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E-news Updates – June 19, 2026
In this Update: Disabled American Veterans Convention Punxsutawney Phil Visits the PA State Capitol Monthly Photo Submission Throwback! Senate Votes to Protect Your Right to Know About Government Actions Making it Easier for Fire Companies, EMS Agencies to Access Funding Flying the POW/MIA Flag at Public Schools Quarantine Order Issued to Protect PA […] [Read More]
Meeting to consider SB 1061, SB 1303 and SB 1355; SR 326; and HB 1102 and HB 2024; Public Hearing to consider the promotions of the following PA Army National Guard Officers: BG Reece Lutz nominated for Major General Col., Jonathan Lloyd nominated for Brigadier General Col., Randy Lutz nominated for Brigadier General Col., David Marous nominated for Brigadier General Col., and Andrew O’Connor nominated for Brigadier General
Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee | Hearing Room 1, NOB | Watch Live [Read More]
News for Veterans – June 2026
In this Update: Rolling Green Memorial Day Service Recognizing Specialist Alcides Perez, Jr. Meet & Greet with National Guard Officers Neuro Transitional Center Ribbon Cutting Supporting Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries VA Burial Benefits Awareness for Veterans’ Spouses Display of the Constitutional Preambles in Schools Nearly $600 Million in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA Easier […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – June 12, 2026
In this Update: Senate Approves SB 1261 State Animal Working Day at the Capitol New! Monthly Photo Contest Throwback! Senate Passes Bill to Fight Human Trafficking Bill Targeting Dangerous Fentanyl Additive Passes Senate PA Guard Military Family Education Program Entries Accepted for PA Agriculture Photo Contest National Cancer Survivors Month Senate Approves SB 1261 My […] [Read More]
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It was an honor to attend and speak at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Convention in Harrisburg.
A special thank you to State Adjutant Bob Hammaker for his leadership and steadfast commitment to Pennsylvania`s veterans. I was also honored to speak alongside my Executive Director, Nate Silcox, as we discussed important veterans` legislation and current issues affecting those who have served our nation.
Following our remarks, we had the opportunity to engage directly with veterans during a thoughtful Q&A session, where attendees shared their concerns, experiences, and ideas. These conversations are invaluable as we continue working to ensure our veterans receive the care, benefits, and support they have earned.
Thank you to the DAV, the veterans in attendance, and all those who continue to advocate for those who have worn the uniform of the United States.
#DAV #DisabledAmericanVeterans #Veterans #Pennsylvania #HonorOurVeterans
While taking questions at the DAV Convention, I suddenly realized the veteran at the microphone wasn’t a stranger at all—she was a college classmate from the 1980s, a year ahead of Rebbie and me!
Forty years later, we accidentally held a class reunion in the middle of a veterans convention.
You never know who’s going to show up in the audience!
#SmallWorld #DAVConvention #Veterans #Pennsylvania #ClassReunion
American Energy Independence Starts in Pennsylvania
From the coal fields that powered the Industrial Revolution, to the oil wells that launched America’s energy age, to the natural gas and LNG exports that help fuel our allies today, Pennsylvania has long been at the center of America’s energy story.
Our Commonwealth doesn’t just produce energy, we produce freedom, jobs, and security. Every barrel of oil, every ton of coal, and every shipment of LNG strengthens our nation, supports hardworking families, and reduces dependence on foreign adversaries.
Pennsylvania helped build America. Today, Pennsylvania continues to help power America.
Energy independence is national security.
Pennsylvania is leading the way.
#Pennsylvania #EnergyIndependence #AmericanEnergy #LNG #Coal #Oil #EnergySecurity #PA33 #PoweringAmerica
🚧 Route 116 (Main Street) Bridge Reopens in McSherrystown 🚧
Good news for local travelers! The Route 116 (Main Street) bridge over Plum Creek in McSherrystown Borough, Adams County, is now open to traffic.
The bridge had been closed since June 1 while repairs were completed, with a detour in place between Centennial Road and Oxford Road. The bridge work was added to the original Route 116 resurfacing project completed last year.
The project was completed by New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc. as part of a $1.864 million PennDOT investment in local infrastructure.
Before you travel, check current road conditions, traffic delays, weather forecasts, and live traffic cameras through 511PA at 511PA.com or via the free mobile app.
🎣 National Go Fishing Day 🎣
Looking for a great place to cast a line this summer? Franklin and Adams Counties are home to some of the best fishing destinations in south-central Pennsylvania.
🐟 Franklin County Favorites
• Conococheague Creek – known for trout and bass fishing
• Cowans Gap Lake – a scenic 42-acre lake ideal for anglers of all ages
• Letterkenny Reservoir – a quiet getaway with excellent fishing opportunities
• Buchanan State Forest – home to beautiful mountain streams and wild brook trout
🌲 Adams County Favorites
• Lake Marburg – a premier fishing destination with more than 1,200 acres of water
• Long Pine Run Reservoir – peaceful mountain surroundings and excellent fishing
• Conewago Creek – a favorite spot for trout fishing and stream wading
• Marsh Creek – a relaxing location that`s perfect for beginners and families
Whether you`re chasing your next trophy catch or simply enjoying a day outdoors, National Go Fishing Day is the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy Pennsylvania`s natural beauty.
🎣 Tight lines and good luck on the water!
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Desert Storm Edition (1990–1991) Before the ground war in Iraq with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, I discovered an important truth: if you can`t laugh in the desert, you`re going to have a very long deployment. I spent some of my scarce free time drawing cartoons about Army life. Looking back 35 years later, these are definitely not Pulitzer Prize material—but they captured the frustrations that helped soldiers get through long months in the desert.
Desert Storm`s Prompt Mail Service - "Happy Easter... eventually." Nothing tested a soldier`s patience quite like military mail. Christmas packages arrived after New Year`s. Easter cards showed up in the summer. By the time some care packages reached us, the candy had melted, the cookies had fossilized, and the holiday had long passed. Yet every box from home was a reminder that someone was thinking about you.
The Dreaded MRE - "Some of the Army`s finest meals!" For those who never had the pleasure, MRE stood for "Meal, Ready-to-Eat." For those of us who actually ate them, it often stood for: Meals Rejected by Everyone. Some were edible. Some were memorable. And some became legends for all the wrong reasons. Let`s just say there was a reason soldiers were always eager to trade entrees before chow.
Hair-Raising Field Trims - "Barbershop standards may vary." In the field, you learn to trust your fellow soldiers.
You trust them with your vehicle.
You trust them with your weapon.
You trust them with your life.
Trusting them with your haircut? That was often the biggest gamble of all. Some field haircuts looked less like grooming and more like enemy action.
A few weeks after drawing these cartoons, the jokes stopped and the fighting began. On February 23, 1991, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment crossed into Iraq and led the coalition`s attack. Over the following days, we fought some of Saddam Hussein`s best units, including the Republican Guard`s Tawakalna Division and the Iraqi 12th Armored Division.
#ThrowbackThursday #DesertStorm #2ACR #ArmyLife #MilitaryHumor #ColdWarVeteran #DesertShield #DesertStorm1991
Our hearts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of the eight men who lost their lives in the B-52 crash. We honor their service and remember their sacrifice.
