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E-news Updates – February 27, 2026
In this Update: Recognizing State Troopers and Dr. Barnhart for their Bravery and Service Throwback! Key Points from This Week’s Senate Budget Hearings Hearing Explores Ideas to Combat State Housing Crisis Share Your Thoughts with the Highway Safety Survey Saturday is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day Recognizing State Troopers and Dr. Barnhart for their Bravery […] [Read More]
E-news Update – February 20, 2026
In this Update: 100th Annual Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce Member Breakfast Pennsylvania Offers Special Military License Plates Ensuring Highway Safety Through English-Language Driver Exams Throwback! Hearings on Proposed State Budget Set to Begin Preventing Food Allergies and Cutting Costs for Taxpayers Free Webinars Help Families Plan for Higher Education Avoiding the Emotional and Financial […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – February 13, 2026
In this Update: Lines Crossed: Governor Accused of Seizing Neighbor’s Land Celebrating John Ciarrocca’s 100th Birthday Honoring K9 Detective Briggs State Grant Supports Traffic Safety in Straban Township Throwback! Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy and Creating More Jobs Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now The Dangers of […] [Read More]
Mastriano Announces Funding for Traffic Safety Improvements in Adams County
Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) announced today Straban Township will receive more than $105,000 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) grant program to improve traffic safety and accessibility at key intersections. Funding will be used to update signs, pavement markings and lighting at the pedestrian crossing of Old Harrisburg Road and Johnson Drive. [Read More]
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Honored to stand alongside Representative Chad Reichard and many others to recognize and commend Trooper Thomas Pack and Trooper Lucas Amarose of the Pennsylvania State Police for their extraordinary bravery and exemplary service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We also proudly recognized Dr. Vincent J. Barnhart for his selfless and lifesaving actions during this same incident.
On October 8, 2025, Troopers Pack and Amarose were seriously wounded in the line of duty while responding to a criminal incident in Franklin County that escalated into a violent armed confrontation near Chambersburg. Despite suffering gunshot wounds, both troopers showed extraordinary courage, continuing to act decisively to protect others under life-threatening conditions.
In the immediate aftermath, Dr. Vincent J. Barnhart—an Army veteran and WellSpan Health physician—rushed to the scene and voluntarily provided critical, lifesaving medical care. True heroes in action.
Grateful for the courage and dedication of these heroes who go above and beyond to protect and serve our communities. Thank you for all that you do!
35 years ago today Feb 27, 1991 Remembering and honoring SPC Andy Alaniz and PFC John “Wes” Hutto KIA during the battle of Jalibah Airfield in Iraq. 3/15th Infantry Battalion, 24th Infantry Division.
This photo taken that tragic morning on the evac helicopter was on the front page of nearly every newspaper and magazine and was taken by David Turnley. Andy’s body is in the body bag to the right. Today, it seems fitting as we remember and honor our Fallen heroes.
State Troopers and Dr. Barnhart Citation Presentations
Pennsylvanians are struggling — and they know it.
While families fight rising taxes, utility bills, and grocery costs, the focus seems to be on bigger spending, political battles, donor headlines, and self-promotion.
That’s not what leadership looks like.
The priority should be lowering costs, protecting property rights, and putting Pennsylvania families first — not expanding budgets and chasing headlines.
It’s time to get back to basics.
Put the people first.
#Pennsylvania #Accountability #FiscalResponsibility #LeadershipMatters #PABudget
Feb. 25 marked 35 years since a Scud missile strike tragically claimed the lives of 13 brave Pennsylvanians from the Greensburg-based 14th Quartermaster Detachment. This week, we pause to honor all who served and sacrificed during Operation Desert Storm, confronting Saddam Hussein’s battle-hardened Iraqi Army in 1991.
The conflict ignited on Aug. 2, 1990, when Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait. President George H.W. Bush responded decisively, building a massive international coalition. By January 1991, nearly 700,000 U.S. troops — joined by 256,000 allied forces — stood ready. My higher headquarters, U.S. VII Corps (then stationed in Stuttgart, Germany), prepared grimly, ordering 10,000 body bags in expectation of heavy losses. The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, my unit, was assigned the critical mission of spearheading the assault against Saddam’s elite Republican Guard.
Back in Pennsylvania, an extraordinary outpouring of faith sustained us—and much of the credit belongs to my wife, Rebbie, a true Army wife through and through. As newlyweds facing the uncertainty of deployment, she rallied more than 20 churches — ultimately 24 praying specifically for my squadron — to lift us up daily in prayer. She organized a powerful prayer network across communities that interceded faithfully for our safety and success. Families across the commonwealth tied yellow ribbons to trees and homes as visible symbols of hope, solidarity and unwavering support. Those prayers and gestures reached us profoundly on the front lines, reminding us that we were not alone.
After diplomatic efforts failed, the air campaign launched on Jan. 16, 1991 — a relentless 1,000-plus-hour bombardment that crippled Iraqi forces. Yet one persistent fear loomed: chemical weapons. Saddam had used them before against Iranians and Kurds, and prevailing winds typically blew south from Iraq into coalition positions, risking the spread of toxins deep into our lines.
*Continued in comments
Honoring Those Who Served – Pennsylvania U.S. Military License Plates
Through the PennDOT, Pennsylvania proudly offers specialty U.S. Military registration plates to recognize the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
Available plates include:
• Vietnam War Veteran
• Afghanistan & Iraq Veteran
• Persian Gulf War Veteran
• Veterans of an Allied Foreign Country
• World War II Veteran
• Expeditionary Forces Veteran
• Korean War Veteran
These plates serve as a visible tribute to the courage, dedication, and commitment of those who defended freedom across generations.
If you or a loved one qualifies, you can learn more about eligibility and application requirements through PennDOT’s Military Registration Plates Fact Sheet.
Let’s continue to honor those who answered the call.
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Here I was on Mount Vis, Bosnia, during the peacekeeping mission there. #ThrowbackThursday
Listen to a longer segment from my interview on the John Frederick’s Show!
Iran: “the Ayatollah has done a fantastic job alienating its people…it’s time for change”
