Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # LVMAC Helping those serving in the military and the veterans returning home ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://lvmac.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [News Blog](https://lvmac.org/news-2/) - Forward Observer: VA Gets Rolling on a Better Allentown VA Clinic On 6 July, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center announced that... Read More Rich HudzinskiJuly 9, 2026 MossRehab to Address the Council on Its Work in TBI (and PTSD) Learn what MossRehab, known for its rehabilitation work as part... Read More Rich HudzinskiJuly 7, 2026 - [Forward Observer: VA Gets Rolling on a Better Allentown VA Clinic](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-va-gets-rolling-on-a-better-allentown-va-clinic/) - On 6 July, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center announced that it had signed a lease for a new, state-of-the-art Allentown Outpatient facility to be constructed at 935 Blue Barn Road and completed by the winter of 2029 (The first patients may be able to use the facility by the summer.). It will replace the inadequate - [MossRehab to Address the Council on Its Work in TBI (and PTSD)](https://lvmac.org/mossrehab-to-address-the-council-on-its-work-in-tbi-and-ptsd/) - Learn what MossRehab, known for its rehabilitation work as part of the Einstein Healthcare Network just north of Philadlephia, is doing as a member of the Avalon Alliance in the area of Traumatic Brain Injury treatment (and PTSD and Substance Abuse Recovery) for our military veterans free of charge. - [Lehigh Bar Association Helping Veterans with Estate Planning](https://lvmac.org/lehigh-bar-association-helping-veterans-with-estate-planning/) - For location details, click here. We hear that “Will for Heroes” will also be coming to Northampton County later. - [State Senator Nick Miller to Address the Council](https://lvmac.org/state-senator-nick-miller-to-address-the-council/) - Learn what he knows and is doing for us -- or needs to be doing. - [Veterans! Be Aware of Job Scams](https://lvmac.org/veterans-be-aware-of-job-scams/) - Making ends meet is often difficult. So we look for “side jobs”. But there are those out there that take advantage of that fact. Indeed, job scamming is on the rise. So, pay attention to this alert below provided by our CareerLink Lehigh Valley veterans employment representatives. ### As of 26 March 2026 - [Lehigh Valley CareerLink Job Fair](https://lvmac.org/lehigh-valley-careerlink-job-fair/) - CareerLink Lehigh Valley now routinely puts on these events which are of advantage to veterans. This one seems particularly large. Click here for details. ### As of 12 February 2026 - [Valor Clinic Asks for Another Kind of Help](https://lvmac.org/valor-clinic-asks-for-another-kind-of-help/) - Anyone know a volunteer graphic designer who can help create flyers for the VALOR Clinic Foundation? If you're keen on supporting veterans and the services they provide, feel free to contact me. Kevin Cope Manage Community Outreach, Volunteers, Veterans Food Program VALOR Clinic Foundation 484-274-3245 kcope@valorclinic.org www.valorclinic.org Editor's Note: This is a frequent - [Treatment Trends Opens Its Allentown Residential Facility](https://lvmac.org/treatment-trends-opens-its-allentown-residential-facility/) - Just announced, Treatment Trends has opened its long-awaited Allentown Residential to once again round out the drug and alcohol services it provides. It is a welcomed addition. This unique, homegrown, Lehigh Valley member organization was one of the first to step forward to tend to our military veterans in need of such services. For more - [A Pearl Harbor Remembrance](https://lvmac.org/a-pearl-harbor-remembrance/) - In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a speech to a joint session of Congress, stated that December 7th would be a “Date that would live in Infamy”. I would argue that today, over 8 decades later, it must also be a Date of Remembrance. While the passage of time has perhaps not dimmed some - [Lehigh Valley Veterans Week Events](https://lvmac.org/lehigh-valley-veterans-week-events/) - We thought you might like to know more about what is happening in the Lehigh Valley during Veterans Day week, especially if they do not appear on our Community Calendar, which orients on military and veteran events which might interest "Lehigh Valley" residents in particular. Click here. This is a product of the Morning Call - [The Cupboards Are Bare?](https://lvmac.org/the-cupboards-are-bare/) - More and more, we in LVMAC are hearing that food stability and affordable housing are major problems in the Lehigh Valley, rising to levels in want of concerted, community action, to include orchestration by government. Naturally, what affects the general population affects veterans also, as they constitute a sizeable demographic population here. Hence, our concern, - [Filling the Cupboards](https://lvmac.org/filling-the-cupboards/) - It Will Take Our Coming Together As a follow-on to our previous news blog article, “The Cupboards Are Bare?”, there needs to be more interim community support to address the increasing food insecurity issue in Pennsylvania. There has been a 40% rise in food insecurity in Pennsylvania over the past two years; and it is - [Are You an Idiot About Education?](https://lvmac.org/are-you-an-idiot-about-education/) - We Want You! Do you want to help veterans to successfully transition or the military in meeting its recruiting needs? Do you believe in the value of a meaningful education towards that end? Do you have the vim to see such an effort through? If so, consider joining our Scholarship Team. The LVMAC Programs Committee - [Grab Onto This! Immediately, if You Can!](https://lvmac.org/grab-onto-this-immediately-if-you-can/) - Ritter Elementary Veterans Interview Project Invitation for 2025 For over thirty years, the fifth grade students at Ritter Elementary School have had the honor of learning about the invaluable contributions of our nation's veterans. Each October, Ritter reaches out to our local veterans and invites them to share their experiences with our students. We are - [How Veterans are Being Affected by the Government Shutdown](https://lvmac.org/how-veterans-are-being-affected-by-the-government-shutdown/) - The Effect is Relatively Light? While we are not interested in the commentary upon the present state of affairs by the VA’s current public affairs engine, LVMAC thinks it important that veterans know truthfully the effect of the current shutdown upon VA and Department of Labor (DOL) services to them for their own sake. At - [Making Community Care Easier](https://lvmac.org/making-community-care-easier/) - Are You Aware of These Changes? Some recent developments have occurred within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs of which you should be aware, especially if you have not been using the VA outpatient care service known as the Community Care Network. Elimination of Secondary Approvals for Outside Care: On 19 May, the VA announced - [Delaware Valley Veterans Consortium Highlights Our Senators' Doings](https://lvmac.org/delaware-valley-veterans-consortium-highlights-our-senators-doings/) - As a one-off, we thought you might be interested in what is going on with the Delaware Valley Veterans Consortium (DVVC) today. We know it is short notice. To listen in, click here. ### As of 17 July 2025 - [Catalyst4 is Recruiting for a New Class](https://lvmac.org/catalyst4-is-recruiting-for-a-new-class/) - On the heals of its past success, Catalyst4 is seeking once again applicants who are having difficulty finding employment due to something in their past history – e.g., criminal record, mental health, or drug and alcohol issues. If you are a veteran who has had such difficulties after service and are seeking a livable income, - [LVMAC Hosts 22nd Annual Salute to the Troops Banquet to Honor the National Guard](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-hosting-its-22nd-annual-salute-to-the-troops-banquet-to-honor-the-national-guard/) - Major General Laura McHugh, Deputy Adjutant General - Army to Deliver Keynote Address Center Valley, PA (April 17, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) is proud to present its 22nd Annual Salute to the Troops Dinner on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the DeSales University Conference Center, - [Brush Up for 2025](https://lvmac.org/brush-up-for-veterans-returns/) - Caring for Others Spread the Word as members of the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council that the Veterans Military Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is once again looking for veterans and surviving spouses in need of exterior home painting and weatherizing — at no cost to the homeowner. This award-winning “Brush - [VISN-4 Introduces New "Wheelchair" Repair Service](https://lvmac.org/visn-4-introduces-new-wheelchair-repair-service/) - Mobility Devices to be Repaired Without Appointment or Consult Today, VISN-4 announced that the VA has partnered with Scootaround, the nation’s leading personal transportation solutions company, to provide a single point of contact for the repair of VA-issued wheelchairs, powerchairs, and scooters. The intention is to provide convenient, fast and efficient repairs and superior customer - [Senate Resolution 196 -- Evolving Veterans Justice](https://lvmac.org/senate-resolution-196-evolving-veterans-justice/) - Senator Coleman's Office Talks About a Study of the Unified Judicial System and Justice-Involved Veterans Substituting for Senator Coleman of Pennsylvania District 16, Leo Knepper, his chief of staff, spoke to the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council on 16 October regarding SR 196 passed this June, "[a] Resolution directing the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to - [Ritter Elementary School Seeks Veterans for Its Interview Project](https://lvmac.org/ritter-elementary-school-seeks-veterans-for-its-interview-project/) - Respond Before 10 October 2024 From Ritter School: For over thirty years, the fifth grade students at Allentown’s Ritter Elementary School have had the honor of learning about the invaluable contributions of our nation's veterans. Each October, Ritter reaches out to our local veterans and invites them to share their experiences with our students. We - [River Crossing YMCA Introduces Veterans Wellness Training](https://lvmac.org/river-crossing-ymca-introduces-veterans-wellness-training/) - A New Program Comes to the Lehigh Valley On 18 September, Megan McCuen, Veterans Wellness Program Coordinator, spoke to the council on the topic of “River Crossing YMCA Gives Back to Those Who Served and Their Families.” The newly formed River Crossing is bringing to the Lehigh Valley its latest offering, a wellness program oriented - [Let's Really Talk About Suicide Prevention](https://lvmac.org/lets-really-talk-about-suicide-prevention/) - Some Simple Wisdom In the world of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the federal government's observances, this is Suicide Prevention Month. National Ice Cream month probably gets greater attention. Current efforts to reduce suicides in our nation have been abysmally poor considering the time and money spent. Although a problem does exist (and did - [Sign Up for Rodale's Veterans Farmers Training](https://lvmac.org/sign-up-for-rodales-veterans-farmers-training/) - Taking Applications Now! The Rodale Institute Veteran Farmer Training Program is once again taking applications for its innovative Veteran Farmer Training Program, an intensive, 35-week paid training opportunity for veterans who are interested in becoming organic farmers. Apply immediately, for slots may be limited for the 2025 cohort. If you have questions, please email Veterans@RodaleInstitute.org or - [A Second Try at Finding Commissioners-at-Large](https://lvmac.org/a-second-try-at-finding-commissioners-at-large/) - Apparently, the first effort to find two Commissioners-at-Large for the state’s most important legislatively-recognized advisory group on veterans matters — from those most affected — needs a second try. One wonders why this is so. Nevertheless, LVMAC is first and foremost concerned that the veterans of the Lehigh Valley are well served for their service. - [St. Michael's Warriors Explains Its Singular Service](https://lvmac.org/st-michaels-warriors-explains-its-singular-service/) - Turning Trauma into Triumph David and Danielle Alercia, two of the founding members of St. Michael's Warriors, a recent start-up nonprofit based in the Lehigh Valley, spoke to the LVMAC Council about the origins, mission and intended direction of this new organization. It was formed because of the problems associated with getting Lehigh Valley first - [LVCIL Reveals Its Assistive Technology Offerings](https://lvmac.org/lvcil-reveals-its-assistive-technology-offerings/) - Helping Disabled and Aging Veterans to Live a Better Life Fatima Nabavian, Coordinator of Community Accessibility and Related Programs, spoke to the council at its 17 July 2024 meeting in Hellertown about the assistive technology services LVCIL can provide to disabled citizens, among them our veterans -- both those significantly disabled by military service, work - [Federal Government Offers More Fraud and Scam Advice](https://lvmac.org/federal-government-offers-more-fraud-and-scam-advice/) - The surge of new VA benefits have made veterans, servicemembers and their families targets for bad actors, more and more. The result has been recent federal, intragovernmental efforts to provide better knowledge and tools to avoid fraud and scams because these bad actors who have become increasingly sophisticated. The most recent development, and probably the - [Time to End the Claims Sharking Mess](https://lvmac.org/time-to-end-the-claims-sharking-mess/) - Time to End the Claims Sharking Mess Unqualified organizations and individuals charging exorbitant and improper fees has been a problem amplified by the passage of the PACT Act in August 2022. The matter is now getting out of hand. See the PBS broadcast and transcript below for more about the “claims shark scandal.” One should - [Camp Lejeune Tort Claim Caps Established](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-camp-lejeune-tort-claim-caps-established/) - In our last blog article on Camp Lejeune tort claims, we were concerned about the lawyers' fees that might be involved. We just learned of some good news on this subject -- although slow in arriving. In late September, as a result of discussions between the Attorney General and Senator Sullivan of Alaska, the Justice - [Improve the Pennsylvania State Veterans' Commission -- Join It](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-improve-the-pennsylvania-state-veterans-commission-join-it/) - Veterans' Commission; https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx;; The Pennsylvania State Veterans' Commission has existed since 1923, with good reason ..., - [Guard and Reserve Spouses:  Do You Know About This "Minor" Health Care Change Coming?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-guard-and-reserve-spouses-do-you-know-about-this-minor-health-care-change-coming/) - Small Things Can Matter in the Worst of Times Buried within the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (PL 118-31) passed at the last moment and signed into law on 22 December 2024, is a provision in Section 702 called the “Extension Of Period Of Eligibility For Health Benefits Under Tricare Reserve Select For Survivors Of It is an important change for survivors using TRICARE Reserve Select - [Improve the Pennsylvania State Veterans' Commission](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-improve-the-pennsylvania-state-veterans-commission/) - Interested in Becoming a Commissioner At-Large? from Louisiana Dept. of VA If you are a military veteran and interested in serving on the distinguished Pennsylvania State Veterans' Commission, apply no later than July 12, 2024 using this link. There are two commissioner-at-large positions currently available, one of which must be filled by a female veteran - [Understanding PTSD and TBI Among Military Veterans Involved in Pennsylvania's Criminal Justice System](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-understanding-ptsd-and-tbi-among-military-veterans-involved-in-pennsylvanias-criminal-justice-system/) - Equal Justice for All Veterans Needed A decision to take action has emerged from our state senate which might be a game-changer for more than a few military veterans who encounter our commonwealth's criminal justice system. The unified judicial system has been hardly that when it comes to the administration of justice to veterans. The - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Adds Three More Cancers to the Presumptive List](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-adds-three-more-cancers-to-the-presumptive-list/) - Crescendo of Presumptive Conditions Continues Since the Passage of the PACT Act The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it is including three new cancer types in the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure under the PACT Act. Through a sub-regulatory policy letter published to the Federal Register - [A Memorial Day Speech Worth Remembering](https://lvmac.org/a-memorial-day-speech-worth-remembering/) - There are a some historically recognized speeches that get to the true purpose of Memorial Day -- the need for remembrance -- using the simple, powerful thoughts to reflect upon the duty incurred to the dead by those who survived or followed.. The speech below is one of them.. Please forgive the religious expression at - [LVMAC News: Why a Northampton Veterans Court is Needed](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-why-a-northampton-veterans-court-is-needed/) - What Good Will It Do? Judge Jennifer Sletvold of the Northampton Court of Common Pleas and Stephanie Spenser Stewart, Northampton County Problem Solving Court Coordinator, spoke to the council at its 17 April 2024 meeting in Hellertown about the creation of a Veterans Treatment Court, the first in of its kind in the Lehigh Valley - [LVMAC News: Veterans Brotherhood?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-veterans-brotherhood/) - What's That About? Mr. John Kukitz of the Veterans Brotherhood (standing in for its founder, Clyde Hoch), explained to the council at its 20 March 2024 meeting in Hellertown the purpose and accomplishments of his organization in immediate, on-the-ground helping of veterans to include those with housing problems and appearing before veterans treatment court. Its - [LVMAC News: Spreading Kindness and Helping Veterans through a Wish](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-spreading-kindness-and-helping-veterans-through-a-wish/) - Mr. Peter Stinson, Executive Director for the Twilight Wish Foundation, explained to the council at its 20 October 2023 meeting in Hellertown the origins and compassion of his organization for the low income elderly citizen -- its mission being to honor and enrich the lives of seniors …, its vision is to make the world - [LVMAC News: Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving Speaks Out](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-women-veterans-empowered-thriving-speaks-out/) - What are We, What are We Up To? Ms. Jennifer Pacanowski, Founder and Director of Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving, Inc. explained to the council at its 21 February 2024 meeting in Hellertown the purpose and new efforts of her organization primarily in the area of women veteran’s — and of late, male veteran’s — - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Community Town Hall Comes to the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-community-town-hall-comes-to-the-lehigh-valley/) - VA Healthcare Changes May Make It Worth Your While The event, scheduled for 5 p.m. on 22 May 2024 at the Allentown VA Clinic, will provide military veterans, family members and the public, feedback on VA operations and give them a chance to ask questions about recent expanded benefits through the PACT Act. Staff will - [VA Offers Financial Literacy "Wellness Wednesdays"](https://lvmac.org/va-offers-financial-literacy-wellness-wednesdays/) - In Partnership with Prudential Financial As a result of a partnership between the VA and Prudential Financial, the Office of Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED) is offering to military veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and their family members and caregivers, the opportunity to participate in a Wellness Wednesday Financial Educational series. The series addresses identified, financial - [Join the VA's Compassionate Contact Corps! The CCC of the Modern Era](https://lvmac.org/join-the-vas-compassionate-contact-corps-the-ccc-of-the-modern-era/) - Join the VA’s Compassionate Contact Corps! The CCC of the Modern Era Looking for a more personal way to help veterans: those in need of someone with whom to talk? A human voice sometimes has magical powers. A caring heart is a gift from God — something learned, not automatic. And on that note, the - [LVMAC Tidbit: Catalyst4 Starts Up a New Class](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-catalyst4-starts-up-a-new-class/) - Veterans! Are you or do you know someone having a hard time of it in finding employment for any of a number of reasons? Catalyst4 might just be the answer for you or that someone. But you will have to act fast. Note when the next class begins. Powered By EmbedPress - [LVMAC Tidbit: PACT Act Health Care Application Phasing Eliminated](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pact-act-healthcare-application-phasing-eliminated/) - The phasing of application for VA healthcare due to toxic exposures under the PACT Act has been suspended. Starting 5 March 2024, you can apply regardless of covered era or time period. Note that this is about healthcare and not compensation (which involves the filing of a disability claim). Consequently, we also advise that you - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Social Worker Help Wanted in the Lehigh Valley Homeless Community!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-social-worker-help-wanted-in-the-lehigh-valley-homeless-community/) - Want to make an impact on the lives of others in our Lehigh Valley community? To help those who once served us? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in dire need of caring social workers to work from its Allentown Outpatient Clinic. The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is looking for a worker for its - [LVMAC Tidbit: Brush Up for Veterans Returns](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-brush-up-for-veterans-returns/) - This year they are looking to paint up to five or six homes. Know a veteran who could use this sort of help? The application deadline is 15 March. See the flyer below for more details. Paul Muschick: Aging and disabled veterans can tap a new program to help them keep up their homes - [LVMAC Tidbit: This is Not a Scam -- You May Be Owed a VA Educational Refund](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-this-is-not-a-scam-you-may-be-owed-a-va-educational-refund/) - If you served during the Post-Vietnam Era, you may have made what was called Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) contributions while you were in service , the 401K of DoD's educational offerings at the time -- no Forever GI Bill for you. But you may of never used it or all of it. Finally, there - [LVMAC Tidbit: Uber Arrives in Our VA Healthcare Area](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-uber-arrives-in-our-va-healthcare-area/) - The VA has formally launched Uber Health Connect (VUHC) as a nationwide program -- after successful pilot testing -- to provide an additional option to those under VA healthcare to get them to their appointments. Its goals are to improve the military veterans' experiences, to reduce appointment cancellations and no-shows, and to ostensibly create savings - [LVMAC Tidbit: WWII Veterans Now Get VA Healthcare Free](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wwii-veterans-now-get-va-healthcare-free/) - The VA announced on 10 November that all World War II military veterans are now eligible for no-cost VA health care, medical services, and nursing home services regardless of their condition and previous status. There will be no copays, enrollment fees or monthly premiums. The veteran may also keep their private providers, Medicare, and most - [LVMAC Tidbit: Guard Your Health -- It is Open Season for Military Healthcare](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-guard-your-health-it-is-open-season-for-military-healthcare/) - EDITOR’S NOTE: As related at our November council meeting, it is open season for military healthcare insurance. As promised, we are relaying the contents of Tammy Cartagana’s message given there to you through our website. It is was not a direct sales pitch, but given in the interest of the local Lehigh Valley community of - [LVMAC Tidbit: Pennsylvania Veterans' Trust Fund Grants Being Offered](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pennsylvania-veterans-trust-fund-grants-being-offered/) - Despite the fact that Pennsylvania’s state government is not yet able to provide an “executable” budget appropriation on time, a situation which is hurting many social service agencies and nonprofits — to include veterans organizations which provide benefits services on behalf of the state — the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is offering grant - [LVMAC Tidbit: Vietnam Veterans! Want a Day at the Army's New Museum for Free?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-vietnam-veterans-want-a-day-at-the-armys-new-museum/) - 2023 Vietnam Veterans Honor Bus Trip to the National Museum of the U.S. Army October 28, 2023, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Vietnam Veterans are invited to join the Army Heritage Center Foundation on an all-expenses-paid Honor Bus trip to the National Museum of the United States Army (NMUSA) at Fort Belvoir, VA, on Saturday, - [LVMAC Tidbit: Another VA Healthcare Deadline Appears on the Horizon](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-another-va-healthcare-deadline-appears-on-the-horizon/) - The Next PACT Act Deadline: Health Care Enrollment for Pennsylvania Veterans who deployed to Combat Zones On 8 September 2023, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center released a press release stating, "Until 11:59pm local time on September 30, 2023, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty - [Forward Observer: Interested In a Newer Way to a Career in Information Technology?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-interested-in-a-newer-way-to-a-career-in-information-technology/) - Get There First'est for the Most'est Click on to enlarge NuPaths, an IT and tech workforce development training provider co-founded by Harrisburg University of Science and Technology ca. 2018, has received from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry a $199,988 grant for 2023 to train 24 veterans living in Pennsylvania for entry-level jobs for - [LVMAC Tidbit: Y Lawyers?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-y-lawyers/) - Late Breaking News: The Question is Answered It is good to see the YMCA returning closer to its original roots. It is now on a mission once again: to empower people to reach their full potential, to improve their well-being, to inspire actions which strengthen communities. One example of this is about to occur in - [LVMAC News: Unique Veteran Farmer Training Program Offered by Rodale](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-unique-veteran-farmer-training-program-offered-by-rodale/) - It bares repeating that a local organization, the Rodale Institute, offers a unique, organic farmer training program to veterans at no cost. Privately funded, paid internships are offered and student are assisted with finding housing. Opportunities like this are part of a broader movement to engage veterans to take up farming as a profession for - [LVMAC News: How "Support the Troops" Does It](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-how-support-the-troops-does-it/) - On 16 February, the Ferguson's "Support the Troops" nonprofit explained to the council what "Support the Troops" does and how it does it. This small nonprofit outperforms the Red Cross in our area on this task of providing care packages; and is a good demonstration of a small collective impact nonprofit, for businesses and others - [LVMAC Tidbit: Northampton County to Establish a Veterans Treatment Court in the Fall](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-northampton-county-to-establish-a-veterans-treatment-court-in-the-fall/) - Northampton County plans on starting a Veterans Treatment Court (also called veterans or veterans problem-solving courts in Pennsylvania) in the Fall of 2023. It is a type of diversion, specialty court that its Court of Common Pleas can offer, and it has been years in the making. Good on those who made it happen. People - [LVMAC Tidbit: They're at It Again -- an LVCF Grant Opportunity for Local Homeless Veterans Programs](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-theyre-at-it-again-an-lvcf-grant-opportunity-for-local-homeless-veterans-programs/) - This one is worth the bother to check out, if you are a local program, big or small, with a homeless veterans initiative. Only problem for you may be the suspense for application: April 20. Sooooo ... act fast! Note also that the funding source is from our state government as arranged by Lehigh County - [Clinician's Guide](https://lvmac.org/clinicians-guide/) - Clinicians’ GuideMenuMilitary Health HistoryHow to take oneHealth Risks by Service EraVA/DoD Clinical PracticesDBQ’s (Disability Benefits Questionnaires) Lookup Alternatives Index and Alternative Methods Afterword Bibliography Question Six Have you received medical care for this condition from any other provider, including military or VA? By asking this question, you may find out that the individual is under - [LVMAC Tidbit: DMVA Virtual Town Halls for 2022](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-dmva-virtual-town-halls-for-2022/) - The state's veterans affairs agency has just announced a series of virtual town halls, which may be on interest to you. - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Extends Deadline to Monday for Backdating PACT Act Benefits to August 10, 2022](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-extends-deadline-to-monday-for-backdating-pact-act-benefits-to-august-10-2022/) - Extension will ensure that no Veteran or survivor will miss out on a single day of backdated PACT Act benefits Today, VA announced that Veterans and survivors who apply (or submit their intent to file) for PACT Act benefits by 11:59PM ET on Monday, August 14, 2023 will be eligible to have their benefits backdated - [LVMAC News: Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living Talks About Its Renewed Effort for Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvcil-talks-about-what-it-can-do-for-veterans/) - Presented by Debbie Rozear, Supervisor of Core & Housing Services, and Al-Nisha McFadden, Veteran Community Support Coordinator, of the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) to the council at its 17 May 2023 meeting, LVCIL is one result of a movement (later known as the Independent Living Movement) in the 1960's and 70's to increase - [LVMAC News: Wilkes-Barre VA Wants A Suicide Prevention Coalition in the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-wilkes-barre-va-wants-a-suicide-prevention-coalition-in-the-lehigh-valley/) - Reed Walker, Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator (CEPC) from the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, explained to the council at its 19 July 2023 meeting that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is interested in creating a Suicide Prevention Coalition in the Lehigh Valley towards achieving its clinical healthcare priority: preventing veteran suicide. Currently, there are a - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VA Introduces New Cancer Screening Program](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-va-introduces-new-cancer-screening-program/) - Veterans have a higher rate of cancer than the general population due to toxic exposures, apparently. Therefore, when something comes along that expedites its detection, that is particularly newsworthy because it may save lives. Advances are slowly coming forth in the War on Cancer, first announced in the early 1970’s. One of them may be - [LVMAC News: Council Seeks a Communications Chair](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-council-seeks-a-communications-chair/) - The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council is seeking someone with moxie to take on the position of