DMVA Town Hall with The Adjutant General (06/22/2010)

2:56 Moderator: Greetings! Today’s virtual town hall session is about to begin. Before we introduce Maj. Gen. Wright please review the following ground rules: Tuesday June 22, 2010

2:57 Moderator: 1. Please submit only one question at a time. 2. You will be limited to 300 characters for each question. 3. DO NOT include personal information, such as home address, phone number, social security number or individual health-related data in your question. 4. DMVA reserves the right to combine questions on the same subject and to edit them in the interests of clarity. 5. If we are unable to respond to your specific question during our 1-hour timeframe and you would like a response, please submit your question in writing and mail it to the following address: DMVA Virtual Town Hall c/o Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright Bldg. S-0-47 Fort Indiantown Gap Annville, PA 17003

Tuesday June 22, 2010 2:58 Moderator: If during our Town Hall there is a shortage of questions or we are busy developing responses, we may post some Frequently Asked Questions and/or Fast Facts from the moderator to keep the session informative and interesting. Tuesday June 22, 2010 2:59 Moderator: It is now my privilege to introduce The Adjutant General.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 2:59 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: Good afternoon and thank you for joining me for this Virtual Town Hall. I have several members of my senior staff assembled to assist me in answering your questions today. I look forward to answering your questions now. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:02 Moderator: Did you know…FREE Regal Fritillary butterfly tours are slated for July 2, 3, 4, 9 & 10 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Lebanon County. The tours allow the public to see this rare butterfly colony, as well as many other natural spectacles on the 17,000-acre military post, which serves as the National Guard’s headquarters. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:02 Moderator: We are now accepting questions - please submit questions to be answered in the "comment" field.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:03 [Comment From Kathy Weller] Thank you Major General for the opportunity to participate in your Town Hall Meeting. What is your opinion of the State Civil Service Commission not properly administering the ’ Preference Program? How will you ensure that the Veterans’ Preference Program is applied properly once you are confirmed to serve on the State Civil Service Commission? The current Civil Service Commissioners made a decision in March, 2010 dismissing an appeal of a that was not selected for a position despite the fact that the veteran was one of the top three available candidates and the position was not a promotion. This decision is contrary to the Veterans’ Preference Program in Pennsylvania as provided by the Military Affairs Act of August 1, 1975 (P.L. 233, No. 92), and the Civil Service Commission’s own policy as quoted from their website, “Applicants entitled to veterans’ preference who are among the top three available candidates on certifications have mandatory preference in appointment over non-veterans”. In addition to this, the Auditor General conducted an audit on the performance of the State Civil Service Commission’s application of the Veterans’ Preference Program, and made recommendations to the Commission due to Commonwealth agencies not applying veterans’ preference in its employment decisions or applying the preference in an unsatisfactory manner. Thank you. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:04 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: Thanks for your question. I look forward to serving on the State Civil Service Commission and to bring a veteran's perspective to the office. I cannot comment on any individual cases, but I hope that we can address all concerns about veterans' preference in the years ahead. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:06 Moderator: Did you know…If you join the PA National Guard we will pay for up to 100% tuition at any accredited state college in the commonwealth. Learn more about this valuable opportunity at www.nationalguard.com. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:09 Moderator: TAG is preparing responses for several questions - please standby for answers and continue to submit questions using the "comment" field.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:10 Moderator: Did you know…Almost half of the contact we receive from veterans and others pertains to locating a DD 214. We highly recommend that veterans record their discharges with their County Courthouse in order to obtain free certified copies for the remainder of their life and made available upon their death. To learn more about DD214’s, visit www.paveterans.state.pa.us.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:13 [Comment From Guest] Could you elaborate about what is happening at Willow Grove with the Stryer HQ being built?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:13 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The building is nearing completion. Pre-final inspections will be held within the next two weeks. Furniture procurement is in progress. A Ribbon-Cutting ceremony will be held sometime after the scheduled August 6 2010 completion date. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:14 [Comment From Hummelstown Grandma] I would like to come with several of my grandchildren for a tour of the post and to see the butterflies. Who do I speak to?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:14 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The Regal Fritillary Butterfly Tours are scheduled for 2,3,4,9, and 10 July. The tours are free and open to the public. The tours are guided by members from the installation's environmental team. The POC for these tours is our Biologist, Mr. Joe Hovis. He can be contacted at 717-861-2449. There is also additional information on our website http://www.milvet.state.pa.us/DMVA/2443.htm Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:15 Moderator: Did you know…You can now follow the PA National Guard online at: http://www.facebook.com/panationalguard http://www.twitter.com/panationalguard http://www.youtube.com/panationalguard http://www.flickr.com/panationalguard

