Summer VetFest
2025-07-11 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | PA
The Altoona VA Medical Center is holding their Summer VetFest from Noon to 4pm on Saturday, July 12. They will be have an Enrollment Fair and Car Show at the James E. Van Zandt VAMC 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd. Altoona, PA.

Cambria County Flag Pole Rededication
2025-07-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Central Park Complex, 110 Franklin Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15901
The Cambria County Commissioners extend a welcome invitation to all community members to join us in the rededication ceremony of the flag pole located at the Cambria County Central Park Complex. The flag will be raised on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Complex, located at 110 Franklin Street, Johnstown. The flag will be raised in honor of Cambria County Veterans who have served our great military. Ceremonial duties will be conducted by the Conemaugh Valley Marine Corps League 287.

Rural Veterans Outreach: Richland American Legion Post #849
2025-07-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Richland Ameican Legion Post #849, 390 Oakridge Drive, Johnstown, PA, 15904
WHO: Veteran Community Initiatives
WHAT: Rural Veteran Outreach Event
WHEN: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 10am-2pm
WHERE: American Legion Post #849 390 Oakridge Dr. Johnstown, PA 15904
WHY: To inform veterans and eligible family members of possible benefits and resources available to them
AL 849 Cambria County Rural Outreach Flyer 2025

Rural Veterans Outreach: Smithmill VFW Post #6321
2025-08-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Smithmill VFW Post #6321, 291 Veterans Street, Smithmill, Pennsylvania, 16680
Join us for this free event, open to all Veterans and public members! Learn about Veteran programs, services, and entitlements. Subject matter experts will be available to answer specific questions.
Areas of interest (not all inclusive!):

Military medals and records
Benefits and Claim questions
Veteran presentations and updates
Outreach and employment
Military caregiving

Agencies attending: Altoona VA Medical Center, Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, Pennsylvania National Guard Family Readiness Programs, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 364, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2, Conemaugh Valley Veterans, Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc., and Veterans Treatment Court Program. More to come, check back later!

Understanding VA Benefits, VCI Presentation at The Addison of McCullough Place
2025-08-14 12:00 - 14:00 | The Addison at McCullough Place, 500 Cheney Oak Drive, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15905
Are you a veteran or spouse eligible for a VA pension? Join us for an informative discussion on benefits, including who
is eligible, how to navigate the process and any changes that may be coming. Veterans can enjoy a complimentary spaghetti lunch to eat at our community or take home.
Learn about local Veteran support networks and programs and services offered by Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc.
Tours of the Addison of McCullough Place will also be available. This event is open to the public. RSVP is required. RSVP to (814) 255-2213.

Cambria County PA CareerLink Job Fair and Hero Salute
2025-09-09 11:00 - 15:00 | Richland Township Fire Department Banquet Hall, 1321 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15904
Cambria County PA CareerLink’s Job Fair and Hero Salute is a dynamic event dedicated to highlighting Veterans and Heroes across our region with an opening ceremony paying tribute to those who have served and in remembrance of the first responders and heroes from the 9/11 tragedy that will never be forgotten. This no-cost opportunity offers direct access to job seekers eager to connect with employers who are leading the way in today’s labor market.
SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Richland Firehall
Luncheon and Veterans Only job seeker access immediately following the ceremony (11:00 am – 11:30 am).
EMPLOYERS: Contact (814) 534-2500 to register. Don’t wait, space is limited!
Check back later for more details. If you have any questions, please reach out to the VCI Office (814) 255-0355.

PA CareerLink Somerset County 2025 Fall Job Fair
2025-09-18 10:00 - 14:00 | St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 1845 N. Center Avenue, Somerset, Pennsylvania, 15501
Join PA CareerLink Somerset County for their Awareness Days and the 2025 Fall Job Fair — your opportunity to connect with top employers from a variety of industries who are ready to hire! Whether you’re starting your career, exploring a new path, or looking to level up, this is your chance to network, apply on the spot, and take the next step toward your future. Bring your resume and dress to impress!

