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In this Update:
PA’s Newest Brigadier Generals
In June, the state Senate confirmed the promotions of the following four Pennsylvania National Guard Officers from colonel to brigadier general:
These individuals will continue to serve our Commonwealth and lead our National Guard with honor and distinction. I had the honor to introduce Col. Robert Noren and Col. Brett Gagnon, who were both from the 48th Senatorial District. Col. Robert Noren serves as Commander of the 193rd Special Operations Wing in Middletown, leading over 1,900 Airmen across three locations. A proud Lebanon resident, Col. Noren has honorably served in multiple overseas operations, including Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Col. Brett Gagnon, of Bethel, serves at the Pennsylvania Joint Force Headquarters in Annville, where he advises on Army information systems management. His leadership has also extended to deployments supporting Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield, and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Streamlining Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 232, disabled veterans with a 100% disability will no longer have to apply for a free Pennsylvania fishing license on an annual basis. Starting Aug. 29, all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination from the VA, whether it is a permanent determination or not, will be able to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses. I plan to introduce similar legislation to allow all disabled veterans with a 100% disability, whether it is from an armed conflict or other periods of military service to be eligible for a free hunting license. Read the co-sponsor memo here. Easing Repayment of PA Military Family Education Program Awards for Service Members Who Separate Under Certain Circumstances
Currently, Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) service members participating in the PA Military Family Education Program who separate from the PANG must repay the total award plus interest. Through a change made by Act 32 of 2025, service members will only be responsible for repaying a portion of the program’s benefit if they separate from the PANG on or after Sept. 5, 2025 due to death, medical reasons, discharge at the convenience of the Guard or other compelling circumstances which warrant forgiveness. Reduced Veterans’ Group Life Insurance Premiums
Veterans insured coverage under the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program have started seeing lower monthly premiums for all ages. Discounts range from 2% to 17%, with an average reduction of 11%. Insured veterans are being notified of their monthly premium reduction through direct mail, email, online accounts and premium bills. No action is required. Veteran Burial Benefits
The National Cemetery Administration has launched Plan Today, Honor Forever, a nationwide campaign to help veterans understand their options and apply for VA pre-need burial eligibility. Eligible veterans have burial and memorial benefits for themselves, their spouses and qualifying family members whether being buried in a VA national cemetery or within a private cemetery. Taking Veterans Out to the Ballgame
Baseball fans who have served in the U.S. Military can save some money when going to Major League Baseball (MLB) games at the ballpark. MLB teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates, offer discounted tickets through GovX for home games throughout their seasons to veterans and their families. Musikfest 2025
Musikfest is one the nation’s largest music festivals by offering more than 300 music performances annually throughout Bethlehem, PA. Running this year from Aug. 1 – 10, most of Musikfest’s performances are free with a few events requiring paid tickets, such as the festival’s nightly headliner shows. However, free tickets (with only a small delivery fee) are being offered to veterans, active military personnel and immediate family of those killed in action for the few Musikfest events requiring paid entry. ArtsQuest, the organization behind Musikfest, is partnering with Vet Tix through which military members or their families can request and secure tickets.
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