Governor
Tom Wolf at the historic Bill signing ceremony for the Military Family Education Program (MFEP), July 1, 2019.
"We Recruit Guard Members, We Retain Families," Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, PA's adjutant general and head of Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs .
Gilbert (Dusty) Durant,
Director,
PA Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs | Policy, Planning, and Legislative Affairs Office


Military Family Education Program Becomes Law in Pennsylvania


The Military Family Education Program (MFEP) is now Act 32, of 2019.

“We thank the governor and the legislature for leading the nation in recognizing the critical support role our Pennsylvania Guard families have in securing our safety and security,” said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, PA's adjutant general and head of Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs .

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PNGAS Lunch n Learn on July 17th at Biddle Hall, sponsored by Drexel University Online. All welcome.



JOIN PNGAS at the Business Breakfast
24July19
0830Registration

2019 PNGAS Legislative Agenda
Victories
Thank you - Governor Tom Wolf, the elected members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Committee Executive Directors and Legislative Staff for your continuing support of the Pennsylvania National Guard, it's members, veterans and their families.

Working together with these dedicated leaders, we are pleased to share updates on the 2019 PNGAS-LEGISLATIVE AGENDA"


* Military Family Education Program (MFEP), now Act 32 of 2019

* Professional License Portability, now Act 41 of 2019

* Military Pay Parity, now Act 55 of 2019

* Civil Air Patrol under DMVA, now Act 60 of 2019

* Pennsylvania Keystone State Challenge Academy receives $1 million initial funding

* Education Assistance Program (EAP) modernized and funding increased to $13,265,000

* Total PA-DMVA state budget increased to $160,332,000

Governor Tom Wolf  signed HB 1172, now Act 41 of 2019, that cuts bureaucratic red tape to make it easier for new Pennsylvanians, including military spouses, with an out-of-state occupational license to work.

“Portability is especially helpful for members of the military and their spouses who frequently move between states in service of the country and often have difficulty quickly getting a license to work in their profession," said Gov. Wolf.

Read more:  https://bit.ly/2XGS1h3


Working together, PNGAS is advancing
legislation, funding and grant programs that benefit the members, veterans of the Guard and their Families


The Military Family Education Program (MFEP) - After investing billions to create the best National Guard in the United States, increasing retention rates of well-trained Guard members is cost-effective, strategic, and wise. Recognizing this, the Military Family Education Program (MFEP) was introduced by Governor Wolf in the February 2019 Budget Address to create a new non-lapsing Fund providing EAP-like tuition benefits to spouses and children of members of the Pennsylvania National Guard when the member re-enlists for another 6-year term. First-year funding requires $2.7 Million in the FY 2019-2020 state budget. To make immediate impacts, the MFEP requires legislative passage on or before June 30, 2019. 

To read more: HB 1324 | SB 589

The Educational Assistance Program (“EAP”) is the #1 recruiting and retention tool for the Pennsylvania National Guard and the top legislative priority of PNGAS. Last year with PNGAS support, EAP funding was increased to $13 million! Now, PNGAS supports and urges advocacy for the Governor’s proposed FY 2019-2020 state budget EAP allocation increase of $265,000 from $13 million to $13,265,000. 

The EAP and MFEP, and their budget requests, were the #1 priorities of PNGAS.  

"We're so pleased to see the bi-partisan support of the MFEP and EAP modernization legislation," stated Kathleen Fabrizi, Executive Director, PNGAS "As our National Guard is deployed more often for state emergencies and overseas deployments the families of our Guard members are forced to carry more of the family-burdens alone. To directly address these critical situations, the MFEP and EAP modernization are specifically designed to help members of the Guard and their families."

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Pennsylvania Keystone State Challenge Academy
Gets $1 Million Allocation in State Budget

A 2017-2018 legislative priority of PNGAS, Act 51 of 2018 created the Keystone State Challenge Academy. The initial $1 million allocation will draw in federal matching funds to jump-start this predominantly federally-funded initiative presently operating in 29 other states.