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:16 [Comment From SGT Jordan Purcell] Do you know when construction will start on the new Medical Detachment Building?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:16 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: Yes. Design is at 100%. The project package is being reviewed by Commonwealth Department of General Services. Construction award will be in early September, with construction start on or about 15 October 2010; completion is expected by early summer 2011. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:18 Moderator: We are continuing to accept questions - please submit questions using the "comment" box.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:19 Moderator: Did you know…Current PA members can earn $2,000 just for referring someone who enlists in the National Guard by participating in the

Guard Recruiting Assistant Program (GRAP)? For more info, visit http://www.grap.com. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:20 [Comment From Kate Walsh] Ma'am do you foresee the RDO program returning for the 213th ASG?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:20 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: Implementation of the RDO program is a commander's prerogative. At this time, 213th ASG has decided not to participate in this program.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:25 [Comment From Guest] Why can't clothing sales at Ft Indiantown Gap carry more Air Force Clothing.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:25 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The clothing store will continue to carry Air Force uniform items. Less common items such as mess dress uniforms and some sizes may need to be ordered. But, according to AAFES, these orders can usually be filled in less than 48 hours. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:25 [Comment From jstump] Are there any plans on expanding/opening more State VA Homes throughout the state? If so were would the new facilites be located?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:26 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: In response to a request by Governor Rendell, a study was performed to determine if there is a need for additional State Veterans' Homes. The study noted that there should be consideration for additional bed capacity in North Central Pennsylvania, South Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. At this point in time, we are evaluating the necessity of additional Homes, and matching that consideration to availability of funding from the federal Veterans Administration. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:27 Moderator: Did you know…Pennsylvania offers a special one-time payment to honor the service and sacrifice of its veterans who served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations from Aug. 2, 1990 – Aug. 31, 1991. To learn more, visit www.persiangulfbonus.state.pa.us, or call toll-free, 1-866-458-9182, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:27 [Comment From SFC Shoff] With the draw down in Iraw should we as soldiers be looking at less deployments? Many of our soldiers are asking because they are trying to get finished with their schooling. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:28 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The Army assigns unit and soldier mobilizations based on a cyclical system called the Army Force Generation Model (ARFORGEN). Based on the current drawdown in Iraq, we expect to see fewer units and soldiers being deployed to Iraq according to the Army's ARFORGEN model. At this time we do not know exactly what requirements their will be in the future for the National Guard in Afghanistan. Therefore, we cannot predict a decrease in mobilizations in Afghanistan for the time being. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:30 Moderator: Did you know…In February, about 2,000 PA National Guard personnel were on state active duty when the commonwealth was hit by two major winter storms. They manned traffic control points, provided essential transportation to police and emergency personnel, and transported residents who had lost power to warming centers and shelters. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:31 [Comment From Joe S, WWII reenactor] I hear that the Chapel behind the community club is going to be moved. Why is that and where is it going?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:31 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: There are no immediate plans to move the chapel behind the community club. However, master planning/future development for the installation may require training center leadership to move the structure in order to preserve it. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:34 Moderator: Did you know…The PA Military Family Relief Assistance Program provides financial assistance, in the form of grants, to eligible Pennsylvania service members and their eligible family members. Eligible members must have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of military service. To learn more, call toll-free, 1-866-292-7201 Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:36 Moderator: Did you know…You can now follow DMVA online at: http://www.twitter.com/padmva

