News & Releases

On Jan. 14th from 11am to noon, the McDowell AFJROTC will be hosting an event: the Secretary of Defense's Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Erie area Vietnam era veterans and their families will be recognized. The special guest speaker Mr. C. R. Anderegg, Col, USAF (ret.), is originally from Corry, PA. Vietnam veterans and their families are invited, as well as the general public. This free event will take place at McDowell Intermediate High School (3320 Caughey Rd). For more information, contact Major John Nygaard, USAF (Ret.), McDowell Director AFJROTC by email at nygaard@mtsd.org or by phone at 814-835-5457.

On Dec. 10, Embracing Our Veterans will be having a benefit at the W 12th St Big Lots in Erie from 9am-3pm. There will be a bake sale, chinese auction, and a special raffle. All proceeds benefit Embracing Our Veterans and their mission to help local veterans. For more information, call the Erie office 814-392-4937.

On Dec. 4th, the Pride of PA BN Army ROTC is hosting a billiards tournament to raise funds for its annual Military Ball from noon to 5pm. A 50/50 raffle will take place during the tournament as well. The event will take place at Gold Crown Billiards (3866 Peach St in Erie). To purchase tickets, visit the Eventbrite page. Individual tickets are $15 to reserve one spot in the tournament, and team tickets are $30 to reserve two spots in the tournament on a single team of two people. 

Senior Helpers has moved to a new location at 3104 State St in Erie and are holding an open house to celebrate on Dec. 2 from 11am-5pm. The ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 11am with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments to follow. For more information, you can call the Erie office at 814-454-9500.

Individuals who do not want to spend Thanksgiving Day alone, are too sick and cannot cook, or families who do not have the financial resources to cook up a Thanksgiving Day dinner need not worry. On Nov. 24 from 12-3pm, American Legion LeBaron Post 237 in Union City is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner that is free and open to the public. You can also get a take out for that neighbor who can't get out. Please sign up at the American Legion, located at 9225 US Hwy 6, or call 814-438-2312 to add your name(s) to the list so that they know how many people to cook for. Everyone should have Thanksgiving dinner.

The Produce Express is coming to the Erie VA on Thursday, November 17 at 5pm. The Produce Express is a mobile Food Pantry that makes fresh, healthy produce and grocery items available for FREE to those who qualify. Advanced registration is required so call 814-860-2780 to see if you qualify and register.

Gannon University will hold its Annual Salute to Veterans on Wednesday, November 9^th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM in the Yehl Alumni Ballroom of the Waldron Campus Center. Memorial ceremony events include a speech by U.S. Army Retired Brigadier General Mark Bellini, a POW/MIA Fallen Warriors Ceremony, a wreath dedication, a twenty-one gun salute, and a reception. 

The Humane Society of NWPA is having FREE dog and cat adoptions Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 for all veterans to show their appreciation. Must have approved application and DD214. Humane Society of NWPA is located at 2407 Zimmerly Rd in Erie. For more information call (814) 835-8331.

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is inviting all veteran's families to submit a small photo (2”x 2.5” or smaller) from Nov. 1 to Nov. 9 to be included on their Wall of Heroes during the month of November. The photo and accompanying form can be submitted at the TREC Visitor Information Desk from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Photos will not be returned.

November 10th, 11th, and 12th, Active Aging will be hosting its 17th annual Through a Veteran's Eye: A Salute event to honor servicemen and women for Veterans Day. This three-day event will take place in Meadville, PA at the Community Center of Crawford County, located at 1034 Park Ave. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (814) 336-1792 or toll free at (800) 321-7705.