groups Providing Veteran Suicide Prevention Services
Community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention or emergency clinical services to veterans can apply now for grants to support their vital mission. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year. Grant applications must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by July 18 at 5 p.m. Learn more about eligibility and apply here. Veterans in crisis are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing one to speak with responders trained in crisis intervention and military culture. All calls are free and confidential. Additionally, Pennsylvania provides many programs and services to support veterans. Celebrating National Dairy Month in June
Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers work hard to provide families with common dairy staples, including cheese and yogurt, that are part of healthy diets. Consuming dairy products contributes to strong bones, muscle function and immune support. Senate Republicans highlighted the role dairy plays in making agriculture the state’s top industry. It generates more than $11 billion in revenue and supports 47,000 jobs. Checking out PA’s Ice Cream Trail is a fun way to celebrate and support dairy farmers. At more than 50 spots across the state, you can enjoy homemade ice cream and other delicious treats.
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