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For Immediate Release
September 20, 2007
CONTACT:
Colleen Greer
Phone: 717-787-6801
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Weekly Column: Recognizing Pennsylvania's Military Families
Thousands of military personnel have served or continue to serve our country
overseas each year. In a season where Americans stop to count their blessings,
it's important to remember that one of this country's greatest blessings is the
men and women who wear our nation's uniform. Just as importantly as these
servicemen and women who are deployed, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, is
the sacrifice that military families make every day.
That's why we need to share our support and concern for these families.
Although we cannot feel the loss that they may feel, we send our appreciation
out to them and say thank you. Certainly, their sacrifices should not go
unnoticed. As we continue to fight terrorism and advance peace around the world,
America needs to stand behind our military families and members of our Armed
Forces.
As a tribute to the family members of our military personnel, I plan to
introduce a Senate resolution recognizing October 13, 2007 as "Military Family
Day" in Pennsylvania. A similar resolution is being introduced by Representative
Ron Marsico in the House of Representatives. A public ceremony will also be held
on October 13th in the State Capitol Building to honor those families. This
event is being hosted by the Veterans Resource Central, a Pennsylvania based
nonprofit organization that provides assistance to returning veterans, active
duty military, and their families through a corps of volunteers and other tools
(see
www.veteransresourcecentral.org).
There are number of others ways that we can support families on Military
Family Day and throughout the entire year, such as donating clothing and toys or
holiday food baskets and volunteering time to help mentor, tutor, or provide
general administrative services. For more information on how to help, contact
the Armed Services YMCA at 1-800-597-1260 or visit
www.asymca.org.
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) also
provides advice and assistance to the state's 1.1 million veterans and their
families, including the Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP),
created by the General Assembly with the enactment of Act 65 of 2005. The
program provides financial assistance, in the form of grants, to eligible
Pennsylvania service members and their family members. Eligible members must
have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of military service. To
learn more about this program, its guidelines, or to complete an application,
visit the department's website at
www.dmva.state.pa.us.
In keeping with my commitment to supporting and recognizing our military and
veteran community's efforts and needs throughout the entire year, I maintain an
advisory committee to ensure our veterans and their families from the 15th
Senatorial District are regularly informed of important legislation and state
issues that directly affect them or impact upon DMVA. This citizens' group is
designed to promote open communication among our veterans, state government,
Dauphin and York County Offices, federal agencies, and various veterans'
assistance organizations. This is a very important group because it allows me to
stay in touch with our local veterans and also gives them a voice in state
government.
On October 17th, I will host my next veterans' advisory committee meeting
which will feature an update on the federal study regarding veterans' hospitals
and medical center care. The meeting will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. at
the American Legion Post #420 located on 1860 19th Street in Steelton.
Membership on this committee is free and open to the public, but
pre-registration for meetings is required. There is no obligation to attend
meetings, so I encourage local veterans to consider joining even if only to
receive periodic informational mailings. To join, please call my office at
787-6801 or 1-888-PICCOLA or visit my website at
www.piccola.org.
In addition to recognizing and honoring our veterans and those who are
currently deployed, all Americans owe a profound debt of gratitude to our
military families as well. Military family members' love and support strengthens
the nation's armed forces who serve across the nation and around the world.
Military Family Day in Pennsylvania provides an opportunity to say thank you. |
