News for Veterans

In this Update:

News For Veterans
Save The Date for Our Veterans Muster
Streamlining Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Easing Repayment of PA Military Family Education Program Awards for Service Members Who Separate Under Certain Circumstances
PA’s Newest Brigadier Generals
Reduced Veterans’ Group Life Insurance Premiums
Veteran Burial Benefits
Taking Veterans Out to the Ballgame

I’m excited to launch a new monthly e-newsletter for veterans and their families of the 6^th Senatorial District. Sign up to get updates, resources and important information sent right to your inbox. Take a look below at the type of veteran focused content you will receive.

Save The Date for Our Veterans Muster

Please join us for our first Veterans Event featuring Rob Lithgow from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, an accredited Veteran Service Officer, and a variety of vendors offering essential resources for veterans and their families

Veterans will receive free assistance with:

Accessing important military documents (e.g., DD-214)
Connecting with accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs)
Locating missing service medals and unclaimed property
Completing applications for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Applying for a Senior SEPTA Key Pass

And much more!

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.

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.

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:

Brett J. Gagnon – PA Army National Guard
Robert S. Noren – PA Air National Guard
Brad W. Pierson – PA Army National Guard
John M. Wenzel – PA Army National Guard

These individuals will continue to serve our Commonwealth and lead our National Guard with honor and distinction.

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.

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