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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.
He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.
In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.
Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when AARP Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.
Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.
“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”
The 2024 season is the third for AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.
The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.
AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.
Repaying the Recognition
Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”
VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.
Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”
He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.
Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.
Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.
“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)
Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.
Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.
“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”
To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to aarp.org/lvveterans.
Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.
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This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the AARP Pennsylvania page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Mary Dieter</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of the way.<br><br>He was grateful, he says, not only for their generosity but also for his low-key return to Allentown. Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Now 79, Binder, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, knew other returning servicemen had been greeted with ugliness.<br><br>In the ensuing years, he gave one presentation to a local fifth grade class and wrote a piece for his employer’s newsletter about his experiences in the U.S. Navy—as an electronic technician, a .50-caliber machine gunner and an occasional swift boat crew member.<br><br>Otherwise, Binder’s service in the unpopular war wasn’t recognized. That is, until last year, when <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Pennsylvania</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lehigh Valley IronPigs</a></span></span>—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—honored him in their Salute to Service program.<br><br>Binder was escorted by an AARP volunteer onto the field between the first and second innings and presented with an IronPigs jersey emblazoned with his name. The crowd roared.<br><br>“It was thrilling,” he says, “to stand there and hold up the jersey and turn and see the crowd and hear the crowd.”<br><br>The 2024 season is the third for<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AARP Pennsylvania’s sponsorship of the program</a></span></span>, which honors one military veteran from any branch, of any era, at each of the 75 home games during the season. With as many as 10,000 fans at a home game, the IronPigs have “a platform unlike many other organizations” to honor military veterans, says Aaron Weisberg, IronPigs community relations manager.<br><br>The program is part of AARP’s national mission to support veterans and their families, says Kellie VonStein, AARP Pennsylvania’s associate state director for outreach and advocacy.<br><br>AARP volunteers also go monthly to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth, northeast of Allentown, to pack boxes of food for military families. And they write personal messages on cards distributed to veterans and give out resources for veterans at community events.<br><br> <b>Repaying the Recognition</b><br><br>Binder was so taken with his IronPigs salute that he now recruits other veterans to be honored. Most are “absolutely thrilled that they had the opportunity,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of it.”<br><br>VonStein says the public can nominate a veteran for the Salute to Service program, and the IronPigs select the candidate to be honored.<br><br>Gary Lentz, 73, of Schnecksville, says the Salute to Service program aims to make veterans feel appreciated for their service “because it’s no picnic.”<br><br>He enlisted in the Army in 1970 so he could get into mechanics and served two years in Germany. Back in the day, “you got out and basically hung up your uniform and tried to get back to your normal 9-to-5 life,” he says.<br><br>Lentz, who along with his wife is an AARP volunteer, started presenting jerseys to other veterans in 2021; he was saluted at a game himself the following year.<br><br>Ron Laible, 74, of Bethlehem, likewise was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971 and now also presents jerseys to other vets.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/94/5c/1a021ba54af5872b910683562a33/ron-ironpigs.jpg" alt="Ron @ IronPigs.jpg" width="1200" height="1600" style="height: auto; max-width: 550px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Ron Laible, 74, was honored in 2022 for his service in the Army Reserve in 1971.</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Photo: Courtesy of Ron Laible.</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“It’s nice to be recognized in front of other people,” Laible says. “We know some of these guys really went through a lot.” (He and his wife are also AARP volunteers.)<br><br>Thomas Applebach, who turns 62 this month, was an Air Force weather forecaster for 12 years, providing guidance for military operations such as Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Later, he was an Army reservist working in civil affairs and spent a year in Iraq.<br><br>Applebach, who lives in Wescosville and is the Lehigh County director of veterans affairs, says he “was very humbled” when he was honored last August.<br><br>“It was a small gesture,” he says, “that was very large to me.”<br><br>To learn more about AARP’s work with veterans in Lehigh Valley, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/supporting-veterans-in-the-lehigh-valley-pa-2024-05-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/lvveterans</a></span></span>. <br><br><i>Mary Dieter, a freelance journalist, spent two decades covering Indiana state policy and politics for The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-video-title="Protect Our Veterans — AARP" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-5627242809001" data-video-id="5627242809001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Protect Our Veterans — AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Veterans</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/wwii-harold-terens-jeanne-swerlin-wedding.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WWII Veteran Marries Near Normandy's D-Day Beaches</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/jobs-after-military-service.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R6C1-WORKJOBS-TM0118" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Tools That Can Help Veterans Get Jobs</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">AARP Pennsylvania</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-7-vive-la-france-2mnk496qcgh.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-VIVE-LA-FRANCE">Food Without Borders: Vive la France</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-virtual-tour-of-the-barnes-foundation-renoir-and-women-72524-cpn3xbt4dz9.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-PA-VIRTUAL-TOUR-OF-THE-BARNES-FOUNDATION-RENOIR-AND-WOMEN-72524">AARP PA Virtual Tour of The Barnes Foundation Renoir and Women 7/25/24</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Jul 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/food-without-borders-episode-8-summer-delights-s2n6rt7g9b4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FOOD-WITHOUT-BORDERS-EPISODE-8-SUMMER-DELIGHTS">Food Without Borders: Episode 8 – Summer Delights</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c66709-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c7f6c6757d-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARRISBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARRISBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In 1967, a young couple picked up a hitchhiking sailor named Dave Binder, getting him within 7 miles of home and giving him cab fare to take him the rest of" name="description"/> <meta content="Program, Aims, Honor, Pennsylvania, Veterans" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/pennsylvania/honor-pennsylvania-veterans" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/program-aims-to-honor-pennsylvania-veterans-pa-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—join forces to honor"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9684958/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3857+0+71/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F31%2F82%2Fec7485ac4b229ddeaf10a9eab5d8%2Fdsc08031.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Program Aims to Honor Pennsylvania Veterans"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs—the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team—join forces to honor"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9684958/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3857+0+71/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F31%2F82%2Fec7485ac4b229ddeaf10a9eab5d8%2Fdsc08031.JPG"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/harrisburg-pa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Harrisburg, PA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/harrisburg-pa/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/harrisburg-pa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/harrisburg-pa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/harrisburg-pa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/harrisburg-pa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/harrisburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/harrisburg-pa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/harrisburg-pa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/harrisburg-pa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/harrisburg-pa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/harrisburg-pa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/harrisburg-pa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/harrisburg-pa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/harrisburg-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118