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In this Update:
Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
All Pennsylvania and U.S. flags purchased by the commonwealth for public display will be made in the United States under legislation approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 784, which requires the flags to be labeled with “Made in the USA”, was sent to the House of Representatives. DMVA Now Accepting Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Applications
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs announced that the 2026-27 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) is accepting grant applications for programs and services benefiting Pennsylvania veterans. The DMVA will award VTF grants to non-profit organizations, veteran service organizations, and county directors of veteran affairs across the state. Grant applications must be received no later than 2 p.m. EST on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Past awards have supported everything from ensuring military veterans and their families can have healthy, nutritious food to providing service dogs and expanding transportation services for veterans across the Commonwealth. Grant funding is available to veteran service organizations with 501(c)(19) status and non-profit organizations with a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans granted 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code. Funding priorities for applicants in this category are:
Recognizing Our Veterans at 2025 Veterans Expo
I was proud to join Congressman Rob Bresnahan and Rep. Brenda Pugh in hosting our Veterans Recognition Ceremony and Expo on October 25, 2025 at the Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston. More than 200 veterans, families and community members attended to connect with service providers offering health care, benefits and support. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John “Slick” Baum served as our master of ceremonies, and Army National Guard and Air Force Reserve Veteran Valerie Smock offered a tribute to the services. Following the posting of the colors by the Larksville American Legion Post 655, Bagpiper Chuck Sands led us in the pledge of allegiance. Apalonia “Apple” Passetti performed a stirring rendition of the national anthem and Father Brian Van Fossen led us in prayer. We were also honored to hear from Brig. Gen. Frank J. McGovern and personally recognize veterans during the pinning ceremony. Thank you to all who participated and to the many organizations that made this event possible. Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered. Lt. Col. Dunn Serves as Senate Guest Chaplain
We had a distinguished member of the U.S. Army and the Pennsylvania National Guard open Senate session offering words of faith—Lt. Col. William J. Dunn, Jr., of Luzerne County. We often speak of a commitment to justice and service. Lt. Col. Dunn embodies those traits. His record is a lengthy one of deployment in the Middle East and Europe, assisting in domestic disaster relief efforts, and currently overseeing defense counsel services for personnel in 54 states and territories. He is a good family man who contributes to protecting our state and nation. He was joined by his young son Aiden Dunn, his wife Jennifer Stull, his father, William J. Dunn, Sr., who is also a veteran, and his mother Linda Dunn. Bill to Ensure Disabled Veterans Receive Free Hunting Licenses Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation that would close an unintended gap in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans. Under current law, only veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for free hunting licenses. Partially disabled veterans may purchase discounted licenses. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat — in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities — are not currently eligible for a discount. Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Happy 250th Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps
The U.S. Marine Corps celebrated its 250th birthday on November 10, 2025. I joined my colleague Senator Greg Rothman, a proud Marine Corps veteran, for a ceremony at the Capitol rotunda in Harrisburg to acknowledge this milestone. Special guest speakers were followed by a historic artwork display and cake cutting. What a tremendous legacy of resilience—Semper Fi! Veterans Day 2025
We set aside Veterans Day to acknowledge and celebrate our fellow citizens who answered the call to serve in the military, securing and defending freedom we enjoy year-round. We owe a debt of gratitude to veterans locally and across this great nation. Budget negotiations prevented me from attending as many as I would have liked, but I was privileged to participate in some special events recognizing their contribution. The 80th Annual Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade is among the nation’s oldest celebrations. We are lucky to have such a dedicated group of volunteers working so hard each year to ensure our community continues to honor those who serve.
Harveys Lake American Post 967 also held its annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast to salute our service men and women and recognize their commitment to the highest principles of citizenship. For the third consecutive year, Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce hosted a brunch at the Woodlands Inn and Resort to honor area veterans and raise money to support programs to support them. Kingston Borough Patrolman Jordan Ramirez was also presented with an award for his acts of bravery.
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