10th Annual POW-MIA Ceremony
2025-09-19 10:00 - 11:00 | 1st Summit Arena Cambria County War Memorial, 326 Napoleon Street, Johnstown, PA, 15901
Each year, Veteran Community Initiatives’ acknowledges the bravery and sacrifice of prisoners of war (POW), service members missing in action (MIA), and their families and ensures that the commitment to bring them home is remembered. Please join us for a special recognition service in the 1st Summit Arena Cambria County War Memorial Lobby.
Friday, September 19th at 10:00 AM
Agenda

Welcome/Introduction of POW-MIA Recognition Day

John Brown, Vietnam Veteran, Conemaugh Valley Veterans, VCI Board Secretary
VFW 155 Color Guard
Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 364 . . . . . . Marlin Plymette, VVA Chapter 364 POW-MIA Chair
Keynote Speakers . . . . . . David Swanson, U.S. Navy Veteran and Department of Pennsylvania VFW, State Sergeant at Arms; Ronald Peters, U.S. Army Veteran, Vietnam era, and Department of Pennsylvania VFW State Commander and POW/MIA Chair; family of James Crew, Vietnam — Pat Crew, Wife; Dianna Crew, Daughter
Retire Colors/TAPS
Close of POW-MIA Ceremony

VCI @ Good Vibes Save Lives, 6th Annual Concert Fundraiser for Suicide Prevention
2025-09-20 15:00 | Laurel Arts Center, 214 Harrison Avenue, Somerset, Pennsylvania, 15501
Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. (VCI) is proud to support the Good Vibes Save Lives Concert Fundraiser for Suicide Prevention! Please stop by our table to find resources and information regarding VCI’s programs and services while you enjoy the concert’s many festivities:

Memorial Walk
Live Music
Food Trucks
Luminaria
Community Resources
Informational Sessions
Special Guest Speaker Jen Silbaugh, author of A Dove in the Shadows

Please note that the concert fundraiser runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
More information can be found through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and on Facebook.

Rural Veterans Outreach: Windber VFW
2025-09-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Windber VFW Post #4795, 1420 Graham Avenue, Windber, Pennsylvania, 15963
All Veterans and Community Members Welcome! Join us for a light lunch, networking, and resource sharing at the Windber VFW Post #4795.
This no-cost event will have Veteran experts and Advocates available to discuss and present Veteran-related topics, such as benefits, claims, caregiving, discharge upgrades, healthcare, PTSD, veteran support groups, homelessness, outreach & enrollment, military medals & records, vocational rehabilitation, Cambria County Veterans Treatment Court, and job search assistance.
Attending Agencies:

Somerset County Veterans Affairs Office
Altoona VA Medical Center
PA Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
PA National Guard Family Readiness Program
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 364
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2
Conemaugh Valley Veterans
Dick’s Woodworks
Somerset County Military Family Support Group
Larry Mattes Foundation
Veteran Community Initiatives (VCI)

More to come!
If your agency is interested in joining this event, please contact our office at (814) 255-0355 and ask for Josh Hauser.

Tee It Up For a Wounded Veteran Golf Tournament
2025-10-11 - 2025-10-13 | Windber Country Club
Hosted at Johnstown’s premier private Country Club, this 3-day annual golf tournament benefits local wounded Veterans. Call (814) 266-1416 for tee times. Please note that you must call 7 days in advance to book your tee time.
Sponsorships are now open! Contact Derek Tyson, General Manager/PGA Pro for more information: (814) 266-1416.

$30 Donation benefits Local Wounded Veterans*
Single Hole Sponsor: $100 Donation
Double Hole Sponsor: $175 Donation

*Cart Fees Additional.
Make checks payable to Windber Country Club Wounded Vets. See the attached flyers for more details.
Sponsorship inquiries can be taken through the VCI Office. If you are interested, you are welcome to call VCI at (814) 255-0355 for assistance.

