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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 “Weekender”. 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 weekender which is distributed each Friday of the month. The weekender has a wide distribution in Susquehanna County. 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

Vocational Assistance Available to Veterans

Submitted By: Jeffery Mead

Susquehanna County Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Service Officer

Listed in this article are some of the various vocational supports available to Veterans.

Boots to Business (B2B) Classes

A two-day introduction to entrepreneurship course which introduces participants to key elements of small business ownership to assist in determining if entrepreneurship is a feasible and practical transition strategy.

For more information on classes: https://sba.my.site.com/s/b2b-course-information

 Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)

Veteran-owned small businesses can use this application to be certified by SBA to compete for federal contracts. https://veterans.certify.sba.gov

 CareerLink

 Veterans may contact their local Veterans Employment Representatives at CareerLink listed below. Veterans may also search for local jobs at the Trehab CareerLink centers in Montrose and Susquehanna listed below.

 Local Veterans Employment Representative

Jason McNett       Pa CareerLink (Towanda)

Phone: 570-265-1545 

TTY: 570-265-5720

Cell: 570-485-8601

Fax: 570-265-2331

jmcnett@pa.gov

 

Susquehanna County (Trehab)

 Montrose:

14 Public Avenue Montrose PA 18801

570-278-5202

1-800-982-4045 ext. 5202

 Susquehanna:

1302 Main Street Susquehanna PA 18847

570-853-1103

1-800-982-4045 ext. 1104

 SCORE

 (Service Corps of Retired Executives) has four types of SCORE volunteering opportunities: business mentors, workshop presenters, subject matter experts and chapter support roles. (Wikipedia) Website: https://www.score.org

 Military and Veterans Licensure

Act 35 of 2022 will ease struggles for service members, veterans and their family members to obtain a professional license in Pennsylvania. 

Website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/resources/professional-licensing-resources/military-and-veterans-licensure.html

Military Occupational Crosswalk

The Pennsylvania Department of State (DOS) has developed a Military Occupational Crosswalk to identify and relate civilian career opportunities and requirements to veterans' military experience. The crosswalk compares qualification details from nearly 300 military occupations and matches them to licensed professions administered by the professional licensing boards and commissions in Pennsylvania. This process is as follows:  

  1. The veteran should examine their military experience and training record. 
  2. Identify civilian occupations that correlate to the servicemember's career goals and skills/abilities. 
  3. Identify the education, experience, and credentials required for the identified occupation.
  4. Document the gap (if applicable) between current skill set and what is required for the desired occupation. 

Website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/resources/professional-licensing-resources/military-and-veterans-licensure.html

 Veteran Appointments to Federal Government Jobs

 Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)

 Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) is an excepted authority that allows a federal government agency to non-competitively appoint an eligible veteran. If you:

 Appointing a 30% or More Disabled Veteran

 The 30% or More Disabled Veteran authority allows an agency to non-competitively appoint any veteran with a 30% or more service-connected disability.

 Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, as amended (VEOA)

 VEOA allows eligible veterans and preference eligibles to apply to announcements that would otherwise be opened to so called "status" candidates, i.e., "current competitive service employees and certain prior employees who have earned competitive status."

 Educational and Career Counseling (VA Chapter 36)

Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG), or VA Chapter 36, offers free educational and career guidance, planning, and resources to Veterans and their dependents who are eligible for a VA education benefit

There are 3 ways to apply for these benefits:

You can apply online:  https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/education-and-career-counseling/apply-career-guidance-form-25-8832/introduction

or

You can apply by mail using VA Form 27-8832 (address is on the form) 

or

You can take your application to your nearest regional office or VetSuccess on Campus counselor. (va.gov)

 Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)

If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) can help. This program—also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E—helps you explore employment options and address education or training needs. 

You’re eligible to apply for VR&E benefits and services if you meet both of these requirements: 

You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and

You have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from VA

If you already have a VA disability rating, you can apply in any of these 4 ways.

Option 1: Online: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/apply-vre-form-28-1900/start

If you’re eligible, we’ll invite you to an orientation session at your nearest VA regional office.

Option 2: By mail

Fill out an Application for Veteran Readiness and Employment for Claimants with Service-Connected Disabilities (VA Form 28-1900).

Send your completed application here:

Department of Veterans Affairs VR&E Intake Center PO Box 5210 Janesville, WI 53547-5210

Option 3: In person

Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee help you.

Option 4: With the help of a trained professional

You can work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to get help applying for VR&E benefits. 

