Gratitude and Appreciation

Message from the Executive Director 

John A. Gennaro 

Each year on November 11, we pause to express our deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to our Veteran employees and patients for their courageous and selfless service to our country.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to all Veterans who stepped forward, donned the uniform, and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. They are our patients, neighbors, colleagues, friends, family, and loved ones.

Far too many have suffered the pain of combat, become disabled, or made the ultimate sacrifice. We must never forget their immense and unwavering commitment for the common good and consistently uplift Veterans and their families.

To our Veteran employees – we salute the spirit of the American service members who fulfilled their obligations and now proudly serve your fellow Veterans. And to our civilian team – thank you for being steadfast advocates for Veterans.

As we pay tribute, let us also renew our commitment to leave no Veteran behind. May Veterans Day and every day remind us of their patriotism, love of country, and the freedoms we bear.

To All who have served past and present - I remain grateful. Thank You.

GivingTuesday | Support Veterans

The Erie VAMC Center for Development & Civic Engagement - also referred to as Voluntary Service - is supporting VA's effort to join GivingTuesday to kick off this year's holiday season.

During GivingTuesday on November 29, VA encourages the community to help support local Veterans through charitable donations and volunteer opportunities.

Whether making a Veteran smile by sending a card, donating to our Amazon Wish List, or making an E-Donation, everyone has something to contribute toward building a better world for hospitalized Veterans.

Please consider supporting Veteran activities during the holidays or anytime during the year.

To learn more, call 814-860-2454 or CLICK HERE. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2022 Annual Veterans Day Parade. We look forward to seeing you next year! 

National Family Caregiver Month

The Erie VAMC Caregiver Support Program wishes caregivers of Veterans a happy National Family Caregivers Month!

Thank you for being who you are and for all you do.

The Erie VAMC offers a number of services to support you and the Veteran in your care.

If you provide care for a Veteran and are not yet enrolled in the program, contact the Caregiver Support team at 814-860-2657 for more information.

PACT Act | Toxic Exposure Screening

As of November 8, 2022, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and clinics began screening all Veterans enrolled in VA health care for toxic exposures at least once every five years.

The toxic exposure screening is a five-to-10-minute interview to identify and document any potential exposures to toxins during military service.

Veterans with exposure concerns may be connected to information about benefits, registry exams, and clinical resources.

LEARN MORE, call Erie VAMC Eligibility & Enrollment at 814-860-2970, or visit Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

VA Travel Pay | Before You File Your First Claim

VA travel pay reimbursement pays eligible Veterans and caregivers back for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments.

A few tips before you file:

Set up direct deposit.

Keep receipts for all transportation and approved meals or lodging and track mileage to and from appointments.

Be sure to file your claim on time -  within 30 days of the appointment of of when you became eligible for reimbursement.

Remember: File a new claim for each appointment.

Upcoming Events

Healthy Teaching Kitchen | Nov. 15 and Dec. 13

Blood Drive | Nov. 21

No matter what you are experiencing, you do not have to go through anything alone. Take a moment to reach out for support - any time - day and night, 24/7.

To connect with the Veterans Crisis Line, DIAL 988, Press 1, TEXT 838255, or CHAT ONLINE at www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat.