|
|||
|
In this Update:
Rolling Green Memorial Day Service
I had the distinct honor of attending and speaking at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Rolling Green Cemetery, a meaningful event that helped kick off Memorial Day weekend by paying tribute to our fallen service members and military veterans. It was a privilege to join so many members of our community in remembering and honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. Their courage, service, and devotion to duty will never be forgotten Grateful for the opportunity to be part of a ceremony filled with patriotism, remembrance, and community. Recognizing Specialist Alcides Perez, Jr.
Honoring Purple Heart Recipient Alcides Perez, Jr. 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. Meet & Greet with National Guard Officers
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: Col. Jonathan Lloyd – nominated for Brigadier General Col. Randy Lutz – nominated for Brigadier General BG Reece Lutz – nominated for Major General Col. David Marous – nominated for Brigadier General Col. Andrew O’Connor – 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 – 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. Neuro Transitional Center Ribbon Cutting
On May 27th, my office attended the ribbon cutting for Select Medical’s “Neuro Transitional Center,” located in Susquehanna Township (Dauphin County). This will be Select Medical’s 5th Neuro Transitional Center in the nation – providing specialized care for individuals as they recover from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke or other neurological diseases. Select Medical NTC will help fill the gap between a patient’s hospital admission and their return home – providing neuropsychology and intensive physical, occupational and speech therapies in a 24-hour seven days a week structured, home-like setting. As a 30-year veteran of the United States Army, I am acutely aware that many Veterans and First Responders deal with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). I’d like to thank Select Medical for selecting Pennsylvania for its 5th NTC here in Pennsylvania. As Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, I support U.S. Senator Dave McCormick’s S. 3130 – the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act and I will soon be introducing a pilot program for innovative TBI therapies in PA. Supporting Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries
The PA Senate adopted my resolution this week calling on Congress to support care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries. As chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I was grateful to see this measure receive such strong support. 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. I’d like to thank U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick for introducing this important bipartisan legislation. I 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. Read more about Senate Resolution 245 here. VA Burial Benefits Awareness for Veterans’ Spouses
VA Burial Benefits: Don’t Leave Earned Benefits Unused Many military spouses are unaware that they may be eligible for VA burial benefits. Eligible Veterans have earned no-cost burial benefits for themselves and their spouses at VA national cemeteries. Spouses may qualify even if they pass away before the Veteran or if the Veteran is buried in a non-VA cemetery. Planning ahead can spare families unnecessary stress and ensure these earned benefits are not overlooked. The VA’s National Cemetery Administration has created several free resources to help Veterans and their families better understand their burial and memorial benefits, including: Social media graphics and digital posters A flyer explaining burial benefits for Veterans’ spouses A burial planning guide outlining covered costs Frequently asked questions about VA burial and memorial benefits Pre-Need Burial Eligibility applications and guidance To learn more, access resources, or begin planning, visit: 🔗 VA Burial Benefits Resources: National Cemetery Administration Resources These benefits were earned through service to our nation. I encourage Veterans and their families to review their eligibility and plan ahead. Display of the Constitutional Preambles in Schools
In May, the Senate passed legislation requiring the posting of the preambles of the U.S. Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution in the entranceway of public school buildings. Read more about Senate Bill 250 and Senate Bill 598. Nearly $600 Million in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $596 million in VA infrastructure improvements in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026. The funds will be used by VA medical facilities to improve operational capability and overall healthcare delivery by making significant upgrades. This includes funds for 24 projects for Pennsylvania’s VA medical facilities to renovate a prosthetics lab in Altoona, replace a roof in Butler, replace windows in Lebanon, repair a heat exchanger in Philadelphia, structural reinforcements in Pittsburgh and more. Easier Access to CDL Training for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs implemented part of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act) to improve how certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training programs are approved for VA education benefits. Previously, new CDL training locations were required to meet the full approval requirements of a new CDL training program, which included a two-year minimum operating period, and have its site approved by the appropriate state approving agency before being able to enroll G.I. Bill students. Now, new CDL training locations can be exempt from this two-year operating period requirement if they:
Currently, these changes apply only to CDL programs, but the VA will be studying the impact to determine whether this could be applied to other vocational programs in the future. PA Hero Walk
The PA Hero Walk, a 320-mile segmented fundraising walk across Pennsylvania to raise money to help veterans with basic necessities including utility bills, housing and more, will take place from June 7 through June 20. Baseball Season Deals
Many Major League Baseball teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates, offer discounted tickets to veterans. Minor league teams do as well, like the Harrisburg Senators, which offers buy one, get one free tickets to veterans every Tuesday home game through the season. The Reading Fightin Phils take nominations of veterans who have served or currently serve our country to have a ceremonial flag flown in their honor on a gameday. The veteran is recognized before the game, and they and their immediate family receive complimentary tickets. |
|||
|
|||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatormastriano.com | Privacy Policy |
