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In this Update:
* 250th Army Birthday Event
* Telephone Town Hall – May 28^th @ 5pm
* VAEP Committee Hearing on Letterkenny Army Depot
* Fire Ops 101 -Feel the Heat Event 2025
* Senate Votes to Improve Communication About School Safety Issues
* Grants Available for Firefighting Equipment and Training
* PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training
* Rite Aid Customers Can Redeem Gift Cards Until June 6
* Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
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** 250^th Army Birthday Event
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Join me on Monday, June 9 at Noon in the Main Rotunda of the State Capitol to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States Army. As a retired U.S. Army Colonel with 30 years of service, I will be joined by fellow Army veterans serving in the Pennsylvania House and Senate. The keynote address will be delivered by Colonel Gerald York (U.S. Army, Ret.), grandson of legendary World War I hero Sergeant Alvin C. York, known for his extraordinary valor in combat. Sgt. York, then a 29-year-old corporal, distinguished himself during the largest series of battles fought by American forces in World War I. Armed with only a rifle and a handgun, he was credited with killing up to 25 enemy soldiers and capturing 132 others.
All U.S. Army Veterans are invited to attend.
Please register at: Army’s Birthday – Senator Mastriano ([link removed])
A meet and greet with Colonel York will be held beforehand at 11 a.m. in Hearing Room 3 of the North Office Building.
Help us honor the proud legacy of the U.S. Army and those who have served!
** Telephone Town Hall – May 28^th @ 5PM
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I will be hosting a Tele Town Hall on Wednesday, May 28th, at 5 PM to engage with residents of the 33^rd Senate District. This type of meeting allows you to attend from the comfort of your home.
To sign up for the call, please visit [link removed]. At the time of the event, you will receive a telephone call from me inviting you to participate. Simply stay on the line, and you will be connected to the call. Additionally, this call will be broadcast on my Facebook Live, X, and TikTok.
I invite you to join the call to share your thoughts and ask questions about statewide and district-specific issues. Your participation is important, and I encourage you to bring forth your questions and concerns.
** VAEP Committee Hearing on Letterkenny Army Depot
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Wednesday, the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee convened an important hearing at /Letterkenny Army Depot We listened to compelling testimonies that underscored the depot’s vital role not just for Franklin County, but for the entire region. Its contributions to the local economy, job creation, and national security are indispensable. We must recognize and support this key asset that strengthens our community and safeguards our nation. Thank you to everyone who participated!
** Fire Ops 101 -Feel the Heat Event 2025
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On Thursday, I had an incredible experience at the Pittsburgh Fire Ops 101 Event 2025 – Feel the Heat. This training includes various scenarios such as fire behavior, search and rescue, CPR, ect. We are gaining an immersive, hands-on experience in fire service. Thank you to all the courageous men and women who risk your lives every day!
** Senate Votes to Improve Communication About School Safety Issues
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To empower parents and increase transparency ([link removed]) , the Senate passed legislation to improve reporting requirements about potentially dangerous situations at schools.
Senate Bill 246 ([link removed]) would require parental and employee notification when there is a weapon on any school property that violates its weapons policy, as well as when there are cases of harassment and bullying. It would apply to public, non-public and private schools. Current law does not require school districts to inform parents about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities.
The bill is part of a larger Senate Republican initiative to empower families and foster safe communities. It moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
** Grants Available for Firefighting Equipment and Training
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The Office of the State Fire Commissioner has two grant programs that are accepting applications through May 29. Both programs distribute grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Applications should be submitted online ([link removed]) .
The Emergency Training Center Capital Grant Program ([link removed]) awards funds that can be used to establish or modernize facilities, acquire or renovate structures and repair or purchase equipment. Emergency service training centers, community colleges, county-owned facilities, municipal or fire department-owned facilities and nonprofit, countywide associations are eligible.
The Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant Program ([link removed]) awards money to municipal fire departments to improve structures and firefighting equipment in the commonwealth.
** PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training
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May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a great time to sign up for a motorcycle safety course whether you’re a novice or experienced rider. Classes are free for Pennsylvanians who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license.
Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course offered by the state waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT driver license center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license.
Class schedules are coordinated by third-party training providers at locations across the commonwealth ([link removed]) and posted online at least four weeks before the class begins. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program ([link removed]) .
** Rite Aid Customers Can Redeem Gift Cards Until June 6
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As a result of a bankruptcy announcement, Rite Aid will accept gift cards, coupons and other Rite Aid rewards through June 6. Returns and exchanges will not be accepted after June 4.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday encourages any consumers who experience issues redeeming their Rite Aid points, coupons or unused gift cards or with returning merchandise to Rite Aid to submit an online complaint ([link removed]) to the Bureau of Consumer Protection. They may also contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555. Read more ([link removed]) .
** Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
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“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown
To all the men and women who selflessly gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we hold dear, thank you. To the families who are missing a loved one from their lives, please know that loss was not in vain. We remember, and we appreciate the sacrifice.
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