Communications Chairman. Inquire as instructed below. Powered By EmbedPress ### As of 4 April 2022 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans Day Events, Live and Virtual, for the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-day-events-live-and-virtual-for-the-lehigh-valley/) - National Virtual Events: click here. Morning Call List of Events: click here. Lehigh Valley Live List of Events by area: click here. ### As of 9 November 2021 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Come and git, y’all — Veterans Day Discounts](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-come-and-git-yall-veterans-day-discounts/) - We no longer have to go searching for this nowthat the VA has gotten into the act of helping through its partnership with RallyPoint. Click here for available meal and other discounts, generally on November 11 only — Veterans Day. It may be good for business, but many, like Mission BBQ, are also sincere in their appreciation of - [LVMAC Tidbit: Representative Wild Pins Hopes on Successful Town Hall](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-representative-wild-pins-hopes-on-successful-town-hall/) - Representative Susan Wild of the 7th Congressional District will hold a town hall for veterans on November 10 starting at 6 p.m. in the Macungie Veterans Association’s facility, located at 287 Lehigh Street, Macungie, Pennsylvania, 18062. The County Directors of Veterans Affairs from Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon counties will also be there to answer questions. In addition, she is seeking - [LVMAC News: Time to Salute the Troops Once Again](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-time-to-salute-the-troops-once-again/) - The pandemic has put a crimp in our style over the last two years. Among its victims has been our annual banquet to recognize and celebrate our local servicemembers for their service to our community and the nation. This year, we think it safe to resume the "Salute to the Troops" Dinner, an event which - [LVMAC Tidbit: PACT Act Healthcare Eligibility Update](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pact-act-healthcare-eligibility-update/) - The local chatter surrounding the Honor the PACT Act of 2022 in the Lehigh Valley tends to be about new presumptive conditions, compensation claims, and tort claims — but equally, if not more importantly for most, is the topic of access to healthcare through the VA healthcare system and when for those who served in - [LVMAC Tidbit: Second Harvest MilitaryShare Finally Comes to the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-second-harvest-militaryshare-finally-comes-to-the-lehigh-valley/) - After discussions between LVMAC and two of its member organizations, PANG Region Five's Soldier and Family Readiness Program staff and Battle Borne, with Community Action of the Lehigh Valley's Second Harvest Food Bank's new director, Allison Czapp, MilitaryShare has finally come to the Lehigh Valley. It will start in April 26. A quick summary of - [LVMAC Tidbit: Budraitus Foundation Offers a New Veterans Scholarship for 2023](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-budraitus-foundation-2023-scholarhip/) - The Andrew Budraitis Foundation, for the second year running, is offering two, special, $7500 scholarships -- one for a military veteran exclusively. Applications must be in by April 30, 2023. The ground rules for the military veteran applicant are: The military veteran will attend a two or four-year post-secondary institution in the Lehigh Valley. The - [Forward Observer: Gov. Shapiro Remembers Vietnam War Veterans Day](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-gov-shapiro-remembers-vietnam-war-veterans-day/) - See the proclamation below. Good on our new governor, but paragraph 5, in particular, does not even begin to tell the true story of what the Vietnam War era veterans have accomplished. That generation of servicemembers has done far more than just celebrate and honor others. It has acted in noble and far more worthwhile - [LVMAC Tidbit: Harris Jewelry Makes Amends with FTC Settlement](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-harris-jewelry-makes-amends-with-ftc-settlement/) - From the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: ALERT REGARDING HARRIS JEWELRY Harris Jewelry was well-known in military towns due to salespersons attracting servicemembers with teddy bears dressed in military uniforms, and also for sale of items like the Mom’s Medal of Honor. Due to a court settlement [with the Federal Trade Commission - [LVMAC News: Hope Center Talks About Outreach and Recovery Efforts in the Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-hope-recovery-center-talks-about-outreach-and-recovery-efforts-in-the-valley/) - Presented by Brian Sabo, Program Director for the Hope Center to the council at its 15 February 2023 meeting, Hope Center is one of three recovery centers operated by Treatment Trends, Inc. resulting from a Northampton County Department of Human Services effort to better address the substance abuse and mental issues crisis in our valley - [Forward Observer: Need a Little Help to Get By for the Moment?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-need-a-little-help-to-get-by-for-the-moment/) - Participants at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's Real Estate Outlook event on April 14 heard optimism over the continuing dream of a few to make us East Coast Warehouse Central. They also heard good news on the increased housing development which is needed to attract the younger workers needed for this valley to - [LVMAC News: DMVA Family Support Program Sells Its Wares to the Council](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-dmva-family-support-program-sells-its-wares-to-the-council/) - Presented by Tara Rose, Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist under contract to DMVA on 16 March 2022 at the council meeting. This a Department of Defense funded activity using the Pennsylvania National Guard to administer the program in the state, now using federally paid, GS employees. ### As of 16 March 2022 Updated 8 May - [LVMAC News: Everyone Loves a Parade (or Should)](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-everyone-loves-a-parade-or-should/) - After suffering the effect of two years of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) will resume its Bethlehem Memorial Day Parade, as asked by the City of Bethlehem many years ago. This event results from the combined efforts of the United Veterans of Bethlehem and this council. The parade starts at - [LVMAC Tidbit: Old Band of Allentown Musicians to Pay Tribute to Old Band of Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-old-band-of-allentown-musicians-to-pay-tribute-to-old-band-of-veterans/) - Amercia’s oldest concert band, the Allentown Band (which probably has not had a major hit since 1908) is performing at Allentown’s Symphony Hall on 21 November starting at 3 p.m. in tribute to our veterans, with emphasis on those of World War II and Korean Conflict era. The concert is free for all veterans. Details - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Medicine is Adding Poster Art to Brighten Your Day](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-medicine-is-adding-poster-art-to-brighten-your-day/) - Which Wall? ### As of 23 June 2022 - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Unlocks the Door on Veterans Suicide Prevention -- a Radically New Approach Taken](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-unlocks-the-door-on-veterans-suicide-prevention-a-radically-new-approach-taken/) - Any Veterans in Suicidal Crisis Can Go to Any Health Care Facility for Free Emergency Healthcare Taking a radically new approach to preventing suicide among veterans, starting January 17, any "veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost - [LVMAC Tidbit: Need a Lick of Paint? -- Chamber's Second Annual "Brush-Up Our Veterans"](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-need-a-lick-of-paint-chambers-second-annual-brush-up-our-veterans/) - [Forward Observer: Figuring Out the Camp Lejeune Tort Mess](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-figuring-out-the-camp-lejeune-tort-mess/) - It is still tough to figure the complete score concerning Camp Lejeune tort claims raised by the “Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022” provision (Section 804 of PL 117-168) in the Honor Our PACT past last August — especially the puzzle of how the VA will calculate a successful filing’s effect on a veteran’s current - [LVMAC News: Catalyst4 Enters the Fray to Help Military Veterans Obtain Employment and Stable Housing](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-catalyst4-enters-the-fray-to-help-military-veterans-obtain-employment-and-stable-housing/) - Presented by Diane Elliott, Founder and Executive Director for Catalyst4, to the council at its 18 January 2023 meeting, this new nonprofit is striving to help the general community, especially those who have had hard luck, obtain employment training and stable housing while providing additional, needed wraparound services. In so doing, it presents a unique - [LVMAC Tidbit: Our Homelessness Agencies Need Veterans to Help in a One Night Stand-To](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-our-homelessness-agencies-need-veterans-to-help-in-a-one-night-stand-to/) - We Need You! This is the last call for those veterans who have the ability and gumption to go out on a cold night and help with the Lehigh Valley’s 2023 Point in Time (PIT) Count, the single most important data gathering tool for helping to assess and allot homelessness funding from the federal government - [LVMAC Tidbit: Limited Time Offer -- Veterans Trust Fund Grants Available](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-limited-time-offer-veterans-trust-fund-grants-available/) - Click on image for active links For the application form, click here. ### As of 16 December 2022 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Colonial Penn Move Over, VA is Launching a New Life Insurance Policy](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-colonial-penn-move-over-va-is-launching-a-new-life-insurance-policy/) - On 1 January 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs will open enrollment for its new VALife life insurance policy — making life insurance available to more Veterans than ever before. According to the news release, this is the first new VA life insurance program for Veterans in more than 50 years and helps fill a - [LVMAC Tidbit: Retired VA Phone Number Putting Veterans at Risk](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-retired-va-phone-number-putting-veterans-at-risk/) - Oh, and By the Way, Know Your Shortcut Numbers Today, our VISN-4 Community Relations Office informed us with the message below that a retired VA phone number may put military veterans' information at risk: The Department of Veterans Affairs established 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) in 2020 to help Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors understand - [LVMAC News: The Red Cross in the Lehigh Valley -- Its Origin and Military Support Role](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-the-red-cross-in-the-lehigh-valley-its-origin-and-military-support-role/) - The presentation below was made by Peter Brown, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter on 16 November, as part of its Veterans Day observance. The Red Cross' presence in the valley dates back to 1917 when chapters were formed in Easton, Bethlehem, and Catasauqua in conjunction with our involvement in World - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans Day Deals](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-day-deals/) - And the list grows .... Click Here. - [LVMAC News: LVMAC Seeks a New Treasurer](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-lvmac-seeks-a-new-treasurer/) - The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council is seeking a person with some experience to take on the position of Treasurer. In particular, we ask our member organizations to look within to help us fill this vital position. A nominating committee process is used. Inquire as instructed below. Powered By EmbedPress ### As - [LVMAC Tidbit: Understanding the PACT Act a Bit Better](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-understanding-the-pact-act-a-bit-better/) - At the American Legion's National Convention on 31 August, Secretary of Veterans Affair McDonough announced that he will make all conditions outlined in the PACT Act, one of the biggest expansions of veteran benefits in history, presumptive from the date President Biden signed the bill into law (August 10). The initial plan was to phase-in - [Forward Observer: The Straight Poop on COVID Booster Shots (and Flu Shots)](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-the-straight-poop-on-covid-booster-shots-and-flu-shots/) - There has been recent confusion in the local veterans community over receiving COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. Part of it is due to the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center's (VAMC) recent cancellation of scheduled appointments for the recommended, regular booster. That occurred because a new, bivalent versions from Pfizer and Moderna suddenly became available. The Veterans Health - [LVMAC News: Vet 2 Vet Service Dogs Enters the Mental Health Battle](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-vet-2-vet-service-dogs-enters-the-mental-health-battle/) - Presented by Denise VanSickle, Head Trainer for Vet 2 Vet Service Dogs, Inc., on 21 September 2022 at its council meeting. The nonprofit is very new and a needed addition to the council's network of service organizations. It was created out of an personal observations on the need to work with mental health professionals in - [LVMAC Tidbit: Ritter School Resumes Veterans Day Interviews and Preparations](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ritter-school-resumes-veterans-day-interviews-and-preparations/) - Attention Veterans! Ritter Veteran Interview Day Dear Veteran: Click on to enlarge We are SO happy to say...we are back!! The fifth-grade classes at Ritter Elementary School are studying American History and important Americans. Veterans are important people in America, and our students want to learn more about the contributions veterans have made to our - [LVMAC Tidbit: Immediate Local VA Healthcare ... As Easy as 1, 2, 3?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-immediate-local-va-healthcare-as-easy-as-1-2-3/) - We have previously written about the VISN-4's Health Chat program, an improvement on the previous longstanding, "night nurse" scheme that has existed for eon's in the VA Healthcare system. What has not been written about is the investment our VISN-4 has made to get veterans to the "right care, right now" using the modern technologies - [Forward Observer: So, How Does the New "Honoring Our PACT" Act Affect You, Veterans and Survivors?](https://lvmac.org/how-does-the-honoring-our-pact-affect-you/) - After starting off as HR 3967, 3373 (Honoring our PACT) – and over a year’s worth of going back and forth, additions and deletions, combining of other proposed Acts, a quiet correction of a Senate procedural error, and a debate on the budget control dangers of converting discretionary funding to mandatory funding (the Sen. Toomey - [Forward Observer: "Honoring Our PACT" Finally on Its Way to President](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-senate-passes-s3373/) - Senate Reverses Itself Under Pressure Senator Schumer, Majority Leader of the Senate, with the help of other key senators, such as Tester and Moran, delivered on his goal in getting S. 3373 passed late Tuesday evening. It took the concerted actions of the true believers to get beyond the quibbles of others. Since no changes - [Forward Observer: Senate Rejects "Honoring Our PACT"](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-senate-rejects-honoring-our-pact/) - 24 Senators Turn Tail As reported July 17, we found the doings of the House strange when it sent the H.R. 3967 back to the Senate as S. 3373. Worse, on Wednesday, the Senate voted 55-42 ( U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 117th Congress - 2nd Session) -- short of the three-fifths vote - [LVMAC News: Council Seeks a Second Scholarship Committee Co-Chair](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-council-seeks-a-second-co-chair/) - After successfully finding one, new co-chair as part of our effort to ensure the continuance of this worthwhile program effort, which was LVMAC’s first program and resulted from deficiencies in the GI Bill at that time, the Council has decided to seek a replacement for the other half of the leadership. See below for a - [LVMAC Tidbit: Lehigh Valley Community Foundation Awards Three Veterans Grants for 2022](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-lehigh-valley-community-foundation-awards-three-veterans-grants-for-2022/) - Powered By EmbedPress ### As of 20 July 2022 - [Forward Observer: HR 3967 (Honoring Our PACT) Dies and Resurrects](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-hr-3967-honoring-our-pact-dies-and-resurrects/) - Strange Doings -- Reappears as S. 3373 Under a New Name Strange doings occurred in the House last week. The "Honoring Our PACT Act" (H.R. 3967) has undergone a metamorphosis behind the scenes since the Senate returned it to the House in mid-June. The bill reappeared in modified form as Senate Bill 3373. S. 3373 - [LVMAC Tidbit: CareerLink Wants to Hire You!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-careerlink-wants-to-hire-you/) - Two Key Veterans Positions Being Offered After diddling around for months and months, the Commonwealth's Human Resources system has finally gotten around to advertising for two key, vacant, federally funded, CareerLink Lehigh Valley positions which are important to the veterans community. A quick summary is provided below and where to get additional details and how - [LVMAC Tidbit: Crisis Line Adds a "900" Telephone Line](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-crisis-line-adds-a-900-telephone-line/) - The new, easy to remember number to reach the Veterans Crisis Line starts Saturday, July 16. Just dial 988 and press 1. Please help spread the word to all military veterans and their friends and families. The number is new, but the support is the same. Part of the National Crisis Line system, the - [Forward Observer: Knocking the AIR Out of an Idea](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-knocking-the-air-out-of-an-idea/) - It Seems a Thorough Review of the VA’s Proposal is not in the Cards? The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) presented in March, in response to a mandate found in the Mission Act of 2018, got the wind knocked out of it around Thursday of this week. A small but influential, - [Forward Observer: Does HR 3967 Really Have Legs?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-does-hr-3967-really-have-legs/) - Passage Now Delayed Until After July 11 Promises, promises? Too early to tell, but an anticipated vote last week in the House did not occur, and, paradoxically -- for it is a House action -- Senator Toomey of Pennsylvania has been pointed out as not helping to resolve the complication, whether rightly or wrongly. The - [Forward Observer: What is Happening to "Honoring our PACT" Legislation](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-what-is-happening-to-honoring-our-pact-legislation/) - HR 3967 has been the major veterans organizations' primary legislative focus for the current congressional legislative season, and with good reason, for it finally brings to conclusion a number of issues related to toxic exposures, among other items, that have long haunted veterans healthcare. Finally, passed by the Senate in mid-June, with amendment, after sitting - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Ups Its COVID Status](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-ups-its-covid-status/) - On 23 May, the Department of Veterans Affairs' Health Administration (VHA) notified the public about its three, new operational levels, called VHA COVID-19 Health Protection Levels, intended to provide a consistent, nationwide approach at its medical centers. It wants to ensure the safety of all using their facilities during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic -- which - [LVMAC News: Battle Borne Explains Why It Exists and What it Does](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-battle-borne-explains-why-it-exists-and-what-it-does/) - Presented by Chris Yarnell, President of Battle Borne on 18 May 2022 at the council meeting. It came about as a result of need, and is now an example of government-community partnership to a concrete purpose at the ground floor level. Recovery requires more than chatter; families have needs also; connecting veterans and their families - [LVMAC Tidbit: Vet Trust Fund 2021-2022 Notice ... Again](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-vet-trust-fund-2021-2022-notice-again/) - For some reason, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is offering the opportunity to apply for a Veterans Trust Fund state grant for a second time this year. The first period ended around 19 January, which is traditional. Again, not much time to react: applications must be in by 1 June at 2 - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Health Chat now available in the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-chatting-might-do-you-some-good/) - From a VISN 4 announcement in April: Do you have a question about a minor health issue but not sure if you need an appointment? Or do you need a prescription refilled? You can receive care from VA without stepping foot into a facility using VA Health Chat. VISN 4 (the VA Health Administration’s coordinating - [LVMAC Tidbit: Meet the Service Academies for a Rewarding Career](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-want-a-rewarding-career/) - A ZoomGov virtual seminar will be conducted on 21 May, starting at 10 a.m. It will explain the process for applying for and obtaining nominations from Congresswoman Wild to the service academies. The program will include remarks by the Congresswoman, presentations from representatives from the five service academies -- U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the - [LVMAC News: Are You the One?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-are-you-the-one/) - The Council is seeking a special individual who cares about others to help operate its Scholarship Program. It is a rewarding task, and not burdensome, either. Does require an organized mind and leadership skills because you are working in a volunteer team environment. Teachers, administrators, and retired military professionals have found it worthwhile endeavor, but - [LVMAC Tidbit: Lost a Job Due to the Pandemic?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-lost-a-job-due-to-the-pandemic/) - Are You Aware of the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP)? Probably not, but on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched VRRAP on March 11, 2021 for those military veterans who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating veterans can receive education and training for a broad array of high-demand occupations - [Forward Observer: Did Military Service Give You a Runny Nose?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-did-military-service-give-you-a-runny-nose/) - VA Begins Processing Disability Claims for Certain Conditions Related to Particulate Matter Have 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 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Town Hall for March](https://lvmac.org/wilkes-barre-va-medical-center-town-hall-for-march/) - Still reacting to pandemic fears, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre is hosting a Live Virtual Community Town Hall Meeting through Wilkes-Barre VA Facebook page on March 23, 2022 at 5 p.m. Veterans, family members and the public can provide online feedback utilizing the live chat feature during the broadcast. - [LVMAC Tidbit: There's a New Veterans Scholarship in Town](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-theres-a-new-veterans-scholarship-in-town/) - A new foundation, the Andrew Budraitis Foundation, recently established under the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, is offering two scholarships of $7,500, one of which is meant for a worthy military veteran. The deadline for application is April 30, 2022. The ground rules are: The scholarship will be awarded to a military veteran who plans to - [LVMAC News](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-4/) - Speaker: On 15 June, Paul Hoffecker, founder and CEO of Renovating Hope (www.renovatinghope.org), spoke to the Council on the topic of “Renovating Hope … Finding a Better Way” and of his organization’s ambitions. About three years ago he was asked to help a veteran in fixing his home. Shortly afterwards, ten more requests followed. From - [LVMAC News](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-2/) - Speaker: Dr. Margot O’Donnell, a Pyschiatrist with Philadelphia VA Medical Center’s Women’s Clinic spoke on women in the military. Overall, women now comprise 9-11% of the military service (in the Active Components it is 14%) and 90% of positions are available to them. There are also 250,000 female veterans nowadays and the number is growing - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre Medical Center Town Hall Tomorrow -- Face It!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-medical-center-town-hall-tomorrow-face-it/) - A bit short noticed, but they are now doing it on Facebook during the pandemic: Click on image to enlarge and for active links - [LVMAC Tidbit: Mall Problems for GWOT Memorial](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-mall-problems-for-gwot-memorial/) - Source: Stars and Stripes - [LVMAC News: Chair for Nursing Home Visiting Program Sought](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-chair-for-nursing-home-visiting-program-sought/) - Click on image to enlarge and use links Note: All reporting is done electronically. Basic computer skills are required. ### As of 2 August 2021 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Agent Orange: What You Need to Know](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-agent-orange-what-you-need-to-know/) - From a VHA Update: Join VA’s virtual class, Agent Orange: What You Need to Know, and learn about Agent Orange exposure, related health conditions, benefits, and information for Blue Water Navy Veterans. This free class takes place on Thursday, September 30, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. You can attend through your personal computer, - [LVMAC Forward Observer: Need to Talk to Someone Over the Afghanistan Situation?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-forward-observer-need-to-talk-to-someone-over-the-afghanistan-situation/) - With 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 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Iron Pigs Game -- Vets, Get Your Free Tickets](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-iron-pigs-game-vets-get-your-free-tickets/) - Click on image to enlarge and to use active links ### As of 20 July 2021 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VAMC Continues Virtual Town Halls](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-vamc-continues-virtual-town-halls/) - ### As of 28 June 2021 - [LVMAC News: Looking for a way to contribute your talent to the local veterans community? Are you a budget and finance professional?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-looking-for-a-way-to-contribute-your-talent-to-the-local-veterans-community-are-you-a-budget-and-finance-professional/) - Click on to enlarge LVMAC has played an important, but sometimes under-acknowledged role, in our military veterans community since 2003. As a result, the development of local veterans support activities over the years has been dramatic. Sometimes it just takes a little networking; at other times, spearhead activities. Although focused upon the Lehigh Valley's military, - [LVMAC Tidbit: Chamber Launches Home Painting Program -- "Brush-Up Our Veterans"](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-chamber-launches-home-painting-program-brush-up-our-veterans/) - Click on image for hyperlinked PDF file. - [LVMAC Tidbit: They're Still Looking for the Right Ones: State Veterans' Commission Seeks More Commissioners.](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-theyre-still-looking-for-the-right-ones-state-veterans-commission-seeks-more-commissioners/) - Click on to read The State Veterans' Commissions' Nominating Committee announced last week it wants more veterans to apply for three member-at-large positions on the commission, state government's only official veterans advisory body by statute. As reported previously, one position must be a woman veteran of any era. The other two are open to veterans - [LVMAC Tidbit: Lehigh County Seeks Applicants for the Position of Veterans Service Officer](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-lehigh-county-seeks-applicants-for-the-position-of-veterans-service-officer/) - Lehigh County must replace one of its full time veterans affairs employees immediately. If you have the interest, brains and heart to become an accredited veterans service officer -- one of the most sought-after qualifications in the complicated world of veterans affairs services -- for the purpose of both assisting veterans in Lehigh County in - [Forward Observer -- Nehmer Decision Comes to Any Vietnam Veteran Exposed to Herbicides](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-nehmer-decision-comes-to-any-vietnam-veteran-exposed-to-herbicides/) - VA to readjudicate past claims for possible herbicide exposure On 14 May, the VA formally announced that military veterans who were previously denied service connection for an herbicide related presumptive condition due to lack of in-country Vietnam service will have their claims automatically readjudicated by VA. "Readjudication means VA will review the evidence of record - [LVMAC Tidbit: The State Veterans' Commission Seeks More Commissioners. Apply now!