Latest news with #JohnPippy
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fallen soldiers honored during event at Camp Hill cemetery
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — On this Memorial Day weekend, those in the Midstate are stopping to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. An event at Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill, the Friday of Memorial Day, sets the weekend off on the right tone. As Abraham Lincoln said, not too far from here, as he is consecrating the battlefield at Gettysburg to honor the men who gave the last full measure of devotion. That's what Memorial Day is about. The keynote speaker here at this event in Rolling Green was the new head of the National Guard Major General John Pippy. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'As you mentioned today, is all about honoring and remembering those who have fallen,' Pippy said. 'So we spend these next, to the entire weekend, out there, not only supporting their legacy, but also supporting the Gold Star families and the loved ones they left behind. We believe that it is our solemn obligation.' Pennsylvania is home to many veterans, and Pippy's main concern for them is that he wants all of them to know about the benefits the have. 'Well, the biggest thing is there are a lot of benefits to our veterans of our age,' Pippy said. 'We have 700,000 here in Pennsylvania. So we make sure that whether you live in rural Pennsylvania or in the inner cities, that, you know, the programs and our teams are working out, working to get those programs out to you. So we want to make sure the benefits of the veterans get all the benefits they deserve.' Blue Angels visit Penn State Health Children's Hospital This cemetery with all of these flags, which are beautiful, are at all the veterans' graves. This is one of the largest cemeteries with interred veterans in all of south-central Pennsylvania. It is open all weekend. Come on out, check it out, and at least take a minute to remember exactly what this weekend is all about. abc27's Dennis Owens emceed the event. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DMVA: Honor fallen heroes by supporting Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund
May 19—WILKES-BARRE — This Memorial Day, one way to honor the fallen and pay tribute to those who have served is by donating to the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund. The Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial, located at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Lebanon County, stands in lasting tribute to those who served our state and nation in times of war and peace. This monument is nationally recognized as the largest veterans' memorial located in any of the national cemeteries. "Since World War II, more than a million brave men and women have given their lives to defend the freedoms we enjoy every day," said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). "Supporting the Veterans' Memorial helps preserve their legacy. Every donation ensures this tribute remains strong and enduring — a place where their sacrifice is honored and never forgotten." DMVA said 100% of donations go toward the upkeep such as landscaping, lighting, and fountains as well as needed maintenance for structural and cosmetic components throughout the memorial. Donations are tax-deductible. Donations can be made to the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund at or by sending a check made payable to the "Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund" and mailed to: DMVA Office for Veterans Affairs Building, 9-26, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002. Anyone interested in supporting additional veteran's causes can visit to consider contributing to the Veterans' Trust Fund, the Military Family Relief Assistance Program or any of the six Veterans Homes Resident Welfare Funds. 74 cadet graduates receive PSP trooper assignments Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris this week welcomed 74 new troopers during cadet graduation at LCBC Manheim. "Today is a great day for the State Police and Pennsylvania as we celebrate the 172nd Cadet Class, whose hard work and determination over the last 27 weeks have earned them the rank of Trooper," Paris said. "I now look forward to watching these dedicated women and men join their PSP brothers and sisters in serving and protecting communities across the Commonwealth." The 172nd Cadet Class is the second class to graduate from the PSP Academy without a college credit requirement for the position of trooper. The state waived the college credit requirement for applicants in August 2023. Since then, PSP has seen a significant increase in cadet applications, receiving 1,629 during the most recent application cycle without the requirement. The 2025-26 budget proposal continues to sustainably fund PSP and includes $16 million to create four more new cadet classes — funding nearly 400 more state troopers. The budget proposal also calls for the complete elimination of the current statutory cap, which limits the number of troopers on the streets. Removing the statutory cap will allow for increased patrol visibility, faster response times and the ability to maintain a proactive posture in Pennsylvania's communities. During the ceremony, six cadets received the following special awards and recognition: —Austin R. Sterenchock: American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications; —Luke J. Lanzetta-Vargo: Gesford High Pistol Award for the highest score on the department's pistol qualification course; —Spencer M. Head: John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests; —Charles T. Casey: Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training; —Megan M. McMackin: Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the highest level of academic achievement in the class; —Jayden S. Johnson: Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership. For information about the Pennsylvania State Police and how to become a Pennsylvania State Trooper, visit PSP's website. Task force will focus on law enforcement recruiting Attorney General Dave Sunday this week thanked the Pennsylvania Senate for their leadership in furthering efforts to form a statewide task force committed to filling vacancies and retaining law enforcement staff. Senate Resolution 94, adopted this week, directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish the Task Force on Recruitment and Retention of Law Enforcement. The resolution was sponsored by Senators Wayne Langerholc and Joe Picozzi. Sunday would serve as the task force chairperson. "As district attorney, I experienced first-hand staffing challenges attracting both prosecutors and law enforcement personnel to these professions," Sunday said. "In my first months as Attorney General, difficulties in the recruitment and retention of officers has been a consistent concern from law