Latest news with #VeteransLeadershipProgram
CBS News
a day ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Pirates players visit Veterans Leadership Program for food distribution event
On a beautiful Monday morning in Pittsburgh's Strip District, volunteers joined together to provide free food for military veterans. The donation event is held monthly through the Veterans Leadership Program, which offers help like housing and career development, wellness, and supportive services. "This gives them an opportunity once a month to not worry about that and continue to worry about rent and securing sustainable employment," said Veterans Leadership Program Chief Development Officer Toshua Jarrett. She said that during any given year, they serve over 8,000 veterans in and around our community. For this food donation packing and distribution event, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank donated the food. However, the volunteers included 84 Lumber, community members, and four Pittsburgh Pirates. Those Pirates players include Braxton Ashcraft, Chase Shugart, Nick Gonzales, and Brett Sullivan. "Helping veterans in any way that we can," said Ashcraft. "You know, I come from a family of veterans, and being able to come here and help out and put some smiles on faces and just interact and meet people is really what it's all about," said Shugart. "What other place would you rather be to help veterans and pass out some food and goods?" said 84 Lumber's Randy Delesk. "And it's very rewarding because you get to also interact with (the veterans)," longtime Veterans Leadership Program volunteer and Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Melinda Bondarenka said. It's a packing event putting players and the public on the same team to help local veterans. The next VLP food distribution in the Strip District will happen in July. Meanwhile, the Pirates host a Military Monday at PNC Park on the first Monday home game of every month. Monday night's game will be the third Military Monday event so far this season, and before the game, they'll have an Air Force swearing-in ceremony.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Parkhill American Legion motorcycle run fights suicide & raises awareness
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Parkhill American Legion Post 970 honored and remembered veterans who died by suicide with its annual motorcycle ride on Sunday. The ride also raises awareness about America's prisoners of war and those missing in action. This year's run is in honor of Bob Shawley, a veteran lost to suicide. When the event first started six years ago, only 8 bikes were participating. This year, 180 riders and 120 bikes gathered for the sixth annual event at the American Legion on Parkhill Drive. 'Oh, I love to see all the support from the community and the various combat vets, different American Legion rider organizations. It's just truly outstanding,' David Fultz, Adjutant and Assistant Director of American Legion Riders Parkhill Post 970. At 10:45 a.m., there was a Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Flag (SAR) ceremony. The organization honors and remembers veterans and military members lost to suicide. The SAR flag is currently flown or displayed in 42 states. 'Unfortunately, sometimes, you know, the demons that they carry with them, they take over and lead them that way,' Fultz said. Motorcycles rumbled out of the parking lot following the ceremony. They headed towards the American Legion in Northern Cambria, traveling through Carrolltown, Patton and Ashville to get to the Gallitzin American Legion before returning to Johnstown. 'I just want to let veterans know that services are available to them, and not necessarily just veterans, but people in general. Please. If you need the assistance, don't be too proud not to take it. You know, because you're loved, you're loved, you're cared for and we want to see you here tomorrow,' Fultz said. Money raised from last year's event went to the Parkhill American Legion for future charitable donations, the Veterans Leadership Program and East Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Company. This year's ride will benefit the Legion Riders, Conemaugh Valley Veterans and Canine Partners for Life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