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-the-state-veterans-commission-seeks-more-commissioners-apply-now/) - Click on to read Governor Tom Wolf announced last week that the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is seeking veterans to apply for three member-at-large positions on the State Veterans' Commission, state government's only official veterans advisory body by statute. For this iteration, one position must be a woman veteran of any - [LVMAC Tidbit: You Are Remembered](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-you-are-remembered/) - Little noted, Gold Star Spouse Day was observed on 5 April 2021, but you are not forgotten: https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/86857/gold-star-spouses-day/ For more information on how to proceed, your best bet is to see an accredited veterans service officer. ### As of 15 April 2021 - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Pushing Automated Travel Claims](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-pushing-automated-travel-claims/) - Brand-New Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) The Veterans Health Administration is urging those who seek travel reimbursement to use an automated, self-serve system through a newly released, six-part video series. See below. Hopefully they will not abuse those veterans who do not have access to the internet, something that is common in Pennsylvania, especially among - [LVMAC Tidbit: PA Dept. of Aging Seminar -- Elder Abuse](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pa-dept-of-aging-seminar-elder-abuse/) - This is not so much a veterans issue as one involving a segment of our citizenry, our elders. Elder abuse is prevalent in Pennsylvania apparently, or this seminar would not be occurring. Those who routinely deal with veterans in an official or working capacity should know who to contact if they think an elderly person - [Forwards Observer: New Law Expands Vaccine Access for Veterans and Families](https://lvmac.org/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 There 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 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VAMC opens the gates on COVID-19 vaccinations](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-vamc-opens-the-gates-on-covid-19-vaccinations/) - Good news! If you are enrolled in the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Centers' healthcare system, your age or condition no longer matter for getting the COVID-19 Vaccination. Those not enrolled with the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center's healthcare system will have to do so. Read the "Background" of the advisory below. Inquire regardless. Click on the image - [LVMAC Tidbit: Pottstown Mini-Stand Down](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pottstown-mini-stand-down/) - Important as ever in these harsh times: - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA works to prevent evictions and foreclosures](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-works-to-prevent-evictions-and-foreclosures/) - WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will extend the existing moratorium on evictions and foreclosures, as well as extend VA loan forbearance requests, to June 30, because of COVID-19. The current moratorium extensions for evictions and foreclosures were set to end March 31. It is the result of the President's January 22 Executive - [LVMAC Tidbit: Have patience with Wilkes-Barre VAMC's COVID-19 phone system](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-have-patience-with-wilkes-barre-vamcs-covid-19-phone-system/) - Wilkes-Barre VAMC's phone system can not meet the demand. Therefore, its director has extended calling hours to 8:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, using the 570-830-7076 phone number. This is no time for frustration, but instead patience. Unless you live in a cave, you know the system is overwhelmed. https://www.facebook.com/VAWilkesBarre/videos/463208564863480 ### As of 9 February 2021 - [LVMAC News: "Salute to Troops" Banquet postponed to next year](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-salute-to-troops-banquet-postponed-to-next-year/) - The Board of LVMAC has met and decided to cancel this year's "Salute to the Troops" annual banquet scheduled for early May. As you might guess, the current pandemic and the health safety instructions required have both affected making it a worthwhile event. We expect to now hold the event on 6 May 2022 at - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VAMC Changes Its COVID-19 Guidance -- What a Difference Three Days Make](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-vamc-changes-its-covid-19-guidance-what-a-difference-three-days-make/) - Today, just after publishing over the weekend the Wilkes-Barre VAMC's 5 February call-out to those veterans 75 or older, Wilkes-Barre VAMC again changed its policy. Now you can be 65 or older and can get the vaccine at your local clinic. What is next? We have heard that some VA Medical Centers are enrolling veterans - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VAMC "Don't Call Policy" Ends for COVID-19](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-vamc-dont-call-policy-ends-for-covid-19/) - Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center has just announced it is issuing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to those 75 and older under the conditions below. No doubt because of special storage requirements, the vaccine will only be issued at the Medical Center itself and not from closer outpatient clinics -- not exactly the best option for a - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VAMC Newsletter](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-vamc-newsletter/) - Click on image to read complete issue. ### As of 20 January 2021 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Congress offers Goldstar Family Fellowship in the local area](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-congress-offers-goldstar-family-fellowship-in-the-local-area/) - In a very real sense, the first qualification for this program is tragic, but the origin of the thinking behind House Resolution 107 of the 116th Congress (2019-2020) is well-meant. "When our servicemembers make the ultimate sacrifice, there is no award, no amount of money or no program that can ever make their lives whole - [Forward Observer: 2020-2021 Veterans Trust Fund Applications Sought](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-2020-2021-veterans-trust-fund-applications-sought/) - We are catching this announcement late. Thought you might want to know. Apparently the announcement went out 16 December 2020. Suspense is 27 January at 2 p.m. for odd reason. Click on the picture to download a complete PDF file with all the necessary details. Funding comes from the donations of citizens and businesses concerned - [LVMAC News: LVMAC Seeks a Budget and Finance Chairman](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-lvmac-seeks-a-budget-and-finance-chairman/) - Click on to enlarge We are looking for a very special individual who is dedicated to serving veterans and their families in the Lehigh and Northampton counties area. This person organizes some vital, behind-the-scenes work that helps us take our words into actions. Want to make a real difference in the veterans affairs scene? This - [LVMAC Tidbit: Walnut Veterans Memorial has been completed](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-walnut-veterans-memorial-has-been-completed/) - Walnutport Veterans Memorial has been completed. Well done. Click here for more information: Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council on Thursday, November 19, 2020 - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Asks for COVID-19 Volunteers](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-asks-for-covid-19-volunteers/) - As part of fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is recruiting volunteers for COVID-19 clinical trials on treatments and vaccines at select VA facilities across the country. Anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer: Veterans, family members and friends. To learn more and to sign up online at www.va.gov/coronavirus-research. You’ll be - [LVMAC Tidbit: PA-wide Town Hall with Under-Secretary for VA Benefits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pa-wide-town-hall-with-under-secretary-for-va-benefits/) - https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/tele-townhall-live-in-pennsylvania-with-under-secretary-for-benefits-1/ Posted by Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council on Saturday, November 14, 2020 - [Forward Observer: Pandemic Resume Service for Veterans](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-pandemic-resume-service-for-veterans/) - It is good to see the community step forward to offer help to our veterans in honest ways. The Bethlehem Area Public Library is doing just that through offering to us their resume service. One of these days someone will note that the problem is not only the resume of the individual, but frequently how - [LVMAC Tidbit: A Virtual Veterans Day Celebration of Note](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-virtual-veterans-day-celebration-of-note/) - ### As of 11 November 2020 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans Day Activities in the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-day-activities-in-the-lehigh-valley/) - Despite the pandemic, the "march" goes on in some creative ways. Go to LVMAC Special Events and the Morning Call site. ### As of 8 November 2020 - [LVMAC News: Join the Ruck'us](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-join-the-ruckus/) - Here is a meaningful way to celebrate our veterans, the Academics for Veterans' 5K Virtual Ruck and Walk Challenge which has just started. Sign up. It is not too late. ### As of 9 November 2020 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans' Relaxation Day CANCELLED](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-relaxation-day-cancelled/) - SORRY, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED! - [LVMAC News: A Very Special Event, A's for Vets Virtual Run 'n Walk](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-a-very-special-event-as-for-vets-virtual-run-n-walk/) - Click on to enlarge Academics for Veterans (A's for Vets), an alliance formed by the LVMAC, consisting of Institutions of Higher Learning in the Greater Lehigh Valley endeavoring to better assist veterans seeking education and support, is conducting a Virtual 5K Ruck 'n Walk Challenge. The event will take place during Veterans Appreciation Week from - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans' Relaxation Day](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-relaxation-day/) - [LVMAC Tidbit: Chamber stages Employer Seminars to encourage Veteran hiring](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-chamber-stages-employer-seminars-to-encourage-veteran-hiring/) - The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Workforce Board LV/PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley will be conducting a couple of teleconference seminars using Zoom around the Veterans Day period to both celebrate veterans and to encourage businesses to seek them out for employment: Click to enlarge Part 1: HIRING OUR VETERANS – - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Virtualizes Its Community Town Hall](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-va-medical-center-virtualizes-its-community-town-hall/) - What: The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre is hosting a Live Virtual Community Town Hall Meeting through Wilkes-Barre VA Facebook page. Veterans, family members and the public can provide online feedback utilizing the live chat feature during the broadcast. Who: Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Director Russell E. Lloyd will host the meeting. All - [LVMAC Tidbit: Do you know about Lehigh Valley Team RWB?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-do-you-know-about-lehigh-valley-team-rwb/) - Photo by Christine Fennessy for Runner's World Returning from military service? Consider joining the Lehigh Valley Chapter of Team Red, White and Blue (RWB). Every year, about 200,000 active duty service members transition out of the military -- of which approximately 8,000 move or return to Pennsylvania -- joining the 3.4 million post-9/11 veterans - [Forward Observer: Want to hire Veterans? Consider Registered Apprenticeships](https://lvmac.org/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 - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA's "Bangor Clinic" Reopens](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-vas-bangor-clinic-reopens/) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre announced today the re-opening of our Tobyhanna and Northampton (Bangor, PA) Community Based Outpatient Clinics at a 50% face-to-face pre-COVID capacity, effective 28 September. All services remain available, and veterans who need to be seen will be scheduled for care. Patients who have upcoming clinic appointments - [LVMAC Tidbit: Northampton County's low-income veterans can apply for free Internet vouchers](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-northampton-countys-low-income-veterans-can-apply-for-free-internet-vouchers/) - Low-income veterans and seniors living in Northampton County who meet HUD income guidelines are eligible to apply for free basic internet services starting 28 September. It is one result of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding being provided to the county and a county decision. For more detail and whom to contact: - [LVMAC Tidbit: Chamber seeks Businesses for Veterans Survey](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-chamber-seeks-businesses-for-veterans-survey/) - The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, working with the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council and others, has created a Veterans and Military Affairs Council focused upon employment; e.g., helping local businesses to find returning military veterans, for they are known to have the makings for being reliable, first-rate employees. The chamber has been conducting - [LVMAC Tidbit: Comp and Pension Exams Resume](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-comp-and-pension-exams-resume/) - All C&P Exam Locations Now Open For those in the process of settling a claim submission, some good news. Not everything is resolvable via telecommunications, the use of which is reportedly up a thousand percent. The Veterans Benefits Administration's operations must have been severely affected, therefore. The VA has partnered with specialized contract examiners to - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wolf Announces Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Awards for 2020](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wolf-announces-veterans-trust-fund-grant-awards-for-2020/) - Governor Tom Wolf announced today that 10 Pennsylvania county Veterans Affairs Offices will receive a total of $150,000 in grants, and 18 charitable or and veteran service organizations will receive $650,000 in grants from the Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF). The fund is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). For more - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Offers Some Debt Relief When Natural Disasters Occur](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-offers-some-debt-relief-when-natural-disasters-occur/) - The VA announced this week its commitment to extend debt relief to veterans impacted by natural disasters. The department recognizes veterans and their beneficiaries are negatively impacted by the wildfires and hurricanes prompting the offering of financial-debt relief. This includes the suspension of debt-collection actions for up to 90 days or extending repayment terms on - [LVMAC Tidbit: Don't forget about the State Veterans' Commission. Apply now!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-dont-forget-about-the-state-veterans-commission-apply-now/) - As previously reported, Governor Tom Wolf announced just over a week ago that the commonwealth is seeking veterans to apply for two commissioner-at-large positions on the State Veterans' Commission, state government's only officially sanctioned, veterans' advisory body. One position, this time, must be a Vietnam-era veteran. The other is open to veterans of any era. - [LVMAC Tidbit: Pennsylvania's VA Healthcare Network Reports Out](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pennsylvanias-va-healthcare-network-reports-out/) - In the latest issue of Vision for Excellence, VISN-4 highlights the work of its front-line staff in caring for veterans and keeping them safe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also highlights several winners of our quarterly "I CARE" Awards and reports on how VISN 4 is improving access to care. Pages 7 and - [LVMAC Tidbit: Want to Legislate?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-want-to-legislate/) - Apply today for the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship Program and advocate for veterans alongside the VFW on Capitol Hill during our annual VFW Legislative Conference. Generally, ten fellowship positions are open. Do you think you can make the legislative system better, but know you must understand it better to do so? This adventure may help you, - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Promoting "Gerofit"](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-promoting-gerofit/) - Apparently, the VA has launched a new initiative called, "Gerofit", for its elderly veterans -- a sizeable portion of the population it serves. Accordingly, this effort may be of some value to you in improving the quality of your life -- something practicable in subject area of preventive healthcare and akin to the idea - [LVMAC Tidbit: The State Veterans' Commission seeks applicants. Apply now!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-the-state-veterans-commission-seeks-applicants-apply-now/) - Governor Tom Wolf announced today that the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is seeking veterans to apply for two member-at-large positions on the State Veterans' Commission, state government's only official veterans advisory body by statute. For this iteration, one position must be a Vietnam-era veteran. The other is open to veterans of - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Caregiving Assistance is finally going to expand](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-caregiving-assistance-is-finally-going-to-expand/) - Long overdue, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), formerly reserved to only those who served during the "Global War on Terror" for improper reason, will expand sometime in October, with a launch date to be announced in mid-September. PCAFC expansion will open up the program to eligible WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans. - [LVMAC Tidbit: New ID cards being issued for military family members, retirees.](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-id-cards-being-issued-for-military-family-members-retirees/) - No identity chips to be implanted, yet WASHINGTON -- The Department of Defense began issuing Next Generation Uniformed Services Identification Cards July 31, the first time since 1993 that changes to the card have been made.The complete transition to the new ID card, is targeted for January 2026, said Michael Sorrento, director of the Defense - [LVMAC Tidbit: Pennsylvania VFW announces its annual Women Veterans Retreat -- Sign up now!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-vfw-announces-its-annual-women-veterans-retreat-sign-up-now/) - Click on to enlarge Register now for the 2021 Women Veterans Retreat set for March 26-28. Open to all women veterans. It will be held at the Ramada Conference Center, 1450 Atherton St., State College, PA 16801. For details, click on the thumbnail flyer to the right. ### As of 26 August 2020 - [LVMAC Tidbit: NCC provides free truck driver training to veterans and their families](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ncc-provides-free-truck-driver-training-to-veterans-and-their-families/) - U.S Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) helps NCC provide free Class A CDL training programs to veterans and their families. Click on to enlarge This August, Northampton Community College (NCC) received a $163,200 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to provide free Class A - [Forward Observer: Some Useful Re-employment Resources](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-some-useful-re-employment-resources/) - The piece of information below found on a 4 June Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce "email'er" is probably worth more mention than most as our valley's community begins the long journey of returning to normal. Considering the importance of employment to job hunters, furloughed employees and employers, it good to see when someone - [VA closes Northampton County outpatient clinic over workload caused by the pandemic](https://lvmac.org/va-closes-northampton-county-outpatient-clinic-over-workload-caused-by-the-pandemic/) - The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center has announced it will be temporarily closing the Northampton County Clinic in the vicinity of Bangor as of 4:30 p.m. today. It was a short notice notification. Those seeking seeking in-person care will have to travel to the Allentown Outpatient Clinic or Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, both over 45 minutes - [LVMAC Tidbit: PA Music Society to Conduct a Virtual Memorial Day Celebration](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pa-music-society-to-conduct-a-virtual-memorial-day-celebration/) - As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic causing cancellation of its original live event plans, the Pennsylvania Music Society (PAMPS) is partnering with WFMZ-TV 69, the Lehigh and Northampton County Executives, and the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) to sponsor a special community-wide live streaming event on Memorial Day 2020 centered around the nationwide - [LVMAC Tidbit: COVID-19 Affects Property Tax/Rent Rebates in a Good Way](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-covid-19-affects-property-tax-rent-rebates-in-a-good-way/) - Gov. Wolf, Treasurer Torsella Announce Property Tax/Rent Rebates Arriving Early to Help Seniors, Others During COVID-19 Pandemic Governor Tom Wolf and Treasurer Joe Torsella today announced that many older homeowners, renters and people with disabilities will receive early rebates through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. It is something worthwhile for veterans or their widows/widowers who - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VA Med Ctr announces "virtual" town hall](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-va-med-ctr-announces-virtual-town-hall/) - Click on image for pdf file and to direct link to the event. ### As of 19 May 2020 - [LVMAC Tidbit:  Veterans may need to act by May 5 for Economic Impact Payments](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-may-need-to-act-by-may-5-for-economic-impact-payments/) - Special alert for those who don’t file a tax return and have dependents under the age of 17 years. On 24 April, the Internal Revenue Service issued a special alert for Supplemental Security Income and Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries to act by May 5 if they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or - [LVMAC Tidbit:  CSOR Veteran Survey May Improve Occupational Licensing in Pennsylvania](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-csor-veteran-survey-may-improve-occupational-licensing-in-pennsylvania/) - The Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation is conducting a project with the U.S. Department of Labor which is studying the effects occupational licensing has on military veterans and military spouses. If affected, participate now. The survey is set to end December 2020. [Editor's Note: The survey may be extended as a result of - [LVMAC Tidbit: How to React to the Coronavirus Issue](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-how-to-react-to-the-coronavirus-issue/) - One of the more clear-headed websites on what to do in reaction to the coronavirus (COVID-19) issue is found here. Nothing fancy; no shtick; a good resource. Applies no matter your health provider in the main. ### As of 20 March 2020 - [LVMAC Tidbit: New Procedures at VA Cemeteries Due to Cornavirus](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-procedures-at-va-cemeteries-due-to-cornavirus/) - It was to be expected, but now it is official: As of 20 March, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' National Cemetery Administration (NCA) will only conduct committal services for groups of 10 or fewer people. But as of 23 March, committal services (including honors) will not be conducted until further notice. Both of these - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VAMC Cancels March Town Halls](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-vamc-cancels-march-town-halls/) - CANCELLED! Upcoming Community Town Halls At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, we strive to provide our Veterans with effective healthcare in a safe and effective manner. Although, to date, there have been only (6) positive cases of the Covid-19 identified across Pennsylvania, and NO positive cases at the Wilkes-Barre - [Forward Observer: Mental Health First Aid Course Returns to the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-mental-health-first-aid-course-returns-to-the-lehigh-valley/) - From the Lehigh County Director of Veterans Affairs: "See attached flyer [click on the image to the right] for the upcoming Mental Health First Aid training on April 6. You can register using the attached or visit the website listed on the flyer. There is no cost for the training ... Click on to enlarge - [LVMAC Tidbit: Embrace the Suck. About Face!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-about-face/) - Treatment can turn your life around. As others. Find out the latest treatment products and expert advice. Go to PTSD Treatment Works. As Thomas Hall, chairman of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.'s PTSD and Substance Abuse Committee recently wrote in The VVA Veteran, one must work hard to manage the symptoms of PTSD., but - [Forward Observer: Another Plug for Helping the Census Bureau](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-another-plug-for-helping-the-census-bureau/) - We 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 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Suffering from Military Sexual Trauma?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-suffering-from-military-sexual-trauma/) - Lehigh Valley Health Network Wishes to Help The Veteran Health Program of Lehigh Valley Hospital Network (LVHN) has been conducting focus groups with women veterans and service members who experienced military sexual trauma (MST). The intent of these focus groups is to learn how MST has affected their healthcare. On 10 February beginning at 5:30 - [LVMAC Tidbit:  Up for Telegenic Urgent Care?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-up-for-telegenic-urgent-care/) - Tele Urgent Care is now available in VISN 4, which means our Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Healthcare Network is providing it. Veterans can now obtain care with the ease of a video chat. VISN 4 Tele Urgent Care uses VA Video Connect to conduct appointments privately and securely in a virtual medical room from anywhere - [LVMAC Tidbit: Op Homefront Changes Lives](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-op-homefront-changes-lives/) - One of the more worthwhile national, military support organizations to have arrived on the scene since the second Gulf War is Operation Homefront. It focuses on those still serving and also those just discharging. While it cannot replace the value of certain, long-established, chartered veterans service organizations and their grassroots support activities (one would be - [LVMAC Tidbit: Shout-out for Participants for MST Focus Group](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-shout-out-for-participants-for-mst-focus-group/) - Click on image to enlarge ### As of 24 January 2018 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Census Bureau Offers Temporary Employment](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-census-bureau-offers-temporary-employment/) - ### As of 19 January 2020 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Free Credentialing Program Available to Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-free-credentialing-program-available-to-veterans/) - Want to get a foot in the door in the industrial field without a degree and relatively quickly? Want to fine tune what you offer to a prospective employer? Desire to work for the likes of Lutron, B. Braun, Crayola, SussexWire, Victaulic, Tesla, REEB, etc.? As you might know, LVMAC has been interested in - [LVMAC News: Businesses! We Need Your Help and Thinking](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-businesses-we-need-your-help-and-thinking/) - The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, working with the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council and others, intends to create a formal Veterans and Military Affairs Council. More immediately, it is in the process of making a baseline assessment of those chamber of commerce initiatives most needed. It realizes it must get beyond anecdotal experiences - [LVMAC Tidbit: Battle Borne Launches Vet Peer Group](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-battle-borne-launches-vet-peer-group/) - https://www.facebook.com/lvmac/posts/2430327083739839 ### As of 18 December 2019 - [Forward Observer: Bethany UM Adds to Its Military Veteran Family Support Services](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-bethany-um-adds-to-its-military-veteran-family-support-services/) - As 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 - [Forward Observer: Something for Other Veterans Organizations to Consider for Their Own Well-Being?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-something-for-other-veterans-organizations-to-consider-for-their-own-well-being/) - Momentum for PA VFW’s No Smoking Indoors Campaign Continues to March On There has been loads of talk these days about improving the well-being of military veterans and their families. But without the well-being of chartered veterans organizations such as the VFW, The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America and others - [LVMAC Tidbit: Updated Eligibility Requirements for Blue Water Navy Claims](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-updated-eligibility-requirements-for-blue-water-navy-claims/) - "The Department of Veterans Affairs will soon mail letters to Blue Water Navy veterans and survivors who were previously denied benefits. The letters provide updated eligibility requirements approved in the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, the paperwork required of a veteran or survivor, and available resources to assist in the claims process. - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans' Trust Fund Notification of Funding Availability for 2020 Just Announced](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-trust-fund-notification-of-funding-availability-for-2020-just-announced/) - We just received word that the period for submitting a grant application to the Veterans' Trust Fund this from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. A Governor's press release is undoubtedly forthcoming, but considering the short deadline, looking at the deadline, we decided not to wait and are spreading the word now. Please help - [LVMAC Tidbit: Guess Who Is Coming to the Vet Job and Ed Fair? Are You?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-guess-who-is-coming-to-the-vet-job-fair-are-you/) - Click to enlarge. On November 6, CareerLink Lehigh Valley is again sponsoring a veterans employment and education fair, as it has done annually for a few years now. It is primarily arranged by its employees who themselves are veterans and are keen in helping you find employment. They thought you might be interested in knowing - [LVMAC Tidbit: Chess, "the Fairy Tale of 1001 Blunders", Finds a Purpose](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-chess-the-fairy-tale-of-1001-blunders-finds-a-purpose/) - According to some, there is a growing body of empirical evidence that chess can help ease the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) -- helping with both cognitive functioning and mental health. In some parts of the country, chess clubs have actively worked with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - [LVMAC Tidbit: Easton Area Announces Warming Shelters for 2019-2020](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-easton-area-announces-warming-shelters-for-2019-2020/) - Click on to enlarge. Since it affects homeless veterans during the cold season, we thought you might want to know that two nonprofits, Safe Harbor Easton and and Greater Shiloh Church are resuming their warming shelter operations beginning 1 December. For details click on the thumbnail to the right. Now we await the Bethlehem and - [LVMAC Tidbit:  Allentown Plans a Veterans Appreciation Month](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-allentown-plans-a-veterans-appreciation-month/) - The City of Allentown is sponsoring a new veterans' event during Veterans Day period. The intention is to make it an annual event. The city envisions a month-long initiative to honor the city's veterans, kicking off this year on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at 7th & Hamilton Streets in the heart of Downtown Allentown. That - [LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre Holds First VA Healthcare Enrollment Fair in Allentown](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-holds-first-va-healthcare-enrollment-fair-in-allentown/) - Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to Host VA Enrollment Fair in Allentown VA Enrollment Fair, Thursday, October 24th from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Allentown Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 3110 Hamilton Blvd. Allentown, PA 18103. A Veteran’s eligibility for health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is based on a variety of - [LVMAC Tidbit: Operation Homefront Offers Military Child Scholarships for 2020](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-operation-homefront-offers-military-child-scholarships-for-2020/) - ### As of 27 September 2019 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Victory House Requests A Minute of Your Time!