Windber Country Club Tee It Up Flyer-2025

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Windber Country Club Sponsorship Form 2025

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Cambria County Military Hall of Fame 10th Induction Ceremony
2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00 | 1st Summit Arena Cambria County War Memorial, 326 Napoleon Street, Johnstown, PA, 15901
The Veterans Committee of 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial will conduct their 10th Induction Ceremony to honor notable veterans from Cambria County, PA, on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! To be inducted are: Army Private 1st Class Anthony P. Coll, Army Private John F. Gallagher, Air Force Colonel Doug Lengenfelder, Army Major William H. Rose, and Army Colonel Joseph Sartiano. The event will be held at 1pm inside the lobby of the arena.

Cambria County Military Hall Of Fame 2025

2025 Veterans Symposium, 20th Anniversary
2025-10-29 08:00 - 2025-10-30 15:30 | Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, 101 Community College Way, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15904
Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. (VCI) hosts an annual no-cost symposium, referred to as Veterans Symposium, to bring together Veterans, experts, policymakers, service providers, and advocates for exploratory learning about issues and initiatives affecting the Veteran community, including Veterans’ well-being, rights, and services.
The Veterans Symposium has coordinated by the Pennsylvania Disabled Veterans Rehabilitation (PDVR)/Occupational Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) group since 2005, which was first appointed and organized by John P. Murtha, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and former United States Representative. The committee has since been led by Tom Caulfield, VCI President & CEO. This year marks the Symposium’s 20th anniversary.
DATES: Wednesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 30
TIMES: 8:00 AM Registration | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Presentations, Networking, Lunch (Asiago’s Tuscan Italian Restaurant)
1.5 CEUs Available for Attendees who attend the Symposium (2 Full Days)
LOCATION: Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, 101 Community College Wy, Johnstown, PA 15904
Thank you to Aetna Better Health for being this year’s Primary Event Sponsor!
Thank you to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College for being this event’s Site Sponsor!
Topics: Education and Training Opportunities for Veterans, Single County Authority Drug and Alcohol Programs (Cambria and Somerset Counties), Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention, Disability and Community Services: Human Engineering Research Labs (HERL), Cambria County Veterans Treatment Court Program, The Impact Problem Gambling has on the Military and Veteran Community, Gambling Addiction Among Veterans – A Personal Journey, UWork Reentry Program – FCI Loretto, Veterans Benefits and Claims, VCI’s Current Initiatives At a Glance, Veterans in the Workforce, Veterans Court Mentorship Roundtable, and the VA in Your Community.
UPDATE: Please be aware that registration for this event closed on Thursday, October 16th.

2025 Veterans Symposium Flyer (004)

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Veterans Leadership Program Food Distribution
2025-10-31 11:00 - 13:00 | PA
Veterans Leadership Program’s (VLP) Military Share Food Distribution will be held on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at 727 Goucher Street Johnstown, PA. Vehicle lineup begins at 11am.

GJSD Veterans Breakfast
2025-11-06 08:00 - 10:00 | PA
The Greater Johnstown School District will hold it’s 26th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 6. Please call (814) 533-5670 Ext. 1670 to register. GJSD Veterans Breakfast 2025

Admiral Peary Veterans Breakfast-Lunch 2025
2025-11-06 08:00 - 12:00 | PA
The students at Admiral Peary Area Vocational Technical School have planned a special event in your honor!On November 6th, the Culinary and Cosmetology programs will be offering their services at 8 AM and 12 PM.Veterans can enjoy either breakfast or lunch and choose from one non-chemical salon service for you and a guest.To RSVP call 814-472-6490 Ext 335 by October 24th.
Please RSVP as soon as possible if you plan to attend this event!

