Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbits — Job Hunt Training Offer

LVMAC OFFERS FREE, JOB HUNT TRAINING TO RETURNING VETERANS

Training to Commence 7 March in South Bethlehem

In response to the growing concern over the unemployment rate of returning veterans, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) is once again offering its JOVE (Job One:Veterans Employment) program to veterans willing to invest their time to hone their job-seeking skills. Priority will go to those returning from the recent conflicts, for they are less likely to have the job hunting skills needed.

Call 484-602-JOB1 or 610-349-5856, send an email to JOVE@lvmac.org , or use the online application form from our website,  if you are interested in enrolling. Applications are being accepted now. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits — VOW … Act, More Details

More on the VOW  to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (H.R. 674)

On 1 December 2011, we reported on  the tax incentives for employers of P.L. 112-56, signed into law on 21 November 2011, as it seemed at the time the most significant part of the act and had grabbed all the attention, but what about the other major provisions?  Below are five of possible individual interest: (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits

Employers Now Can Now Receive Expanded Tax Credits for Hiring Veterans

On 21 November, the President signed new legislation, a portion of which continued and expanded tax breaks to employers who hire veterans.  H.R. 674 became Public Law 112-56 and Title II within it, the section which applies to veterans, is known as the “VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.”

While the bill directs certain federal departments to reform or improve veterans retraining and placement,  includes improvements to  Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and directs improvements in the somewhat infamous Transition Assistance Program (TAP) — among  other items of interest  — what seems to be grabbing the attention has been a small section on new tax credits found under “Other Matters.” (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits

First Generation Gets It Right

First Generation Visual Communication in Allentown “gets it.”  While it is important to support our troops when deployed, it is also important to support them as veterans when they return home and are most likely to be forgotten.  First Generation realizes it takes the  “whole village” to do this.  Not only must federal, state and county governments do their part on our behalf, but in times of war our community must make a special effort to ensure those local nonprofits effectively helping the local military veteran community are supported as well.  One cannot afford the opinion of one former state legislator who stated helping veterans is the federal government’s responsibility alone. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits

COLA Is Coming for 2012

For 2012, the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase will be 3.6% for most military retirees, for military survivor benefit plan and social security recipients, and for those drawing VA compensation (to include DIC) – a welcomed increase after two years without one.  The President signed the last of the necessary legislation on 9 November — the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011 (S. 894).  This dispels a local rumor that spouses and children receiving dependency indemnity compensation (DIC) would be forgotten. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits

Our VA Network is About to Conduct a Special Veterans’ Family and War Study

VISN-4’s  (the next higher organization to our Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center) Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)  in Philadelphia is conducting a funded study to understand how war-related psychiatric symptoms may interfere with family reintegration and functioning.   The obvious is not apparent to them.  Nevertheless, there are benefits to such a study.  The means to improving care in the VA is most often  lead through documented study.  The VA has been known to be  loath to move without one.   The benefit we see?  … another step towards a more family-oriented VA.   Therefore, you can help by participating. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits

Bethlehem Morning Star Rotarians Sponsor a Concert to Support Victory House A concert on 20 November conducted by the Allentown Band, America’s oldest concert band, and sponsored by the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotarians in recognition of the Armed Forces worldwide and the coming 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor will benefit Read more…

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits

Judith’s Reading Room Helps Veterans Sanctuary As an extension of one of its ongoing efforts, which is support our troops with books to read,  Judith’s Reading Room is donating to Veterans Sanctuary a custom designed mobile library stocked with books hand picked to help in the recovery of veterans suffering Read more…

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits

Band of Brothers Seeks Support for a “Tribute to the Troops” Garden

President Christopher Posch of the Band of Brothers veterans group at Northampton Community College, a member organization of LVMAC, announced at the September Council meeting that his organization is raising funds for a “Tribute to the Troops” section in the Tribute Garden at the main campus site. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits

18 April….Crayola Factory Family Day Camp….Sponsored by the PNG Children & Youth Program…..Many activities throughout the day….To register visit http://www.jointservicessupport.org/events/kioskRegistration.aspx?Mode=AddNew&ld-bd7eaaf6-0722-4b71-99b2-647a90fdbb36 or you can call the PNG Child & Youth Program @ 717.861.6289 22 April…….Keystone Wounded Warriors Day @ Hershey park.  the park is reserved for military and special organizations this day.  A Read more…

By LVMAC, ago