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-victory-house-requests-a-minute-of-your-time/) - From the Executive Director of Victory House of Lehigh Valley: We are excited and honored to be one of ten non-profit organizations chosen by Wind Creek for a chance to win $25,000! Please help us celebrate along with Wind Creek in their grand opening festivities. It does not cost you anything but a minute of - [Forward Observer: Bethany Church Launches Effort to Address PTSD and Trauma](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-bethany-church-launches-effort-to-address-ptsd-and-trauma/) - It is in the formative stage, but the Bethany Church located in the Macungie area, will be hosting two workshops to promote a better understanding PTSD -- with the intention of starting a peer-to-peer support group afterwards, if successful. Led by Scotty Coyle, Pastor of Discipleship and also a current war, combat veteran, the approach - [LVMAC Tidbit: Local, WWII Veteran Recognized In Washington, DC](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-local-wwii-veteran-recognized-in-washington-dc/) - ### As of 19 September 2019 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Women Vets' Transitional Health Training](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-women-vets-transitional-health-training/) - Click on image ### As of 12 September 2019 - [LVMAC News: An LVMAC Founder Passes On](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-an-lvmac-founder-passes-on/) - Major Nathan Kline, USAF-Ret. - [LVMAC Tidbit: Have You Considered Our Counties' Departments of Human Services as a Useful Resource for Veterans?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-have-you-considered-our-counties-departments-of-human-services-as-a-useful-resource-for-veterans/) - Regarding veterans benefits and services in this valley,we most often think of those provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). The smattering of state veterans benefits are hardly given a thought. Admittedly, for the average veteran they are nonexistent. However, veterans and their families sometimes forget that - [Forward Observer: Vet Center Counseling Now Available During Training or Drill Weekends for the Guard-- BUT NOT SO MUCH IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-vet-center-counseling-now-available-during-training-or-drill-weekends-for-the-guard-but-not-so-much-in-the-lehigh-valley/) - On 27 August the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it had formalized a partnership with the Department of Defense formalized a partnership on 28 June between VA’s Vet Centers and the National Guard Bureau, to provide Vet Center counseling, outreach staff and other services to members during training or drill weekends to decrease - [LVMAC Tidbit: Free Peer-to-Peer Recovery Training Opportunity](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-free-peer-to-peer-recovery-training-opportunity/) - Hello LVMAC friends, I want to share news about a training we are helping to coordinate – specifically for those working with veterans who are suffering with substance use disorders. Treatment Trends is collaborating with Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A) to offer a Special Training Opportunity: On Friday, November 1, 2019, “Serving Those who SERVED” - [LVMAC Tidbit: New VA Veteran and Caregiver "Combined" App](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-va-veteran-and-caregiver-combined-app/) - App combines telehealth tools for faster service By now everyone should know that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in love with telehealth; moreover, telehealth apps. One end result is a multiplicity of them. On 13 August, the VA announced it had recently launched a new mobile application to save veterans and caregivers - [Forward Observer: Law Suit Filed Over Delay in Blue Water Navy Claims Processing](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-law-suit-filed-over-delay-in-blue-water-navy-claims-processing/) - On 22 July, the Military-Veterans Advocacy, a nonprofit legal organization which had a major role in overturning the VA's decision not to process Blue Water Navy veterans' Agent Orange claims through a remarkable legal action (Procopio vs. Wilkie), is now asking a federal judge to rescind a stay on Blue Water Navy claims processing imposed - [LVMAC Tidbit: 9/11 Heroes Run - Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-9-11-heroes-run-lehigh-valley-pa/) - Each year on or near September 11, local volunteers who have asked themselves “If Not Me, Then Who…” organize 9/11 Heroes Runs on behalf of the Travis Manion Foundation, a nearby local organization and an associate member, in more than 50 cities around the world. The 9/11 Heroes Run unites communities -- veteran, first responder,, - [Forward Observer: VA Ordered into Delayed Action on ‘Blue Water Navy’ Veterans](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-va-ordered-into-delayed-action-on-blue-water-navy-veterans/) - As a result of Public Law 116-23, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 signed into law on 25 June, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) -- having finally acknowledged its responsibility to attend to Blue Water Navy as a result of a recent court decision -- has been given a short reprieve - [LVMAC Tidbit: Bethany United Methodist Is Doing a Very Special Veterans Project](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-bethany-united-methodist-is-doing-a-very-special-veterans-project/) - Bethany United Methodist Church, a member organization, after a fundraising effort, is about conduct a special, community build to improve the quality of life for "Bud" (a 101st Airborne Division, Purple Heart survivor of the Battle of Hamburger Hill) and his wife (a double amputee). This family was featured at both the Ride for Freedom - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Announces Final Community Care Regulations](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-announces-final-community-care-regulations/) - On 5 June 2019, the VA finally announced the new rules of the game for three vital services under the MISSION Act of 2018: The VA has published the final regulation for the Veterans Community Care Program governing how eligible veterans are to receive necessary hospital care, medical services, and extended care services - [LVMAC Tidbit: Park Service Offers Free Lifetime Access Passes to Disabled Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-park-service-offers-free-lifetime-access-passes-to-disabled-veterans/) - Veterans with a service-connected disability rating can enter federal parks for free with a Lifetime National Parks Access Pass, which is not not hard to get. Those with a disability rating of 10 per cent or higher are eligible. Good for entry into over 400 national parks and 2,000 recreation sites across the country, the - [LVMAC Tidbit: Women Veterans' Healthcare](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-women-veterans-healthcare/) - Click on to enlarge The above, recent flyer from Lebanon VA Medical Center provides us the opportunity to remind our local women veterans that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has improved its women's health program substantially over the last few years. It is not a perfect system, but it is an improved one. The - [LVMAC Tidbit: A Tribute to the Vietnam War Veteran](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-tribute-to-the-vietnam-war-veteran/) - One of the best tributes to the real Vietnam War veteran, to include those of other nations who fought beside them, we have seen. It is about who they really were, what they did, and how they have and continue to sacrifice for our benefit: https://youtu.be/aVeBtnfAxP8 And think of it, ten percent of their generation - [Forward Observer: How Good is the VA Healthcare System?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-how-good-is-the-va-healthcare-system/) - These days many people are attacking the VA for its quality of care, especially those seeking to privatize the system entirely, as opposed to those wanting to improve staffing and access to care (which involves contracting out also). Most healthcare systems in our vicinity would be found as wanting if held to the same level - [LVMAC News: LVMAC Scholarship Announcement](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-lvmac-scholarship-announcement/) - LVMAC Scholarship Program -- For those from the Lehigh Valley -- Typical annual scholarship is at least $1,000 Target Audience and Priorities for 2019 Veterans seeking meaningful first-time civilian employment Veterans seeking meaningful reemployment due to job loss Children of veterans and non-veterans intending an active duty service commitment through college ROTC Children and un-remarried - [LVMAC News: Salute to Troops Dinner Invitation and Memorial Day Parade Registration](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-salute-to-troop-dinner-invitation-and-memorial-day-parade-registration/) - The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) and the cities of Allentown and Bethlehem are again sponsoring events in May to honor our local military, veterans and their families. The Board of Directors cordially invites the members of our community and those still serving to participate in and provide support for these events: The annual - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans Employment Representative Position Opens in the Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-employment-representative-position-opens-in-the-valley/) - Finally, after months and months of delay, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is advertising openly for someone to replace the Disabled Veterans Opportunity Program Counselor lost at the Lehigh Valley CareerLink in August 2018, due to retirement. If you are a veteran and wish to help our community's veterans, and their spouses in - [Forward Observer: VA Drops Fight Against Blue Water Navy Veterans](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-va-drops-fight-against-blue-water-navy-veterans/) - Finally, some good news on this matter! The Secretary of the VA, Mr. Robert Wilkie, has just announced the VA will not appeal a January court ruling that ordered it to provide health care and disability benefits to our Vietnam War, "Blue Water Navy" veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs had until about 29 - [LVMAC Tidbit: CACLV Offers Home Upgrade Services to Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-caclv-offers-home-upgrade-services-to-veterans/) - If you are a veteran in need of home repair or adaptation and reside in Northampton County -- but not within the city limits of Bethlehem and Easton -- the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) may be a good option for you, especially if you do not qualify for a VA home - [LVMAC Tidbit: 2019 National Vietnam War Veterans Day Announcement](https://lvmac.org/2019-national-vietnam-war-veterans-day-vantage-point/) - Two years ago, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act into law. That Act designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It was March 29, 1973, when the last of our combat troops left Vietnam and, argumentatively, the day the last American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam came - [LVMAC News: What Trout Unlimited Hokendauqua Is Up To](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-what-trout-unlimited-hokendauqua-is-up-to/) - Thought you might be interested in the latest on our longstanding joint project: Click on image to enlarge or download. ### As of 6 March 2019 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Join in a Very Special Tribute to Freedom](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-join-in-a-very-special-tribute-to-freedom/) - The fourteenth annual Tribute to Our Freedom, to be held on 19 May 2019 between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at its Macungie location (3801 Brookside Road), is an inspiring evening to honor and pray for our veterans. This one is intended to honor Purple Heart recipients. There will be a color guard, armed forces - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans Trust Fund Awards for 2019 Announced](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-trust-fund-awards-for-2019-announced/) - On 28 February 2019, Governor Tom Wolf announced that $800,000 of grant money from the Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) will be awarded to 29 Pennsylvania organizations that support veterans’ programs throughout the commonwealth, contingent upon completion of a grant agreement. The trust's funds are meant to be exclusively used for military veterans, and the Department - [LVMAC Tidbit: Is Starbucks Entertaining an AFN Program in the Valley?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-is-starbucks-entertaining-an-afn-program-in-the-valley-area/) - A local Starbucks is sponsoring an Armed Forces Network event this Saturday, 2 March 2019. Tap on the thumbnail of the flyer for when and where. It is difficult to know what to make of this event and its ultimate intentions -- beyond a free cup of coffee and public relations -- if you listen - [Forward Observer:  Secretary Wilkie's Four Priorities for the VA in 2019](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-secretary-wilkies-four-priorities-for-the-va-in-2019/) - Priorities, smy-orities ... five, six or ten ... different ones almost every time you look ... when it comes to the Department of Veterans Affairs (and federal agencies in general). It is time to do a little house cleaning as the new year begins because, in these times, on what the VA concentrates will dramatically - [LVMAC News: Hokey Trout Unlimited Takes It to Another Level](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-hokey-trout-unlimited-takes-it-to-another-level/) - As one of our original collaborations, an exercise in looking out for the well-being of our returned veterans via fly fishing activities has with the perseverance and hard work of Trout Unlimited - Hokendaqua eventually evolved into one of our most successful efforts. Originally started under the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. banner (this - [LVMAC Tidbit: An Often Overlooked Benefit -- VA Eyecare](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-an-often-overlooked-benefit-va-eyecare/) - It is often forgotten -- despite eye care being, amazingly, the Veteran Health Administration's third busiest program -- that if you are enrolled in VA healthcare, you are eligible for diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic eye care services, regardless of your priority group. You may also be eligible to receive eyeglasses and medically necessary contact lenses, - [LVMAC Tidbit: VR&E Program Now Offers "Tele-Counseling" to Improve Its Service](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-vre-program-now-offers-tele-counseling-to-improve-its-service/) - On 30 November, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) announced its ability to provide "Tele-counseling" to those disabled veterans desiring it. The VA's Tele-counseling, or virtual communication system, allows the use of any device with a webcam and microphone to communicate with one of its 1,000-plus Vocational Rehabilitation - [LVMAC Tidbit: TRICARE Open Season Extended](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-tricare-open-season-extended/) - Verbatim from the TRICARE.mil website Missed TRICARE Open Season? There's Still Time to Act! 12/11/2018 If you missed TRICARE Open Season, you still have time to enroll. For this year only, you can enroll in or change your TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select plan through Dec. 31, 2018 for coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2019. - [Forward Observer: Blue Water Navy Bill Is About Sunk for This Year](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-blue-water-navy-bill-continues-to-sink/) - To add to the sorry saga of inaction by our senators, here is the latest as reported in the Stars and Stripes: https://www.facebook.com/lvmac/posts/1814772901961930 ### As of 14 December 2018 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Organic Farming as a Career?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-organic-farming-as-a-career/) - https://www.facebook.com/lvmac/posts/1814254798680407 ### As of 14 December 2018 - [LVMAC Tidbit: New VA Schedule for Rating Hemic and Lymphatic Systems Meant to Ensure Consistent Decisons](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-va-schedule-for-rating-hemic-and-lymphatic-systems-meant-to-ensure-consistent-decisons/) - Today the the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it had updated portions, of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD or Rating Schedule), effective December 9, 2018, which evaluate the hematologic and lymphatic systems. One diagnostic code was removed, nine were added, and several were restructured. The complete list of updates to the - [LVMAC Tidbit:  Wilkes-Barre VA Town Hall Comes to Allentown](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-va-town-hall-comes-to-allentown/) - The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center will hold a Town Hall at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, at the Allentown VA Outpatient Clinic, 3110 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown. Its purpose is to give an opportunity to veterans to meet with top officials and ask questions which concern them and others. Source: "Veterans, here's your chance to - [Forward Observer: Having the Courage to Do the "Write" Thing for the Blue Water Navy Act](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-having-the-courage-to-do-the-write-thing-for-the-blue-water-navy-act/) - As has been reported, the Blue Water Navy's Agent Orange bill continues to be stalled in the Senate despite years of effort to correct a poor decision made by the the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2002 (a reversal of policy) and its obfuscating subsequently. This year, the House finally got the the - [LVMAC Tidbit: Another Church Goes Out of Its Way to Help Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-another-church-goes-out-of-its-way-to-help-veterans/) - Click to enlarge This Christmas, Nazareth Life Church Ministries will be granting some Christmas wishes for local veterans, active military and their families. It will also hold a Christmas Party for them at the Blue's event center in Bethlehem on December 20th between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to express its appreciation for all they - [LVMAC Tidbit: The Latest on the Veterans Suicide Issue](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-the-latest-on-the-veterans-suicide-issue/) - The following is an excerpt from the minutes of the monthly VISN-4 veterans service organizations' conference call in November. It addresses the issue of suicides among veterans: In September, VA released national and state-level findings from its most recent analysis of Veteran suicide data, from 2005 to 2016. The analysis is part of VA’s ongoing - [LVMAC Tidbit: Commercial Truck Drivers Are a Critical Profession Needed in the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-commercial-truck-drivers-are-a-critical-profession-needed-in-the-lehigh-valley/) - On 20 November, LVB.com (a media product of Lehigh Valley Business) reported, "The trucking industry has a shortage of drivers, and many military veterans get out of the service and struggle to find the right job to be their second career." The article stated Mack Trucks is donating one of its locally manufactured Anthem Trucks - [LVMAC Tidbit: The Army Goes Green Again](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-the-army-goes-green-again/) - Heraclitus said the only constant is change. The Army, like the Navy, continues to prove its constant is a uniform change. Therefore, on Veterans Day, the Army officially announced a replacement ("pinks and greens") to its current service uniform (Class A's) inspired by its World War II uniform -- "pinks and greens." Army Blues will - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans Day Chow Down Opportunities](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-day-chow-down-opportunities/) - Forget Yocco's. Here is a big list of free meals and other freebies for Veterans Day 2018. Participating restaurants include Applebees, Olive Garden, Golden Corral and more. Bon appetit. Source: 90 Restaurants Offering Free Meals This Veterans Day ### As of 7 November 2018 - [LVMAC Tidbit: A Post-9/11 Vet Article on Depleted Uranium](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-post-9-11-vet-article-on-depleted-uranium/) - Depleted uranium (DU) has 60 percent of the radioactivity of natural uranium. It is a byproduct of creating the enriched product for nuclear reactors and weapons. Because of its density, easy availability, and relatively low cost, the U.S. military found it to be useful in manufacturing tank armor and some bullets to penetrate enemy armored - [LVMAC Tidbit:  Veterans' Trust Fund Grants Notice of Funding Announcement](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-trust-fund-grants-notice-of-funding-announcement/) - The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) announced today the opening of its fiscal year 2018-19 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grant cycle. A combined total of $800,000 in grant funding is available for the 2018-19 grant cycle: 1) $650,000 for grants of up to $50,000 to veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) with 501(c)(19) status and nonprofit - [LVMAC News:  Rededication of Allentown Center Monument Square Plaque Once Lost](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-rededication-of-allentown-center-square-plaque-once-lost/) - From the Bethlehem Press (and ironically not the Morning Call): "There will be a free public rededication of the plaque presented to Lehigh County in 1962 at noon Oct. 19 at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Lehigh County Plaza, Seventh and Hamilton streets. The event is sponsored by the county of Lehigh." For more details: - [Forward Observer: Senate Continues to Stall on Blue Water Navy Act Passage](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-senate-continues-to-stalls-on-blue-water-navy-act-passage/) - As an update, the Senate continues to stall since we have last written on the bill. From the VFW, which emphasizes the importance of acting now in whatever way you can: "During the Vietnam War, veterans who served in the offshore waters of Vietnam drank, bathed in, and cooked with water contaminated by Agent Orange. - [LVMAC Tidbit: Scammers Continue to Target Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-scammers-continue-target-veterans/) - Our AARP Pennsylvania delegate to the Council, Steve Narracci, has brought this subject up at a council meeting recently. AARP, together with the U.S. Postal Service, has launched "Operation Protect Veterans" to help raise awareness of common scams targeting veterans. We have written about veterans as prey for scammers many times before (enter "scam" into - [LVMAC News: Funeral Benefits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-funeral-benfits/) - A terrible subject, we know, but our guidance maybe of use to you. It is the result of some questions asked of us lately. ### As of 6 October 2018 - [Forward Observer:  Blue Water Navy Bill (HR 299) About to Sink?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-blue-water-navy-bill-hr-299-about-to-sink/) - Photo, Army Times, 1969 As part of the continuing saga, we update you once again ... Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) met last Tuesday (18 September) with the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie, to persuade him to cease his and his department’s re-doubled efforts to scuttle H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Act, now - [LVMAC Tidbit: Local Red Cross Seeks Special Volunteer to Serve Our Military Servicemembers and Their Families](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-local-red-cross-seeks-special-volunteer-to-serve-our-military-servicemembers-and-their-families/) - One of our member organizations, the Lehigh Valley-Bucks Chapter of the American Red Cross, wants to re-establish its Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) program in Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties. As a first step, a special kind of volunteer, working with the regional project manager for the program, must be found. What is the - [LVMAC Tidbit: Having Difficulty Finding Employment?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-having-difficulty-finding-employment/) - Are you a veteran returning to the Lehigh Valley and looking for a job? Have you just lost a job? The question for you might be how best to find one. Yes, going to college is the typical answer these days, but a job on the other end is never guaranteed. CareerLink is yet another, - [LVMAC Tidbit: Ritter School Honoring Veterans Once Again](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ritter-school-honoring-veterans-once-again/) - Once again the students of the Ritter School prepare for their well-known Veterans Day event. It is currently looking for veterans to step up to be interviewed. Details are provided by clicking on the images below. The project starts off with interviewing veterans on 27 September. Students are given the opportunity to interview those who - [LVMAC Tidbit:  VA Approaches Flu Season in a New Way](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-approaches-flu-season-in-a-new-way/) - Did you know the Department of Veterans Affairs and Walgreens are national partners and both are providing no-cost, flu vaccines to enrolled veterans of the VA healthcare system? It is part of the VA's effort to improve and simplify its community care program -- and the technology of the era now helps in that. From - [LVMAC Tidbit: DoD Toys Again With G.I. Bill -- This Time to the Advantage of Purple Heart'ers](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-dod-toys-again-with-g-i-bill-this-time-to-the-advantage-of-purple-hearters/) - On 31 August, the Department of Defense (DoD) amended its policy on transferring G.I. Bill benefits to dependents for Active Duty recipients of the Purple Heart. This policy change now allows these recipients to transfer this educational benefit without incurring an additional four years of service. In July, as reported, DoD established a new policy - [LVMAC Tidbit: Continue Your Service: Now Is the Time to Join the VA?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-continue-your-service-now-is-the-time-to-join-the-va/) - VA releases data on vacancies as required under MISSION Act What the VA seeks is a steady, intelligent, reliable, adaptable workers who can tolerate its bureaucracy because a greater good is served and can work in it in creative ways. Sound like someone who has just completed full-time military service honorably, and is not in - [LVMAC Tidbit:  VA Updates Rating Schedule for Skin Conditions](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-updates-rating-schedule-for-skin-condititions/) - "No conditions were removed from the new rating schedule for skin conditions. However, several diagnostic codes assigned to various skin conditions were restructured or revised as VA aims to have the rating schedule better reflect modern medicine," according to the VA. The new rating schedule for skin conditions goes into effect August 13. This part - [LVMAC Tidbit: Notice! DC Military Parade Cancelled](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-notice-dc-military-parade-cancelled/) - In the event any of you from the Lehigh Valley were planning on attending but did the get the word, the Washington DC military parade scheduled for 10 November to ostensibly re-commemorate the end of World War I was cancelled due to unreasonable cost. American pragmatism prevailed. Source: Military Times article ### As of 18 - [LVMAC Tidbit: August 16 Webinar to Empower Military Parents](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-august-16-webinar-to-empower-military-parents/) - [Editor's Note: This is what is what used to be called a "late wire" before the days of high technology, but here it goes ... hoping this reaches you, if it applies, in time.] Growing up as a military child has both its advantages and difficulties; and the military services have always depended upon stable - [LVMAC Tidbit: Queen City 75th Anniversary Also Honors WWII Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-queen-city-75th-anniversary-also-honors-wwii-veterans/) - Source: Queen City 75th Anniversary | Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) FUN & FREE Family Event! Celebrate the history of Queen City Airport with a variety of attractions for the entire family: Helicopter & Airplane Rides Flying Forties Antique & Classic Car Show Food Trucks and Stands, Beer Garden, Vendors Live Entertainment by the Swing - [Forward Observer:  Will the Senate Have the Courage to Rise Above the Intransigence of the VA on the Blue Water Navy Issue?