LVMAC Tidbit — Learn About the America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought in the Air War Against Nazi Germany

Masters of the Air Lecture Flyer, 24Sep2014On 24 September 2014 at DeSales University, the Rotary Club of Saucon/Center Valley has arranged for a local American History historian of renown, Professor Donald L. Miller of Lafayette College, to talk on “Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys who fought the air war against Nazi Germany”. Expect a riveting account of the stoic courage of these men who fought a new kind of warfare. Miller is currently working with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks on the production of an HBO mini-series based on the book. Tickets are $35 for the limited seating event. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit — Stand Downs Continue

Mini-Stand Downs for our homeless veterans continue to be active in our area for good reason.   VALOR Clinic Foundation will have its next one on 18 October under the Fahey Bridge, Sand Island in Bethlehem, the same location as last time.  It continues to alternate a Lehigh Valley location with the one at Dansbury Park, East Stroudsburg, on a monthly basis.

A little further afield are the efforts of the Second Brigade Motorcycle Club in Reading.  See the flyer below. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit — Habitat for Humanity Is Looking to Hire

Something an Ex-Noncom Ought to be Able to Do Standing on His Head

We can’t exactly describe what is presented below as a job and it is for a pittance, but is that new to many of us ex-soldiers?  And is finding a job the only thing that determines a meaningful and rewarding life?  Some things appeal to higher reasoning:  the wife wants you out from underfoot, you are bored and looking for something to do … or you want to do some good for others.

Well, stand up and give Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley, a member organization, a try.  Don’t let the homebuilding construction knowledge requirement deter you from applying.  Show them the value of a “military education” — we know how to lead, learn quickly, can adapt ourselves to the situation, and continue to give more of ourselves than money can pay.

For the younger of you, it won’t hurt the resume, either. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit — Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation Seeks All-Volunteer Nonprofits to Assist With Grants

PVF LogoFor the first time, the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation (PVF) “… is seeking to assist approximately ten Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations that help military veteran with grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.  Specifically, the PVF is asking County Directors of Veterans Affairs and other community leaders to identify noteworthy organizations that are doing tremendous work yet need some extra resources to expand their effectiveness and reach,” states Mike Gould, the foundation’s Chairman of the Board. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit — Vietnam Traveling Wall Coming, the Lehigh Valley’s Way

Congress has mandated the Department of Defense to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Vietnam War during the years 2015 to 2017 (Public Law 110-181 SEC.598).  It is seeking organizations to formally partner and “… commit to conduct at least two events each year during the commemorative period of 2015 – 2017 that will recognize, thank and honor our Vietnam Veterans and their families.” But there is a less official way to commemorate which is of equal value and a local township is about to prove this. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit — VALOR Mini-Stand Down Moves to Downtown Bethlehem

Persistence pays.  VALOR Clinic Foundation, a member of the Lehigh Valley Homeless Veterans Action Committee (an LVMAC alliance) is conducting another one of its mini-stand downs in the Lehigh Valley.  This time it will be on 16 August at Sand Island in the City of Bethlehem.  It is its second attempt to reach out to the homeless in the Bethlehem area and its fifth stand down in the Lehigh Valley this year — the three other ones were conducted in the Allentown area.  As related in a previous article, this nonprofit will serve any homeless person, not just veterans … but getting to our homeless veterans is its first priority.  If you know of one, contact Bob Rapp (see flyer below).  Transportation can be arranged. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit — Still Serving Homeless Veterans

Our Only Homeless Veterans Shelter in the Lehigh Valley Seeks Your Assistance

Victory House LogoIt may not be as fashionable these days to talk about transition shelters for the chronic homelessness, with all the new emphasis on Housing First models (permanent housing with at least initial case management) and preventive services, but like shoes for feet, “one size does not fit all.” There is a place for this service which wraps itself around a chronically homeless veteran and assists him/her in recovery to the point that he/she resumes a productive life – and being concerned about the continuum of care often needed afterwards. (more…)