Sen. Judy Ward Veterans Lunch 2025
2025-11-06 11:30 - 13:30 | PA
Sen. Judy will host a Veterans Appreciation Lunch on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the American Legion Park Social Hall at 1501 N. Juniata Street Hollidaysburg, PA, from 11:30am-1:30-pm. Area veterans and their families are invited to attend free of charge in appreciation of their service to our country. Attendees must register by calling (814) 695-8386.

Bishop McCort Veterans Breakfast 2025
2025-11-07 07:30 - 10:30 | PA
Bishop McCort’s National Honors Society would like to thank our veterans for their service by inviting them to a free breakfast on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 from 0730-1030. The invitation is extended to all veterans plus one guest. Please RSVP by calling (814) 536-8991 no later than Wednesday, Nov. 5.Bishop McCort Veteran Breakfast 2025

Sen. Stefano & Rp. Metzgar Veterans Breakfast 2025
2025-11-07 08:30 - 10:30 | PA
State Sen. Pat Stefano and Rep. Carl Metzgar will once again to host a Veterans Breakfast for Somerset County veterans, as a token of appreciation for those who have served our great nation. The event will allow them to connect with other local veterans and learn about the state-related services available.Ron Mash, director of veteran services for Somerset County, will serve as the keynote speaker and share valuable insights on available benefits and ways to access support programs for veterans and their families.Those planning to attend must register by calling my office at 814-443-4230. Somerset American Legion Post #181 located at 126 W. Main Street Somerset, PA.

Rep. Frank Burns Veterans Appreciation Meal
2025-11-08 11:00 - 14:00 | PA
As his way of thanking veterans for their valuable service to the United States, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is once again hosting a free Veterans Appreciation Meal on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The spaghetti lunch will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jackson Township Fire Hall, 176 Adams Ave., Mineral Point.
Veterans should RSVP by Nov. 3 by calling either of Burns’ district offices at 814-536-8400 or 814-472-8021.

St. Clement Parish Veterans Mass 2025
2025-11-08 16:00 - 17:00 | PA
St. Clement Parish will hold their annual Veteran’s Day Celebration Saturday, Nov. 8 at 4pm. All are welcome to their Liturgical celebration honoring the men and women who have made sacrifices in the name of freedom and democracy. There will be reserved seating for veterans, active-duty military, and their families. A special collection will be taken in support of Veteran Community Initiatives. Please contact St. Clement for more details at (814) 255-4422.St. Clement Veteran Breakfast 2025

2025 Veterans Day Parade
2025-11-11 16:00 - 17:00 | PA
The Conemaugh Valley Veterans will hold their 28th Annual Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 4pm on Main Street in Johnstown, PA. After the parade, there will be a short ceremony in front of City Hall. Come join in honoring our area veterans! Also, children of all ages who may want to march in honor of Johnstown native and Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko, are encouraged to join the parade’s Ditko Division! Call (814) 255-0355 or email hauserj@vciinc.org to learn how you can participate. Veterans Day Parade 2025 Flyer Ditko Division Flyer 2025
2025 Lineup By Division
Parade Division Lineup Graphic 2025

5th Annual Johnstown Veterans Day Ice Hockey Tournament
2025-11-14 | 1st Summit Arena Cambria County War Memorial, 326 Napoleon Street, Johnstown, PA, 15901
Join the Johnstown Generals November 14–16 at 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown for a tournament featuring veteran ice hockey teams from near and far. It’s a weekend of competitive hockey, shared purpose, and powerful moments on the ice.

Come cheer on veteran teams from near and far as they hit the ice.

Tag your crew. Save the date. Let’s pack the arena and make this tournament unforgettable.

