Congratulations to Sgt. Eric Pimm from SCI Dallas for his selection as the Statewide Veteran of the Quarter for the first quarter in 2023 by the Governor’s Advisory Council for Veterans Services (GAC-VS). Brig. Gen. Maureen Weigl, PA Deputy Adjutant General, presented Sgt. Pimm his award at SCI Dallas on March 22. On hand to congratulate Sgt. Pimm was Cpt. Musial, VSU Manager Edwards, Statewide Veteran Coordinator Carrington, CCPM Inniss, DSCS Bohinski, DSFM Contreras, and Supt. Ransom.
Upon graduation from high school in 1999, Eric joined the U.S. Army as an Apache helicopter crew chief. During his seven years on active duty, Eric served in multiple assignments overseas, including two deployments to Iraq: the initial push into the country in Feb. 2003 to Feb. 2004 and again in Dec. 2004 to Dec. 2005. Eric separated, honorably, from active military service and agreed to serve an additional one-year commitment as a Drill Sergeant candidate in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Eric continued to feel the call to service following his separation from the U.S. Army and served as EMS Lieutenant for his local volunteer fire company. Eric and his best friend since childhood, Rick, founded an organization focused on post-traumatic growth and the pillars of disclosure, self-regulation, community, and service called Heroes Hearthstone (HH). The organization trains veterans and first responders in effective warrior-based wellness and self-regulation practices. By utilizing a system of peer-to-peer support, they guide our nation’s heroes from a life of post-traumatic stress to a path of post-traumatic growth! HH provides a place of refuge and reconnection for our nation’s veterans, first responders and their families and is a place to find purpose through disclosure, self-regulation, service and community. One of the coolest services is the monthly Campfire & Coffee that’s held the third Friday of every month at 6 PM in Shavertown. HH also does food collection and donation drives, and sponsors events at local businesses to promote and support them.
The GAC-VS began this award in 2022, and any veteran or veteran advocate in Pennsylvania is eligible to receive it.