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Pittsburgh Pulse

America's 250th Anniversary

Celebrating 250 years of American freedom, courage, and resilience.  This fourth of July, we honor the Veterans, service members, and families who's strength and sacrifice have shaped our nation's story.  

From Pittsburgh to every corner of our country, thank you for helping safeguard the freedoms we celebrate today and every day.  Happy Fourth of July - and Happy 250th Birthday, America.

VA launches Partial Claim Program to help Veterans avoid home foreclosure

The Department of Veterans Affairs formally launched the VA Partial Claim Program, a new effort to help Veterans facing financial struggles avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

Veterans having difficulty reaching a resolution with their mortgage servicer can contact VA at 877-827-3702, option 6. For more information about the several options and VA home loans, please visit the Loan Guaranty Service website.

VA Partial Claim Program to help Veterans avoid foreclosure

BEWARE: Postcard Scam Veterans and spouses are being targeted with a new postcard scam that promises up to $185 per month and free dental care. Learn what to watch out for, what to do if you receive this postcard, and how to protect your personal information.   To help protect the Veteran and Military community, the VA's YouTube Channel, the SITREP has released the following video.

America 250 Regional Flag Sojourn

No Hero Left Behind announces a special America 250 Regional Flag Sojourn to be held at Freedom Corner, one of Pittsburgh’s most historic and symbolic landmarks, honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary with a community‑wide tribute to service, unity, and the ongoing work of equal justice and democracy.

Freedom Corner has long stood as a gathering place for movements centered on justice, equality, and community empowerment. Hosting the America 250 celebration at this location underscores Pittsburgh’s role in shaping the nation’s story and its continued commitment to progress.

The program will feature:

• Keynote remarks by Eric Howze, former homeless combat veteran and co‑founder of No Hero Left Behind
• A military veteran tribute honoring service members past and present
• Community moment of reflection in honor of Pittsburgh’s fallen service members
• Music, readings, and ceremonial moments recognizing America’s 250‑year journey
• Participation from local leaders, veteran organizations, youth groups, and community partners

“This celebration is about honoring the past while recommitting ourselves to the unfinished work of justice, unity, and democracy,” said Eric Howze. “Freedom Corner is the perfect place to remind our city and our nation that progress happens when communities stand together.”

The event is free and open to the public. The first 100 Veterans receive a commemorative shirt.

When: Friday, July 3, 2026 | 12 pm-1:30 pm 

Where: Freedom Corner | Hill District| Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Corner of Centre Avenue & Crawford Street

RSVP: Noheroleftbehind22@gmail.com

Resource Roadshows

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System's Medical Foster Homes Program

For Veterans who can no longer live safely on their own, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s Medical Foster Homes (MFH) program is now available. It is an ideal alternative to a nursing home for Veterans who need ongoing care but prefer a more personal, family-style environment where they can maintain comfort, dignity and a sense of belonging.

Medical Foster Homes

A Medical Foster Home (MFH) is a private home where a trained caregiver provides daily support for a small number of individuals. Some residents are Veterans, while others may not be. MFHs offer a meaningful alternative to traditional nursing homes – especially for Veterans who need nursing‑home‑level care but prefer a more personal, non‑institutional environment with fewer residents.

In an MFH, caregivers and relief caregivers provide 24/7 care and supervision. They assist Veterans with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and mobility. VA ensures each caregiver receives thorough training to deliver VA‑planned care. Veterans living in an MFH also receive Home Based Primary Care, bringing ongoing medical support directly to their home.

Become an MFH Resident

If you would like more information about joining the MFH program as a resident, contact our MFH coordinator, Candice McManis, at 412-592-5350.

You can also learn more about the impact of Medical Foster Homes in People Magazine’s “Indiana Family of Eight Fosters Three Veterans Who Are Disabled: ‘We’re One Big Family Now.’”

To become an MFH caregiver, please review the Medical Foster Home Checklist and then contact our MFH coordinator at 412-592-5350.

Military Share Food Distribution

Please help VLP spread the word about our upcoming July 2026 food distribution events in Pittsburgh and Central PA!

Pittsburgh Military Share - Monday, July 13th at 10AM - If you are interested in volunteering, please email Trevor at armstrongt@vlpwpa.org

Johnstown Military Share - Thursday, July 30th - line up begins at 11AM - If you are interested in volunteering, please email Kim at portserk@vlpwpa.org

Veterans Leadership Program

60 Miles for Veterans Bike Ride

Saturday, July 18, 2026 - Connellsville to Pittsburgh

We invite you to be a part of VLP's 2026 Charity Bike Ride - 60 Miles for Veterans! 

Join us on Saturday, July 18th for a mission focused one-day 60-mile ride on the Great Allegheny Passage starting in Connellsville, PA and finishing in Pittsburgh, PA!

Our team of VLP staff and volunteers will be on the trail with you to provide support with hydration and snacks to fuel your ride! There is a total of five refueling stops along the trail: Layton Trail Access; Cedar Creek Park; Buena Vista; McKeesport Marina; and at the Waterfront.

Transportation will not be provided. Participants are encouraged to be dropped off at the starting line and picked up at the finish line.

Start: Saturday, July 18th

Great Allegheny Passage Trail - Connellsville (Near the river)

Registration and Check-In: 0800

Start: 0900

Finish: Golden Triangle Bike Rentals (600 1st Avenue, Pittsburgh)

Can't join us in person or prefer your stationary bike at home? You can still join the ride by registering as a Virtual Rider!

REGISTER TODAY!

TSA PreCheck for Qualifying Disabled Veterans   TSA is working with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act which provides free TSA PreCheck® enrollment to Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities. TSA PreCheck allows travelers to experience smarter, faster airport security in dedicated lanes when they travel.   Eligibility for free TSA PreCheck enrollment under the VETS Safe Travel Act is limited to Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who have a service‑connected disability of permanent blindness or require the use of a VA‑issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb.   Enrollment or Membership Renewal

Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks.   Current US military and dependents, Gold Star Families, and US military veterans are eligible to receive free annual or lifetime passes which cover entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fees at national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and other federal recreational lands. These free passes are a way to thank US military members for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters.   See how to get your pass: Free Entrance to National Parks