|
|||
|
In this Update:
Honored by Senator McCormick’s Support
I was honored to be mentioned by Senator Dave McCormick in his Keystone Chronicle Newsletter following our recent meeting. I am grateful for his kind words, his confidence in me, and his continued support as my nomination moves forward. Senator McCormick wrote: “This past week, I met with President Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic, Pennsylvania Senator Doug Mastriano. Doug has dedicated his life to serving our country through his distinguished military career and his service in the Pennsylvania Senate, and I appreciate his continued commitment to public service. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to considering his nomination. I am confident Doug will represent America well, strengthen our partnership with Slovakia, and always put the interests of the American people first.” Thank you, Senator McCormick. I am deeply grateful for your support and encouragement. It would be the honor of a lifetime to once again serve our nation and, if confirmed by the United States Senate, represent the American people as Ambassador to the Slovak Republic. A Tribute to a Leader: 1st Sergeant Gilbert Bosschaerts
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and Belgian Commando brother, First Sergeant-Chef Gilbert Bosschaerts. Gilbert and I served together for four years in NATO, including two deployments to Afghanistan. Through years of service, shared hardships, and many good times, he became far more than a comrade—he was like a brother to me. As one of my senior NCOs in Afghanistan, Gilbert was the kind of soldier every commander hopes to have: professional, dependable, and always ready with a can-do attitude. He played an important role in helping me plan and organize our relief operations supporting Afghan orphans. Whatever the mission or challenge, Gilbert was someone I could always count on to get it done. Even during the difficult times, Gilbert brought his unmistakable dry sense of humor, steadfast friendship, and the quiet professionalism of a truly outstanding soldier. Gilbert was a proud Belgian Para-Commando, an exceptional NCO, and, most importantly to me, a loyal and trusted friend. I will always treasure the memories of our years serving side by side—the missions, the adventures, the laughter, and the friendship. I will miss him greatly, especially that wonderfully dry sense of humor that could find its way into just about any situation. My deepest condolences to Bernadette, Gilbert’s family and friends, and his fellow soldiers. Rest in peace, my brother. It was an honor to serve with you. You will never be forgotten. 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. A terrific performance by a very talented cast! Bravo to everyone at Totem Pole Playhouse for a fantastic show! Gettysburg Cookie Company Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to the Gettysburg Cookie Company! Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our local economy. They create jobs, provide opportunities for our neighbors, support other local businesses, and help make places like Gettysburg great places to live, work, and visit. Congratulations to the entire Gettysburg Cookie Company team on this exciting milestone. Wishing you many years of success and plenty of delicious cookies ahead! Gettysburg Tour
A Great Day at Gettysburg! We had an outstanding Gettysburg battlefield tour today and we even managed to beat the rain! There’s nothing quite like walking this historic ground and reflecting on the courage, sacrifice, and determination of those who fought here more than 160 years ago. A great day with a great group, remembering the history that helped shape our nation. Gettysburg never disappoints! Honoring Iggy Farina of Antica Napoli Pizza
Congratulations to Iggy Farina! It was an honor to present Iggy Farina, owner of Antica Napoli in Gettysburg, with a Pennsylvania Freedom Medal. Iggy is a remarkable person who has poured his heart into his business and our community. Through hard work, hospitality, and a genuine commitment to serving others, he has built something truly special in Gettysburg. Small business owners like Iggy strengthen our communities, create opportunities, and embody the spirit of the American Dream. Congratulations, Iggy, on this well-deserved recognition! Monthly Photo Submission
Monthly Photo Submission! Show Us What Makes Adams & Franklin Counties Special! Our communities are filled with incredible people, beautiful landscapes, historic places, and unforgettable moments. I want to help showcase the very best of Adams and Franklin Counties through a new Photo of the Month Contest! Whether it’s a breathtaking sunrise, a family farm, a community event, a veteran being honored, a historic landmark, wildlife, or a special moment that captures the spirit of our region, I encourage you to submit your favorite photos. At the end of each month, I will personally review the submissions and select a Photo of the Month. The chosen photo will be featured on my social media platforms, and the photographer will be recognized for their outstanding work. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the people, places, and moments that make Adams and Franklin Counties such wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family. Submit your best photos by clicking on the link provided and help tell the story of our communities! I look forward to seeing our counties through your lens. Throwback!
