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In this Update:

• Here to Help Our Veterans
• New Law Connects Families of Deceased Veterans with Local Assistance
• State Veterans Commission Meeting Set for Sept. 11
• VA Investments and Health Care Updates
• Upcoming Events Supporting Veterans
• Resources and Savings for Veterans

Here to Help Our Veterans

Supporting the veterans who call our communities home includes making sure they know about the benefits, services and resources available to them.

This update includes information on new resources for veterans and their families, upcoming events, health care developments and other opportunities that may be helpful.

If you or a veteran in your family needs assistance with a state-related matter or help finding the appropriate veterans resource, please contact one of my district offices. My staff and I are here to help.

New Law Connects Families of Deceased Veterans with Local Assistance

Under a new law, Act 42 of 2026, families of a deceased service person being buried or cremated in Pennsylvania after Sept. 18 will receive contact information for their county veterans affairs office from funeral directors and cemeteries.

County directors of veterans affairs will also be notified by funeral directors and cemeteries within 96 hours of receiving the remains of a deceased service person.

The change is intended to help connect families with local veterans affairs offices that can assist them in accessing benefits and resources for which they may be eligible.

State Veterans Commission Meeting Set for Sept. 11

The State Veterans Commission will hold its next regular meeting on Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. at Fort Indiantown Gap.

The commission advises the adjutant general and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on matters affecting veterans, including benefits, employment, support programs and overall welfare.

The public may participate by phone or virtually.

• Phone: (267) 332-8737
• Conference ID: 654 091 486#
• Join the meeting via Microsoft Teams.

VA Investments and Health Care Updates

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $1.2 billion in infrastructure improvements for VA medical facilities nationwide, including funding for 42 projects at Pennsylvania facilities.

Projects include roof replacement in Coatesville, hot water tank replacement in Erie, air conditioning renovations in Lebanon, exterior security improvements in Philadelphia, fire and smoke damper repairs in Pittsburgh and a fire station roof replacement in Butler.

The VA has also announced new clinical trials focused on treating major depression and alcohol use disorder among veterans.

One new clinical trial will evaluate psilocybin as a potential treatment for veterans diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. The Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression trial will include the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia.

A separate clinical trial will evaluate GLP-1 treatment for alcohol use disorder. The Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial will include the Philadelphia VA Healthcare System among its participating locations.

Upcoming Events Supporting Veterans

The Travis Manion Foundation is hosting 9/11 Heroes Run events throughout Pennsylvania in September and October. The foundation provides programming designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen while developing character in future generations.

Pennsylvania events include:

• Philadelphia: Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. at The Navy Yard.
• Feasterville: Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. at Russell E Elliot Memorial Park.
• West Chester: Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. at Bayard Rustin High School.
• Pittsburgh: Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. at Youngwood VFD.
• Harrisburg: Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. at HACC.
• Lehigh Valley: Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. at PHS Stadium.
• Doylestown: Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. at War Memorial Field.

The Veterans and Military Employee Resource Group of Piedmont Airlines will also host the Left, Right, Left 5K on Sept. 16 at 9:15 a.m. at Harrisburg International Airport.

The $25 entry fee will benefit Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania and support its community of 15 tiny homes and a community center serving homeless veterans.

Click here to register.

Resources and Savings for Veterans

Shareapy offers free virtual peer support for active-duty military members, veterans, first responders and their immediate family members.

Eligible participants can join weekly virtual get-togethers, connect with fellow veterans and family members, and access wellness resources and community programming at no cost.

Click here for more information and to sign up.

Veterans may also be eligible for discounts from several technology companies. Apple offers a 10% discount through its Veterans and Military Purchase Program for those verified through ID.me, while HP offers discounts of up to 40% for eligible veterans verified through ID.me.