Veterans Affairs
The Susquehanna County Veterans affairs office proudly serves the Veterans of our County and their families.
Anyone with questions about the vast array of benefits available is encouraged to contact the County VA office, and we will be happy to answer your questions and provide assistance. The office is located in the County Courthouse at 31 Lake Ave. Montrose, Pa. and the office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. except for scheduled holidays or required Certified Veterans Services Officer (VSO) training.
Individuals may also find complete information on veteran's federal benefits by visiting the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site at www.va.gov and state benefits at www.dmva.pa.gov/veterans/pages
Veterans in crisis or contemplating suicide may call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 option 1 or text at 838255 for help
Finally to all our veterans, “thank you for your service” we look forward to serving you.
Veterans Corner
The Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs office writes an article once each month that is published in the Susquehanna Independent (also known as the Susquehanna County Independent). These articles called “Veterans Corner” provide information related to veteran’s issues and benefits. The articles are published once per month and can be found in one of the editions of the Susquehanna Independent. For your convenience we also make the articles available here on the County website.
Anyone with any questions about the benefits available to Veterans and their family members can call the Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs Office at (570) 278-5955
VETERANS CORNER
Vietnam Veterans Day, and National Medal of Honor Day
Submitted By: Jeffery Mead
Susquehanna County Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Service Officer
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Celebrate Sunday, March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, as Americans unite to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
March 29 is a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam veterans. It was chosen to be observed in perpetuity as March 29, 1973, was the day United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, and their families.
November 1, 1955 was selected to coincide with the official designation of Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam (MAAG-V); May 15, 1975 marks the end of the battle precipitated by the seizure of the SS Mayaguez.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are between 6 and 7 million U.S. Vietnam veterans living in America and abroad, along with millions of families of those who served during this timeframe. (www.vietnamwar50th.com)
U.S. Senators Pat Toomey, R-PA., and Joe Donnelly, D-ID., introduced the legislation proposing the anniversary of the withdrawal of military units from South Vietnam as the date for National Vietnam Veterans Day. It was President Donald Trump who signed the Act on March 29, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on this day to honor everyone who served during this time, whether they were in Vietnam or not. Every year since it was founded in 2017, this national day has continued to be recognized on March 29. (nationaltoday.com)
Thank a Vietnam Veteran!
Speaking as an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, I again want to personally thank every single Vietnam Veteran and welcome you home to a Country that loves you. The soldiers I served with in Iraq received an over-the-top welcome home, which we were all very aware of coming from the guilt the country felt over not properly welcoming home all the Vietnam Veterans. THANK YOU AND WELCOME HOME FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!
National Medal of Honor Day on March 25, 2026.
National Medal of Honor Day, held annually on March 25th, was established by Congress to recognize those who have been awarded the United States’ highest military decoration for valor in action.
FACTS ABOUT THE MEDAL OF HONOR
•According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, more than 3,500 brave individuals have received the Medal of Honor since the decoration’s inception in 1861. Nineteen of the Medal of Honor Recipients have received the medal twice.
•On March 25, 1863, Army Private Jacob Parrott received the first Medal of Honor for his actions during the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War.
•Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, served as a surgeon in the U.S. Army. During the Civil War, while serving with the 52nd Ohio Infantry, she routinely crossed enemy lines to treat civilians in need of medical care.
•There are three variations of the Medal of Honor. The Army and Navy have separate designs for their personnel. The Marine Corps and Coast Guard receive the Navy design. The original designs were worn on a recipient’s lapel. Currently, the Medal of Honor is the only U.S. Military medal worn around the neck.
•Twenty-eight service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor for action in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, eleven of them posthumously. ( Lisa Duffy-Homes for Troops 3-25-25)
•To date, there have been 3,547 Medals of Honor awarded to those who fight to keep our country safe – and National Medal of Honor Day is the day to honor their exemplary service.
•Over 600 have been awarded posthumously.
•During the Civil War, 40% of the Medals of Honor that have been given up until now were distributed.
•Breakdown by Branch: Army: 2,467; Navy: 749; Marine Corps: 300; Air Force: 19 Coast Guard: 1
Upcoming Veteran Events:
Gulf War/Global War on Terror Veterans Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 every, first Monday of Month at 5:30 PM. Next meeting is April 6th at 5:30PM.
Vietnam Veterans Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 every 1st, and 3rd Monday at 10:30 AM. Next meetings are March 16th and April 6thth at 10:30AM.
For Veteran Individual Readjustment Vet Center Counseling at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 call Rob at 570-239-5191
Java for Joes April 9th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 at 798 Erie Ave Susquehanna, Pa at the Erie & Main Coffee House the Second Thursday of the month, contact Melissa Dubas 607-765-1366.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day Luncheon –Join Veterans NEPA for camaraderie and a complimentary lunch as a small token of our appreciation for your service. Luncheon is open to U.S. Armed Forces personnel with active-duty service between November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service. Join us on Wednesday March 25, 2026, from 11am – 2pm at Penn’s Peak 325 Maury Road, Jim Thrope PA. Tickets are required, Contact: Carbon County Veterans Affairs at 570-325-3986.
In honor of Women’s History Month– Carol Ann Drazba Memorial –, join Treasurer Stacy Garrity to honor the memory of Second Lieutenant Carol Ann Drazba, on Saturday March 14, 2026, at 4pm outside of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center at 401 Penn Avenue, Scranton PA 18503. Reception to follow at the Marketplace at Steamtown Food Court 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton PA 18503. RSVP by 3/10/26 at: htps://www.patreasury.gov/treasury-invite/
Military & First Responders Ski Weekend - March 13 – 15, 2026, Shawnee Mountain is inviting all Active Duty Military, Retired Military, and Reserve Members along with First Responders to come for a day of skiing. Discounts are as follows: Active Duty Military and immediate Family get FREE lift packet and ski or snowboard rentals. Retired Military, Veteran or Reserves receive 50% off lift packets and rentals. First Responders receive 1/3 off the price of a lift packet. We’re making things easy this year; no registration required. Tickets will be sold at the window, day- of. Military/Photo ID required. Call 570 421-73231 ext. 0 for more info.
Susquehanna Veterans Affairs office is always here to assist Veterans in accessing Veterans Administration and State benefits.
Our office can be reached at the following:
P.O. Box 218 /31 Lake Avenue Montrose, PA 18801 (Courthouse-side entrance facing the green)
Phone: 570-278-5955 or 570-278-4600 Ext. 3045
Fax: 570-278-5977
Contact Information
Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs
31 Lake Avenue (PO Box 218)
Montrose, PA 18801
Telephone: (570) 278-5955
Fax: (570) 278-5977
Jeffery Mead, Director / VSO