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-will-the-senate-have-the-courage-to-rise-above-the-intransigence-of-the-va-on-the-blue-water-navy-issue/) - The behavior of the Senate on the issue of the Blue Water Navy's exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam Conflict has been less than noble -- nor has it done its job. Over the decades, it has conveniently allowed the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to lead it by the nose and to - [LVMAC News: Social Recreational Confederation Speaks to Council](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-social-recreational-confederation-speaks-to-council/) - On 18 July 2018, Tom O'Rourke of Team RWB, the chairman for the Social Recreational Confederation -- LVMAC's newest coalition -- spoke to update the Council on its progress of the program and to explain how the membership can assist it. https://sway.com/FWbNMbg4mjldIzOK ### As of 23 July 2018 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Department of Defense Toys with "Forever" GI Bill Dependent Benefits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-department-of-defense-toys-with-forever-gi-bill-dependent-benefits/) - Pentagon Announces Changes to Post-9/11 GI Bill Washington D.C., 12 July 2018: The Department of Defense issued a substantive change today to department policy on the transfer by service members in the Uniformed Services of“Post-9/11 GI Bill” educational benefits to eligible ... Source: Pentagon Announces Changes to Post-9/11 GI Bill > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - [LVMAC Tidbit:  Getting It Wrong on VA Healthcare -- How Our Media Fails Us](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-getting-it-wrong-on-va-healthcare-how-our-media-fails-us/) - [Editor's Note: One of the more thorough, balanced and probative articles about the failure of the our national and local media regarding their reporting and conclusions on the state of VA healthcare in quite a while. Also provides some insights on the thinking of our Congress and Executive; and the vested interests for privatizing the - [LVMAC Tidbit: DoD Erroneously Taxed Those It Medically Separated](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-dod-erroneously-taxed-those-it-medically-separated/) - The statement below is from the VFW's 13 July Action Corps Weekly. In the event this situation may applies to you, ensure you read the provided links for advice on how to proceed. It is not widely known a special law, which went into effect in 2017, was passed to help remedy the situation. However, - [Forward Observer: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence Comes to Allentown and Easton](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-a-reading-of-the-declaration-of-independence-comes-to-allentown-and-easton/) - Annually, Zion UCC (see flyer) annually reads the Declaration of Independence at a Sunday Service. It serves as a reminder of how special a nation we are, and how blessed we are to have our liberties and freedoms -- though we often take them for granted in our our workaday lives. Easton also does this - [LVMAC Tidbit: Desert Storm Memorial "Sited"](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-desert-storm-memorial-sited/) - The decision ends a three-year debate over the best location to honor troops who served in that conflict. Source: Desert Storm memorial to be built on National Mall near Vietnam Wall - [Forward Observer: Blue Water Navy Act Edges One Step Closer](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-blue-water-navy-act-edges-one-step-closer/) - H.R. 299, The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017 [2018], introduced by Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) edged one step closer to passage on 25 June with a 382-0 House vote. If enacted, the Act would restore eligibility for VA healthcare and disability compensation for some 90,000 Blue Water Navy veterans (sailors and Marines) - [LVMAC Tidbit: MOPH Truck Run Comes to Macungie](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-moph-truck-run-comes-to-macungie/) - The Ford Motor Company in conjunction with the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), is giving away three trucks to amputee Purple Heart Veterans. This good deed of caring for those who have borne the battle in their civilian life generally receives little attention in our area. As it happens, one of these trucks - [Forward Observer: The VA Mission Act Is Enacted](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-the-va-mission-act-is-enacted/) - We thought it would happen on Memorial Day. Instead, it happened on 6 June 2018 (D-Day). The President finally signed the VA MISSION Act of 2018 upon which we have previously reported . According to the VFW's Action Corps Weekly of 8 June, “ 'The VA MISSION Act will help improve the care our veterans get - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Suicide Prevention Training Is Now Online](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-suicide-prevention-training-is-now-online/) - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affair's (VA’s) S.A.V.E suicide prevention training is now available online from its collaborators at PsychArmor! Training is available 24/7 to help you identify and support veterans at risk. Get started by visiting https://psycharmor.org/courses/s-a-v-e/ and learn how to #BeThere for veterans in your life. For additional prevention resources, visit www.veteranscrisisline.net. If - [LVMAC Tidbit: Best Kind of Memorial Day News -- VA Mission Act About to Be Signed](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-best-kind-of-memorial-day-news-va-mission-act-about-to-be-signed/) - Honoring Those Who Gave Their Lives With Actions For The Living and Not Words The VFW reports in its Action Corps Weekly of 25 May , as the other 27 veterans organizations which supported this action certainly will: On Wednesday, with a vote of 92-5, the Senate overwhelmingly passed S. 2372, the VA MISSION Act - [LVMAC Tidibit: A Different Kind of Memorial Day Event](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-different-kind-of-memorial-day-event/) - The Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society is conducting its first-ever "The Great Pennsylvania Music and Arts Celebration" at the Allentown Fairgrounds between 26 and 28 May. Admission is free. The part of interest to us revolves around the military and veteran recognition events and displays -- and especially the ones involving the remembrance of those who - [LVMAC Tidbit: Another Step Forward in Telehealth](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-another-step-forward-in-telehealth/) - On 11 May, the VA announced it is expanding telehealth, or virtual technology, by allowing healthcare provider, whether or not located within a VA facility, to treat its patients across state lines and outside a VA facility. The result is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has taken another step forward in telehealth services, - [Forward Observer: Hope Resurfaces for the Blue Water Navy Bill](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-hope-resurfaces-for-the-blue-water-navy-bill/) - Is there some good news on the horizon now that our legislators have found a way to pay for it? We are talking about H.R. 299 (Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017), which passed out of House Veterans Affairs Committee on 8 May. There is a long way to go, but in the - [LVMAC News: PA National Guard Chief of Staff to Speak at "Salute to the Troops"](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-pa-national-guard-chief-of-staff-to-speak-at-salute-to-the-troops/) - The guest speaker for LVMAC's annual "Salute to the Troops" Banquet has just been announced: Colonel Laura McHugh, who is the current Chief of Staff for the Pennsylvania National Guard will speak. She began her career by enlisting into the Guard in 1986 with the 1068th MP Company as a supply specialist. She has held - [LVMAC Tidbit: Allentown VA Clinic Hosts a Homelessness Event to Educate the Community](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-allentown-va-clinic-hosts-a-homelessness-event-to-educate-the-community/) - Click on to enlarge On 8 June, the Allentown VA Clinic is conducting a "Homeless Outreach Community Event." This is the third annual event of its kind being set up by an active local VA homelessness outreach program driven by local, dedicated VA employees. This event introduces the community to what homelessness services the VA - [Forward Observer: VA Adopts a Healthcare Concierge Program to Solve a Problem](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-va-adopts-a-healthcare-concierge-program-to-solve-a-problem/) - Concierge for Care Program Connects with Recently Separated Service Members On 22 February 2018, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) announced the launch of Concierge for Care, a health care enrollment initiative that helps military servicemembers connect shortly after they separate with the VA's healthcare system. It is a proactive, spoonfeeding program meant to - [LVMAC Tidbit: WWI History Symposium Second Round](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wwi-history-symposium-second-round/) - [Editor's Note: Considering this is the land of the "Bloody Buckets" and Bethlehem Steel was the largest shipbuilder of the time and armored the the modern Navy, it is surprising how little interest our state or its government have shown in the 100th anniversary of a war which dramatically changed us once again. This war - [LVMAC Tidbit: DMVA Surveying Women Veterans to Find Out More About Their Needs](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-dmva-surveying-women-veterans-to-find-out-more-about-their-needs/) - [Editor's Note: The news release speaks for itself. We hope the effort will be successful and encourage our female veterans to participate. Hopefully, a useful program meeting a truly critical need will emerge from the findings of the survey. Our veterans affairs system often causes our commonwealth to ride trail on other, more progressive states. - [LVMAC News -- "Salute to the Troops" Banquet Alive and Well](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-salute-to-the-troops-banquet-alive-and-well/) - Who would'a thunk we would be doing this for fifteen years? The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council is once again holding its "Salute to the Troops" dinner. The annual banquet will be held on Friday, May 18, starting at 6 PM, at the Holiday Inn on Adrienne Drive in Breinigsville, PA. The event is open - [LVMAC Tidbit: Pennsylvania’s Unknown(?) Educational Gratuity Program for Disabled Veterans' Children](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pennsylvanias-unknown-educational-gratuity-program-for-disabled-veterans-children/) - Since it is operated by our Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and not the Department of Education, you may have never thought to look for an educational program for your children on their website. Therefore, for those of you rated with a 100% permanent disability from the military or the VA -- or - [LVMAC Tidtbit: An Unusual Opportunity Presents Itself for Our Wounded Warriors](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidtbit-an-unusual-opportunity-presents-itself-for-our-wounded-warriors/) - The flyer speaks for itself. If interested, act fast and no later than 15 April. ### As of 2 April 2018 - [Forward Observer: Thinking of Starting or Improving Your Own Business?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-thinking-of-starting-or-improving-your-own-business/) - There are 28 million small businesses in the United States according to the Small Business Administration, an amazing 99.7 percent of all the employers. Small businesses employ over 56 million people in this country, about 57 percent of all the employment in the private sector. Think about that. They certainly are an important component to - [Forward Observer: Governor Announces Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Awards for 2018](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-governor-announces-veterans-trust-fund-grant-awards-for-2018/) - On 12 March 2018, Governor Tom Wolf announced that 13 Pennsylvania county veterans’ affairs offices and 18 nonprofit organizations will receive in grants from the Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF), which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). [Editor’s Note: We question the IRS nonprofit classifications DMVA allows in its official - [LVMAC Tidbit: A Proclamation Throughout the Land](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-proclamation-throughout-the-land/) - Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam Conflict - [LVMAC Tidbit: Boots to Business Makes a Comeback](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-boots-to-business-makes-a-comeback/) - https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flvmac%2Fposts%2F1446784605427430&width=500 ### As of 28 February 2018 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Camp Lejeune VA Health and Disability Benefits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-camp-lejeune-va-health-and-disability-benefits/) - Were you or a family member stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987? You may have been exposed to chemicals in the drinking water. In this video, the Secretary of the VA describes the health care benefits available. https://youtu.be/OfiINMMTof4 To learn more about Camp - [LVMAC Tidbit: Medicare Scam Alert Related to New Card Issuance](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-medicare-scam-alert-related-to-new-card-issuance/) - [Editors Note: We are republishing this alert from the Vietnam Veterans of America's Web Weekly of 23 February, since veterans are often treated as prey by unscrupulous businessmen:] Medicare SCAM Alert! The Scam: Someone from Medicare will call you and say that you’re getting a new card; they will say that until it comes, you - [LVMAC News: New Employment Website](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-new-employment-website/) - At the 21 February 2018 Council meeting -- and among a gamut of topics including its Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for separating servicemembers, grants for homelessness efforts, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) -- Mr. David Cummiskey, Assistant Director in Pennsylvania for the U.S. - [LVMAC Tidbit: Tax Assistance for 2018](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-tax-assistance-for-2018/) - By now, most have their W-2's, 1099's and what else they need to file their taxes. Therefore, we thought this webpage might be of use to you or some of your comrades. ### As of 22 February 2018 - [LVMAC Tidbit: Last Chance for a Missed Pennsylvania Benefit?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-last-chance-for-a-missed-pennsylvania-benefit/) - We believe we are duty-bound to inform you that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Persian Gulf Conflict Bonus application period ends on 31 August 2018. Did you serve on active duty between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1991 in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations? This bonus has been available for about nine years -- - [Forward Observer: VA Veteran ID Card Available -- Trying to Get It Right the Second Time Around](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-va-veteran-id-card-available-trying-to-get-it-right-the-second-time-around/) - According to a 12 February post on the VA’s VAntage Point blogsite, the VA Veteran ID card (VIC) is available for registration once again. Previously the VA ID card was on hold due to a “high volume of traffic” according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. To apply for a card, veterans must register on - [LVMAC Tidbit: Should You Be On The "Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit" Registry?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-should-you-be-on-the-airborne-hazards-and-burn-pit-registry/) - You may not be aware of the fact that the VA maintains an "Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry" to allow eligible veterans and service members to document their exposures and report health concerns through an online questionnaire. Like its cousin, the Agent Orange Registry, it is often the first step towards VA long-term - [LVMAC Tidbit: What Does December 31, 2021 Mean To You?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-what-does-december-31-2021-mean-to-you/) - If you are a Gulf War Veteran, know this date: December 31, 2021. On 24 October 2017, the VA made its final ruling on the extension of the deadline for Gulf War veterans to receive disability benefits for certain presumptive conditions: December 31, 2021. The affected VA on its website states, "Veterans discharged under conditions - [LVMAC Tidbit: VA Revises Regulations on Reimbursement for Emergency Treatment of Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-revises-regulations-on-reimbursement-for-emergency-treatment-of-veterans/) - [Editor’s Note: The following is a press release from the VA partially correcting what has been a longstanding problem related to emergency care received outside of the VA.] WASHINGTON — Today [10 January 2018] the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has, through a Federal Register notice, revised its regulations concerning payment - [Forward Observer: VA’s RAMP Is Bad News – Do Not File a Claim This Way!](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-vas-ramp-is-bad-news-do-not-file-a-claim-this-way/) - On 29 January 2018, the Ms. Kelsey Yoon, the national director for the Veterans Benefits Program (VBP) of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), wrote the state councils of her organization to provide general guidance on the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP) put in place by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as one - [LVMAC News: "Warmth for Warriors" -- An Example of How the Lehigh Valley Can Care](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-warmth-for-warriors-an-example-of-how-the-lehigh-valley-can-care/) - Occasionally, a local business comes to us in hopes of reaching out to our military-veterans community with a benevolent idea of worth not tied to the need to improve their business -- in other words, playing their part in supporting those who often selflessly defend us with an act of selfless community-service of their own. - [LVMAC News: A Little Advanced Notice on Our Scholarship Program](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-a-little-advanced-notice-on-our-scholarship-program/) - We want to ensure the word spreads of our Scholarship Program, which has some unique features to it. This long-running program -- our oldest -- has helped almost 150 recipients since its inception. We therefore ask that our membership help spread word of it. We want to continue to find those we can best help - [LVMAC Tidbit: Another Issue Created by TRICARE Contract Change](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-another-issue-created-by-tricare-contract-change/) - In the improbable event those of you who are an affected TRICARE user and have not been notified -- and since state officials have asked us to circulate this information, we are providing the following bulletin: Click on image to enlarge. - [LVMAC Tidbit: DoD and VA Release Online Tool to Assist Veterans with Discharge Upgrade Process](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-dod-and-va-release-online-tool-to-assist-veterans-with-discharge-upgrade-process/) - On 25 January 2018, the Department of Defense, working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, announced that it had launched a new online tool to assist veterans with their discharge upgrades. The news release also provides sources for more information on the subject. Further down in its news release is a driving rationale behind creating - [LVMAC Tidbit: Did You Know Your TRICARE PRIME Primary Care Manager May Have Changed?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-did-you-know-your-tricare-prime-primary-care-manager-may-have-changed/) - The Department of Defense has announced there are now only two TRICARE Regions as of 1 January 2018. The North and South Regions have combined to form the new TRICARE East Region, while the West Region remains mostly the same. Humana Military is the new regional contractor for TRICARE East, and Health Net Federal Services, - [LVMAC Tidbit: DMVA Announces Veterans Trust Fund NOFA](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-dmva-announces-veterans-trust-fund-nofa/) - [Editor's Note: Considering the holiday season is upon us, the release of the Veterans' Trust Fund's "Notice of Funding Availability" with its grant application package yesterday leaves a short turnaround cycle for application. Please note that the suspense for submission is 18 January at 3 p.m.] From: MV, Veterans Trust Fund Sent: Monday, December 11, - [LVMAC Tdibit: White House VA Hotline Now Operational and Properly Staffed](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tdibit-white-house-va-hotline-now-operational-and-properly-staffed/) - On 29 November 2017, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the White House VA Hotline (first launched in June as part of President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reforming VA but which also had a shaky start) is now fully staffed with live agents working to serve veterans 24-hours a day, 365 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Veterans ID Card Rolls Out](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-id-card-about-to-rollout/) - VA Announces Rollout and Application Process for New Veterans ID Card U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the application process for the national Veterans Identification Card (VIC) is now available for veterans, an action overdue since 2015 and still causing controversy among some veterans organizations over the implementation of the character of service - [Forward Observer -- Victory House Seeks Community Foundation Grant Also](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-victory-house-seeks-community-foundation-grant-also/) - You may find this strange at a time when we are also seeking a Lehigh Valley Community Foundation Grant, but we wish you to know that Victory House does exceptionally fine service for our veterans who need extra help in getting back on track. They are a valued partner in our homelessness initiative. Indeed, except - [LVMAC News -- Help Us with a Spark Grant from the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-help-us-with-a-spark-grant-from-the-lehigh-valley-community-foundation/) - Source: Spark Grants - Veterans Affairs | Lehigh Valley Community Foundation We could use your help from 6 November through 17 November by the mechanism of voting on a Lehigh Valley Community Foundation webpage. As an organization of organization with no paid employees, we do not ask for ourselves, but instead for the programs and - [LVMAC Tidbit -- A Useful Program for this Time of Year: Operation Ride Home](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-useful-program-for-this-time-of-year-operation-ride-home/) - Jack Daniel's and the Armed Services YMCA Operation Ride Home program helps bring military families together for the holidays. Operation Ride Home sponsors travel for eligible service members and their dependents to travel from their duty station back home to spend time with their families. Reconnecting military families during this special time of year is - [LVMAC News -- Red Cross Speaks to the Council](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-red-cross-speaks-to-the-council/) - The Lehigh Valley-Bucks Chapter spoke to the Council at its meeting on 18 October on what it is doing for our military and, often, veterans in the Lehigh Valley under its Service to the Armed Forces program. It is revitalizing its activity in this program in our area and asked for LVMAC's assistance. https://sway.com/PxQrEFlxruPwN7aw?ref=Link - [Forward Observer -- LVHN's MAVRIC Opens on 10 November](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-lvhns-mavric-opens/) - Yet another glitzy and confusing acronym has appeared on the veterans scene: MAVRIC, which stands for "Military and Veterans Information/Resource Center." But as our combat buddy, Bill Shakespeare, once said, "What's in a name? that which we call a rose ... By any other word would smell as sweet ..." And, indeed, this one smells - [LVMAC Tidbit --VA Photo ID Cards (Proof of Service/Business Discount Cards) for All (Actually Most) Veterans Coming in November | Military.com](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-photo-id-cards-proof-of-servicebusiness-discount-cards-for-all-actually-most-veterans-coming-in-november-military-com/) - A VA official on Wednesday confirmed the cards are on track to be available nationwide starting in November. Source: VA Photo ID Cards for All Veterans Coming in November | Military.com Editor's Note: This a result of the Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015. The card cannot be used as proof of eligibility to any - [LVMAC News -- Rodale Institute Speaks to Council About Its Veterans Programs](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-rodale-institute-speaks-to-council-about-its-veterans-programs/) - On 16 August 2017, Lyndsey Antanitis from the Rodale Institute spoke to the Council on its relatively new veterans farming initiative. https://sway.com/SWFEFpHxeeAFIuk1 ### As of 16 August 2017 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Emergency Mental Health Care Extended to Other-Than-Honorable Dischargees](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-emergency-mental-health-care-extended-to-other-than-honorable-dischargees/) - On 27 June 2017, the VA released its final plans laying the framework for providing emergency mental health coverage to former service members with Other-Than-Honorable (OTH) administrative discharges. For the older generations of veterans, the characterization of service was termed Undesirable. Effective July 5, all Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical centers are to offer emergency - [LVMAC News -- TU Hokendauqua Fly Fishing Mini Event](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-tu-hokendauqua-fly-fishing-mini-event/) - Trout Unlimited Hokendauqua is again conducting a Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing event. This time a mini-event on 27 July. For more information, see below. Click on image to enlarge. For more information and to pre-register, click here. ### As of 17 July 2017 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Local Safari Club International Seeks Veterans for a Pheasant Hunt](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-local-safari-club-international-seeks-veterans-for-a-pheasant-hunt/) - The Lehigh Valley Chapter of Safari Club International has approached our council to find ten veterans to participate in a pheasant hunt on 4 November 2017, all expenses paid. As previously reported, the council has initiated work on creating a new coalition called the Social-Recreational Confederation. Consequently, the effort to support Safari International is being - [LVMAC Tidbit -- New VA Gulf War Illness Clinical Trial](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-va-gulf-war-illness-clinical-trial/) - Recently the VA announced that it is conducting a clinical trial for veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness. Since some our local veterans may benefit but do not need to travel to San Francisco to participate (all study procedures can be done by phone and mail), we have decided to spread the word. See the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Rodale Institute Program Updates: May](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-rodale-institute-program-updates-may/) - Click here for the articles on veterans: Rodale Institute Program Updates: May Rodale Institute, a member organization, is a good organization to check out for its programs if you are interested in farming, especially organic farming. They have tailored their efforts to help veterans (read the article on the Veteran Farmer Training Program) and are - [LVMAC News -- Social-Recreation Confederation Posting to LVMAC Calendar](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-social-recreation-confederation-posting-to-lvmac-calendar/) - As one of the council's newest member organizations, Team RWB - Lehigh Valley, implements the Veteran's Affairs Committee's Social-Recreation Confederation business plan, we are posting on our calendar those events and activities related to this new initiative. Currently Tom O'Rourke, chairman for this project and the Veterans Outreach Coordinator for the Team RWB Chapter, is - [LVMAC News -- Information Technology and Selected Impacts on Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-information-technology-and-selected-impacts-on-veterans/) - The presentation below was given by Scott Gingold at our 17 May 2017 Council Meeting. Thought you might be interested. https://sway.com/s/AbCTHgt95PmUX5wZ/embed ### As of 17 May 2017 - [LVMAC News -- Local War Veteran’s Family Receive Specially Equipped Van](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-local-war-veterans-family-to-receive-specially-equipped-van/) - Result of Joint Lehigh Valley Effort with Recycled Rides Program In a joint effort between the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC), Reliable Auto Body and the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides Program™, the keys to a newly refurbished 2010 BraunAbility EntryVan (wheelchair adapted) were presented to the Mescavage family at an 11 a.m. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center to Conduct Town Hall in Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-va-medical-center-to-conduct-town-hall-in-lehigh-valley/) - The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is returning on 14 June 2017 to conduct its third Community Town Hall in the area since the establishment of the quarterly requirement a couple of years back. It is part of an attempt by the VA to regain the trust among the veterans it serves. Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Department of Banking and Securities Offers Financial Management Conference](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-department-of-banking-and-securities-offers-financial-management-conference/) - Register for 9 June Event Now Although originally created to address a Pennsylvania Guard "Family" need, the program has application to veterans and their families as well. In fact, the Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities is offering the event to both groups. Click here to go directly to the registration site. After attending, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Do You Know About Operation Homefront's Mission2Honor?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-do-you-know-about-operation-homefronts-mission2honor/) - Click on image to learn more. During Military Appreciation Month, Operation Homefront is asking for your help in various ways to recognize our military families and thank them for their service. It is more than about fundraising. As a note, this is one national organization with a primary mission of serving military families (and recently - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Free Tickets for Military Appreciation Day at Coca Cola Park](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-free-tickets-for-military-appreciation-day-at-coca-cola-park/) - From: Jones, Samuel Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2017 12:29 PM Subject: Vet Intel and New JPs 5 18 17 Afternoon, May 29th is Military Appreciation Day at Coca Cola Park and LTC (RET) Frank D. Nacci, of Nacci printing, has graciously given me tickets to share with fellow veterans and their families. The game is - [LVMAC News -- Last Call for Salute to the Troops](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-last-call-for-salute-to-the-troops/) - The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council is holding its fourteenth, annual Salute to the Troops dinner. It will be held on Friday, May 12, starting at 6 PM, at the Holiday Inn on Adrienne Drive in Breinigsville, PA. This annual event honors military and veterans as part of the observance of Armed Forces week. The - [Forward Observer -- Resolving the Suicide Issue: The Obvious Brings Its Own Complications](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-resolving-the-suicide-issue-the-obvious-brings-its-own-complications/) - Veterans At Risk Of Suicide Negotiate A Thorny Relationship With Guns, NPR Reports Two key points are raised in the article which follows that affect the results, and work against what would seem to be common sense: 1) There is a question as to if the VA is really following a due or, at least, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Another "Veterans as Prey" Fraud Scam](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-another-veterans-as-prey-fraud-scam/) - The Veterans Choice Program has been beset with problems. While the program is actually improving, a phone scam has now occurred to add to the VA's and clients' frustrations with the program. Someone is after your credit card number. Why would the VA be asking that? See below. One key thing to remember is that - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Rep. Dent and Sec. Shulkin discuss VA healthcare; LVMAC was there](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-rep-dent-and-sec-shulkin-discuss-va-healthcare-lvmac-was-there/) - Click on image for Morning Call article and video. What was not mentioned is Alexander Alex, the co-chair of our Healthcare in Our Community initiative, pressed for a health delivery system similar to TRICARE, the Department of Defense healthcare system. See also yesterday's blog article on the extension of the Veterans Choice program. ### As - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Wilkes-Barre VA seeks to establish a Veteran and Family Advisory Council](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-va-seeks-to-establish-a-veteran-and-family-advisory-council/) - Click on image to enlarge. May be heavily hospital-oriented initially, but it is also a way to feed new thoughts to the staff about customer service and events elsewhere. A vast portion of their activities are outside that pleasure dome known as Wilkes-Barre VA Hospital. Yes, it is an old idea with a face lift, - [Forward Observer -- President Trump signs S. 544, The Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-president-trump-signs-s-544-the-veterans-choice-program-extension-and-improvement-act/) - Click on image for the Military.com article Yesterday, the President signed Senate Bill 544 into law. It extended and amended the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. Otherwise, the controversial Veterans Choice (Card) Program would have expired in August, although $1 billion of the original $10 billion remained in the account and the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Finally, a Lehigh Valley Boots to Business Workshop](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-finally-a-lehigh-valley-boots-to-business-workshop/) - Date: June 2nd, 2017 Location: CareerLink 555 Union Blvd. Allentown, PA Time: 8:00 am- 4:30 pm Register at: https://sbavets.force.com For questions, contact: Shannon Degiglio, (610) 382-3082, shannon.degiglio@sba.gov About Boots to Business Reboot: Boots to Business Reboot is a training program that provides participants an overview of business ownership as a career vocation, an outline and - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Baby Boomer Vet? Get your Hep-C screening](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-baby-boomer-vet-get-your-hep-c-screening/) - Symptoms of Hepatitis C Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms at all and never will. Check it out anyway, for some people eventually have liver damage which causes the liver to stop working, and, then, they do have symptoms. These symptoms could include the following: Fatigue, nausea, low energy Pain in the upper - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VA’s new online tool helps Veterans make informed health care decision: VAntage Point](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-vas-new-online-tool-helps-veterans-make-informed-health-care-decision-vantage-point/) - Click on the image to see the VAntage Point article and how to use it. This is a step forward which local health networks might want to emulate. They should at least participate. Regardless of the controversy which stimulated it, such willingness on the part of the VA to be transparent should prove useful to - [LVMAC Tidbit -- 2016 marks first year of zero combat amputations since the start of the Afghan, Iraq wars | Health.mil](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-2016-marks-first-year-of-zero-combat-amputations-since-the-start-of-the-afghan-iraq-wars-health-mil/) - An analysis by the Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR) recently reported 2016 marks the first year of zero combat amputations since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began. Source: 2016 marks first year of zero combat amputations since the start of the Afghan, Iraq wars | Health.mil ### As of 31 March 2017 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Veterans Choice Program about to be extended](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-choice-program-extende/) - S.544, a bill to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to modify the termination date for the Veterans Choice Program, and for other purposes, headed to the President for signature on 7 April. This was relatively easy to do as the there was still $1 billion in the account. Click on - [Forward Observer -- VA finally establishes presumptive condition rules for exposure to contaminants in water supply at Camp Lejeune and other Marine Corps locations](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-va-finally-establishes-presumptive-condition-rules-for-exposure-to-contaminants-in-water-supply-at-camp-lejeune-and-other-marine-corps-locations/) - VA to provide disability benefits for related diseases On 14 March 2017, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) proposed regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection for eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina became effective. On September 9, 2016, VA had published in the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Team River Runner Comes to the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-team-river-runner-comes-to-the-lehigh-valley/) - https://www.facebook.com/lvmac/photos/a.239091096196793.43944.234128393359730/1116947658411128/?type=3&theater Team River Runner has entered the Lehigh Valley and is now an LVMAC member. Its mission is to create an environment of healthy adventure, recreation and camaraderie for healing active duty, veteran service members and their families through adaptive kayaking. It is holding indoor kayaking training in preparation for its Spring events on 19 - [LVMAC News -- Scholarship Season Has Begun, Suspense is 31 May 2017](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-scholarship-season-has-begun-suspense-is-31-may-2017/) - Mr. Richard Moore, the Chairman of our Scholarship Committee, has announced that the LVMAC scholarship application period started 15 March and will end 31 May 2017. Applications postmarked after 31 May will not be considered. Some changes have been made to the program for this year. Among them, military veterans' Title 10 active duty service - [LVMAC News -- Lehigh Valley Community Foundation Steps Forth to Assist Our Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-lehigh-valley-community-foundation-steps-forth-to-assist-our-veterans/) - At the 18 January Council Meeting, Vice President Michael Vath announced the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation had recently awarded our organization a Community Partnership Grant of $5,000 towards its efforts to assist in eliminating homelessness among our Lehigh Valley veterans. The Foundation, an important and respected part of the warp and woof of this community's - [LVMAC News -- Looking for a BraunAbility EnterVan?