Burns: Veteran Community Initiatives awarded $39,750 to bolster services
Rep. Frank Burns July 14, 2023 | 12:44 PM
HARRISBURG, July 14 – Ever mindful of the service and sacrifice provided by our veterans, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced that $39,750 in state funding has been awarded to Veteran Community Initiatives in Johnstown.
The grant is to expand supportive services to veterans.
“From career counseling and job fairs, to helping veterans with obtaining benefits and services, Veteran Community Initiatives is dedicated to making sure our veterans receive the assistance they need,” Burns said. “This grant will boost VCI’s efforts to serve our local veterans, and it is a privilege to do what I can to help those who have served our country.”
Knowing well the sacrifices made by those who defended their nation, Burns has worked since taking office to help recognize area veterans, whether it’s hosting his annual veterans luncheon, helping families memorialize local heroes through highway and bridge dedications, or fighting to make sure active military families can access the benefits they deserve, like in-state tuition in the event a parent is deployed or reassigned.
The grant is from the Veterans’ Trust Fund, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The VTF is funded by Pennsylvanians who make a $3 donation when applying for or renewing their driver’s license, photo ID or vehicle registration, as well as a portion of the cost of the Honoring Our Veterans and Honoring our Women Veterans license plates, and private donations.
Since the grant program began in 2013, a total of $6.6 million?has been awarded to organizations that serve Pennsylvania veterans.