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In this Update:
State Budget Update
The FY 2025-26 General Appropriations Act was signed into law on Nov. 12. This year’s state budget increases funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ general government operations by 6.6% and increases federal funding for state veterans’ homes by 52.9%. VA Operations Returning to Normal
With the recent enactment of legislation ending the federal government shutdown through Jan. 30, 2026, operations under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs affected by the shutdown have resumed normal activity for the time being. Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grant cycle. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, veterans’ organizations and county directors of Veterans Affairs or the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. The VTF supports new or expanded programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. Applications must be submitted by 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. Pennsylvania Treasury Returns Medals to Veterans
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the return of 57 miliary decorations to veterans and their families this year, including Purple Hearts, Civil War relics and a Gold Star Widows and Pilgrimage Medal. The Pennsylvania Treasury still holds nearly 500 unclaimed military items, including medals, dog tags and service pins from all branches of the armed forces. To search for any unclaimed property, go to unclaimedproperty.patreasury.gov/en/Medals. Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial Annual Candlelight Service
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will be hosting their Annual Candlelight Service at the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. This outdoor event invites attendees to speak in remembrance of loved ones who served in the military. A color guard will perform the flag honors and a local choir will sing a few selections. The service will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m. at 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville. Wreaths Across America Events
Wreaths Across America and Sen. Devlin Robinson will host an event in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to noon to honor those who serve and remember those who gave their lives in service. The event will launch hundreds of Wreaths Across America ceremonies across the commonwealth to remember and honor veterans by laying wreaths on their headstones on Dec. 13. Some of the ceremonies included are:
For more details and a map with all of the Wreaths Across America ceremonies, click here. Holiday Discounts for Veterans
Veterans can take advantage of exclusive discounts and cashback offers from top gifting brands like Yeti, Ray-Ban, Columbia, Stanley, Walt Disney World and more through ID.me to help with holiday shopping. To sign up, visit va.gov, create an account and verify your identity. Verification is often instant but may take up to three days. Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show
The Christmas Gift Expo returns to the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg from Dec. 3-7. Veterans with valid military ID will receive free admission on Sunday, Dec. 7. With more than 550 vendors, live entertainment and photo opportunities with Santa (benefiting Four Diamonds, a nonprofit supporting children with cancer), the event offers a festive and convenient way to complete holiday shopping. Veterans Crisis Line
The holidays can be a difficult time of year. If you are a veteran in crisis, or concerned about one, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and press 1, text 838-255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net to chat online. |
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