News & Releases

The Pathfinder Club of Gannon University has organized the Patriot's Ruck as a fundraiser for homeless veterans. The event is scheduled for November 4 at the Gannon Recreation Center. Registration begins at 7:30 am, and the event opening will start at 8:00 am. The 5K will be run/walked on the streets of downtown Erie. Participants will carry a backpack/rucksack filled with donation supplies to be donated at the conclusion of the run/walk. The event is free without a t-shirt, $8 with a t-shirt (must request shirt ahead). To register, visit here or contact GU Pathfinder President, Anthony Sparacino at sparacin001@knights.gannon.edu or at (412) 522-2636. All proceeds will benefit the Liberty House.

Erie VA Medical Center is hosting a free drive-thru flu clinic on October 28 from 10 am to noon for Veterans eligible for VA health care. Veterans can simply drive through the ground level of the parking garage, present their VA ID Card, and get their flu shot right in the comfort of their own car!

Young Entrepreneur Society will be holding a Career Expo on November 2 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Zem Zem Shrine Club in Erie. The event will be veterans-only between 10 am to 11 am. Admission is free. Over 50 employers from business, insurance, healthcare, utilities, and more will be present. Come dressed to the best of your abilities, and bring resume copies. Employers will be hiring immediately throughout the event.

On October 15, Erie United Methodist Alliance is hosting Ruck the Bay to benefitEUMA's Liberty House. Complete a 15K (or optional 5K) course carrying a loaded rucksack and observe memorials at every kilometer honoring local fallen soldiers. Fill your rucksack/backpack with items to donate to homeless veterans. Open to military personnel and civilians. Registration is at 1 pm at Presque Isle State Park Beach, 11. Ruck begins at 2 pm. For more information or to register, visit www.euma-erie.org.

Street Track 'n Trail presents their first annual Welcoming for Heroes and a Veteran by My Side Ride on September 30, beginning at 1 pm on the Street Track 'n Trail Festival Grounds in Conneaut Lake, PA. The trail ride will just be for veterans utilizing Side-by-Side vehicles, provided by Street Track 'n Trail and a select group of owners donating their vehicles and time. Meet with Veterans, local military organizations, and re-enactors, and enjoy food from a variety of vendors, military equipment displays, The Black Beast F450 Patriot Truck, and live music. For more information, visit STNT's website, Facebook page, or contact Dick Lepley at dicklepley@gmail.com or (814) 573-3090.

Saturday, October 7, 2017, the Erie County Bar Association, in partnership with the Erie County Department of Public Safety, and with the support of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, will be hosting their annual Wills for Heroes program at the Erie County Public Safety Building (2880 Flower Road, Erie, PA). Free Wills, Living Wills, Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney can be prepared for first responders, military veterans, and their spouses. Appointments are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for this event is now open online, and appointments are expected to fill quickly. Read more about how to register.

September 11, 2017 marks the 16th anniversary of the attacks of 2001. Join West Lake and other Millcreek Fire Departments at West 12th Street and Peninsula Drive at 6 pm.

On September 11 at noon, Erie VAMC is hosting their annual Suicide Prevention Walk in memory of those taken by suicide and in support of efforts made to prevent suicide among Veterans. All Veterans, their families, and community members are welcome to attend. VA staff will be on-site to provide information and resources. 

September 15 to 16, Veterans of Foreign War, Inc Post #52 and the Welcome Home Association are sponsoring a POW/MIA 24-Hour Vigil to honor all POW/MIA's from ALL wars. On Friday, September 15, a candle lighting ceremony will begin at 8:00 pm at the Crawford County Veterans' Memorial, located in Diamond Park, Meadville, PA. The Ride for Freedom will occur on Saturday, September 16. Registration will start at noon at Walt's Tavern in Conneaut Lake with departure at 3 pm sharp. This will be a "slow," uninterrupted ride with polkice escort to honor and pay tribute to our POW/MIA's from all wars. For more information about the Ride for Freedom, contact Phil Davis at (814) 2829737.

On September 8, fresh, locally grown fruit, vegetables, and more will be available outside the Erie VAMC 2nd floor entrance under the pavilion from 11am-2pm.