enforcement leadership across the Commonwealth. These noble professions are depended on by people and families to keep neighborhoods safe. Establishing this task force is a perfect way to mark National Police Week by turning our support of law enforcement into action." The task force would focus on staffing challenges at police and sheriff agencies, corrections departments and prosecutors' offices, developing policy recommendations to enhance recruitment and retention efforts. Bill to help patients avoid medical debt passes House In a move to help fight medical debt, the Pennsylvania House this week passed bipartisan legislation that would ensure patients are better informed about hospital-based financial assistance programs and how to access them. House Bill 79 would mandate the development of standardized, plain-language hospital financial aid forms, which would be shared with patients on intake and discharge, displayed on billing paperwork and posted publicly on hospital and state health websites. "Hospital-based financial aid can help patients avoid life-altering medical debt, yet many patients are unaware that these programs even exist or how to access them," said Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, an emergency physician and legislator who sits on the House Health Committee. "Our legislation would make sure patients receive this information in a standardized, easily understandable format so they can reap the benefits of these programs. Our bill would also require hospitals to suspend billing pending a decision on the patient's application. Making the system more accessible and user-friendly for patients will help prevent all Pennsylvanians from accumulating medical debt." Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, D-Waverly, said, "For nearly 30 years, I have served the people of our commonwealth as a Registered Nurse, where I worked in areas from bedside to surgery procedures. During that time, I encountered many families who experienced devastating health care issues that too often led to medical bills beyond their means — sometimes exceeding a million dollars. Now, as a state legislator, I see these tragic issues hitting even more families, leaving them to declare bankruptcy or sell their homes to satisfy growing medical costs. This legislation would offer the needed help to low-income Pennsylvanians in an equitable way." More than 50 national, state and regional health and community organizations have submitted a letter urging the House to pass the legislation. The bill passed by a vote of 187-16. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Amputee, paralyzed Pennsylvania veterans encouraged to apply for pension program
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) —As the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is working to raise awareness on National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month they also want to make sure that qualifying veterans have applied for a pension program. Currently, across Pennsylvania over 2,000 veterans are enrolled in the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension. Each veteran who qualifies receives $150 per month through it. 'It is important that we never forget the sacrifices our service members make while in uniform. Sometimes those sacrifices come in the form of life-long injuries,' Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA said. 'It is our responsibility to aid those with extreme loss and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension is one way we can do that. I encourage all eligible veterans to apply for these benefits.' Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission warns residents of scam phone calls posing as PUC Here's who qualifies: Was a resident of Pennsylvania upon entering the military Received Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge Have a service-connected disability rating of 40% or higher in each of two or more limbs (arms/hands or legs/feet) as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans interested in applying for this pension should contact their County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county they reside. To make the process easier you should have the following documents, a copy of the last military service DD214, proof of Pennsylvania residency upon entering the military and a United States Department of Veterans Affairs Decision letter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: Pennsylvanians can use tax return to support PA's military, veterans, families
Feb. 22—WILKES-BARRE — Pennsylvanians filing their 2024 personal state income taxes can help Pennsylvania's military personnel, veterans and their families by donating any amount of their refund to the state's Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) and/or Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF). Both programs are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), which provides resources and assistance to veterans, military members and their families in the commonwealth. Pennsylvanians interested in donating should refer to the 2024 Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return Instructions (PA-40 IN). "Pennsylvanians are always supportive of our veterans and that shines through every year with the many donations received in support of DMVA's grant programs," said Brig. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA. "We are thankful to everyone for their generosity. Without proper funding for these programs, many of our veterans and their families would not receive much-needed assistance in times of unforeseen crisis." —Military Family Relief Assistance Program helps Pennsylvania service members and their families by providing financial assistance to those with a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control. All members of the armed forces who were discharged for medical reasons are also eligible to apply for assistance up to four years after a medical discharge. Reserve component service members (including Pennsylvania National Guard members) and their families may be eligible for a grant for a period of up to three years after release from a qualifying active-duty tour. The program also applies to certain family members of eligible service members. Applicants must show that they have a direct and immediate financial need because of circumstances beyond their control. —Veterans' Trust Fund provides funding to assist and support Pennsylvania veterans and their families. The VTF will issue grants to statewide charitable organizations that assist veterans, veterans service organizations and county directors of veterans affairs. The fund can assist veterans in need of shelter and with necessities of living. Since the VTF grant program began in 2013, a total of $8.17 million has been awarded to organizations across Pennsylvania. Private donations can be made online at or mailed to: DMVA-Veterans' Trust