Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America

03/24/2026

For information about their programs and registration, please refer to their website: patriotscove.org.

At Patriots Cove, healing happens in nature. 🇺🇸

On our 40-acre refuge, we provide veterans, first responders, and caregivers a place to reset, reconnect, and rebuild. 💙

This is more than a place. It’s a lifeline.

👉 Follow us to witness the impact -
👉 Donate to support the mission - patriotscove.org

03/20/2026

On Sunday, February 22nd, Keystone PVA members participated in the Hometown Heroes Bowling Tournament at Eastway Bowling Alley in Erie, PA. Attached are some photos of the event provided by KPVA Vice President, Sean Ferry.

03/19/2026

The 2026 Calendar of Events for Patriots Cove is now available. Additional details including registration information can be found on their website: patriotscove.org.

03/03/2026

Tomorrow, PVA National President Robert Thomas will represent thousands of veterans, like himself, who depend on the VA’s Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders System ️🇺🇸🏛

At 11 AM ET, before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs GOP, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Democrats, and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Dems and Republicans, Robert will urge Congress to address the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' staffing, infrastructure, and new administrative barriers that are limiting access to care for with catastrophic injuries.

Representing PVA, the leading voice for veterans with SCI/D for 80 years, he will also outline our 2026 policy priorities, which include improving financial security for heroes with SCI/D, their families, and survivors.

Watch Robert live here: https://bit.ly/4qUcFE1.

03/03/2026

PVA National President Robert Thomas will testify before Congress on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The hearing is open to the public and will be held in G-50 Dirksen on the Senate side of Capitol Hill. (Testimony link in the comments)

02/24/2026

On Friday, February 20th 2026, KPVA members participated in the second annual Keystone Wheelchair Games held at the Human Engineering Research Laboratory in Bakery Square, Pittsburgh, PA. Attending were: Joe and LeeAnn Gilkinson, Sean and Lynette Ferry, Austin Walters, Dr. Rory and Rosie Cooper, John Kellner, Brooke George, Tom and Agnes Strang and Bill Jakovac. Many thanks to HERL for putting on this very successful event!

02/20/2026

On Wednesday, February 18th, Keystone Chapter board member and hospital liaison to the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, Peter Townsend, presented the 2025 Frank Steck SCI Coordinator Award to Barbara Menzel, RN. Barbara retired in 2025 after more than 43 years of service to the veteran community in northeastern Pennsylvania! We thank nurse Menzel for her dedication and service to SCI/D veterans! Attending the presentation were Dr. Syed Ali Qadri, SCI/D Clinic physician, Aaron Mcginniss, LSW, SCI/D Clinic Coordinator and Aime O'Malia, Chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement.

11/08/2025

On Sunday, September 21st, Keystone Chapter participated in the annual CDCE Veterans Carnival at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. The Veterans Carnival supports the residents of the Community Living Center and was very well attended. Staffing the Keystone Chapter booth this year were KPVA members Peter and Lisa Townsend, assisted by Cassie, one of the youth volunteers.

11/08/2025

Very exciting news! Congratulations to Dr. Cooper and the entire team at HERL!!!

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have secured a $41.5 million award to reinvent the wheelchair.

The project will use advanced robotic technology to reimagine the wheelchair, incorporating a robotic arm, to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

“We are redesigning everything from the ground up,” said Rory Cooper, director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories at Pitt.

Pitt is the lead university directing the project, but will work with partners at Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Northeastern, Indiana University and Purdue.

Read more: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2025/11/04/pitt-wheelchair-grant/stories/202511040093

10/03/2025

On Wednesday, October 1st, KPVA board member, Peter Townsend presented a donation on behalf of the chapter to Patriots Cove. Patriots Cove is a non-profit organization located in Wyoming County in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to providing outdoor recreational opportunities for disabled veterans and first responders. For information about their programs, please visit their website: patriotscove.org.

06/21/2025

The June Membership meeting is in the link for all to attend. Those in northwestern Pennsylvania may attend by going to the Mellon Heritage Veterans Outreach and Wellness Center.

01/03/2025

This is the moment we have been waiting for! The Elizabeth Dole Act has been the primary focus of our legislative advocacy for several Congressional sessions. After years of work on behalf of our members, it's great to see it finally come across the finish line! Many thanks to all the members of our legislative advocacy team, both at the chapter and national level, for helping to make this day a reality!!!

🚨 Big News! 🚨 The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act has officially been signed into law! 🎉

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is grateful for the unwavering support of our caregiver community, partners, and members of congress in our efforts to pass this life-saving legislation. After nearly two years of hard work with our coalition partners, we're on the path to a brighter future for veterans, caregivers, survivors, and their families. This legislation will help ensure veterans and their families have the care and support they deserve. Special thanks to our partners Paralyzed Veterans of America , Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW , Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) , Wounded Warrior Project , Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) , The American Legion National Headquarters , DAV , I AM ALS , The ALS Association , AARP .

Additionally, we would like to thank the bipartisan leadership of Chairman Mike Bost, Ranking Member Mark Takano, Chairman Jon Tester, and Ranking Member Jerry Moran for making this victory possible. 👏