Forward Observer

LVMAC Forward Observer: Need to Talk to Someone Over the Afghanistan Situation?

LVMAC Poster Art 2005With the sometimes venal political beat-ups over decisions made past and present in regard to the recent events in Afghanistan, compounded by local reporters trying to solicit comments from any current era veterans about their thoughts over the matter for the sake of a story and the blitz of media video and pictures,  it is should be no surprise that a few veterans are in a funk; or, in extreme cases, experiencing a resurfacing of post-traumatic stress.

While for the majority, a listening ear from family, friends, and associates is all that might be necessary, it is also good to know bona fide resources for more serious situations.  Many of these can be found through the Answers Desk section of this website, but are re-listed here for convenience.  Our thanks to Jenna Jordan of Spectrum News, Cleveland, Ohio, who actually did something useful through contacting the VA. One or two of the resources might surprise you: (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer: Did Military Service Give You a Runny Nose?

VA Begins Processing Disability Claims for Certain Conditions Related to Particulate Matter

LVMAC Poster Art 2005Have you been in Southwest Asia theater of operations during military service: Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea – and the airspace above these locations some time since 2 August 1990 on; or in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or Djibouti since Sept. 19, 2001? Have you developed asthma, rhinitis or sinusitis within ten years of a period of military of service?
(more…)
By LVMAC, ago

Forwards Observer: New Law Expands Vaccine Access for Veterans and Families

All veterans, veteran spouses, caregivers, and CHAMPVA recipients now have access to VA COVID-19 vaccination services under the SAVE LIVES Act

LVMAC Poster Art 2005There are longer, self-congratulatory articles on this elsewhere, but what follows is what you need to know:

On 24 March 2021, the president signed legislation into law expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to veterans and their families under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), following efforts from House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs leaders to improve the vaccine protocol. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer: Want to hire Veterans? Consider Registered Apprenticeships

Are you a business interested in attracting and recruiting servicemembers separating from active duty (veterans)?   They are motivated men and women who can help to ensure your success and profitability.  However, although often highly skilled, they are not generally credentialed or running around with some unnecessary degree that will bring them to your attention.

The Department of Defense has recognized this deficiency and implemented DoD SkillBridge.  It may be worth checking out.  But there is another and less restrictive way more suited to your needs to do the same.  Consider developing a Registered Apprenticeship Program to overcome the skills barrier. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer: Another Plug for Helping the Census Bureau

LVMAC Poster Art 2005We have already written about the need to participate in the 2020 census, individually or by working as a census taker.   The Lehigh Valley did phenomenally poorly last census to its detriment, we have been told.

So, here comes a little more information for those veterans and their friends who have the ability to stand up and assist as temporary employees of the U.S. Census Bureau — and it is not a bad deal financially for the hours worked, either. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer: Bethany UM Adds to Its Military Veteran Family Support Services

LVMAC Poster Art 2005As we reported in a 19 September blog, Bethany United Methodist Church located in the Macungie/Wescoville area, intended to conduct two workshops to promote a better understanding of PTSD with the ultimate intention of starting a peer-to-peer support group afterwards.

As a result of those meetings, we have learned that the church has started two of these types of support groups instead:  one for male veterans and another for women, whether veterans or spouses or ‘significant others’ — which makes this group unique to the valley when looked at from a veteran’s context. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago