Dauphin County Commissioners to host free forum for veterans on July 25 at Lower Swatara Fire Hall

HARRISBURG, PA (June 24, 2019) – Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III will host a free forum and breakfast for veterans from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 25 at the Lower Swatara Fire Hall, 1350 Fulling Mill Rd., Middletown. The forum will include information on federal, state and county veteran and dependent benefits.

“We all have a duty to help the men and women who have fought hard for our freedom,” said Pries, who has oversight of the county’s Veterans Affairs Department. “One of the ways we at the county level show our gratitude is to guide veterans and their families to programs and services that can help them.”

Representatives of Dauphin County Veterans Affairs, the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Harrisburg Vet Center, Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area and other agencies will be on hand to answer questions and provide valuable information. 

“We can help with everything from obtaining free discharge certificates to benefits for veterans and their spouses,” said Haste. “It’s wonderful to be able to serve those who served others.”

Veterans may register at the event for the Dauphin County Veterans Discount Card Program, which enables veterans to receive discounts at more than 40 participating county businesses. To sign up for the program, veterans must bring their DD-214. This program is a collaboration between the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners, Veterans Affairs and county Recorder of Deeds Jim Zugay. A full list of participating businesses can be found at www.dauphincounty.org/deeds/vets.

“Dauphin County is proud to partner with local businesses to recognize those who have served our country and to provide another benefit,” said county Recorder of Deeds Jim Zugay. “Recording of the DD-214 and providing a Veterans ID card by Recorder of Deed’s office assures the business and the veteran that the discount provided will go to verified military personnel.”

Veterans who are unable to attend the breakfast forum and wish to apply for the discount card program must bring their DD-214 and apply in person at the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds’ office in the county courthouse, 101 Market St., Room 102, Harrisburg.

“Supporting our troops and their families who have sacrificed so much is one of our top priorities,” said Hartwick. “At this forum, veterans will have the opportunity to hear from representatives with veteran organizations and ask questions about benefits and more.”

Registration for the breakfast forum is required by Thursday, July 18. Please RSVP by calling 717-780-6300.

For more information about Dauphin County services for veterans, visit www.DauphinCounty.org.