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:39 [Comment From Guest] Will Gen. Gould automatically assume the TAG position upon your confirmation to the Civil Service c

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:39 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The selection of an interim Adjutant General and the nomination of a new Adjutant General will be up to the Governor. The Military and Veterans Code sets forth the qualifications for the Adjutant General and Deputy Adjutants General. The Governor's Office will announce a decision later in the confirmation process. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:40 Moderator: Did you know…The PA National Guard is one of the top ten employers in the commonwealth. About 3,000 of our members serve full-time; the remaining 16,000 are “traditional” Guard members who train on a part-time basis while pursuing a civilian education or career. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:42 [Comment From Michael Ludwig] How is the impact survey about fencing in the installation coming along Ma'am?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:42 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: We are currently in the process of seeking proposals for completion of an environmental assessment, which is required as part of the evaluation of this project. We expect the contract for the EA to be awarded in mid September. As part of the environmental assessment process, there will be several public meetings and opportunities for public input. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:43 [Comment From CW2 Phillips] Ma’am, what major impacts do you foresee for the PA National Guard training and personnel readiness in regard to the current financial climate?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:43 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: Based on anticipated federal funding levels,, the National Guard will be able to meet all statutory training and personnel requirements, as well as mobilization training and preparations. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:43 Moderator: Did you know…DMVA operates six veterans’ nursing homes in Pennsylvania? They are located in Erie, Hollidaysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, and Spring City. To learn more, visit http://www.paveterans.state.pa.us. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:44 [Comment From Guest] Ma'am, I am with the 56th SBCT, who has recently returned from Iraq. I understand our first year back is set aside for RESET. We are preparing for AT and most of our equipment is still not back to us. This to me is not giving the unit enough time to recover from the deployment. Can you give me any guidance on this? Thank you. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:44 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: As you know, the 56th SBCT's equipment is currently undergoing Reset. The state has gone to great length to ensure equipment critical to the Brigade's training plan has been returned for the upcoming Annual Training period. The Brigade's equipment should be completely reset by end of September 2010. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:46 Moderator: Did you know…The PA National Guard is one of the largest National Guards in the nation. It has the second largest Army National Guard of all the states and the fourth

largest Air National Guard. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:49 [Comment From Guest] MG, Do you foresee the runway being extended in the next 10 years?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:49 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: We are preparing programming documentation to submit to for Military Construction (MILCON) funds. However, future years funding levels for MILCON projects are uncertain. We may be able to phase the project and obtain some funds in the next couple years. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:50 [Comment From looking for help] I'm trying to research benefits for my family. I hear that my local "VA director" can help. What do they do and how can I locate them?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:50 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: County Directors of Veterans Affairs provide county veterans and their dependents direct assistance to identify,determine eligibility and assist in the preparation of applications for County, State and Federal veteran's benefits and programs. The County Director is responsible for the payment of Burial Allowances and ensuring Grave Markers and Headstones are properly requested and placed for each deceased County veteran. They also provide direct application for State Programs like Real Estate Tax Exemption, Veterans Emergency Assistance, Blind and Paralyzed Veterans Pensions and Education Gratuity for children of veterans who are rated 100% Permanent and Total from the Federal Veterans Administration. For a complete list of County Directors please visit: http:www.dmva.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/county_directors_for_veteran s_affairs/11384 or call the Pennsylvania Office of Veterans Affairs at (717) 861-8910. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:51 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: http://www.dmva.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/county_directors_for_vetera ns_affairs/11384

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:51 Moderator: Did you know…With PA National Guard armories and air bases in some 90 communities – in 51 counties – our presence blankets the commonwealth.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:52 [Comment From wife of a Soldier] What is the stabilization period for Soldiers returning from deployment? 6 months, 1 year or 2 years

