Gov Shapiro, First Lady, Chef Robert Irvine Host Veterans at Gov’s Residence | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro hosted Pennsylvania veterans for a luncheon at the Governor's Residence in partnership with Chef Robert Irvine and the Robert Irvine Foundation's Breaking Bread with Heroes program. The event brought together over 70 guests - including dozens of Pennsylvania veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces - to honor their service ahead of Veterans Day on November 11.

This marks the third year the Governor and First Lady have partnered with the Robert Irvine Foundation to recognize and thank Pennsylvania veterans for their service. Pennsylvania is home to nearly 650,000 veterans - the seventh-largest veterans' population in the country. The Shapiro Administration continues to deliver for veterans across the Commonwealth - from making improvements to veterans' homes to investing in county mental health services and workforce training programs for veterans and military families.

"Lori and I are proud to join Chef Irvine and the Robert Irvine Foundation for the third year to honor our Commonwealth's veterans and give back by serving them," said Governor Shapiro. "Our veterans have defended our Commonwealth and fought for our freedoms, and they deserve to know we have their back every single day. My Administration is honored to deliver for our veterans - and we will continue to stand up for them and ensure they have access to the benefits they've earned."

The Robert Irvine Foundation - a nonprofit that supports service members, veterans, first responders, and their families - has served over 90,000 meals to heroes and their families through Breaking Bread with Heroes, including five events across Pennsylvania this year alone. At today's luncheon, the Governor and First Lady joined Chef Irvine in the buffet line to serve veterans.

"We thank Chef Irvine and his foundation for their steadfast support of our current service members, veterans, and their families," said Major General John R. Pippy, Pennsylvania's Adjutant General and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). "Whether it's a warm handshake or a heartfelt thank-you, recognition means the world to our veterans. We encourage all Pennsylvanians to take a moment to talk with a veteran, listen to their story, and hear the pride in their voice. That same spirit is alive and strong in today's service members, who are standing ready to serve our country and Commonwealth at a moment's notice."

In April 2025, Governor Shapiro, the First Lady, and their family visited Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station 1 to serve lunch and thank the firefighters who responded to the arson attack at the Governor's Residence. They were joined by Chef Irvine, who helped prepare and serve the meal, which was sponsored by the Robert Irvine Foundation. That event - and today's luncheon - reflect the Foundation's ongoing commitment to honoring and supporting Pennsylvania's first responders, service members, and veterans.

"It's an honor to be here once again with the Governor and to recognize the selfless service of our veterans. What we share today is not just a meal - when we break bread together we celebrate our shared values," said Chef Irvine, Founder of the Robert Irvine Foundation. "More specifically, today we express gratitude for the sacrifices our heroes have made to secure our freedom. Putting others first is the very definition of service. Putting your country first is the definition of a patriot - and of a hero. The Robert Irvine Foundation is proud to be here among heroes - and to render some small service back to you who have given so much. From the bottom of our hearts: thank you for the powerful example you've given us."

Delivering for Pennsylvania's Veterans

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made it a priority to support veterans at every stage of life - securing benefits, improving care facilities, expanding mental health services, and helping veterans transition into civilian life.

So far in 2025, DMVA has helped veterans secure $924 million in compensation and pension benefits from the federal government and is on track to surpass $1 billion for the third consecutive year.

The Shapiro Administration has:

• Invested in veterans' care, including major updates at Pennsylvania's largest veterans' home in Hollidaysburg. The new long-term care facility, Lightner Hall, will welcome residents in Spring 2026.

• Expanded access to mental health services, restoring county mental health funding and launching a Behavioral Health Council to strengthen crisis response and suicide prevention efforts.

• Helped veterans transition into good-paying jobs through the Military Crosswalk program and a nearly $65 million increase in investments for vocational and technical education, along with Veterans Employment Program (VEP)

• Supported veteran farmers, awarding $200,000 in grants to help veterans start or expand their agricultural businesses through the PA Veteran Farming Network.

• Opened the new Lickdale Veterans Outreach Center this summer - a one-stop hub providing in-person support for veterans and their families, with accredited benefits officers, behavioral health services, and PA CareerLink assistance.

• Earned national recognition for veteran advocacy - in September, the Shapiro Administration received an Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the work of the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans Services (GAC-VS), recognizing Pennsylvania's innovative efforts to improve veterans' access to benefits and services.

• Signed bipartisan legislation to support veterans' career transitions - in October, Governor Shapiro signed a bill into law, which allows veterans with at least 8,000 hours of relevant work experience to meet the work requirement for career and technical education (CTE) teacher certification.

As the federal government shutdown continues, the Shapiro Administration and DMVA are working to maintain services for veterans and connect them with local organizations that can help meet immediate needs, such as food and utility assistance. Nearly 10,000 Pennsylvania veterans receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and since October 1, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard has held 15 food distribution events serving more than 3,700 military family members across the Commonwealth.

Governor Shapiro has directed his Administration to continue doing everything possible to support veterans, service members, and their families during the federal shutdown - and to ensure every Pennsylvania veteran has access to the benefits and resources they've earned.

Governor Shapiro remains committed to ensuring that veterans who have served Pennsylvania and defended our freedoms can prosper here in the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration thanks Pennsylvania veterans for their service and dedication.

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