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In this Update:
Urging Congress to Support the Major Richard Star Act
In late July, the Senate passed a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) under which former Service members who were medically retired from the military with less than 20 years of service (Chapter 61 retirees) AND are eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) would no longer have to forfeit a portion of the benefits they earned in service. Celebrating V-J Day at the Eldred WWII Museum
On V-J Day, I had the privilege of joining Senator Chris Dush at the nation’s premier private World War II museum in Eldred, Pennsylvania, to honor the heroes of the Greatest Generation. Together, we paid tribute to the sacrifice and victory that secured freedom for millions and reshaped the course of history. As part of the ceremony, we were honored to recognize two distinguished World War II veterans—Bernard Adams Sr. and Richard W. Bondi—by presenting them with the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal. Their service and courage stand as a lasting reminder of the price of liberty and the enduring strength of the American spirit. Visiting LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve
Senator Chris Dush, our staff, and I recently had the privilege of spending the night at LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve in Oswayo, PA—a truly inspiring sanctuary for America’s veterans. LEEK exists to help wounded and injured service members heal through the outdoors, offering hunting, fishing, and other therapeutic activities in a safe and welcoming environment. During our stay, we were humbled to tour the grounds and learn directly from the veteran owner, his staff of fellow veterans, and his dedicated family and volunteers who pour their hearts into this mission. What makes this place unique is its commitment to focusing on each veteran’s abilities—not their limitations. Here, warriors are given opportunities to heal and regain strength in body, mind, and spirit—all provided free of charge to those who served. We left deeply moved by the sacrifice, compassion, and dedication of those who make LEEK possible. It is more than a retreat—it is a family and a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the resilience of our nation’s heroes. For more information, visit www.savaw.org. Honoring the Devoted Quilters in Shinglehouse
Senator Chris Dush and I had the privilege of visiting Shinglehouse, PA, to meet with the “Devoted Quilters,” a remarkable group of women who dedicate their time and talents to serving those who served our nation. Every quilt they create is handmade with love and offered freely by volunteers who want to give back to our service members and veterans. What makes their work especially moving is the attention to the unique needs of each recipient. For veterans living with PTSD, the Quilters even design special quilts with silk-edged borders that provide a calming and reassuring touch. These gifts are more than fabric and thread—they are tangible reminders of gratitude, compassion, and healing. The devotion and generosity of the “Devoted Quilters” embodies the very best of Pennsylvania’s spirit. Their service is a tribute to our veterans and a blessing to the communities they touch. New Law Extends PA Guard Family Education Benefit
The Military Family Education Program (MFEP) covers the cost of a state college education for dependents of Pennsylvania National Guard members in return for a six-year service obligation. We passed a new law ensuring additional dependents are covered each time the member reenlists. The benefit encourages talented Guard members to continue their service to the commonwealth and nation. Many Guard members who benefited from the original MFEP are now deciding whether to commit to another six years. Act 32 of 2025 clarifies that a Guard member can receive a new MFEP assistance grant – helping an additional dependent – with each new service obligation. I was proud to support this family benefit for our men and women in uniform. VA Announces Longer Access to Community Care Services
Veterans referred by the VA to community care for essential specialty services – including cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology and hematology, orthopedic and pulmonary care – will now receive 12 full months of uninterrupted treatment at VA expense before having to obtain a reauthorization from the VA. Prior to this change announced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, community care referrals often needed to be reevaluated every 90 to 180 days, which could cause interrupted or delayed care. Financial Help for Pennsylvania Veterans Facing Hardship
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers financial support to veterans and their surviving dependents facing unexpected financial hardship through the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program. If you’re experiencing an unexpected financial crisis, the VTA program can provide up to $1,600 per year to help cover essential needs like:
This program is designed to offer short-term relief during tough times, ensuring veterans and their families have the support they need. Congress Considering 2026 Federal Funding for Veterans Programs
Veterans’ health care programs and benefits programs will be fully funded next year under legislation recently considered in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The most recent version of the bill, as passed by the Senate, allocates approximately $300 billion for mandatory veterans’ benefits, including disability compensation, education assistance, vocational rehabilitation and employment training. The bill is now back in the House for consideration of changes made by the Senate. College Football Shows Appreciation for Veterans
Starting at noon on Sept. 17, veterans can request two complementary tickets to see the Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Indiana during PSU’s annual Military Appreciation football game Nov. 8 at Beaver Stadium. Two additional tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate of $35 each. Tickets will only be available as long as supplies last but all veterans with proof of military service are invited to a free Military Appreciation Tailgate before the game at the Bryce Jordan Center. Retired military can receive free tickets through VetTix to the University of Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Boston College Oct. 4 matchup for Pitt’s annual Hail to Heroes game at Acrisure Stadium. Upcoming Webinar: Preventing Veteran Suicide in Community Care
Join the Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program (SRM) this month for a virtual lecture on preventing suicide among veterans receiving VA-authorized community care. The session will focus on implementing lethal means safety counseling – a strategy to reduce access to lethal methods like firearms. What You’ll Learn:
How to Register in TMS:
For more info and resources, visit the TMS Resources site. Helping Veterans Get into College
Tuition Assistance for Veterans
Colleges That Support Veterans
Support for Veteran Students
Back-to-School Discounts for Veterans and Their Families
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