DAV & DAVA Department of Pennsylvania

11/13/2025

I had the pleasure of being with two true American Hero’s. I presented my cousin Bill Shultz with a very rare Henry 250th USMC Anniversary Edition.

11/10/2025

11/08/2025

I had the pleasure of attending a breakfast sponsored by State Representatives Joe Kerwin. I thank Representatives Kerwin for his support for the Veterans of Pennsylvania @

11/08/2025

I have the pleasure of accepting a donation for the DAV - Dept of PA from the Moore Family in the amount of $11,200

11/06/2025

11/06/2025

Thank you for stepping up to honor our veterans. Unfortunately, as you can see below, today’s program has been canceled due to the ongoing federal budget impasse.

On a personal note, it’s disheartening that both our state and federal governments have missed their budget deadlines. The consequences aren’t abstract—beyond impacting living veterans and the organizations that serve them, we’re now unable to properly honor the veterans interred at our National Cemetery.

I appreciate your willingness to serve, and I hope we’ll be able to reschedule soon.

Respectfully,
Bob Hammaker
State Adjutant / CEO
Disabled American Veterans – Department of Pennsylvania
[[email protected]] | 717-761-4060

11/06/2025

Budget Impasse Threatens Critical Support for Pennsylvania Veterans

Robert “Bob” Hammaker State Adjutant/Chief Executive Officer Disabled American Veterans – Department of Pennsylvania 4219 Trindle Road Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 761-4060 [ [email protected] ]( mailto:[email protected] )
November 5, 2025

To: Editors and News Directors Commonwealth of Pennsylvania News Outlets

Subject: Budget Impasse Threatens Critical Support for Pennsylvania Veterans
Dear Editors,

I am writing to bring urgent attention to the devastating impact that the ongoing Pennsylvania state budget impasse is having on the Commonwealth’s veterans and their families. As the State Adjutant and Chief Executive Officer of the Disabled American Veterans – Department of Pennsylvania (DAV-PA), I represent an organization that—along with our partners in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and AMVETS—forms the foundation of veterans’ advocacy and direct assistance in this state.
The Commonwealth’s failure to pass a budget has placed our veterans’ service programs in crisis. These nonprofit organizations are the primary—and often the only—lifeline for Pennsylvania’s more than 700,000 veterans seeking help with disability benefits, medical care coordination, transportation to VA facilities, and other critical services. Without the release of state funds, programs are being suspended, outreach is shrinking, and the very men and women who once defended our freedoms are now left waiting for help that should never have been in question.
This is not simply a fiscal issue—it is a moral one. Veterans should never be forced to bear the consequences of political stalemate. When the Commonwealth withholds funding, it is not abstract numbers that suffer; it is people—men and women who have already paid the highest price for service to our nation.
I am calling on members of the media throughout Pennsylvania to bring this issue into sharper public focus. Veterans’ service organizations are being asked to sustain life-changing work with dwindling resources while continuing to meet growing demand. The public deserves to understand that the state’s inaction has tangible, human costs that are already being felt in communities from Erie to Philadelphia.
I am more than happy to speak with your organization—on the record or background—for interviews, editorial boards, newsroom briefings, or community forums. I can also connect you with affected veterans, service officers, and partners statewide to help illustrate the real-world consequences of the impasse.
I urge your outlet to investigate, report, and amplify the voices of the veterans and families now caught in this impasse. Pennsylvania’s elected leaders must be reminded that every day of delay further betrays the Commonwealth’s promise to those who served.

Our veterans fulfilled their duty without hesitation. It is now time for Pennsylvania’s leadership to fulfill theirs.

Respectfully,

Robert “Bob” Hammaker State Adjutant/Chief Executive Officer Disabled American Veterans – Department of Pennsylvania
cc: American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans of America, Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Pennsylvania AMVETS, Department of Pennsylvania The Adjutant General of Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) DAV Chapter Commanders DAV Members