Local Veterans Honored During National Vietnam War Veterans Day As part of its commitment to military members and veterans, Geisinger recognized National Vietnam War Veterans Day by holding a “welcome home” ceremony at its Geisinger 65 Forward Health Center locations on Tuesday, March 29. Nearly 50 Vietnam War veterans and guests were honored during the event, which concluded with a pinning ceremony. Events took place at eight 65 Forward locations, including Coal Township, Hazleton, Scranton and State College. The ceremony included local Vietnam War veterans sharing their experiences both in Vietnam and at home. Staff presented certificates and recognized each veteran for their service. “We have an ongoing commitment to military members and veterans at Geisinger,” said Chris Grill, Geisinger’s diversity, equity and inclusion program manager, who is a U.S. Army veteran. “Many of our local Vietnam War veterans returned home to no fanfare or ‘thank you,’ and they deserve our gratitude for their service. It was humbling to see many of them moved by the ceremony and appreciative of recognition on this special day.” Geisinger’s commitment to the military community includes military and veteran recruitment programs and educational initiatives to help care teams understand military culture and veterans’ unique health needs. The health system has been recognized for its work, including being named a Military Friendly employer. 65 Forward Scranton Vietnam Vets (pictured above): From left, Vietnam War veterans John Frank, Dan Hulse, David Lennick, William Bechtel, Perry Hoffpauer and Kenneth Anderson Sr. Also in attendance but not pictured was Jack Neuls.
Boback Holds Joint Veterans Service Officer Day at the Capitol Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, announces Veterans Service Officer Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in coordination with the House and Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees. The event is being held in conjunction with the five major veterans service organizations, the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “As the majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I am grateful to host this event at the Capitol with my House and Senate counterparts,” said Boback. “Our veterans deserve our support and Veterans Service Officer Day at the Capitol focuses on the free services available to all veterans across the Commonwealth.” This event is open to all downtown state employees and the general public. All veterans, spouses and widows of veterans, or anyone with a veteran in their family who may need the assistance of the VA to help pay long-term medical costs are welcome to attend. It is also open to anyone interested in enrollment in Veterans Affairs (VA) health care or anyone who desires to enroll in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Registry. Anyone wanting an advance appointment with any organization can do so by calling Stephanie Imboden at 877-720-8387 or email stephanie@pa-legion.com.