At Veterans Affairs of Susquehanna County, we have two Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who are ready and willing to assist any Veterans who are seeking to file for VR&E benefits or link with any of the other vocational assistance programs, file for VA Compensation, or file for any State Veteran benefits. (va.gov)

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

 Upcoming Veteran Events:

 Effective 1-1-2025, the income limit is $114,637.00 for Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% VA rated wartime Veterans. 

This is in addition to the 8-16-2024 Pennsylvania State law in which Veterans and spouses receiving VA Compensation or Pension will no longer have those benefits counted as income toward Pennsylvania State benefits including Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% VA rated wartime Veterans or surviving spouse, and Veterans Temporary Assistance for unforeseen one-time expense.

Gulf War/Global War on Terror Veterans’ Support Group at Lenox VFW next meeting March 3rd, 2025, at 5:30 PM.

Vietnam Veterans Support Group at Lenox VFW next meeting on Monday March 3rd and March 17th, 2025, at 10:30 AM.  

Hometown Hero Banners (HHB) sponsored by Montrose Area Kiwanis Club, are currently accepting applications until February 14, 2025. This group of HHB will be displayed from April – October 2025 and 2026. The cost is $240.00 ($140.00 for Renewal). Applications are due by February 14th, 2025, and are available at Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs or by contacting Debbie Crisman at dhc@epix.net 570-278-1026, or 570-533-1331.  The designated dates for collecting items from the retired HHB are April 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2025. You can conveniently pick up your items at the Montrose VFW, located on the upper level of the building. The collection hours will be from 9 AM to noon each day.

Spring Military History Tour to Washington DC on April 24, 2025, includes Military Women’s Memorial and the World War I Memorial. $339 per person. Contact Janice Gavern: 607-953-2871, pa.womanveterans@gmail.com, checks payable to Gardner Warner American Legion Post 154, Montrose PA Attn: Spring Military History Tour.


 

VETERANS CORNER

Vietnam Veterans Day and PA VETconnect 

Submitted By: Jeffery Mead

Susquehanna County Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Service Officer

 

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

  Celebrate 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!

 

PA VETConnect (www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/pennsylvania-veterans/programs-and-services/pa-vetconnect.html) is the pathway to a better means of serving Pennsylvania’s more than 700,000 veterans. The objectives of PA VetConnect are simple: determine the needs of veterans and their beneficiaries, find resources that meet those needs, and connect veterans with those resources. DMVA (Department of Military and Veterans Affairs) has staff living and working in communities across the commonwealth who are doing just that daily.

Through PA VETConnect, veteran advocates have access to the commonwealth’s premier information and referral database, compiled specifically to improve the lives of service members, veterans, and their families. The free database is populated with valuable information and resources that will help County Directors of Veterans Affairs and other veteran advocates facilitate delivery of the best possible services to veterans, their families, and their beneficiaries. Resource areas include benefits, employment, financial assistance, mental wellness and substance use, post-traumatic stress, and more.

PA VETconnect will connect you directly to the following:

Veterans Crisis Line -- DIAL 988 then PRESS 1

Find a Vet Center (Readjustment Counseling)

Veterans Mental Health Services

County Veterans Affairs Service Officers

Veteran Service Organizations

Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Find a VA Medical Center in PA

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

Most Recent Issue of DMVA Digest

Pennsylvania Veterans Registry

Pennsylvania Veterans

PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)

National Cemetery Administration (NCA)

Find a Presenter for Resources Training

Register An Event

DMVA Login

(PA VETconnect)

 

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 7th 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 March 17th and April 7thth at 10:30AM. 

For Veteran Individual Readjustment Vet Center Counseling at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 call Rob at 570-239-5191

Spring Military History Tour to Washington DC on April 24, 2025, includes Military Women’s Memorial and the World War I Memorial. $339 per person. Contact Janice Gavern: 607-953-2871, pa.womanveterans@gmail.com, checks payable to Gardner Warner American Legion Post 154, Montrose PA Attn: Spring Military History Tour.

Effective 1-1-2025, the income limit is $114,637.00 for Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% VA rated wartime Veterans. This is in addition to the 8-16-2024 Pennsylvania State law in which Veterans and spouses receiving VA Compensation or Pension will no longer have those benefits counted as income toward Pennsylvania State benefits including Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% VA rated wartime Veterans or surviving spouse, and Veterans Temporary Assistance for unforeseen one-time expense.

 

Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair May 16th starting at 4pm on Susquehanna County Green Near Montrose Courthouse complex, hosted by Susquehanna County Suicide Awareness Initiative in partnership with Third Friday in Montrose.

 

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

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