In the Fall Session, we hope to see passage of the legislation introduced by House Committee Chairman Steve Barrar to establish the Keystone State Challenge Academy Special Fund. This legislation and its funding remain PNGAS legislative priorities. Read more here : HB 1338,

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2019 Gifts for Guard Kids
After a very successful launch during the 2018 holidays, the PNGAS Gifts for Guard Kids program is set to rapidly expand in 2019. PNGAS is seeking dozens of companies, schools and organizations to collect gifts, donations and gift cards during the Summer and Fall of 2019, so PNGAS can facilitate the distribution of gifts to children of members of the Pennsylvania National Guard during the December holidays.

With the increase of deployments and training, we believe Gifts of Guard kids is the perfect way to send a message to the children that we appreciate the service of their mothers and fathers in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the "Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation," ℅ Biddle Hall, Building 9-109, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003. The Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. These contributions shall be used to purchase gifts and gift cards and pay for postage and delivery expenses. 

For more information or to designate your group or organization as a collection location for the PNGAS Gift for Guard-Kids program, please contact Shelly at PNGAS@PNGAS.org or call 717-623-0909

For years, the Pennsylvania National Guard Almanac was the one-stop resource for every member and unit of the Pennsylvania National Guard. With the proliferation of the internet, the Almanac was discontinued. Today, information that used to be easily found in the Almanac is scattered all over the internet! As a direct result, it’s nearly impossible for members and veterans, and their families to find all of the benefits, resources, and discounts they have earned!  

The 2019 PNGAS Guard Guide will restore this one-stop-shop resource for members and veterans of the Guard, families, supporters, vendors, job-creators, higher-education, government, and economic development leaders. With an anticipated initial printing of 10,000 copies as well as digital access, the PNGAS Guard Guide will be widely distributed, shared and used. It shall be updated annually to refresh pertinent information.

The PNGAS Guard Guide is an excellent opportunity for your organization to advertise your products, services, and discounts to members, veterans and families of the Guard. 

For more information or to advertise, please contact Kathleen Fabrizi, Executive Director, PNGAS at PNGAS@PNGAS.org
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Click on Dates:


Biddle Hall, Fort Indiantown Gap -

PNGAS Lunch n Learn Series hosted by Drexel University ONLINE


* MFEP Update

* Updates on Drexel Online and optimizing your EAP/MFEP Dollars


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Arrowhead Conference Center, Fort Indiantown Gap -

The PNGAS BUSINESS BREAKFAST

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LEARN MORE
PNGAS@PNGAS.org
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Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chad Rettew (pictured at right) continues to oversee sweeping evolutions at PNGAS through increased legislative efforts for members and veterans; innovative partnerships with Guard Friendly businesses; and, working together with Executive Director Kathleen Fabrizi, PNGAS consultants and an increasing number of PNGAS volunteers to deliver new programs and initiatives at PNGAS.
PNGAS | BUSINESS ACTION COUNCIL (The "BAC")

The BAC is chaired by Wilbur E. Wolf, III, Brigadier General (Retired), US Army. The BAC is focused on delivering strong results and ready-access for members and veterans of the Guard and their families.  

Business Breakfast is 24JULY19 at Arrowhead Conference Center


PNGAS | JOBS BOARD:

A Guard Friendly Job provides good pay & benefits, flexibility, opportunities for advancement and is one of the best recruitment and retention tools for the Pennsylvania National Guard. All veterans and citizens can use the PNGAS Jobs Board.

The PNGAS | JOBS Board is here: https://pngas.jobboardhq.com/

Thank you to Wells Fargo as our first sponsor of the PNGAS | JOBS Board.

Special Thanks to PNGAS Volunteer Larry Wasser for leading the implementation and operations of the PNGAS Jobs Board. Well Done, well done.

While our sole focus is helping members, veterans and their families secure Guard-Friendly JOBS, all citizens are invited to use this site and all employers are invited to post Guard-Friendly Jobs. All are welcome. No taxpayer funds have been or will be used to operate the PNGAS Jobs Board. 

Attention Guard-Friendly Companies. Here is code for FREE 90-Day Test Drive: "Code90A" We encourage you to post jobs, review and select posted resumes, and yes; please share feedback with us so we can make the site better.  

If you have any questions, concerns or ideas to strengthen The Guard and this site, please email us at PNGAS@PNGAS.org 

A special thanks also to Bobby Rahal Automotive Group for their posting of multiple jobs for members and veterans of the Guard and the personal attention of their senior leaders to help Guard members get good jobs with free advanced training and certification programs.