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-looking-for-a-braunability-entervan/) - The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council is looking for a severely disabled veteran in need of a wheel-chair modified automobile. A local member of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) has a 2010 Dodge modified Mini-Van for donation to a veteran residing in Lehigh or Northampton Counties. This is the same type of vehicle - [Forward Observer -- Calling All Veterans. Need Your Help for a Good North Valley PIT Count](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-calling-all-veterans-need-your-help-for-a-good-north-valley-pit-count/) - Recently we learned the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board (LVRHAB) is conducting a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) homeless point-in-time survey the evening of 24 January extending through 25 January. HUD is the government agency overseeing home mortgage lending practices and is centrally involved in solving the issue of homelessness by the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VA Now Offers Advanced Eligibility Determinations for Internment at Its Cemeteries](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-now-offers-advanced-eligibility-determinations-for-internment-at-its-cemeteries/) - On 8 December, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it now provides eligibility determinations for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need. Through the “Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program”, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery. This change - [LVMAC Tidbit -- United Veterans of Lehigh County Closes Up Shop (Food for Thought II)](https://lvmac.org/united-veterans-of-lehigh-county-closes-up-shop/) - On the heels of the previous Tidbit, comes this sad news: "Veterans Day flag-raising ceremonies are always poignant and grow more so by the year, because the crowds that attend them have grown smaller and smaller and the unifying feeling evoked by the flag has likewise been shrinking." (Dan Sheehan, Morning Call, 10 November 2016). - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Northampton County Launches Veterans ID Discount Card Program](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-northampton-county-launches-veterans-id-discount-card-program/) - Northampton County rolls out Veterans ID Discount program - The Morning Call Northampton County officials are rolling out a veterans' discount program meant to recognize their sacrifices and also promote local businesses. Source: Northampton County rolls out Veterans ID Discount program - The Morning Call Editor's Comment: To get the card, click here. Please note - [LVMAC Tidbit -- A Local Veterans Day Event Provides Food for Thought](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-local-veterans-day-event-provides-food-for-thought/) - Veterans honor today but worry about tomorrow - WFMZ For the past year the Joint Veterans Council of Forks of the Delaware has been looking for people to join the ranks. Source: Veterans honor today but worry about tomorrow - WFMZ ### As of 12 November 2016 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- What We've Learned from Hiring 10,000 Veterans at Hilton](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-what-weve-learned-from-hiring-10000-veterans-at-hilton/) - From time to time, an article on honoring our veterans appears during the Veterans Day period which is noteworthy by its difference. When one wishes to honor our veterans, demonstrating the capacity for caring through deeds far exceeds those expressed in words and ceremony. The quieter way has more meaning. As this article relates, the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VA and Social Security Partner to Speed Up Disability Decisions for Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-and-social-security-partner-to-speed-up-disability-decisions-for-veterans/) - Something smart and good for our veterans has just occurred. The VA and Social Security are more tightly integrating their exchange of information. In this case, it is over healthcare records needed for Social Security Disability Insurance ratings and decisions. Yes, one may be eligible for both the VA and Social Security disability programs. Hopefully - [LVMAC Tidbit -- For You Veterans Day Foodies](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-for-you-veterans-day-foodies/) - We know you are going to ask, for finding food freebies around Veterans Day has become a way of life for some. In anticipation of that fact, the website below ought to more than satisfy your craving. Scroll down to the restaurants section before sneaking out of the house (You'll also find some other useful - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Northampton County Bar Association To Hold a Special Veterans Legal Needs Forum](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-northampton-county-bar-association-to-hold-a-special-veterans-legal-needs-forum/) - On 1 December 2016 at Penn State - Lehigh Valley, the Northampton County Bar Association will hold a forum entitled, “Lehigh Valley Veterans: Their Story, The Challenges and How We Can Work Together.” The event is open to the public and, for the first time in the Lehigh Valley, provides the opportunity for both veterans - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Prosthetics Fair Just Announced](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-prosthetics-fair-just-announced/) - Click on image to enlarge. ### As of 24 October 2016 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Women Veterans Clinic to Open at Wilkes-Barre](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-women-veterans-clinic-to-open-at-wilkes-barre/) - LVMAC is happy that this occurrence, long sought by some of the Wilkes-Barre staff, has come about. Kudos. Click on image to enlarge. Editor's Comment: Finally, the most fundamental step in a bonafide women veterans program, if one is a hospital network, is about to occur at Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center: a women veterans health - [LVMAC Tidbit -- New Director for Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Has Arrived](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-director-for-wilkes-barre-va-medical-center-has-arrived/) - ### As of 14 October 2016 - [Forward Observer -- Home Depot and Nam Knights Team Up to Provide Wheelchair Ramp to a Veteran](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-home-depot-and-nam-knights-team-up-to-provide-wheelchair-ramp-to-a-veteran/) - Click here for the story. Some smart connecting done by Nam Knights with a local Home Depot. Kudos to both on an honest effort coming from the heart. But it would be even better if all the local Home Depots were to get together with Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley to see if - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Tribute to the Borinqueneers at Northampton Community College](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-tribute-to-the-borinqueneers-at-northampton-community-college/) - Thursday, November 10 11:00 am - 12:15 pm Lipkin Theatre, Kopecek Hall, Bethlehem Campus For more information: Tribute to the Borinqueneers | Northampton Community College Serving the Lehigh Valley and beyond ### As of 27 September 2016 - [LVMAC News -- A's for Vets Partnering with CareerLink](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-as-for-vets-partnering-with-careerlink/) - A Unique Education to Employment Fair to Occur Click on image to enlarge Academics for Veterans (A's for Vets) had approached and the CareerLink Lehigh Valley has agreed to a joint event, an Education and Employment Fair, at the CareerLink on Union Boulevard, Allentown. It will occur on 10 November 2016 between the hours of - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Ritter Elementary School Seeks Veterans to Interview Now!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ritter-elementary-school-seeks-veterans-to-interview-now/) - Whereas this once again a last minute notification for finding veterans to interview, the Ritter Elementary School in Allentown does conduct a well-regarded program worth a veteran's contribution of his or her time to its students. Interviews occur 4 October. Therefore, sign up now. See below for more information and who to contact. The result - [LVMAC Tidbit -- DMVA Announces Funding Availability for 2017 Veterans Trust Fund Grants](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-dmva-announces-funding-availability-for-2017-veterans-trust-fund-grants/) - On 19 September the Office of Veterans Affairs, Department of Miltiary and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) announced it was seeking grant applicants for 2017. Suspense for submissions is 18 November. Note that those who submit electronically have a time edge on those who submit by paper, if mailing time is considered. Once again up to $500,000 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Wilkes-Barre VA Is Suddenly Interested in How Women Dress](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-va-is-suddenly-interested-in-how-women-dress/) - Women Veterans Program partners with Dress for Success A little short on the notice, the information below being released yesterday, but women veterans in our area ought be aware that Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center has a women's program. This is one of its latest offerings: What: The Women Veterans Program at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical - [Forward Observer -- Regulation on Camp Lejeune's Contaminated Drinking Water Presumptive Conditions Under Review.](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-regulation-on-camp-lejeunes-contaminated-drinking-water-presumptive-conditions-under-review/) - Finally on 9 September, after waiting nine months since the announcement it would do so and after announcing in August it was extending the period of consideration, the VA announced it has published proposed regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases affecting military members [and others] exposed to contaminants in the - [LVMAC News -- Volunteers Again Needed for the Veterans Reading Brigade](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-volunteers-again-needed-for-the-veterans-reading-brigade/) - Click on to enlarge Volunteers are needed for the Veterans Reading Brigade. The demand has been increasing and we now have too few volunteers. The concept is simple. Each reader is provided a book to read to a class of school children. Often the children enjoy asking questions about your military service. The book is - [Forward Observer -- Honoring POW/MIA Day Locally](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-honoring-powmia-day-locally/) - POW/MIA Day fast approaches and will likely be buried under a blitz of other days and month of this and that announcements, to include Suicide Prevention Month. Yet for some, this day is not forgotten and it is deeply felt, for the loss is still deeply felt. While also it is to deny history to - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Current Positions For Recruitment at the Wilkes-Barre VAMC](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-current-positions-for-recruitment-at-the-wilkes-barre-vamc/) - In an effort to increase Veteran recruitment, Wilkes-Barre will be providing a weekly informational email related to positions advertised at the medical center the previous week. Please distribute/share as is appropriate for your office. The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for the following positions: Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist – GS-1601-11/11, Job Opportunity Bulletin […] - [Forward Observer -- Lehigh Valley VA Homelessness Summit Needs More Community Involvement](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-lehigh-valley-va-homelessness-summit-needs-more-community-involvement/) - On 28 September, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center (VAMC) is holding a Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG) Meeting and Summit at the Charles Chrin Community Center of Palmer Township (Gym II). While there has been a long history of annual CHALENG meetings, - [LVMAC Tibit -- Total Privatization of VA Health Care Could Cost $450 Billion Annually](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tibit-total-privatization-of-va-health-care-could-cost-450-billion-annually/) - VFW believes that VA health care is not only as good or better than private carebut also cheaper and tailored for veterans specific needs. http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?i=324472&p=8 ### As of 24 August 2016 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- New Director Designated for Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-director-designated-for-wilkes-barre-va-medical-center/) - The Department of Veterans Affairs Friday announced the appointment of Russell Lloyd as the new director of the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, whose network services our area. He will succeed the Interim Director, Mirza Ali, and is expected to arrive within the next 60 days. Source: New Director Designated for Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center ### - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Veterans Retention Survey | Center for a New American Security](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-retention-survey-center-for-a-new-american-security/) - Editors Note: We thought we would bring this ongoing survey to your attention for the purpose of encouraging your participation. Over time and among its other efforts, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) has produced useful studies which have provided fresh insights to the issues of the current war generation of veterans and - [LVMAC Tidbit -- A Special State Agency Job Fair](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-special-state-agency-job-fair/) - In talking about veterans preference points of state and local civil service positions, here's a little nugget of information below on a special state agency job fair where many of the state's agencies are gathering together and which is not too far from us. Perhaps CareerLink Lehigh Valley will have one in the future, though - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Looking for a Job in State or Local Government in PA? Do Know About the Veterans Preference Law?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-looking-for-a-job-in-state-or-local-government-in-pa-do-know-about-the-veterans-preference-law/) - The Commownwealth’s Veterans Preference statute might not be the greatest thing since sliced butter and we have heard that there have been problems of fairness in hiring veterans in by state government. It is what drove a state law which now requires a veteran to be appointed to the state’s Civil Service Commission. However, that - [LVMAC Tidbit -- IRS Launches New Website for Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-irs-launches-new-webiste-for-veterans/) - Source: Information for Veterans As of 18 July, the Internal Revenue Service has launched a new site titled "Information for Veterans." "The page is designed to provide timely, federal tax-related information to veterans about tax credits and benefits, free tax preparation, financial education, and asset-building opportunities available to veterans," according to the VVA Weekly Newsletter - [Forward Observer -- VA Expands Medical Reimbursement Period for Drinking Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-va-expands-medical-reimbursement-period-for-drinking-contaminated-water-at-camp-lejeune/) - On 18 July the VA issued a final ruling which expanded eligibility for those who may have been affected by drinking contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. The window of eligibility has been expanded by about two and a half years. Previously, you must have been there from 1 January 1957 to 31 December 1987. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- How to Determine if You Qualify and Can Enroll for VA Healthcare](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-how-to-determine-if-you-qualify-and-can-enroll-for-va-healthcare/) - As in the past, you can call a VA clinic or hospital (see the preceding section for the local facilities) and they will send you a VA Form 1010EZ (Application for Health Benefits) package to complete; or you could go down to the facility and pick up the package. Click here for the new online - [LVMAC Tidbit - VA Updates Its Suicide Report](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-updates-its-suicide-report/) - Majority of Veteran Suicides Are 50 and Older – We Still Don’t Know Why | Vietnam Veterans of America VA Updates Its Suicide Report – Majority of Veteran Suicides Are 50 and Older – We Still Don’t Know Why | Vietnam Veterans of America — "Healthcare in Our Community" News and Education ### As of - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Blue Water Vietnam Veterans Navy Association petitions U.S. House of Representatives](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-blue-water-vietnam-veterans-navy-association-petitions-u-s-house-of-representatives/) - On July 29, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that District Court has no jurisdiction to review actions of the Secretary of the VA. This case was on appeal from an earlier ruling by the Federal District Court on the matter. The Appeals Court has upheld the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- The Little Known Veterans Employment Center™ (VEC)](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-the-little-known-veterans-employment-center/) - Last Veterans Day 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched with little fanfare a new website, www.vets.gov, though it is still under development and not anticipated to be finally complete for a year. It is part of the ostensibly transformative MyVA initiative and is being done in response to the federal government's acknowledgment that there - [LVMAC Tidibit -- Embassy Seeks Korean War veterans to Honor with the Ambassador for Peace Medal](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidibit-embassy-seeks-korean-war-veterans-to-honor-with-the-ambassador-for-peace-medal/) - If you served in Korean War, you may be eligible for the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. This commemorative medal is an expression of appreciation by the Republic of South Korea to service members in the Korean War. It has been sixty years since the signing of the Armistice. Originally, one had to travel to - [LVMAC Tidbit -- State Veterans Homes Under Scrutiny?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-state-veterans-homes-under-scrutiny/) - Click here for the Morning Call article which appeared in its Sunday edition of 17 July 2016. Is there more to this story? At his press conference on 16 July, the Auditor General, Eugene DePasquale, stated "... the State of Pennsylvania needs to develop a more effective strategic plan on how to ensure our veterans - [LVMAC News -- Lehigh Valley Magazine Talks About LVMAC](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-lehigh-valley-magazine-talks-about-lvmac/) - It is good to see a homegrown association such as ours -- one born of true, community need -- get some recognition because they rarely do. LVMAC is an organization which often works behind the scenes. It does not replace or infringe on other organizations but instead tries to get them to work together in - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VA Adds Telephone Enrollment for Healthcare](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-adds-telephone-enrollment-for-healthcare/) - Veterans may now apply to enroll in the VA’s healthcare system by picking up the phone and dialing 1-877-222-8387 (VETS) between Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it has eliminated paper signature requirements for military veterans wishing to enroll in VA healthcare. That - [Forward Observer -- Want to Know About Veterans Trust Fund Grant Distributions?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-want-to-know-about-veterans-trust-fund-grant-distributions/) - Are you curious as to how Pennsylvania's Veterans Trust Fund, established in late 2012, has been distributing donor funds to grantees? Click here to find the distributions for FY 2015 and FY 2016 (as of 16 May 2016) made by the Department of Military AND Veterans Affairs (DMVA). This year, their desire was for - [LVMAC Tidbit -- LVCIL Employment Opportunity -- Homeless Veterans Coordinator](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-lvcil-employment-opportunity-homeless-veterans-coordinator/) - Ignore the bilingual preference requirement. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces still speak English (or at least American English). If you have the other skills, are level-headed and are interested, consider applying. See details below: Click on image to enlarge. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Veterans Health Administration to Hold Town Hall in Bethlehem Area](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-health-administration-to-hold-town-hall-in-bethlehem-area/) - For the first time in the Bethlehem area, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center will be conducting a Community Town Hall -- one of many such meetings the Veterans Health Administration is hosting nationwide on a quarterly basis. The event will be held on 29 June starting at 5 p.m. on Northampton Community College's north main - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Commonwealth's Major Veterans Organizations Unite on Legislative Goals for 2016](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-commonwealths-major-veterans-organizations-unite-on-legislative-goals-for-2016/) - On 5 May 2016, the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council (PWVC), an important association of the major veterans service organizations in the commonwealth, agreed to its legislative goals for 2016-2017. They should not be overlooked by our Governor and General Assembly, as they are germane to improving the care of our veterans, including those of the - [Forward Observer -- Let’s Get the Toxic Exposure Research Act Passed](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-lets-get-the-toxic-exposure-research-act-passed/) - The subject of the effect of hazardous, toxic exposures of military veterans has milled around in the houses of Congress for far too many years. Involved is our our obligation to our veterans to find the root causes of birth defects, learning disabilities, and cancers afflicting too many of their children and grandchildren. Therefore, “mill - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Did You File A Claim For Traumatic Brain Injury And Were Denied?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-did-you-file-a-claim-for-traumatic-brain-injury-and-were-denied-2/) - On 1 June 2016 the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald had granted "equitable relief to more than 24,000 Veterans following a national review of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) medical examinations conducted in connection with disability compensation claims processed between 2007 and 2015 ... Equitable relief is a unique - [LVMAC Tidbit -- PA Continues to Goof Around with Property Tax Relief Deadline](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pa-continues-to-goof-around-with-property-tax-relief-deadline/) - Application deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program extended until Dec. 31 Pennsylvania's state government never seems to set the correct deadline for this program. However, this failure of government happens to be to your advantage. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Ever Consider a Career in Farming? Looking for Housing?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ever-consider-a-career-in-farming-looking-for-housing/) - It is estimated forty-five percent of those in the armed forces are from rural areas. Surprisingly, considering its its wealth of industry and size of population, Pennsylvania has large rural tracts. About 89.5% of its area and 21.3% of its population is rural. Even in the Lehigh Valley, the third largest metropolitan area of - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Borinqueneer Gold Medal Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-borinqueneer-gold-medal-ceremony/) - We normally do not take note of or report on ceremonies outside the Lehigh Valley. There are others who are more qualified to do so. However, as one of our member organizations, the Borinqueneers 65th Motorcycle Club, Pennsylvania Chapter, was actively involved in securing the Congressional Gold Medal for the 65th Infantry Regiment -- a - [Forward Observer -- Veterans Giving Back](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-veterans-giving-back/) - In this blog site, we often write of entitlements and benefits veterans can receive. However, as a population category, veterans contribute far more through their labors than they take from their communities. Indeed, many veterans have the wisdom to understand the benefits of giving of themselves to improve their communities and those of others. Below - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Memorial Day 2016 Events Around the Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-memorial-day-2016-events-around-the-valley/) - Our Lehigh County Veterans Affairs Office compiled this listing of Memorial Day events within the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks area, based on organizational submissions. It is current as of 12 May: [Editor's Note: Also see our Special Events page for additional information or other events not listed here.] • Saturday – Monday, May 28-30 - [Forward Observer -- Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pins Available](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-vietnam-war-commemorative-lapel-pins-available/) - But Who is Going to Distribute Them? Are you aware that as part of the 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program, living veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of the location at which they served, are eligible - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Don’t Know What to Do With Your Loved One’s Funeral Flag?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-dont-know-what-to-do-with-your-loved-ones-funeral-flag/) - Use it for a Higher Purpose at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery The Lehigh County Veterans Affairs Office is seeking donations of interment (casket) flags to be flown on the Avenue of Flags at the entrance to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Indiantown Gap National Cemetery located in the vicinity of Annville. The donations - [LVMAC News -- Roll Call! Community Banquet to Honor Those Who Serve](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-roll-call-community-banquet-to-honor-those-who-serve/) - The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council's annual "Salute to the Troops" dinner will be held on 13 May, starting at 6 p.m., at a new location this year: the Holiday Inn at 7736 Adrienne Drive in Breinigsville. Our member organizations are strongly encouraged to attend, but the event is open to any member of the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Vietnam War Observance](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-vietnam-war-observance/) - A Commemoration of the Vietnam War at the State Capitol On March 29 at 11 a.m. in Harrisburg, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is conducting a Vietnam War 50-year commemoration ceremony in the Rotunda of the State Capitol. Besides the eight Vietnam-era, state legislators and a part of the National Guard establishment who will - [LVMAC Tidbit -- An Ideal Job for a Post 9/11 Veteran Who Cares?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-an-ideal-job-for-a-post-911-veteran-who-cares/) - Berks County Seeks Deputy Director of Veterans Affairs We’ve just heard the Berks County’s Director of Veterans Affairs has announced he is seeking a Deputy Director of Veterans Affairs to assist him. He seems to be wisely developing a succession plan to ensure continuity of operations in Berks County. From our point of view, if - [Forward Observer -- The Veterans Choice Program Drama Continues: Getting Bugged by the Private Healthcare's Debt Collectors?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-the-veterans-choice-program-drama-continues-getting-bugged-by-the-private-healthcares-debt-collectors/) - VA Announces Community Care Call Center to Help Veterans with Choice Program Billing Issues The joy of encountering the American private medical systems' debt collectors has been taken on by the Department of Veterans Affairs in effort to make right with their veterans. On 14 March 2016, the VA announced the opening of yet another - [Forward Observer -- Out of Bad Comes Good In A Strange Way](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-out-of-bad-comes-good-in-a-strange-way-2/) - New Heptatitis-C Drugs Now Available to All Veterans Who Need It In a past articles we have written about the current abortion of a program known as Veterans Choice which Congress itself helped to create in trying to make the VA's healthcare system more responsive to veterans living in the current era (In the coming - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Want to Learn How to Drive and Get Paid?