Letter: Coatesville VA welcomes veterans & local community to events
To The Editor,
As the Interim Director of the Coatesville VA Medical Center (VAMC), I am proud to be part of a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, working together to provide our Veterans with comprehensive health care. Our health services include primary care, mental health, geriatrics and a variety of specialty services. I encourage every Veteran to take advantage of their benefits and...
Letter: Yaworski’s passing a loss for Downingtown, community
To The Editor,
Downingtown, Chester County and country lost a leader during the Labor Day weekend when Michael Yaworski died at the age of 92. He was one of the few remaining veterans of the U. S. Navy during World War II.
Mr. Yaworski served on the USS Arctic, which was a refrigeration supply ship assigned to the Pacific Theater fleet. He achieved the rank of Boatswain’s Mate and was a gunner captain...
Op/Ed: Remembering those we lost defending freedom
By Steve Barrar, State Representative (R-160)
Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160) listens as Rep. Mark Gillen (R-128) explains the updates that would be made to Soldiers’ Grove to honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives defending our country as a result of House Bill 1484.
Soon, we will be recognizing another Memorial Day. In the past year, we have lost more men and women as they defended the greatest...
Corbin invites veterans to picnic
State Rep. Becky Corbin (R-155) is inviting veterans, active duty personnel, and their family members who live in the 155th House District to attend her fourth annual Armed Forces Day Appreciation Picnic. It will be held Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Alison Pavilion at East Brandywine Community Park, 466 Dilworth Road in East Brandywine Township.
The Pennsylvania National Guard...
E. Brandywine to host The Wall That Heals
A 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will visit East Brandywine this summer.
EAST BRANDYWINE — Hopewell United Methodist Church (UMC) and East Brandywine Township will play host this summer to The Wall That Heals, a 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Part of a national tour, the replica memorial wall and accompanying mobile education center will be on display throughout...
Op/Ed: Fighting for veterans and first responders
State Rep. argues for support of education needs for both groups
By Rep. Steve Barrar, State Representative (R-160)
State Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160)
I spend a lot of my time learning about the needs of the Commonwealth’s emergency responders, veterans and their families. By always remaining informed, I can best represent these groups as the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee majority...
Remembering our heroes this holiday weekend
So many families can point with pride to those who served
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to pass along the amazing story of my husband’s grandfather.
Wilfred Eugene Hockenberry (Gene to his family and friends) was an 18 year old U.S. Army soldier fighting in Salerno, Italy in World War II. He and his buddy were hiding in a fox hole when they were...
Op/Ed: Recognizing Loyality Day in Pennsylvania
By Rep. Steve Barrar, State Representative, 160th District
State Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160)
It was a great honor for me to serve in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Because of that experience, I understand the sacrifice and reward that comes with taking the ultimate risk to safeguard our communities and our country.
The experience also gave me a deep pride in my country, and each year,...
Barrar seeking mental health solutions for vets
State Rep. Stephen Barrar
HARRISBURG — With the Pentagon reporting 150 confirmed and suspected suicides taking place among active duty troops in the Army in 2013, clearly additional and/or improved mental health services are needed for our men and women in uniform, and Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-160), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Services Committee, is seeking solutions.
Prior...
County finds homes for 102 homeless vets
Exceeds pledge as part of Decade to Doorways plan
WEST CHESTER — Chester County successfully fulfilled its plan to house 100 veterans in 100 days, with 102 veterans who were experiencing homelessness moving into permanent housing by June 27th.
The campaign, which began on March 17, supports federal strategic efforts to end homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015. Chester County agencies...
