VAVS REPS

DELAWARE VALLEY VETERANS’ HOME
Jack O’Donnell
Resigning as Chair after 15 years of service
I thank Commander Lavelle for the appointment.

GINO J. MERLI VETERANS CENTER
Richard Craig
I am happy to report that things at the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton are back to normal. The Commanders Holiday Tour returned to the Center this past December for the first time in the past 3 years. The staff and residents were very happy to see us return. Jan Gavern from District 15 conducted her Women’s Veterans Tea with a wonderful presentation that was enjoyed by the residents. District 11 continues to sponsor a monthly bingo for the residents and many of the district 11 posts have also continued to support the residents and the Residents Welfare Fund.

The residents are now getting out and about more often, a group of residents were invited to the Armed Forces Day Luncheon and they also participated in the NEPA Armed Forces Day Parade. VFW post 7251 invited a group of residents to their chicken barbecue, residents are also going on shopping trips, fishing trips and Railriders baseball games. These events are made possible by donations to the Gino Merli Resident Welfare Fund and all donations are greatly
appreciated.

I spoke with Commandant Vito Ruggiero who was very proud to inform me that the Gino Merli Veterans Center is celebrating its 30 year anniversary in June. The Commandant was also proud to inform me that the Veterans Center is the only facility in Lackawanna County to maintain a 5 star rating by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare.

I also spoke with Erica Comine, the Director of nursing. She reported that a VA inspection in March found no nursing deficiencies, she also stated that even though the Center is open and visitors and volunteers are welcome, respiratory control practices may be implemented when need be. Director Comine also informed me that there are currently 176 residents at Gino Merli and the Centers capacity is 196. For any information on how to become a resident at the Center you can contact Director Comine at 570-961-4313 or email at ecomine@pa.gov. The residents at Gino Merli Veterans Center greatly appreciate everything the American Legion has done for them and I sincerely hope that the American Legion will continue to support the Gino Merli Residents Welfare Fund.

HOLLIDAYSBURG VETERANS HOME
R. Raymond Lenz
Many American Legion Post Auxiliary units, SAL Squadrons and American Legion Riders of Central Pennsylvania also had programs and made financial contributions to the home. The American Riders of Central Pennsylvania also had programs and made financial contributions to the home.The American Legion Family is truly involved with the residents of the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home. Ground was broken May 2, 2023 on 97 million state of the art building which will be a great addition to the HVH campus.

PA SOLDIERS & SAILORS HOME
Harry Stewart
Resigning as Chair after 15 years of service
I thank Department Commander, Stephen Lavelle for my appointment as Chairman to the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home.

SOUTHEASTERN VETERANS CENTER
Barry Amole
NO REPORT SUBMITTED

SOUTHWESTERN VETERANS CENTER
Vacant