David’s Drive buys out Army Navy store, donates to VA, CYI and CASD
Thousands of items of clothing purchased for those in need
By Lauren Parker, News Editor, The Times
Volunteers with David’s Drive were on hand last week to deliver clothing to the Coatesville Youth Initiative to be distributed to local youth. Photo courtesy of David’s Drive
COATESVILLE – Though the iconic Army Navy store in the center of town has permanently closed its doors, storeowner...
Local Cross Fit offers classes to veterans and first responders
Promotes exercise and connecting with others
By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times
Veterans and their families meet for The Weekly Fight every Sunday at Cross Fit Inspire in Frazer to work out and support each other.
EAST WHITELAND – Cross Fit Inspire in Frazer has been doing great things for first responders and The Weekly Fight, a nonprofit organization for veterans and their families,...
Op/Ed: Remembering those we lost defending freedom
By Steve Barrar, State Representative (R-160)
Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160) listens as Rep. Mark Gillen (R-128) explains the updates that would be made to Soldiers’ Grove to honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives defending our country as a result of House Bill 1484.
Soon, we will be recognizing another Memorial Day. In the past year, we have lost more men and women as they defended the greatest...
E. Brandywine to host The Wall That Heals
A 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will visit East Brandywine this summer.
EAST BRANDYWINE — Hopewell United Methodist Church (UMC) and East Brandywine Township will play host this summer to The Wall That Heals, a 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Part of a national tour, the replica memorial wall and accompanying mobile education center will be on display throughout...
Op/Ed: Fighting for veterans and first responders
State Rep. argues for support of education needs for both groups
By Rep. Steve Barrar, State Representative (R-160)
State Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160)
I spend a lot of my time learning about the needs of the Commonwealth’s emergency responders, veterans and their families. By always remaining informed, I can best represent these groups as the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee majority...
Remembering our heroes this holiday weekend
So many families can point with pride to those who served
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to pass along the amazing story of my husband’s grandfather.
Wilfred Eugene Hockenberry (Gene to his family and friends) was an 18 year old U.S. Army soldier fighting in Salerno, Italy in World War II. He and his buddy were hiding in a fox hole when they were...
Op/Ed: Recognizing Loyality Day in Pennsylvania
By Rep. Steve Barrar, State Representative, 160th District
State Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160)
It was a great honor for me to serve in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Because of that experience, I understand the sacrifice and reward that comes with taking the ultimate risk to safeguard our communities and our country.
The experience also gave me a deep pride in my country, and each year,...
Barrar seeking mental health solutions for vets
State Rep. Stephen Barrar
HARRISBURG — With the Pentagon reporting 150 confirmed and suspected suicides taking place among active duty troops in the Army in 2013, clearly additional and/or improved mental health services are needed for our men and women in uniform, and Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-160), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Services Committee, is seeking solutions.
Prior...
County finds homes for 102 homeless vets
Exceeds pledge as part of Decade to Doorways plan
WEST CHESTER — Chester County successfully fulfilled its plan to house 100 veterans in 100 days, with 102 veterans who were experiencing homelessness moving into permanent housing by June 27th.
The campaign, which began on March 17, supports federal strategic efforts to end homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015. Chester County agencies...
Letter: Coatesville VA welcomes veterans & local community to events