Rep. Jim Rigby's Veterans Breakfast 2025
2025-11-14 08:30 - 22:30 | PA
Rep. Jim Rigby will host a Veterans Breakfast Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at the Cresson American Legion Post #238 at 8:30am. The post’s commander, Scott Eberhart, will be the guest speaker. Veterans are asked to register in advance by calling (814) 536-9818.Rigby Veteran Breakfast 2025

Westmont Presbyterian Church Veterans Dinner 2025
2025-11-15 17:00 - 19:30 | PA
Westmont Presbyterian Church will hold a Veteran’s Dinner as a Thank You to local veterans for their service. The dinner will be held at the church located at 601 Luzerne Street Johnstown, PA, from 5:00-7:30 on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Please call the church office at (814) 536-0796 to make reservations.Veterans Dinner Westmont Presbyterian Flyer 2025

Registration Day for JARI's Defense Manufacturing Training Program
2025-11-18 14:00 - 18:00 | PA
Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI) is holding a Registration Day on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 2pm-6pm at Made in Johnstown located 420 Main Street, Johnstown, PA, for their upcoming six-week training series featuring nationally-recognized programming preparing adults for entry-level defense manufacturing career pathways.
The Registration Day allows visitors an opportunity get to know the program, people, and space before the actual course begin.

The course itself will run from Dec. 2, 2025 through Jan. 22, 2026 and includes studies in:
-Additive Manufacturing & Troubleshooting
-CNC Manufacturing & Assembly
-Blueprint, Lean/S5, & Quality
-Robotics & Mathematics
-PPE, Safety, Hazards, & Fire Safety
-OSHA, Power Tools, Measurements, & Tolerances
Courses will be held at Made in Johnstown Tuesdays from 11AM – 3PM & Thursdays from 11AM – 4PM beginning Dec. 2, 2025 thru Jan. 22, 2026.
Please contact Traci Ondriezek, JARI Defense Program Director, with questions at (814) 425-5098 or tondriezek@jari.com
JARI Defense Program Registration Day 2025

Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
2025-11-20 12:00 - 14:00 | Richland Township Fire Department Banquet Hall, 1321 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15904
It is the pleasure of Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. (VCI) and the Salvation Army to cordially invite you and a guest to this year’s Veterans’ Appreciation Luncheon! This no-cost event is to honor the local Veteran community through a special recognition luncheon.
DATE: Thursday, November 20, 2025
TIME: 12:00 PM (doors open at 11:00 AM)
LOCATION: Richland Firehall
RSVP by Friday, November 7th to the VCI Office: (814) 255-0355

2025 Salvation Army Holiday Lunch Flyer

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Westmont Indoor Golf - Army Navy Game 2025
2025-12-13 14:00 - 18:00 | Westmont Indoor Golf, 1765 Goucher Street, Johnstown, PA, 15905, United States
Westmont Indoor Golf is holding an Army-Navy Game watch party and collecting donations to help acquire a stairlift for a local veteran in need.

Army-Navy Game at the Conemaugh PNA
2025-12-13 14:00 - 21:00 | Conemaugh PNA, 465 Heritage Street, East Conemaugh, PA, 15909, United States
The Conemaugh Polish National Alliance (PNA) is inviting Army-Navy fans to watch the game with them, and raise funds for a donation to an organization that helps train service dogs for veterans. The social club, located at 465 Heritage Street East Conemaugh, PA, will be open at 2pm Saturday Dec. 13, 2025, for the annual Army-Navy rivalry, that starts at 3pm.

81st Anniversary of the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima
2026-02-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Sgt. Michael Strank Memorial Park, 1149 Main Street, Johnstown, 15909, United States
The Conemaugh Valley Detachment #287 of the Marine Corps League will honor the 81st anniversary of the flag raising on Iwo Jima, during a ceremony at Sgt. Michael Strank Park Memorial Park at 11am February 21, 2026. The park is located in Franklin Borough at 1149 Main St Johnstown, PA 15909.
Immediately following the ceremony, a reception will be held at Green Diamond Industrial (also in Franklin Borough) 1317 Main St Johnstown PA 15909 with Sgt. Maj. Paul Anderson USMC (Ret.) serving as the guest speaker.
Michael Strank Ceremony 2026
