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In this Update:
Celebrating Victory Over Japan Day at Eldred World War II Museum
On Sept. 2, I was honored to participate in a special service commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Japan Day (VJ-Day)—appropriately hosted at the Eldred World War II Museum. We always need to remember what happened on victorious occasions, such as VJ-Day, or lest we forget and soften our resolve to conserving our Constitutional Republic. Since WE HONOR ALL OUR VETERANS IN SENATE DISTRICT 25, my personal highlight during the ceremony was presenting two distinguished local WWII Veterans with the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal:
Many thanks to Smethport American Legion Post #138 for serving as Honor Guard and the Otto-Eldred High School Choir for singing the National Anthem and God Bless America. Thanks again, to Steve Appleby, Curator Emeritus, Liz Treehouse, Executive Director and the rest of the team and volunteers at the Eldred World War II Museum for their tremendous hospitality. May God bless all those who have defended us in battle and may God continue to bless this nation and the American way of life for which so many have willingly fought and died. In order for private citizens to never lose sight of all these heroic military sacrifices, it is always worth the time to visit the Eldred World War II Museum and Boalsburg’s Pennsylvania Military Museum—both located right here in Senate District 25. Visiting Devoted Quilters, LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve
Immediately following the Eldred World War II Museum VJ-Day Ceremony, my team and I had the privilege of meeting with the “Devoted Quilters” in Shinglehouse, Potter County. This remarkable group of women dedicate their time and talents to serving those who served our nation. Every quilt they create is handmade with love and offered freely by volunteers who want to give back to our service members and veterans. What makes their work especially moving is the attention to the unique needs of each recipient. For veterans living with PTSD, the Quilters even design special quilts with silk-edged borders that provide a calming and reassuring touch. These gifts are more than fabric and thread—they are tangible reminders of gratitude, compassion, and healing. The devotion, generosity and service of the “Devoted Quilters” is a tribute to our veterans and a blessing to all the communities they touch. Next, we had the privilege of spending the night in God’s Country’s at the LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve. Located in Oswayo, Potter County, this truly inspiring sanctuary for America’s veterans exists to help wounded and injured service members heal through the outdoors by offering hunting, fishing, and other therapeutic activities in a safe and welcoming environment. What makes this place unique is its commitment to focusing on each veteran’s abilities. Here, warriors are given opportunities to heal and regain strength in body, mind, and spirit—all provided free of charge to those who served. We left deeply moved by the sacrifice, compassion, and dedication of those who make LEEK possible. It is more than a retreat—it is a family and a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the resilience of our nation’s heroes. For more information, visit www.savaw.org. Lock Haven’s Banner Day for Hometown Heroes
As a U.S. Air Force veteran and a retiree from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, it was my honor to speak at the Lock Haven Hometown Heroes Banner Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 20. This event is a biannual celebration of Clinton County heroes — military members and veterans who protect us from harm abroad and at home, alongside our first responders and healthcare workers who keep us safe at home. For me, these events are always deeply personal. The banners, just like the bridges we frequently dedicate, are here to remind us of the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens because of their service and sacrifice. Never Forget, Honor and Sacrifice
Thank you to all the veterans and community members who joined with PA State Rep. Martin Causer and I to officially dedicate the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge in Kushequa on Saturday, Aug. 18. It has often been said that the only thing worse than having no heroes is to have them and forget them. During the ceremony, we specifically honored the 19 service members from McKean County who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War: Floyd Studer, Michael Cuneen, Ronald Herbstritt, James V. Ralston, Terrence G. Dixon, James R. Worrell Jr., James J. Oxley, Daniel Cappello, Christian F. Feit III, Charles L. Gregory, Lawrence G. Grassi, Bruce A. Cobb, Quenton E. Slocum Jr., Archie Culver, Robert D. Morris, Stephen J. Keesler, Albert Bachman Jr., Francis E. Klaiber and Frank Pascarella. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge is located on Kushequa Avenue (State Route 3009) over the Kinzua Creek in Hamlin Township, near the Kushequa Union Church. When you cross it or any other bridge or road that has been named in honor of our fallen heroes please take the time to say a prayer for the families and to Thank God for all those who paid that price for your freedom and liberty. New Law Extends PA Guard Family Education Benefit
The Military Family Education Program (MFEP) covers the cost of a state college education for dependents of Pennsylvania National Guard members in return for a six-year service obligation. We passed a new law ensuring additional dependents are covered each time the member reenlists. The benefit encourages talented Guard members to continue their service to the commonwealth and nation. Many Guard members who benefited from the original MFEP are now deciding whether to commit to another six years. Act 32 of 2025 clarifies that a Guard member can receive a new MFEP assistance grant – helping an additional dependent – with each new service obligation. I was proud to support this family benefit for our men and women in uniform. VA Announces Longer Access to Community Care Services
Veterans referred by the VA to community care for essential specialty services – including cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology and hematology, orthopedic and pulmonary care – will now receive 12 full months of uninterrupted treatment at VA expense before having to obtain a reauthorization from the VA. Prior to this change announced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, community care referrals often needed to be reevaluated every 90 to 180 days, which could cause interrupted or delayed care. Financial Help for Pennsylvania Veterans Facing Hardship
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers financial support to veterans and their surviving dependents facing unexpected financial hardship through the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program. If you’re experiencing an unexpected financial crisis, the VTA program can provide up to $1,600 per year to help cover essential needs like:
This program is designed to offer short-term relief during tough times, ensuring veterans and their families have the support they need. Congress Considering 2026 Federal Funding for Veterans Programs
Veterans’ health care programs and benefits programs will be fully funded next year under legislation recently considered in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The most recent version of the bill, as passed by the Senate, allocates approximately $300 billion for mandatory veterans’ benefits, including disability compensation, education assistance, vocational rehabilitation and employment training. The bill is now back in the House for consideration of changes made by the Senate. 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. Helping Veterans Get into College
Tuition Assistance for Veterans
Colleges That Support Veterans
Support for Veteran Students
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