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-want-to-learn-how-to-drive-and-get-paid/) - NCC Offers Free Tuition for Truck Driver Training According to a 4 March 2016 posting by Northampton Community College (NCC), a grant from the United States Department of Transportation has enabled the college to offer free commercial truck driver training to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses (including current - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Op Homefront Offers Renovated Home in East Stroudsburg](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-op-homefront-offers-renovated-home-in-east-stroudsburg/) - Homes on the Homefront, a program of Operation Homefront, is once again offering another renovated home in our vicinity. This one is in East Stroudsburg, PA. Deadline for application is 19 March. For details on the home, the program and how to apply, click here. Nice digs for a family! Act fast. ### As of - [Forward Observer -- Getting the Right Treatment](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-getting-the-right-treatment/) - Newly Formed Department Steps In Earlier this year, the relatively new Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) stepped in and righted a wrong over a matter of significance to those veterans who struggle with alcohol or drug use. Its action should not go unnoticed, for it has a deep impact on the way - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Announces New One-Number, Call Center](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-va-medical-center-announces-new-one-number-call-center/) - On 17 February, in an effort to improve contact between the serviced veterans and their assigned clinical teams, Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), the Wilkes-Barre VAMC has announced the opening of a one-stop call center with a one-call number (1-877-928-2621) beginning 19 February 2016. It is intended to help those using the Medical Center and - [LVMAC News -- Scholarship Application Suspense is 31 May 2016](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-scholarship-application-suspense-is-31-may-2016/) - Mr. Richard Moore, the Chairman of our Scholarship Committee, has asked we announce that the LVMAC scholarship application period starts on 1 February and ends 31 May 2016. Applications arriving after 31 May will not be considered. For details and application forms, click here. ### As of 29 January 2016 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Op Homefront Offers Renovated Home in Hanover Area](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-op-homefront-offers-renovated-home-in-hanover-area/) - Homes on the Homefront, a program of Operation Homefront, is again offering a renovated home in Pennsylvania. In the vicinity of our area alone, about five homes over the last two years have been offered and occupied. While this one is in Hanover, York County -- well outside our operational area of concern -- we - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Snow Days for Allentown VA Outpatient Clinic -- Closed Till February](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-snow-days-for-allentown-va-outpatient-clinic-closed-till-february/) - As a result of Winter Storm Jonas, the Allentown VA Outpatient Clinic closed 25 January due to a significant snow load accumulating on the roof. The weight of the snow has caused a deflection in the roof which generated concern over occupying it. This is the second known occurrence due to this situation over the last - [LVMAC News -- Need Help in Finding Veterans to Invade Allentown School District](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-need-help-in-finding-veterans-to-invade-allentown-school-district/) - Robin Carmody, our Chair of the Veterans Reading Brigade, is calling for veterans to step forward and volunteer to read to elementary school students during school hours and/or after-school programs in the Allentown School District (We can use volunteers for other school districts as well.). Click on to enlarge. This is a golden opportunity to - [Forward Observer -- Important Funding Opportunity from Department of Military and Veterans Affairs](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-important-funding-opportunity-from-department-of-military-and-veterans-affairs/) - Request for Proposals Finally Issued On 8 January, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), after unexplained foot-dragging resulting from the budgetary impasse, finally announced the availability of up to $550,000 in competitive grants. It gives the Lehigh Valley community of nonprofits an opportunity to do more for its military veterans and their families. - [Forward Observer -- Not There Yet, Almost ... VA Preparing to Allow Compensation for Camp LeJeune Water Contamination](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-not-there-yet-almost-va-preparing-to-allow-compensation-for-camp-lejeune-water-contamination/) - VA Plans to Issue Regulations for Presumptive Conditions Which Will Expand Disability Benefits Eligibility for Veterans Exposed to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune We've reported on this previously. While someone located at Camp Lejeune during the period in question could seek and obtain healthcare from the VA, compensation was another matter. However, on 17 December - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Commonwealth Creates a Veterans Registry to Help Connect Veterans to Services](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-commonwealth-creates-a-veterans-registry-to-help-connect-veterans-to-services/) - NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 17, 2015 Veterans Encouraged to Connect with DMVA for Assistance With Obtaining Benefits, Services Harrisburg, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs encourages Pennsylvania veterans to connect with them via their new online Pennsylvania Veterans Registry at www.register.dmva.pa.gov for assistance with obtaining veterans benefits - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Op Homefront Offers Renovated Home Just West of Stroudsburg](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-op-homefront-offers-renovated-home-just-west-of-stroudsburg/) - Homes on the Homefront, a program of Operation Homefront, is offering another renovated home in our vicinity -- about the fourth or fifth one since the the program began. This one is in Effort, PA. Deadline for application is 13 December. For details on the home, the program and how to apply, click here. Nice - [Forward Observer -- Change 2 to the Veterans Choice Program – Further Tinkering This Time ...](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-change-2-to-the-veterans-choice-program-further-tinkering-this-time/) - But Expect More to Come On 1 December, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it again was making changes to its Veterans Choice Program after “learning from our stakeholders what works and what needs to be refined …” It is the second major announcement, since the program began on 5 November 2014. As - [LVMAC News -- The Region’s Top Healthcare Providers and LVMAC March On With Their Healthcare Alliance](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-the-regions-top-healthcare-providers-and-lvmac-march-on-with-their-healthcare-alliance/) - Positive gains made, more to come At a press conference on November 11 at Bethlehem’s City Council Chamber, President of LVMAC, Gerald Still, Retired Major General (USAF), announced the Healthcare in Our Community (HOC) alliance has remained strong and viable and has grown going into its fifth year. Still said, “The commitment of the CEOs - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Allentown Winter Warming Center to Open December 1](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-allentown-winter-warming-center-to-open-december-1/) - From the Lehigh Conference of Churches On Tuesday, December 1, a Warming Center will open in Allentown to provide overnight emergency shelter to those without homes. The Lehigh Conference of Churches will manage operations at the City of Allentown's Fountain Pool Building, located at the corner of S. 10th Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard. - [LVMAC News -- Healthcare in Our Community Press Conference](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-healthcare-in-our-community-press-conference/) - Click on image to enlarge - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Talking About Yoga, You Might Want to Check Out Meghan's Foundation](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-talking-about-yoga-you-might-want-to-check-out-meghans-foundation/) - We just posted an article on Lehigh Valley Health Network's yoga class offering. However, we would be remiss if we did not mention Meghan's Foundation which has been conducting free yoga classes for active duty military, veterans and their spouses for quite some time in the Lehigh Valley. It was probably the first to introduce - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Something Unusual from LVHN -- an Offer of a Free Introductory Yoga Class to Honor Those Who Serve Our Country](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-something-unusual-from-lvhn-an-offer-of-a-free-introductory-yoga-class-to-honor-those-who-serve-our-country/) - It's been all the rage lately in veterans' circles: the benefits of one of the Americanized versions of yoga. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) evidently is experimenting with it. This article is from them: To honor and thank those who serve our country – as well as those who support them – LVHN invites veterans, - [LVMAC News -- Use Your Educational Benefits Wisely Starting 7 November](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-use-your-educational-benefits-wisely-starting-7-november/) - Just got out and maybe wondering if going back to school is for you -- maybe even lacking a little self-confidence about being the right material for a school of higher learning? Not sure how to best use your educational benefits? Confused about the process or the next step? You've served in the military, one - [LVMAC News -- To All Independent Physicians and Advanced Practitioners, Know Me to Treat Me -- A Training Opportunity](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-to-all-independent-physicians-and-advanced-practitioners-know-me-to-treat-me-a-training-opportunity/) - On the morning of 14 November at Lehigh University’s Mountaintop Campus, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council is hosting a special physician and advanced practitioner training symposium through its Healthcare in Our Community alliance – one of a series of events that week. It is possibly the first time nationally that training of this nature - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Uncle Dod Needs Your Help](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-uncle-dod-needs-your-help/) - The U.S. Army’s Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) is responsible to the Department of Defense (DoD) for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), which is charged with finding and funding often leading-edge, medical research for new devices and treatments for the many injuries and illnesses sustained by our military, veterans; and ultimately the - [LVMAC Tidbit: Did Yah Know? Actionable Items of Potential Interest - #1](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-did-yah-know-actionable-items-of-potential-interest-1/) - Gulf War Vets Needed for Research: The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center at the VA in East Orange, N.J., currently has several research studies focused on Gulf War veterans who deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm, as well as non-deployed veterans of the same era. If you are a veteran from the 1990-91 era, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Are You Coming? Have you registered?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-are-you-coming-have-you-registered/) - Editor's Note: It has been written about before on this blogsite, but the September 19 date for the Lehigh Valley's first Agent Orange Seminar is nigh and we think it important that you do not miss out on a chance to educate yourselves because your children may be affected -- whether or not you are a - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Treatment Trends Seeks Veterans Case Manager](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-treatment-trends-seeks-veterans-case-manager/) - Treatment Trends Inc. has a case manager for a veterans-specific treatment track which is integrated into its in- and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs. Treatment Trends is a key, community resource for some of our most severely afflicted veterans. If interested in the position, apply as shown in the job announcement flyer below: Click - [LVMAC News -- Healthcare Mobile Apps Site Added to Our Answers Desk](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-healthcare-mobile-apps-site-added-to-our-answers-desk/) - We are in the era of tablets and smartphones. To take advantage of this new technology, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Health Administration (VHA) has recently arrived on the healthcare mobile applications (apps) scene. We believe their products may prove useful to veterans, caregivers and medical professionals, but they are not alone in producing such - [Forward Observer -- Understanding Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemptions in PA and NJ](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-understanding-veterans-real-estate-tax-exemptions-in-pa-and-nj/) - Real Estate tax exemptions for veterans have come up more than once at veterans group meeting. Confusion often reigns. Word of mouth frequently leads to misunderstandings. Perhaps the worst part is surviving spouses are often forgotten – to include the surviving spouses of a servicemembers killed in action. This article is an attempt to clarify - [LVMAC -- Photos of Lehigh and Northampton Vietnam Veterans Wanted for Vietnam Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-photos-of-lehigh-and-northampton-vietnam-veterans-wanted-for-vietnam-veterans-memorial/) - Source: VVMF's Education Center Webpage The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. (VVMF) -- the nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1980 to build a national memorial dedicated to all who served with the U.S. armed forces in the Vietnam War -- is - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Local Vietnam Veterans Memorial to be Dedicated](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-local-vietnam-veterans-memorial-to-be-dedicated/) - After years of hard work, the Easton Area High School Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee has announced it will be conducting a dedication ceremony for its high school's Vietnam Veterans Memorial on 29 August at 10 a.m. The public is invited. The memorial was erected to pay tribute to those who attended Easton Area High School - [LVMAC Tidbit: At Last! An Agent Orange Seminar for the General Public](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-at-last-an-agent-orange-seminar-for-the-general-public/) - Editor's Note: We wish to bring your attention to something we consider to be a very special event in the Lehigh Valley -- a seminar on Agent Orange not only for veterans, but also their progeny and the general public. Pennsylvania VVA Chapter 415 of the Vietnam Veterans of America is sponsoring it and is - [Forward Observer -- Finally! Pennsylvania In-State Tuition Rate Now Applies to "State-less" Veterans](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-finally-pennsylvania-in-state-tuition-rate-now-applies-to-state-less-veterans/) - After years of foot dragging, the General Assembly has finally acted. The one-year residency requirement to receive the in-state tuition rate at a public institution of higher leaning in Pennsylvania is now officially waived. Act 11 of 2015 was signed into law by the Governor on 29 June. It amends Act 287 of 1982 by - [Forward Observer: More USAF Veterans Finally Get Needed Recognition for Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-air-force-veterans-finally-get-needed-recognition-for-agent-orange-presumptive-conditions/) - VA Extends Disability Benefits to Air Force Personnel Exposed to Contaminated C-123 Aircraft On 18 June, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a long-awaited regulation that expands eligibility for some benefits for a select group of Air Force Veterans and Air Force Reserve personnel who were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange through regular - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Spiritual Fitness Training Offered by Army OneSource on 15 July](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-spiritual-fitness-training-offered-by-army-onesource-on-15-july/) - Army OneSource has launched a formal campaign to engage faith leaders and counselors in providing services and support to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of soldiers and their families. It wishes to raise the awareness of the role that faith communities can play and to provide them resources to reach out to soldiers and - [LVMAC Tidbit -- For Memorial Day Pole Watchers](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-for-memorial-day-pole-watchers/) - This is for those who keep their heads up. We are writing about U.S. flag etiquette on Memorial Day and also, the Commonwealth's -- having taken note of the Whitehall Township's unintentional breach of flag decorum. We should be proud of how many Americans display their flag -- something probably unique to our nation. Nevertheless, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Hope for Veterans Launches Homeless Drop-In Center](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-hope-for-veterans-launches-homeless-drop-in-center/) - Click Here for more details. On 1 June, Hope for Veterans (part of Community Hope, Inc.) -- a member organization and one of the three Supportive Services for Veterans and Families contractors in our Lehigh Valley working for the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center healthcare network -- is opening a Monday-through-Friday, business-hours "Drop In Center" for - [Forward Observer -- The Spending of Your Veterans Trust Fund Donations](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-the-spending-of-your-veterans-trust-fund-donations/) - In 2012 the Veterans Trust Fund was established in Pennsylvania. We thought you might want to know how it is being used this year. In 2015, fifty-five organizations applied for grants, the sum of which would have amounted to nearly $4.7 million in funding for veterans’ services and programs. Of these, ten grants were subsequently - [LVMAC News -- Last Call -- for Our Annual Salute Your Troops Dinner!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-last-call-salute-troops-dinner/) - The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council is conducting its "Salute to the Troops" this year on 22 May, starting at 6 p.m., again at the Days Hotel (The Jetport), 3400 Airport Road in Allentown. Please come, but immediately make your reservation. Don't worry if you a few days beyond the suspense date on the form, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- First Time Ever: Wilkes-Barre VAMC Town Hall in the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-first-time-ever-wilkes-barre-vamc-town-hall-in-the-lehigh-valley/) - Probably for the first time in its history, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is about to conduct a Town Hall in the Lehigh Valley. You know something has got to be behind this. Read on. Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center to Hold Town Hall Meeting at Muhlenberg College in Allentown PA - June 22, 2015 WHAT: - [Forward Observer -- Put the Bastards in Jail](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-put-the-bastards-in-jail/) - We have written before concerning the presence of scamming when it comes to veterans. You would think us targeted prey because it is an ongoing and widespread problem nationally. Pennsylvania's Office of Attorney General, specifically its relatively new Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, has become more involved of late -- an indication that the - [LVMAC News -- Scholarship Program Suspense is 30 May 2015](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-scholarship-program-suspense-is-30-may-2015/) - The Chairman of our Scholarship Committee has asked we announce that submissions for the LVMAC Scholarship must be sent by 30 May 2015 to be considered. For details and application forms, click here. ### As of 6 May 2015 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Small Business Administration Ups Its Game Locally](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-small-business-administration-ups-its-game-locally/) - The Eastern Pennsylvania (aka Philadelphia) District of the Small Business Administration seems to be improving its veterans outreach into the Lehigh Valley and nearby these days. Late last year they did something with CACLV, an odd acquaintance. Hopefully, we will continue to see more of the types of efforts shown below. It has been - [LVMAC News -- LVMAC Healthcare Alliance Seeks Executive Assistant](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-lvmac-healthcare-alliance-seeks-executive-assistant/) - Job Announcement The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) is seeking a part-time Executive Assistant for the Veterans Affairs Committee’s Healthcare in Our Community Task Force, an alliance of all the healthcare networks in our community aimed at improving the delivery of services to our military veterans. The complexity of the project has now risen - [Forward Observer -- The VA Fixes the Veterans Choice Card's "How the Crow Flies” Issue](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-the-va-fixes-the-veterans-choice-cards-how-the-crow-flies-issue/) - Few doubt that Congress had a point in wanting the Veterans Choice Card provision in the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA) -- excessive delays in service merited this temporary measure -- but it seems also to have rushed the Department of Veterans Affairs, whether unfairly or not. In its haste to - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Health Insurance Assistance on 28 March](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-health-insurance-assistance-on-28-march/) - The vast majority of veterans -- more than 80% by estimate -- in the Lehigh Valley do not use the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system, either because they are not eligible or have never applied. Instead, like the good citizens they are, they mostly rely on private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. The Affordable Care - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Treatment Trends Seeks Case Manager for Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-treatment-trends-seeks-case-manager-for-veterans/) - Veterans Sanctuary is dead, killed off by a lack of government-private sector cooperation, but Treatment Trends, Inc. persists in seeking ways to assist those veterans with profound drug and alcohol programs find a better life. Now it is seeking a Veterans Treatment Case Manager to aid veterans who are receiving addiction treatment in Keenan House - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VA Health Care Expands Eligibility](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-health-care-expands-eligibility/) - Just announced on 17 March 2015 and effective as of 2015, the VA has eliminated the use of net worth as a determining factor for both health care programs and copayment responsibilities. The intention is to make the program more accessible to low-income veterans. The VA estimates this may affect only 190,000 Veterans over a - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Permanent Employment for the Chronically Unemployed?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-permanent-employment-for-the-chronically-unemployed/) - One of the smaller, gold-nugget programs we help fund as part of our effort to assist veterans is Lehigh Conferences of Church’s Permanent Employment Program (PEP) because its vision entails assisting “chronically unemployed individuals to search for, and obtain, meaningful employment by providing barrier assessment, education, case management, and subsidized work experiences in the Lehigh Valley” - [LVMAC News -- "Ten-hut"? No! "Eight-een"... LVMAC Scholarships Available for 2015](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-ten-hut-no-eight-een-lvmac-scholarships-available-for-2015/) - Attention, Lehigh and Northampton county veterans, children and unmarried spouses of military personnel killed in action, children of veterans -- and high school seniors enrolling in a higher education institution's ROTC program with the intention of entering military service, you may be eligible to receive one of eighteen, one-thousand dollar LVMAC's scholarships in 2015. The - [LVMAC News -- A Morning Call for Veterans Education](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-a-morning-call-for-veterans-education/) - A Co-Chair, Carole Reese, for our educational alliance called A's for Vets (Academics for Veterans) wrote a Town Hall opinion piece for The Morning Call about LVMAC and its upcoming Veterans Education Expo on 28 February, which is primarily designed to assist veterans in receipt of the GI Bill in making good, life changing decisions. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- PTSD/Co-Occurring Disorder Vet Grant Opportunity, Short Notice](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ptsdco-occurring-disorder-vet-grant-opportunity-short-notice/) - Frankly, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seems poor in distributing word or notifying of grant opportunities in the veterans arena. As a consequence, this grant opportunity has been extended beyond its original 13 or 14 February deadline. So, we are taking the unusual step of trying to spread the word, since they have only extended the - [LVMAC News -- Are You Transitioning? A's for Vets Has an Education Fair for You](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-are-you-transitioning-as-for-vets-has-an-education-fair-for-you/) - The key purposes of a GI Bill are to assist a returning military veteran in readjusting and retraining for new employment. While not all veterans have the need or seek the use of their educational benefits, approximately 25 per cent of returning veterans do within two years of discharge. It therefore behooves us to pay - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Mini Stand Down in Bethlehem Goes Indoors](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-mini-stand-down-in-bethlehem-goes-indoors/) - The first Lehigh Valley indoor Stand Down will be conducted by VALOR Clinic Foundation on 28 February between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the El Shaddai Bethlehem Ministries, 529 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA. ### As of 8 February 2015 - [Forward Observer -- VA Perhaps Takes a Significant Step Towards Future Reforms Under MyVA Initiative](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-va-perhaps-takes-a-significant-step-towards-future-reforms-under-myva-initiative/) - VA Announces Single Regional Framework under MyVA Initiative Internal Organizations to Realign Their Existing Structures As a result of last year’s scandals, Washington Headquarters announced on 26 January that is taking the first steps under the MyVA initiative to realign its many organizational maps into one map with five regions utilizing state boundaries to better - [LVMAC News -- Our Healthcare Task Force Makes Progress](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-our-healthcare-task-force-makes-progress/) - We are late in posting this. So much has been happening since ... For the video of the Press Conference, to hear more of what was said, click here. VALLEY'S VETERAN HEALTH CARE PROJECT RECOGNIZED AS MODEL MILITARY/VETERAN HEALTH CARE COALITION AND LAUNCHED AS STATEWIDE HOSPITAL INITIATIVE FOR VETS Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council to - [Forward Observer -- "Go Southeast, Young Man." (PhillyVet 2015 Job Challenge)](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-go-southeast-young-man-phillyvet-2015-job-challenge/) - Although we in the Lehigh Valley do not consider ourselves part of Greater Philadelphia, many of us seek employment wherever we can find it -- finding good jobs is always an issue. Recently Veterans Recruiting (an organization that had worked with USAA in the past using its virtual job fair technology) has teamed up the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Old Man Winter says to LVCIL: Reschedule that Stand Down!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-old-man-winter-says-to-lvcil-reschedule-that-stand-down/) - As reported last week (14 January) Mini-Stand Downs are becoming increasingly popular in the Lehigh Valley as a means of finding and assisting the homeless. Various social work agencies, contracting with and responsible to the Department of Veterans Affairs in assisting in eliminating veterans homelessness, are beginning to work together in a more integrated fashion. - [Forward Observer -- LVCIL to Conduct Allentown Stand Down](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-lvcil-to-conduct-allentown-stand-down/) - Mini-Stand Downs are becoming increasingly popular in the Lehigh Valley as a means of finding and assisting the homeless. Various social work agencies, contracting with and responsible to the Department of Veterans Affairs in assisting in eliminating veterans homelessness, are beginning to work together in a more integrated fashion. It's about time. The Lehigh Valley - [LVMAC Tidbit -- New VA Policy on Military Sexual Trauma Is in Place](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-va-policy-on-military-sexual-trauma-is-in-place/) - While little mention of it has occurred locally, it is important for some veterans to know, as of 1 December 2014, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), under the authority from the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (aka VACAA or Public Law 113-146; and the same authority which introduced Veterans Choice Cards) - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Home-based Primary Care Program Begins at the Allentown VA Clinic!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-home-based-primary-care-program-begins-at-the-allentown-va-clinic/) - About September 2014, the Allentown Outpatient Clinic began offering Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) according to Dr. Adelman, the new Director of the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. He announced it during an 18 December meeting of the Veterans Advisory Group at the clinic. The mission of HBPC is to provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary primary care in - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VA and Blue Star Mothers Chatting on 17 December About CHAMPVA!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-and-blue-star-mothers-chatting-on-17-december-about-champva/) - Are you the spouse or child of a Veteran? You may qualify for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA), which can reimburse you for doctor’s visits, mental health care, prescriptions, and many other services. Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center would like you to know that on Wednesday, December 17, 2014, from 7–8 p.m. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Homeless Stand Down in Bethlehem](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-homeless-stand-down-in-bethlehem/) - It's official the VALOR Clinic Foundation's Mini-Stand Down for those who are homeless will be conducted on 13 December under the Fahy Bridge on Sand Island in Bethlehem, according to Bob Rapp, Jr., the local coordinator for the organization. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule rides for homeless veterans, - [LVMAC News -- November 19 Council Meeting Canceled!