Fund, Bldg. 9-26, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002. State spends over $1B with small, small diverse and veteran-owned businesses The Shapiro-Davis Administration this week delivered on a pledge to help Pennsylvania small businesses compete for and win more procurement opportunities, as the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) announced an additional $1.24 billion was spent on contracts with small businesses, small diverse businesses and veteran-owned business enterprises for a second consecutive year. This surpasses the $1.1 billion spent in the 2022-23 fiscal year — and marks another record investment after Gov. Josh Shapiro implemented commonsense improvements to the contracting process. In addition to the record spending highlighted in the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) 2023-24 Annual Report, DGS has spent the last year implementing improvements to its programs and policies administered by BDISBO that enhances the overall experience of small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses looking to do business with the Commonwealth and increase the number of opportunities available to them, including: —Reducing the time it takes to certify a small business with DGS by 33%. —Implementing a prompt pay policy to ensure non construction prime contractors pay subcontractors within 10 days of receiving payment from the Commonwealth. —Implementing a new communication practice to proactively notify over 5,000 registered small businesses and over 300 small business advocates and stakeholder organizations of upcoming procurement opportunities. —Partnering with the Department of State to collect voluntarily submitted information from businesses so that BDISBO can determine if they qualify as SBs, SDBs, or VBEs and connect interested businesses with Commonwealth contracting opportunities. —Conducting 64 virtual and in-person outreach events that reached over 3,000 participants across Pennsylvania aimed at educating the small business community on how to do business with the Commonwealth. —Launching a mentor-protege program to connect 12 Pennsylvanian small businesses with six prime contractors to equip them with the tools they need to better compete for state contracts. —Implementing a new virtual business development training curricula containing six modules on the Commonwealth's procurement process and policies for small businesses to access at no cost. FBI takes action to protect citizens' hard-earned money As cryptocurrency investment fraud scams blanket the nation, causing unprecedented financial and psychological hardship to tens of thousands of Americans, the FBI is stepping up with a hands-on measure to protect the public. Operation Level Up is a proactive initiative to identify and notify victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud. Using sophisticated techniques, the FBI identifies victims who are actively being defrauded and promptly intervenes by contacting those victims. Since the start of Operation Level Up over a year ago, the FBI has notified more than 4,300 victims spanning all 50 states. Of these victims, 76% were not aware they were being scammed. Through these notification efforts, the FBI has saved victims more than $285 million. "The FBI is committed to protecting citizens from cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes," said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. Cryptocurrency investment frauds are elaborate schemes that often involve unsolicited online contact, a long period of trust building, fake investment opportunities, and a false sense of urgency to send money, perpetrated by individuals typically located overseas who target victims in the United States. In Operation Level Up, specially trained FBI and U.S. Secret Service Agents are contacting victims directly to prevent further victimization and financial loss. Agents also explain how these crimes work and how to avoid them in the future, outline how to file a report with federal law enforcement, and provide access to mental health and other resources to assist with the impacts of these crimes. In numerous instances, victims told the FBI that the notification stopped them from liquidating their entire retirement accounts, selling their homes, or taking out costly loans to continue investing in fake cryptocurrency applications. Due to the profound emotional toll these scams can have, dozens of victims contacted through Operation Level Up were referred to the FBI Victim Services Division and provided direct support and lifesaving measures. Below are some tips to help protect yourself from these scams: —Do not release any financial or personal identifying information and do not send any money to someone you met online. —Do not invest solely based on the advice of someone you met online. —Do not download or use any unfamiliar applications or click on any links sent to you by someone you met online. —Do not pay any additional fees or taxes to withdraw money you have invested in a potential scheme. —Do not pay for services that claim to be able to recover lost funds, as these are often scams as well. If you think you may be a potential victim, you should stop sending money immediately and file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania lawmakers confirm new Adjutant General
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Pennsylvania lawmakers this week unanimously confirmed Brig. Gen. John Pippy as adjutant general and head of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Pippy has served as acting adjutant general since late September after Mark Schindler announced his retirement. He previously served as director of the joint staff at the Pennsylvania National Guard Joint Force Headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap. 'Ensuring the PA National Guard is able to effectively serve our communities, our Commonwealth, and our country and that the DMVA is able to deliver for Pennsylvania service members, veterans, and their families is critically important to my Administration,' Governor Josh Shapiro said. 'Brigadier General Pippy has the experience and readiness to lead on day one — and I look forward to working with him and the men and women of the PA National Guard and the DMVA to continue delivering for all Pennsylvanians.' 'I am humbled and truly honored to serve as the 55th Adjutant General of Pennsylvania,' Pippy said. 'Serving with the members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is a privilege that I hold with the utmost respect. I look forward to continuing to work with our service members, families, veterans, and DMVA employees to ensure that we are Always Ready and Always There when our Commonwealth or Country needs us.' Pippy has served on two deployments to the Middle East, including in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Commander of the 332nd EN CO. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