Here I am at Airborne School, Fort Benning, Georgia (Early 1980s) Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, was a demanding three-week course designed to transform soldiers into qualified paratroopers. Week One – Ground Week focused on mastering the Parachute Landing Fall (PLF), the technique that allowed paratroopers to absorb the impact of landing and avoid injury. We also learned parachute rigging, aircraft procedures, and the fundamentals of airborne operations. Week Two – Tower Week introduced us to exiting an aircraft. We practiced parachute landing and control on swing landing trainers and jump towers before graduating to the iconic 250-foot towers, where we experienced the closest thing to an actual parachute descent without leaving an airplane. Week Three – Jump Week was the culmination of the course. To earn the coveted silver parachutist wings, each student had to successfully complete five parachute jumps from aircraft flying between 1,200 and 2,000 feet above the ground. Those five jumps marked the successful completion of one of the Army’s most demanding and respected schools. This photograph was taken during Jump Week, just before one of my qualifying jumps. At the time, the Army was in the midst of transitioning from the old olive-green utility uniform to the new Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). Olive-green T-shirts had not yet been issued with the BDUs, so many of us wore the white T-shirts that had been standard under the older uniforms, a small detail that dates this photograph to the early years of the Army’s transition. School Bus Safety Legislation Awaits House Action
Over the past five years, 25,136 Pennsylvania drivers have been cited for school zone violations, including 8,302 for overtaking or illegally passing a school bus. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania breaks down the numbers here. In September 2025, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 65, Enhancing the Safe Transportation of School Children, which would extend the stopping distance requirement from 10 feet to 15 feet before reaching the bus when the red signal lights are flashing and the side stop arm is activated. It also develops a tiered penalty system for a second or subsequent offense. Current law does not penalize repeat offenders. With the start of a new school year nearly a year later, it still awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives. Read more about this effort to boost school bus safety here. Schools Can Apply Now for Safety, AED Training Grants
School districts can apply now for the latest round of funding to improve safety, including an initiative passed by the General Assembly to increase the presence of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at school events. Under the School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program, school districts, career and technical centers, intermediate units, charter schools and cyber charter schools are eligible for funding to use for safety and security assessments, staff training and more. It can also be used to improve CPR training and AED preparedness. In addition, nonpublic schools can apply for CPR/AED Training for Nonpublic Schools Grant Program that can be used for CPR and AED training. The AED funding is made available through Greg Moyer’s Law, named in honor of Pennsylvania student-athlete Greg Moyer, who died after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game. Strategies to Prevent Electric Bill Spikes Highlighted at Senate Hearing
Strategies to increase energy production and lower utility bills for Pennsylvanians were the focus of a public hearing by the Senate Majority Policy Committee. The committee heard from energy generators, utilities, business groups, taxpayer advocates and more. Pennsylvania is the top electricity exporter and supplier of natural gas, but the retirement of generation sources is driving up prices and risking electric grid reliability. Testifiers noted the commonwealth needs to build more reliable baseload generation to keep prices stable and ensure access to energy. Read more and access hearing video here. What to Know About Teen Gambling
Just because teens aren’t allowed to gamble doesn’t mean they don’t. Gambling among teenagers is a growing problem. Information is available to learn what teen problem gambling is, how to recognize the warning signs and where to go for help. Topics include: Why do people gamble? The “gambler’s fallacy,” and Who’s at risk? Learn more here from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Elk Cam Shows Largest Free-Roaming Elk population in Eastern U.S.
Elk were once native to Pennsylvania but disappeared in the 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, Pennsylvania is home to 1,300 to 1,400 elk, making it the largest free-roaming elk population in the eastern U.S. Live from Elk State Forest in northern PA, the Elk Cam is a window into the world of these impressive animals, as well as turkey, deer and other wildlife. Best viewing times are mornings and evenings. The livestream is provided by HDOnTap and made possible with the help of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission. |
|||
|
|||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatormastriano.com | Privacy Policy |