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:52 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The stabilization period is approximately five years in the current Reserve Component model. On occasion, if the soldier transfers units or there is a particular

need for a soldier's specialty or unique skill, that stabilization period can average approximately two years. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:53 [Comment From Guest] Does it look like the PA National Guard will be sending members to the oil spill in the Gulf?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:53 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: There are currently no plans to send Pennsylvania National Guard members to the Gulf area in support of operations mitigating the oil spill.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:54 [Comment From Joseph Carter] Hello Ma'am thanks for letting us participate in this town hall meeting.I am an air technician with 23yrs civil service at age 46 is there a possibility of early retirement with 25yrs of service at age 50?? Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:54 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: There is no process in place for voluntary early retirement. An early retirement is typically prompted by an involuntary event for NG technicians such as reaching age 60 or separation by a retention board. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:54 [Comment From Ryan] Why are soldiers who are in the PA National Guard and who attend college in PA not eligible for EAP benefits if they are not a resident?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:54 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The law establishing the EAP program requires participants to be bona-fide residents of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, this is a legal requirement that we cannot alter at state level. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:55 Moderator: Did you know…The PA Army National Guard can assist soldiers with acquiring their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and getting hired by a motor carrier through the "Drive the Guard" program. Find out how at www.nationalguard.com. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:56 [Comment From Jason Warrenfeltz] I noticed that on the Governers Executive Budget there is a expenditure for the Central Veterans Homes Services just above the Scotland School for Veterans Children. What is the function of that agency? How odd is it that this agency received almost 10 million and that SSVC lost 10 million in funding! Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:56 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: There is no agency by the name Central Veterans Homes Services. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs operates six veterans homes in Pennsylvania for veterans and their spouses. The funding for these long-term care facilities for veterans comes from a combination of fees charged to the veteran, state and federal dollars. This is detailed in the Governor's Executive Budget under the heading Veterans Homes. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:56 [Comment From Guest] Why is the loan repayment option not available to technicians?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:56 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: Federal law prohibits Technicians from receiving bonuses. The only exception of which we are aware is that Section 308 of Title 37 of the US Code authorizes bonuses for Technicians when deployed on active duty. Tuesday June 22, 2010 3:58 Moderator: Did you know…The PA Army National Guard runs one of the best Warrant Officer Candidate Schools in the country, including one of the only Pre-Warrant Officer Courses in the country. Find out more by contacting your WO recruiter. Eastern PA-CW2 Becker 484-791-1120, Central PA-CW3 (Ret) Jack Modesto 717-861- 9757, Western PA-CW2 Bill Cummins 814-599-5797. Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:00 Moderator: We are no longer accepting questions and we will be posting our last few responses shortly. Please continue to stay with us until the last answers are posted.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:00 [Comment From SFC Ray Morgan] Ma'am, there has been talk of turning NAS Willow Grove into a Homeland Security Hub, can you elaborate on the future of Willow Grove? Are there any plans to relocate some FTIG resourses there? Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:01 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: There will be a military enclave at Willow Grove under control of the PA Air National Guard, which will include the 56th Stryker Brigade Headquarters. The bulk of the Navy installation will be disposed of by the federal government under the BRAC process. Efforts to establish a homeland security hub or joint interagency installation on the lands of the former Navy installation were not successful. Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:02 [Comment From Guest] General - Can you provide any insight on what the 111FW's new mission will be?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:02 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The 111th's new mission is termed an AFFOR (Air Force Forces) The mission is an Air Force Headquarters staff augmentation package. Personnel assigned to the AFFOR will train to augment headquarters staff agencies. Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:03 [Comment From SGT Krause] Ma'am, what percentage of the 750 soldiers were not retained from the QRB Board.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:03 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The results of the QRB were not based on percentages. The results were based on commander recommendations and potential for continued service.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:03 [Comment From Guest] With all the land located at Ft Indiantown Gap, has there ever been any talk of moving the 193 SOW from Middletown HIAP to the Gap and utilzing the runway there? Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:03 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The re-stationing of the 193 SOW to Fort Indiantown Gap has not been been considered for several reasons including the fact that the runway at Muir Army Airfield is not long enough to support the aircraft assigned to the 193 SOW. Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:04 [Comment From Guest] How does my organization send care packages to deployed troops?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:04 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: Your organization/group should contact the PA National Guard State Family Program Office at 717.861.2650, and the staff will assist with providing contact information for Guard units that have members/units deployed.

