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In this Update:
A Special Thank You to All Veterans
I wanted to extend a special thank you to all of you for your service to our country. We set aside Veterans Day to acknowledge and celebrate our fellow citizens who answered the call to serve in the military, securing and defending freedom we enjoy year-round. We owe a debt of gratitude to veterans locally and across this great nation. One way we show our appreciation is through the Veterans Trust Fund, which supports organizations that assist Pennsylvania veterans and their families in need of housing, financial help, food, training, recovery and more. Find out more here. Honoring World War II Hero 81 Years After His Passing
This past Tuesday, I joined the family of U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Gerard J. Melofchik, who was finally laid to rest 81 years after he was killed in action during World War II. Lt. Melofchik lost his life on August 1, 1944, when the B-17G “Flying Fortress” he was piloting was struck by anti-aircraft fire, collided with another aircraft, and crashed near Néron, France. He was officially accounted for on June 24, 2025, following recovery efforts by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). A repatriation ceremony was held on Friday, October 31. On Nov. 4, he was laid to rest with full military honors in a service held at the Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery, where many of Melofchik’s nieces and nephews were in attendance. According to his obituary, during the war, Melofchik frequently requested his family send him Hershey bars while he was stationed overseas. I partnered with the Hershey Company, who has a strong veteran workforce, to present a five-pound Hershey bar to the family and regular size bars for all in attendance for the service, so they could enjoy the same treat Melofchik did while he was serving our country. Worthington Mill Bridge Dedicated in Honor of Colonel Daniel L. Rubin
This past Friday, the Worthington Mill Bridge was dedicated in honor of Colonel Daniel L. “Larry” Rubini, who devoted his life to service, both in uniform and in our community. A Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets graduate and Temple Law alum, Colonel Rubini served more than 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, including deployments to Kuwait, Haiti, Central America, and Iraq. Beyond his military service, Larry practiced law in Richboro, served as an administrative law judge, and continued to advocate for veterans as a U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador for Pennsylvania. Rep. Marcell and I are proud to have authored the legislation to have this bridge named in his memory. It is a lasting tribute to his dedication, integrity, and love of our country, connecting the community he served so well. His impact will continue to inspire generations to come. Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
All Pennsylvania and U.S. flags purchased by the commonwealth for public display will be made in the United States under legislation approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 784, which requires the flags to be labeled with “Made in the USA”, was sent to the House of Representatives. Expanding Eligibility for Free Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Legislation to expand eligibility for free Pennsylvania hunting licenses to veterans who are 100% disabled due to service-connected injuries outside of combat was recently introduced. Senate Bill 1020 provides discounted $1 hunting licenses to veterans who are partially disabled due to injuries incurred through training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities. Federal Government Shutdown Veterans Programs Update
Despite the federal government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2025, the following operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are functioning as normal:
Operations which are unavailable due to the shutdown include:
discussion featuring Veteran Richard Mann, moderated by Frank Gunter of Lehigh University. Following the discussion, there will be a screening of Rescue Dawn. Veterans Day Deals
Applebee’s Grill & Bar – Select entrees available for free lunch or dinner and a $5 gift card for a future visit within three weeks for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. Chili’s – Select dine-in meals available for free to all veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11 at participating Chili’s. Military ID is required. Hershey’s Chocolate World (Dauphin County) – Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. Military veterans can receive a 25% discount on retail purchases throughout Chocolate World when presenting a Military ID. McCormick & Schmick’s (Allegheny & Philadelphia Counties) – Select entrees available for 50% off for U.S. veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star parents and spouses on Nov. 9. Shady Maple Smorgasbord & Gift Shop (Lancaster County) – 50% off any meal and 25% off gift shop items for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. Supporting Women in Military, Veterans and First Responders
H.E.R Warrior Project is a new local organization supporting women in the military, veterans, and first responders—including police, fire, and EMS in Bucks County. They provide resources through empowering workshops, targeted educational programs, and purpose-driven fundraising efforts. Follow them on Facebook to learn more.
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