Red, White & You: Honoring Pennsylvania’s Military Heroes

Pennsylvania has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Sgt. 1st Class Erin Kuhlmeier

Tobyhanna Army Depot recently honored Sgt. 1st Class Erin Kuhlmeier with its inaugural Outstanding Active-Duty Servicemember award, recognizing her exceptional service and dedication to both the military and her community. Kuhlmeier, a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Headquarters Support Company (HSC) of the 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (55th MEB), was praised for her leadership, logistical expertise and unwavering support of more than 200 soldiers. With 15 years of service—including deployments to Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay—she has consistently demonstrated the Army’s core values both in uniform and through volunteer work in her local community. The award presentation took place during Veterans Appreciation Night at a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey game. Read more here.

2. David A. Christian

Vietnam War hero David A. Christian, one of Bucks County’s most decorated veterans, was honored with a “Hero’s Welcome Home” as part of his induction into the National Military Hall of Fame in 2023. Christian, who grew up in Levittown, earned an extraordinary list of honors, including seven Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars and multiple international medals for his bravery and leadership. He began his military career at 18 as a Special Forces officer and led multiple missions during two tours in Vietnam, suffering severe Napalm burns that required years of recovery. After his medical retirement, he earned a law degree from Rutgers and went on to lead national veteran organizations, including the Legion of Valor and the United Vietnam Veterans Organization. Read more here.

3. Ted Novak

Ted Novak, a 101-year-old World War II veteran from Linfield, was awarded France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor, for his courageous service during the war. A member of the 83rd Infantry Division, Novak fought in several major European campaigns, including Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge and the Rhineland, earning multiple commendations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. Despite being wounded three times, he repeatedly returned to duty and heroically helped evacuate injured soldiers under fire. After his honorable discharge in 1945, Novak returned home, became active in his community and helped develop local baseball fields. Recognized as a “hero among heroes” by French officials, Novak joins the ranks of over 300 American veterans who have received the Legion of Honor for their service in liberating France. Read more here.

4. Staff Sgt. Andrea Whelan

Staff Sgt. Andrea Whelan of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade was inducted into the Lebanon County Women’s Hall of Fame for her military service and dedication to empowering others. Honored with the Military Award, Whelan was recognized for her work as a victim advocate during her deployment to the Middle East, as well as her commitment to supporting women in the military and her community. She currently serves as a unit readiness NCO and recently earned her degree from Liberty University, with plans to pursue a master’s in marriage and family therapy after retiring from the military in June. Known for her compassionate leadership style, Whelan encourages others to lead through kindness and service. Read more here.

5. John Homan

John Homan, a 100-year-old World War II veteran from State College, released a memoir in 2024 that details his experiences flying 34 combat missions with the U.S. Army Eighth Air Force in England in 1944. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement, Homan remained humble about his service, saying he didn’t consider himself a hero. “His memoir, Into the Cold Blue: My World War II Journeys with the Mighty Eighth Air Force,” was co-written with Jared Frederick, a Penn State Altoona instructor, and aimed to present a factual, unglorified account of war. Dedicated to his great-grandson James, the book emphasized the importance of learning from the past and staying informed to protect democracy. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!