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New veterans affairs director outlines expanded services, increased claims and outreach
Summary
Josh Curry, Franklin County's new director of Veterans Affairs, outlined increased compensation claims and a range of services provided by his office, including state benefits, burial allowances, a Military Share food distribution and outreach programs; he provided contact information and urged veterans to use local services.
Franklin County's Veterans Affairs director, Josh Curry, briefed commissioners on services, outreach and an increase in compensation claims since mid-2024.
"I'm Josh Curry. I'm the director of Veterans Affairs. I started here in May," Curry said at the start of his presentation. He provided the office location, 425 Franklin Farm Lane, and a contact phone number, (717) 263-4326, and described the office team: two veteran service officers, Stevens Grace and Tracy Burke, and administrative assistant Tabitha Newland. Curry said the office helps veterans file and manage federal and state claims, assists with appeals and higher-level reviews, and pursues other pathways when VA benefits are not available.
Curry said the office had seen an increase in compensation claims filed and awarded between the 2024 and 2025 tracking periods. He attributed part of the increase to more comprehensive claim submissions by staff and to federal changes such as the PACT Act, which opened new eligibility pathways for some veterans.
He described state-level benefits the office assists with, including Veterans Temporary Assistance (a grant of about $1,600 for life-sustaining costs), blind veteran pensions, and an education gratuity for dependents of deceased service members. Curry said Pennsylvania veterans who entered service as Pennsylvania residents and have an honorable discharge may be eligible for Pennsylvania Veterans Homes; the nearest such facility mentioned was in Hollidaysburg.
Curry also discussed county programs and partnerships: a Veterans Therapeutic Riding collaboration on Franklin Farm Lane, a Military Share food-distribution program serving about 600 families, a volunteer-run photography project for veterans, and an anticipated "We Support You" scholarship program expected to open applications in January. He noted burial allowances: $100 toward funeral and burial for honorably discharged wartime veterans and a $50 headstone/marker installation allowance.
On homelessness, Curry said the office connects veterans to local resources and partners such as 211 and Veterans Multi-Source; he noted barriers such as missing vital records, criminal histories and income constraints that can complicate housing placements. He said the office will call from the office to help veterans navigate federal phone menus and local services.
Commissioners complimented Curry on the office's work and encouraged continued outreach to veterans who may not know the office exists; Curry said staff attend community events and social organizations to reach veterans.
Ending: Veterans Affairs staff will continue outreach, process claims, and promote services; Curry said the office will publicize information weekly on its Facebook page and is preparing the scholarship application for January.