We are showcasing apprenticeship programs offered through ABC Keystone. Get Paid While You Train: Learn More and Apply


PNGAS | Entrepreneurs HELP DESK

The PNGAS | BAC will be a prime resource for veteran-owned businesses. For members/veterans seeking information and funding to start a company or for established veteran-owned seeking resources to grow and expand their business or hire members/veterans the PNGAS | BAC will assist, connect, and help member/veteran owned businesses. To get started contact: PNGAS@PNGAS.org


PNGAS | Directory of Guard/Guard-Veteran Owned Businesses:

One of the best ways to support member/veteran-owned businesses is referrals. To learn more and/or get your business posted, contact PNGAS@PNGAS.org

PNGAS | Directory of Discounts and Specials to Guard Members 

Hundreds, if not thousands of companies offer discounts and specials to members of the military, PNGAS is collecting, publishing and promoting a growing list of companies and organizations that offer discounts and specials to members/veterans of the Guard and their families.

PNGAS | Legislative Agenda relating to Guard-Owned Businesses:

The PNGAS | BAC continues to actively support the PNGAS Legislative Agenda supporting entrepreneurial initiatives for members/veterans and their families. As the Guard trains and gets deployed more frequently, it's strategic for PNGAS to help facilitate more resources towards Guard-owned businesses. Accordingly, the BAC is reviewing several pieces of legislation that would leverage existing state economic development to help start and grow more businesses and organizations owned by members/veterans of the Guard.

All are welcome to participate on PNGAS | BAC Monthly Calls:

Next calls: 12 August, 09 September, 14 October, 11 November 09 December

All calls at 10:00 a.m., and the conference call-in number is: 605.313.4912#972215#1

For more information contact: PNGAS@PNGAS.org 


Wilbur E. Wolf, III, Brigadier General (Ret) shown here leading the Business Action Council Round Table discussions at the PNGAS Annual Conference is advancing efforts to help Guard entrepreneurs and Guard-Owned Companies, as well as the PNGAS Jobs Board.

All are welcome to participate in the PNGAS Business Action Council, Education Action Council and the Veteran's Action Council meetings and efforts.

Take Action and Advance The Guard

PNGAS | EDUCATION ACTION COUNCIL ("The EAC")

The EAC is chaired by George M. Schwartz, Ed.D., Brigadier General (Retired), US Army. In 2019, the EAC is advancing a strong set of initiatives for members and veterans of the Guard and their families.

PNGAS | Guard-Friendly Schools:

Already 12 schools have submitted applications for PNGAS Guard Friendly School designation. It's not too late to submit before the July 31, 2019 deadline for the initial round for Guard Friendly Schools. It's easy to submit at Application for PNGAS Guard Friendly Schools

All Schools are welcome and encouraged to apply.

With the modernization of the EAP and the introduction of the MFEP, the Guard Friendly School designation efforts are designed to energize all schools towards best practices for members and veterans of the Guard and their families. For more information contact: PNGAS@PNGAS.org

PNGAS | Point-of-Contact Forum:

The EAC is a forum for the federal Point-of-Contacts at Pennsylvania colleges, universities and trade schools. PNGAS will be offering trainings and resources for new POCs.

PNGAS | Military Credentials and College Credits:

In the months and years to come PNGAS will play a leadership role in establishing articulation agreements and enabling legislation for the conversion of military training into college credits, as well as credentials towards state licenses and certification. PNGAS will promote best practices.

PNGAS | Legislative Agenda relating to Education:

The EAC continues to actively support the PNGAS Legislative Agenda pertaining to Education issues. Many EAC participants are sharing support letters and legislative support for initiatives in the PNGAS Legislative Agenda. The new MFEP and modernization of the EAP are the #1 priorities of PNGAS.

All are welcome to participate on PNGAS | EAC Monthly Calls:

Next calls: 12 August, 09 September, 14 October, 11 November 09 December

All calls at 11:00 a.m., and the conference call-in number is: 605.313.4912#972215#1

For more information contact: PNGAS@PNGAS.org
George M. Schwartz, Ed.D.
Brigadier General (Retired), US Army is leading the PNGAS Education Action Council.

Already 12 schools have submitted applications for PNGAS Guard Friendly Schools with the first deadline - 31JULY19.