In addition, some frequently requested/used care package items include: lip balm, q- tips, skin lotion, AA batteries, pretzels, chips, peanuts, dried fruit, oral care products, feminine hygiene products, CDs, DVDs, books, magazines, granola bars, pop-tarts, gum, candy, energy bars, beef jerky, pens, writing paper, envelops, small toys for children, baby wipes, sunscreen, sweat bands, fly strips and fly swatters. Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:05 [Comment From Guest] As the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the approaches on June 25 I am not sure what type of role the National Guard may have played back then as compared to present day. My question is are there any plan to mark this anniversary at FIG? Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:05 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The Pennsylvania Guard did deploy units to execute combat operations during the Korean War. While there are no events planned here at Fort Indiantown Gap, we acknowledge and appreciate the service of all of our veterans. Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:05 [Comment From Guest] What is the status or plans to build a PEMA facility in Area 2 of Ft. Indiantown Gap?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:05 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: Currently, there are plans for a PEMA facility in Area 2 of Fort Indiantown Gap. We are working with the PA Emergency Management Agency, the PA Department of General Services, and all other stakeholders in the proposed facility to develop the concept plans and requirements for the facility. Since the project is in the preliminary stages, it is difficult to predict a definitive schedule. But when all facility and using agency requirements have been well outlined we will move forward with design and construction. Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:06 [Comment From Guest] Sometimes there is a waiting list for Veterans to get into a particular State Veteran Home. How do you determine the timeline and what is the order of how they are accepted? Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:06 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: Applicants are placed on the waiting list in order of when the application is deemed complete. In other words, our admissions are performed strictly on a "First Come, First Served" basis. This arrangement sets us apart from community nursing homes, but guarantees that we accept our veterans and their spouses in a fair, equitable and logical style - regardless of health or ailment (with deference, or course, to our regulations). Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:08 Moderator: We are still formulating the last few responses. We will be signing off at approximately 4:15 p.m.

Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:09 [Comment From SSG Snyder] Will area 12 be updated like area 13 and if so when do you foresee this happening?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:10 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: The plan for Area 12 is to construct new facilities similar to Area 6 rather than refurbish existing barracks. The new barracks are in the top three MILCON priorities for The Adjutant General. However, the Area 12 construction has not been identified for funding by NGB as of this date. We are going to continue to renovate the Area 13 barracks until all of the barracks meet modern energy and comfort standards. Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:10 [Comment From SGT Janet Krause] Ma'am, what is a right to know law? and how can soldiers learn more about what that means?

Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:11 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: In Pennsylvania, the Right to Know Law provides the public with access to state government records. Pursuant to Section 504 of the Right to Know Law (RTKL), the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs sets forth the policies, process and procedures, regarding responses by DMVA to requests made pursuant to the RTKL.

More information is available on DMVA's website at http://www.dmva.state.pa.us. To access information on how to submit a Right to Know request, click on the hyperlink for the Right to Know Law at the bottom of the page. Tuesday June 22, 2010 4:12 MG Jessica Wright - TAG: We are now concluding today’s Virtual Town Hall session. I thank you for your questions and I hope we were able to provide you with the information you were looking for.

We will continue to hold these Virtual Town Hall sessions quarterly so I look forward to your future participation. In the meantime, please continue to visit our web site, http://www.dmva.state.pa.us, for the most up-to-date information about the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania National Guard or click on the icons within the “Social Media Hub” to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Flickr.

Once again, if we were unable to respond to your specific question and you would like a response, please submit your question in writing and mail it to the following address: DMVA Virtual Town Hall c/o Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright Bldg. S-0-47 Fort Indiantown Gap Annville, PA 17003

Thank you for your participation. Tuesday June 22, 2010