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In this Update:

• Gebhard Introduces New Bill to Expand Disabled Veterans Hunting License Discounts
• Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
• Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses
• Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
• Fort Indiantown Gap and Lickdale Veterans Outreach Center Tour
• VA Offers Yearlong Community Care Authorizations
• VA Awards $818 Million in Grants to Combat Veteran Homelessness
• Submit Mileage-Only Travel Claims with the VA Mobile App
• All Veterans Reunion Picnic – Oct. 12 in Philadelphia
• PA VetCon 2025 – October 22-25 in King of Prussia
• Veterans Discount on NFL Sunday Ticket
• Veteran Employment Programs
• Need Help Finding Your DD-214 or Military Records?

Gebhard Introduces New Bill to Expand Disabled Veterans Hunting License Discounts

I introduced legislation that would close an unintended gap in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans.

Under current law, only veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for free hunting licenses. Partially disabled veterans may purchase discounted licenses. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat – in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities – are not currently eligible for a discount.

Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans.

Whether their injuries occurred in combat, in training, or in service during peacetime, our disabled veterans all carry the weight of sacrifice. This legislation ensures that every veteran with a service-connected disability is recognized equally for their service to our nation.

Veterans Appreciation Breakfast

Join me along with State Representatives Russ Diamond, Tom Jones, and John Schlegel for a special breakfast honoring our veterans.

The event is free and will be hosted at the Campbelltown Fire Hall on Saturday, November 15 at 9 a.m.

Veterans may register themselves and one guest by calling 717-274-6735 or online at: https://senatorgebhard.com/psrc-events/veterans-breakfast-111525/.

Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses

To promote veteran-owned businesses, the Senate passed Senate Bill 64 requiring the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to create a logo that can be used by Pennsylvania businesses with at least 51% veteran ownership to designate themselves as a veteran-owned business to the public. With Senate Bill 64, DMVA will also make a database available on its website of veteran-owned businesses that applied for and were approved to use the logo.

The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Under legislation passed by the Senate last month, disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients will be exempt from most hunting license and permit fees when participating at events granted a Military Event License Exemption Permit by the Game Commission. With Senate Bill 533, individuals or entities can apply for the permit for events that are primarily for the rehabilitation or enjoyment of up to 10 participating disabled veterans and/or Purple Heart recipients and held on private property.

The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Fort Indiantown Gap and Lickdale Veterans Outreach Center Tour

Senators and staff from the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee toured Fort Indiantown Gap and Lickdale Veterans Outreach Center in August. Senators and staff were able to:

• Visit the new Lickdale Veterans Outreach Center, which offers a one-stop shop for veteran services including housing and financial assistance to help track down DD-214’s. This is DMVA’s first Veterans Outreach Center in Pennsylvania.
• Tour Fort Indiantown Gap and view the Pennsylvania National Guard installation.
• Walk through the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy, which supports at-risk teenagers across the commonwealth and helps them to focus on school, emotional health and fitness in a structured environment.

VA Offers Yearlong Community Care Authorizations

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will extend the length of new VA community care authorizations to one year for 30 eligible standardized types of care, an increase from the previous reevaluation every 90 to 180 days. This will improve continuity of care and allow veterans to focus more on their health than frequent administrative requirements.

VA Awards $818 Million in Grants to Combat Veteran Homelessness

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that more than $818 million in grants have been given to 235 organizations across the country to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. More than $16 million has been given to organizations serving Pennsylvania’s veterans, including:

• Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.
• YWCA of Greater Harrisburg
• Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc.
• Lawrence County Social Services, Inc.
• Soldier On of Delaware, Inc.
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Allentown
• Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, Inc.
• Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County
• The Veterans Multi-Service Center, Inc., which serves veterans in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, was granted almost $17 million.

These grants will help to fund local organizations as they assist veterans with access to housing and housing counseling, health care, financial planning services, childcare, legal assistance and transportation.

Submit Mileage-Only Travel Claims with the VA Mobile App

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now allows eligible veterans to submit and track mileage-only travel claims directly from their smartphone using the VA Health and Benefits mobile app.

With more than 3 million downloads, the app now features a prompt that appears when a VA appointment may qualify for mileage reimbursement. Submitting a claim takes just a few taps – no paperwork required.

This update helps speed up processing and reduces the need for paper submissions. Veterans with a 30% or higher service-connected disability rating who travel in their own vehicle to VA medical appointments may be eligible.

To learn more or download the app, visit the VA Health and Benefits mobile page.

All Veterans Reunion Picnic – Oct. 12 in Philadelphia

Homecoming 250 will be hosting events to celebrate the Navy and Marine Corps 250^th birthday throughout October and November in the Philadelphia area. On Saturday, Oct. 12, from noon to 5 p.m., Homecoming 250 will be hosting an All Veterans Reunion Picnic at Independence Mall. Veterans, service members, their families and supporters are welcome to attend. Admission to the event is free and no ticket is needed for entry.

• Military bands, interactive activities and branch vs. branch competitions will be held.
• Veteran-owned food, drinks and artisan goods will be available for purchase.
• Local, regional and national organizations will be sharing veterans resources.
• WWII and Korean War Veterans will be honored, and there will be a special Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony.

PA VetCon 2025 – October 22-25 in King of Prussia

PA VetCon 2025 seeks to amplify awareness, facilitate vital conversations and cultivate solutions for challenges confronting veterans and the Pennsylvania National Guard. It offers a dynamic mix of professional growth, networking, fun and inspiration for veterans interested in advancing their careers, building resilience or enjoying camaraderie. The conference will be held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 1st Ave., King of Prussia, PA.

Veterans Discount on NFL Sunday Ticket

Veterans are eligible for a discount of almost 60% off for NFL Sunday Ticket through ID.me. NFL Sunday Ticket gives fans the ability to watch their favorite NFL team’s out-of-market Sunday games, enjoy unlimited streams at home, view key plays and watch up to four live games on one screen in multiview.

Veteran Employment Programs

Hiring Our Heroes,  Hire Heroes USA, Onward to Opportunity and VetJobs are engaged in a formal evaluation effort to measure the impact of their programs. Supported by research from The Veterans Metrics Initiative, their proven models for success feature:

• Personalized coaching and mentorship – individual support in resume development, interview preparation and long-term career planning.
• Industry-certified skill training – education in high-demand fields like IT, cybersecurity and project management leading to nationally recognized certifications.
• Career connections and networking – direct links to employers, job boards and recruiter support that help veterans secure meaningful employment.

Veterans looking for career support can reach out to these programs for personalized support and proven pathways to success.

Need Help Finding Your DD-214 or Military Records?

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) can help veterans locate their DD Form 214 (DD-214) and other essential military documents. These records are crucial for verifying service and accessing the benefits they’ve earned – including retirement, employment opportunities and membership in veterans’ organizations.

If your DD-214 is missing or contains errors, the DMVA can assist with locating or correcting it to avoid delays in receiving your benefits.

How to Get Help:

• Call: 1-800-547-2838 (toll-free)
• Email: RA-REQ@pa.gov
• Visit: Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center, 40 Fisher Ave., Jonestown
• Visit: DMVA field offices at the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh VA Regional Offices

Learn More: Visit the Records Request Program website

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