The EAC is amplifying the best practices that so many schools are advancing and deploying to help our members and veterans of the Guard and their families get their degrees with flexibility, understanding and affordability.

The EAC is also advancing military credentialing and professional license portability and reciprocity.
PNGAS Announces Formation of Veteran's Action Council


PNGAS is pleased to announce the formation of its third Action Council specifically devoted to improving the lives of veterans. The PNGAS VAC will prioritize and advance legislation helping veterans, and facilitate initiatives with the Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs (DMVA) to help individual veterans connect to the broad range of services they have earned. The PNGAS VAC will help optimize personal outreach, communications and social media marketing to strengthen results for individual veterans. 

We are seeking 12 volunteers that want to help us help veterans.

The PNGAS VAC will be chaired by Brigadier General (Retired) Gerald E. Otterbein who brings a wealth of knowledge in military leadership and organizational development.

To volunteer, email PNGAS@PNGAS.org

To help members and veterans of the Guard and their families learn more about their educational benefits, PNGAS is hosting a monthly Lunch n Learn Series in 2019 . Drexel University is sponsoring the next meeting on July 17th at Biddle Hall at Fort Indiantown Gap.

All are welcome. Get the latest updates on the MFEP and EAP modernization.

Anyone interested in learning more about joining the Guard are welcome to attend as well.

To learn more contact PNGAS@PNGAS.org
Wells Fargo Sponsors PNGAS Jobs Board
To jump start the PNGAS Jobs Board, Wells Fargo has agreed to be its first sponsor.

"We are very pleased to announce another gift from Titan Roofing, Harrisburg," added Chad Rettew, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PNGAS. "And, Titan Roofing announced they want to install another FREE roof for a Guard member in-need. Thank you so much. "
Titan Roofing Makes Another Donation to Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation and PNGAS
Titan Roofing, Harrisburg, recently announced they will donate a percentage of the quarterly revenues to the Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation and continue to donate time, talents, and resources to construct new roofs for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard that are facing financial challenge.

To learn more or get a roofing quotation contact: 717.461.9518 or visit:

PNGAS & AFBA WORKING TOGETHER WITH SSLI INSURANCE
PNGAS is pleased to continue working together with AFBA and their long-time friend of Pennsylvania, Tad Shuey (Vice President, National Guard Markets). AFBA has a long sponsorship history with PNGAS and an unwavering support of PA Guardsmen. For 13-years, PNGAS has partnered with AFBA to bring Guardsmen the SSLI insurance benefit.
PNGAS ORGANIZING JULY
FEDERAL VISITS TO ADVANCE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
In July, 2019 PNGAS is joining several DC visits with our distinguished congressional delegation and their excellent staffs.

It's a long, productive day, that's awe-inspiring and we encourage members/veterans of the Guard to attend and participate.

Contact Kathleen Fabrizi for more information and to reserve your spot. PNGAS@PNGAS.org
PNGAS AND POCONO RACEWAY PROMOTE NEW PARTNERSHIP, PNGAS PROMO CODE FOR RACES
We Love Pocono Raceway

Don't Forget to use the Code
"PNGAS19"
When You Buy Raceway Tickets
The world-famous Pocono Raceway, Pennsylvania National Guard Associations (PNGAS) and Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation are pleased to announce the organizations have signed an agreement that enables race fans to help support the "Gifts for Guard Kids" and "Guard to Guard" missions operated and funded by PNGAS and the Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation (PNGF)... READ MORE
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
2019 PNGAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The 2019 PNGAS Annual Conference is going to be the best conference ever. Not only is the weekend fun for all, but it's also an important way to network, learn updates and touch/feel the most advanced equipment in the military.

08 and 09 November, 2019

To learn more visit, https://conference.pngas.org .
PNGAS is Now On LinkedIn - PLEASE FOLLOW PNGAS
ABOUT PNGAS
The Pennsylvania National Guard Associations (“PNGAS”) is the only organization solely dedicated to the 19,438 members and more than 67,500 veterans of the Pennsylvania National Guard and their families. In the next 12-months, the Pennsylvania National Guard must recruit more than 2,300 new members to replace Guard members that have completed their commitments and/or retired. Accordingly, PNGAS activities help ensure the Pennsylvania National Guard is fully funded, manned, equipped, and trained to perform their mission and that members and veterans get the benefits they have earned.