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 Day 2024
Submitted By: Jeffery Mead
Susquehanna County Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Service Officer
Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces (who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable). It coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. A Congressional Act approved May 13, 1938, made November 11 in each year a legal holiday: "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'". At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs website states that the attributive (no apostrophe) rather than the possessive case is the official spelling “because it is not a day that 'belongs' to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans”. Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military Veterans both living and remembered. Legally, two minutes of silence is recommended to be observed at 2:11pm Eastern Standard Time. (Wikipedia).
Upcoming Veteran Events:
November 11, 2024 – Veteran’s Day Free Breakfast - Montrose VFW Post 5642 the Auxiliary will be sponsoring a free breakfast to all Veterans from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Veterans can order items off the menu. Montrose VFW Post 5642 is located at 16972 State Route 706, Montrose, PA 18801.
Free Haircuts for Veterans at Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center, Cosmetology Department. Appointments available 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on November 12, 13 & 14, by calling 570-278-6784.
Susquehanna County and Veterans Affairs Office support the National Association of Counties’ and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers’ Operation Green Light for Veterans by passing the following resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Susquehanna County herby declares from October through Veterans Day, November 11th 2024, a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform,” and further encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence. Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house or porch to a green bulb. By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
The Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal- Application can be obtained through U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s Office. Background Information: Korean War Era Veterans who served in the Korean War may be eligible for the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. This commemorative medal is an expression of appreciation from the South Korean Government to United States Veterans who served in the Korean War. The Ambassador for Peace Medal was originally presented to Veterans as a special memento for those who eventually returned to South Korea through the “Revisit Program.” The honor has since been expanded to Veterans who cannot travel the long journey to South Korea. Call 717-231-7540, option 2, for assistance or questions.
November 8, 2024 – Help Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center – The sky will be lit up with a drone display celebrating all Veterans. This is the first display of drones of this magnitude in the City of Scranton. Please come and show your support for our American Heroes! The event will take place at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Ave, Scranton, PA 18503, on Friday November 8th at 7pm. Proceeds benefits the Gino J. Merli Resident Welfare Fund.
November 4th and every, first Monday of Month at 5:30 PM- Gulf War/Global War on Terror Veterans’ Support Group at Lenox VFW.
November 4th & November 18th, and every 1st, and 3rd Monday at 10:30 AM-Vietnam Support Group at Lenox VFW.
As always Susquehanna Veterans Affairs office is here to assist Veterans in accessing Veterans Administration and State benefits. We humbly thank all Veterans for their service to this great Country.
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