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-november-19-council-meeting-canceled/) - Our apologies to our membership, but the 19 November business meeting of our Council has been cancelled. It cannot be helped. The Saucon Valley Manor room scheduler made an error and scheduled another event. We were notified on November 17. She did not give us the time to recover to correct the situation. If you - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Easton High School Vietnam War Memorial Groundbreaking](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-easton-high-school-vietnam-war-memorial-groundbreaking/) - There will be a groundbreaking ceremony at Easton Area High School on 11 November at noon. ### As if 7 November 2014 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Veterans Day Period Discounts and Offerings](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-day-period-discounts-and-offerings/) - Many of our member organizations have been passing circulars of what restaurants and businesses have been offering during this busy Veterans Day period. It is definitely an item of interest to many of our member organizations. While some businesses are not located in our area, many are, but sometimes local franchises do not participate in - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Veterans Job Fair for Vets and Spouses](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-job-fair-for-vets-and-spouses/) - On Monday, 10 November between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., PA CareerLink is hosting a job fair for military veterans and spouses of veterans only at the Lehigh Valley CareerLink on Union Boulvard (the former Western Electric Building). More than forty (40) employers have and training providers have signed up up thus far. For more - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Operation Homefront Says “Come Home Again.”](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-operation-homefront-says-come-home-again/) - Operation Homefront through its Homes on the Homefront program wants to help military veterans and their families realize their own American dreams. It continues to receive donated homes to award to deserving military families around the country through partners like Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Meritage Homes. The homes are renovated to “move - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VFW Post 9264 Veterans Appreciation Day/Late Lunch](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-vfw-post-9264-veterans-appreciation-daylate-lunch/) - Open to All Lehigh Valley Veterans and Military On Saturday, 15 November, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., the Macungie Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9264 and its Ladies Auxiliary is hosting an event for all veterans and their significant others – whether members of a veterans organization or not. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Heads Up Again, Date for VALOR Clinic Mini-Stand Down Changes](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-heads-up-again-date-for-valor-clinic-mini-stand-down-changes/) - The date for the VALOR Clinic Stand Down under the Fahey Bridge, Sand Island, Bethlehem (same location as last time) has now changed from 25 October to 8 November. VALOR has been busy. It just opened its Paul's House (Major Paul Syverson Veterans Sanctuary) in Jonas, Pennsylvania on 12 October and is conducting another mini-stand - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Crayola is Offering Discounted Tickets to Our Military Veteran Families](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-crayola-is-offering-discounted-tickets-to-our-military-veteran-families/) - Veterans Day approaches and discounts to veterans will be offered by various companies for either business purposes or for saying thanks to them for their service -- and perhaps both. Here is one offer which is year-round for the moment. Crayola, a local company based in Easton, has often donated in-kind goods to the - [Forward Observer -- When It Comes to Veterans, Strange Bedfellows on Display 5 November: LU's SDBC and CADCB](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-when-it-comes-to-veterans-strange-bedfellows-on-display-5-november-lus-sdbc-and-cadcb/) - Something queer for the good has happened. All of a sudden the Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem (CADCB) has taken an interest in veterans' entrepreneurship. It is 'partnering' with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer a seminar about entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans on 5 November at the Fowler Center in South Bethlehem - [LVMAC News -- Wassup With the Lehigh County Office of Veterans Affairs?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-wassup-with-the-lehigh-county-office-of-veterans-affairs/) - On 15 October, Thomas Applebach, the new Lehigh County Director of Veteans Affairs will speak on what he plans and is doing with his Office of Veterans Affairs, newly reassigned to the Office of Administration from the Department of Human Services for greater oversight, we have heard. See home page for location and time. ### - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Short Notice, Act Fast: Ritter School Again Seeks Vets!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-short-notice-act-fast-ritter-school-again-seeks-vets/) - Ritter Elementary School at 740 N Plymouth St, Allentown, PA 18109, is again having its annual, fifth grade student's veterans' interview day. The interviews are to be conducted on 1 October. This is one of the oldest school events involving veterans in the Lehigh Valley and has a sterling reputation among veterans from our community - [LVMAC News -- Member Organizations, We Need Your Assistance!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-member-organizations-we-need-your-assistance/) - Taste and Tunes Volunteer Requirements Levied on LVMAC (Rotary of Bethlehem Fundraiser for LVMAC) For 5 October 2014 at Hotel Bethlehem at times shown We need your assistance for these last moment requests shown in the chart. They are small tasks which result in a good for our veterans. Funds will be used for an - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Morning Star Rotary Hosts “Salute the Troops” Concert](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-morning-star-rotary-hosts-salute-the-troops-concert/) - On Sunday, 9 November, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., the Allentown Band, sponsored by the Morning Star Rotary Club, will give a concert at the Northeast Middle School Auditorium, 1170 Fernwood St., Bethlehem. Please come and enjoy an evening of patriotic music honoring our U.S. troops serving abroad and our veterans - [LVMAC Tidbit -- LCCC Establishes a Veterans Lounge](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-lccc-establishes-a-veterans-lounge/) - On 24 September 2014, Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC), a member organization, is holding a Grand Opening for its new veterans’ lounge at 4525 Education Park Drive on the LCCC Main Campus in Schnecksville. The lounge will be open for viewing between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dr. Ann Bieber, will do the ribbon cutting - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Heads Up, Date for VALOR Clinic Mini-Stand Down Changes](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-heads-up-date-for-valor-clinic-mini-stand-down-changes/) - The date for the VALOR Clinic Stand Down under the Fahey Bridge, Sand Island, Bethlehem (same location as last time) has changed from the 18th to the 25th of October. ### As of 17 September 2014 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- BooFest Offering Display Space to Local Veterans Organizations](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-boofest-offering-display-space-to-local-veterans-organizations/) - The Lehigh Valley Business Group is offering spaces to Veterans Service Organizations to display themselves in the local area during its BooFest for special needs children and their families in Bethlehem on 26 October. See the flyer on our facebook site. ### As of 18 September 2014 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Racing for Recovery™ to Speak at Victory House Event](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-racing-for-recovery-to-speak-at-victory-house-event/) - Racing for Recovery's™ motivational speaker, Todd Crandall, is coming to Bethlehem at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity on evening of 18 September. This may be of interest to some of our comrades or their families who have suffered the effects of alcohol/drug abuse or addiction. Using sports activity as a vehicle to recovery has - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Meet, Eat, Be Silent?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-meet-eat-be-silent/) - The First Gala Event of the Click on above to enlarge. To become a sponsor, click here. ### As of 12 September 2014 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Learn About the America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought in the Air War Against Nazi Germany](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-learn-about-the-americas-bomber-boys-who-fought-in-the-air-war-against-nazi-germany/) - On 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 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Stand Downs Continue](https://lvmac.org/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, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Habitat for Humanity Is Looking to Hire](https://lvmac.org/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 - [LVMAC News -- David Rubright to Speak About Veterans and Employment](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-david-rubright-to-speak-about-veterans-and-employment/) - David Rubright, who is the Workforce Education Coordinator for the Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI), will speak on the topic of "Veterans, Employment and the Realities of the Business World" at our upcoming LVMAC Council meeting on 17 September. See home page for location and time. ### As of 10 September 2014 - [LVMAC News -- Join the Veterans' Reading Brigade](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-join-the-veterans-reading-brigade/) - Our Team Leader, Robin Carmody, is now recruiting readers for the coming school year. It is a simple mission. The word on the street is that this program has been well received as a pilot project. Now we are trying to expand this program, starting with the Bethlehem School District. The kids are are truly interested - [LVMAC Tidbit -- The Other Kind of Invisible Wound of War: Genetic Injury?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-the-other-kind-of-invisible-wound-of-war-genetic-injury/) - Among the wounds of war are those brought home by the troops of the Vietnam War is one that has received scant attention over the years – genetic injuries to their progeny. And now, it seems, genetic injuries are being passed on to their grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized - [LVMAC News -- Rolling Thunder Takes Reins of LVMAC Visitation Program](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-rolling-thunder-takes-reins-of-lvmac-visitation-program/) - As previously announced at our Council Meetings, Rolling Thunder’s PA Chapter 8 (a member organization) has taken charge of our Visitation Program. They have been tasked to increase the number of organizations participating and, as importantly, the number of long-term care facilities in the Lehigh Valley visited. Already this spirited organization is well on its - [LVMAC News -- We're Moving, A Victim of Allentown's Rebuilding](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-were-moving-a-victim-of-allentowns-rebuilding/) - We're being required to move to make way for a new parking deck, as Allentown responds to the revitalization of city center. Not a bad thing all told though we liked our old digs at 39 S. Sixth St. for its parking convenience. We're moving to 640 Hamilton Street, Suite 302, Allentown, PA (7th and - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation Seeks All-Volunteer Nonprofits to Assist With Grants](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pennsylvania-veterans-foundation-seeks-all-volunteer-nonprofits-to-assist-with-grants/) - For 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 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Vietnam Traveling Wall Coming, the Lehigh Valley's Way](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-vietnam-traveling-wall-coming-the-lehigh-valleys-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, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VALOR Mini-Stand Down Moves to Downtown Bethlehem](https://lvmac.org/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 - [Forward Observer -- Punishing the Higher Education System for Veterans – The Pennsylvania Way](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-punishing-the-higher-education-system-for-veterans-the-pennsylvania-way/) - Effective 1 July 2015, a little mentioned section of the Veterans Access, Choice, And Accountability Act of 2014 signed into law by the President on 7 August will have huge consequences to Pennsylvania’s public institutions of higher learning. It may well affect the well-being of about 25,000 veterans who are students and up to $300 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- An Update on the Lehigh Valley's PHWFFI Work](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-an-update-on-the-lehigh-valleys-phwffi-work/) - If needed, click on image to expand for reading. ### As of 5 August 2014 - [Forward Observer -- Veterans Sanctuary is Gone, but Something of It Remains](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-veterans-sanctuary-is-gone-but-something-of-it-remains/) - As most already know, Veterans Sanctuary unfortunately is no more. It ceased to be after a troubled ten months of operation last year. The building, which was the physical shell for a sophisticated therapeutic approach to treating our returning war veterans, both men and women, when they suffered from chronic addiction to drugs or alcohol - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Time's Running Out for the Persian Gulf Conflict Bonus!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-times-running-out-for-the-persian-gulf-conflict-bonus/) - If you have been thinking of applying, you better move quickly; if you know someone who might be entitled, inform them quickly, for the deadline to apply for Pennsylvania's Persian Gulf War Bonus is nigh and has not been extended. The deadline is still 31 August 2015. Passed in 2006 and fifteen years after the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Still Serving Homeless Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-still-serving-homeless-veterans/) - Our Only Homeless Veterans Shelter in the Lehigh Valley Seeks Your Assistance It 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 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Last Call for Our Fishing Folks](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-last-call-for-our-fishing-folks/) - LAST CALL! TIME CHANGE DUE SUMMER’S EXTREME HEAT FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED FLY FISHING OUTING Tuesday July 15th 2014 BOB SAKS’ POND 4 PM TO 8 PM Dear Vets and Volunteers, A Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Mini-Outing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th 2014 at Bob Saks’ Pond between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VA Announces Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-announces-airborne-hazards-and-burn-pit-registry/) - Long awaited, the Department of Veterans Affairs recently and relatively silently launched its airborne hazards and burn pit registry on its mobile health website only (as of this writing), https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry/#page/home. The registry is intended to be an epidemiological research tool with examinations helping to enhance VA's understanding of any identified long-term adverse health effects of - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Volunteers Needed for the Wheelchair Games in the Lehigh Valley Suburb of Philadelphia](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-volunteers-needed-for-the-wheelchair-games-in-the-lehigh-valley-suburb-of-philadelphia/) - Volunteers are now being sought to help with the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Philadelphia during the period 12 through 17 August 2014. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America are “co-presenting” or hosting the Games, the largest of its kind in the world, and expected to attract more than - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Rotary Club of Bethlehem Falls In to Help Our Local Veterans and Their Families](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-rotary-club-of-bethlehem-falls-in-to-help-our-local-veterans-and-their-families/) - The Rotary Club of Bethlehem, via a fundraiser in the Fall (5 October), has decided to support the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council in its efforts to help military veterans who could use special assistance. The Council is thankful to them for their willingness to help us in serving this important segment of our society - [LVMAC Tidbit -- First Bethlehem Homelessness Stand Down](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-first-bethlehehm-homelessness-stand-down/) - On 22 June, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., VALOR Clinic Foundation is once again conducting a mini-stand down for the homeless, veteran and non-veteran alike. This time the event will be held at the Monocacy Park in Bethlehem. For more details, see the flyer below. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Ten Years and Two Wars Later, Survey Says?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ten-years-and-two-wars-later-survey-says/) - Commonwealth Conducts Survey of Veterans Back in 2004, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council first reported the Commonwealth had serious problems in its veterans affairs system. While improvements have been made, the system still languishes. Now, Penn State University – Harrisburg Campus, under contract to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, is conducting a - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Woodlawn Memorial Park Sponsors “Veterans Lunch in the Park”](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-woodlawn-memorial-park-sponsors-veterans-lunch-in-the-park/) - Special Flag Day Celebration On Flag Day, 14 June, between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., Woodlawn Memorial Park at 1500 Airport Road, Allentown (opposite the shopping mall with Redner’s) is holding a lunch to honor and appreciate veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices. There is no charge for the event and no - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Women Veterans Symposium Goes West](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-women-veterans-symposium-goes-west/) - Three Day Symposium To Be Held in Pittsburgh On the heels of last year's Gettysburg event, comes a similar event to be held 6 through 8 June at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Pittsburgh. Registration is $25 for female veterans and includes meals and lodging for the weekend. Contact Jennifer Boeringer at Tel: 412-244-1244 or - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Will It Be a 'Short' Summer? Help the Homeless](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-will-it-be-a-short-summer-help-the-homeless/) - Summer approaches. Your neighbors are anticipating seeing your knobbly knees once again. Surprise them and beautify the community at the same time. Donate your shorts for use by the VALOR Clinic Foundation and help a homeless person (with better knees). Don't forget the T-Shirts from Hawaii, either. Hope for Veterans and the Lehigh Valley Business - [LVMAC Tidbit -- IronPigs and Muhlenberg College Team Up to Honor Our Military Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ironpigs-and-muhlenberg-college-team-up-to-honor-our-military-veterans/) - The Wescoe School of Muhlenberg College (a school where "adults" go to learn) and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (the local, minor league baseball organization) have teamed up to recognize our local serving military and military veterans. Yeah, the name of the program, “Hometown Heroes”, may have its complications – it might scare off some because - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Support Our Only VA Approved Homeless Veterans Shelter](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-support-our-only-va-approved-homeless-veterans-shelter/) - Victory House has a long tradition of doing the right things to recover those others would consider lost. It works closely with our local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health clinic which manages the VA's local homeless programs. It is its only officially supported veterans transition shelter in the Lehigh Valley. Funds are always tight, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Yoga for Vets, Meghan's Foundation](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-yoga-for-vets-meghans-foundation/) - ### As of 7 May 2014 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Come! Do You Know Your Military, Your Veterans? Meet Each Other](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-come-do-you-know-your-military-your-veterans-meet-each-other/) - Each year, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council conducts its Armed Force Week Dinner. This year it will be held on 2 May, starting at 6 p.m., at the Days Hotel (The Jetport), 3400 Airport Road in Allentown. Please come, but register now. Beyond some minor pomp and ceremony lie the true purposes of the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- New Lehigh County Director of Veterans Affairs Announced](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-lehigh-county-director-of-veterans-affairs-announced/) - From Mr. Tom Muller, the new Lehigh County Executive, "I am pleased to announce that Thomas Applebach has accepted our offer to assume the position of Director of Veterans Affairs for Lehigh County, effective April 28 ... "Tom is a retired U.S. Army combat veteran and instructor and is currently the Senior Vice Command of - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Ever Hear of Flatline Fighters?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ever-hear-of-flatline-fighters/) - A new organization is arriving on the Lehigh Valley scene, called Flatline Fighters. No, it is not a martial arts group, but instead the brainchild of its founder, Anthony Droz, a current war, ex-Marine (if there is such a thing), who believes an Outward Bound-like approach can often help combat veterans and others who have - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Allentown Homelessness Stand Down](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-allentown-homelessness-stand-down/) - On 12 April, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., VALOR Clinic Foundation is once again conducting a mini-stand down for the homeless, veteran and non-veteran alike. This time the event will be held at the Curtis National Guard Armory at 15th and Allen Streets. For more details, see the flyer below. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Air Products Extends a Special Invitation to Vets and their Families](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-air-products-extends-a-special-invitation-to-vets-and-their-families/) - Enjoy a night out at the historic State Theatre in Easton on Air Product's dime. It's their way of saying thank you for your service. See the flyer below for the dates. ### As of 5 April 2014 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Free Airline Travel for Job Interviews](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-free-airline-travel-for-job-interviews/) - Hire Our Heroes (HOH) will provide a free, round-trip ticket to anywhere in the country if a transitioning veteran needs to go to a job interview but is otherwise without the means to travel to and from the interview. HOH’s reasoning is that this offer can assist small to medium size businesses in getting to - [Forward Observer -- Doing Income Verification a Better Way](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-doing-income-verification-a-better-way/) - VA Removes Annual Income Reporting Requirement for Almost All As the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) enters the twenty-first century of healthcare, it is getting smarter in its uses of the electronic databases of other federal agencies to the benefit of our veterans and their own work processes. Effective March 2014, almost all veterans enrolled - [LVMAC Tidbit -- County Director of Veterans Affairs Telephone Number Change](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-county-director-of-veterans-affairs-telephone-number-change/) - Unlike previously reported to us, the telephone numbers for the County Director of Veterans Affairs of Northampton County at the new location have changed. We have just been informed the new telephone numbers are (W) 610-829-4877, (Fax) 610-829-2418. ### As of 29 March 2014 - [LVMAC News -- LVMAC Is Getting Involved with PA 2-1-1 East](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-lvmac-is-getting-involved-with-pa-2-1-1-east/) - United Way of Lancaster Asks for Assistance As a result of discussions within our newly formed Lehigh Valley Homeless Veterans Action Committee (LVHVAC) about the loss of the local Red Cross’ Valley Wide Helpline, which had been a valuable resource to the local social services community, and because it considers a common telephone resource line - [LVMAC Tidbit -- VA Makes Specially Adaptive Housing Grant Eligibility Automatic for Veterans and Servicemembers Living with ALS](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-va-makes-specially-adaptive-housing-grant-eligibility-automatic-for-veterans-and-servicemembers-living-with-als/) - On 19 March 2014, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that veterans and active-duty military personnel with service-connected Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, are now presumed medically eligible for the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants, which help pay for the costs for building, buying or adapting a home, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- PA Designates Its Veterans as License-Worthy](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pa-designates-its-veterans-as-license-worthy/) - Veterans! Heads Up on Your Next Driver's License Renewal On March 4 with a lot of fanfare at Fort Indiantown Gap and after considerable time spent to get it up and running, Governor Corbett officially announced that veterans now can apply to PennDOT's Department of Motor Vehicles for a new veterans designation on their drivers - [LVMAC Tidbit: NCC Offers "Off to War and Coming Home" Series of Lectures](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ncc-offers-off-to-war-and-coming-home-series-of-lectures/) - During the this year, Northampton Community College will be exploring the topic "Off to War and Coming Home: Historical perspectives on Military Veterans During and After Their Service, 1946-Present" through a series of discussions, and presentations made possible by a grant form the National Endowment for the Humanities matched by generous donors. One event of - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Hammer Training to Support Lehigh Valley Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-hammer-training-to-support-lehigh-valley-veterans/) - Hammer Training and Fitness at 420 Allentown Drive, Allentown, PA 18109 is doing a good thing on March 22 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. It is conducting a fundraiser for veterans (using LVMAC as the recipient to ensure the money raised is locally used) while also providing an entertaining event where - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Oh Where, Oh Where Can Northampton County's Director of Veterans Affairs Be?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-oh-where-oh-where-can-northampton-countys-director-of-veterans-affairs-be/) - While Lehigh County seeks a new County Director of Veterans Affairs, Northampton County is moving its as part of an effort to consolidate and centralize Department of Human Services operations within the county. Effective March 10 you will find the Office of Veterans Affairs in the brand new Human Services Building at 2801 Emrick Blvd, - [LVMAC Tidbit - Social Security Promises Expedited Veterans Disability Claims](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-social-security-promises-expedited-veterans-disability-claims/) - Many veterans with a VA-rated disability are unaware they may also be entitled to a Social Security benefit program known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) service-connected compensation program, it too has come under congressional scrutiny for its processing times. However, on 19 February Social Security Administration - [LVMAC Tidbit -- New "VIC" Card Rollout Faster Than Expected](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-vic-card-rollout-faster-than-expected/) - VA Announces Rollout of Secure Veteran Health Identification Cards On 20 February, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ay announced a phased rollout of its newly designed and more secure veteran identity card in response to their present identity card calamity. The VA has responded more quickly than it originally anticipated. In addition to being - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Veterans Employment Representative Announcements](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-employment-representative-announcements/) - A new weekly feature has been added to the Job Board to provide additional, consolidated, local employment information, CareerLink's VER Desk Notes. ### As of 19 February 2014 - [LVMAC Tidbit: OEF/OIF Vets Wanted for Walter Reed Comparative PTSD Study](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-oefoif-vets-wanted-for-walter-reed-comparative-ptsd-study/) - Researchers at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence on the campus of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, are currently recruiting for a study in which they provide free evidence-based therapy to OEF/OIF military veterans, service members, guardsmen, and reservists experiencing combat-related PTSD. The study is comparing Prolonged Exposure to Virtual Reality - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Lehigh County Advertising for County Director of Veterans Affairs Position](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-lehigh-county-advertising-for-county-director-of-veterans-affairs-position/) - Lehigh County's Human Resources Department is seeking a person to fulfill the role of County Director of Veterans Affairs. For more information or to apply, click here (you may have to scroll down a few positions). ### As of 13 February 2014 - [LVMAC Tidbit - Mini-Stand Down Location for 15 February Changed](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-mini-stand-down-location-for-15-february-changed/) - As a result of the recent storm, roof damage has occurred at the Allentown VA Clinic, which necessitates a change of location of VALOR Clinic Foundation's Mini-Stand Down on 15 February. Site has been moved to 1660 Cedar Crest Boulevard, the parking lot of the National Penn Bank in the Target shopping center area (aka - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Code Blue Warming Center Opens in Allentown](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-code-blue-warming-center-opens-in-allentown/) - The partner agencies of Alliance Hall will open a Code Blue warming center this Friday, Saturday and Sunday night (31 January to 2 February) under the management of the Lehigh County Conference of Churches due to imminent dangerous weather as well as to assess our community's need for such a facility. The door at 540 - [Forward Observer -- Their American Dream is Homelessness?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-their-american-dream-is-homelessness/) - One Way You Can Help Your Homeless Veterans Locally – Find Them, Gather Them Not all who are homeless deserve their circumstance. Good families are affected nowadays. We of the Lehigh Valley are a hardy people, but living on the streets or in pioneer camps should not be our final option. It is an unfortunate - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Very First TBI Kinda, Sorta Presumptive Injury List is in Effect](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-very-first-tbi-kinda-sorta-presumptive-injury-list-is-in-effect/) - Effective 16 January, a new regulation affecting those veterans living with Traumatic Brain Injury who also have Parkinson’s disease, certain types of dementia, depression, unprovoked seizures or certain diseases of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands takes effect. From a recent VA news release, “If certain Veterans with service-connected TBI also have one of the five - [LVMAC Tidbit -- TRICARE Says Walking Is Not Good for Your Health (Service)](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-tricare-says-walking-is-not-good-for-your-health-service/) - Walk-in Service to TRICARE Service Centers within the United States is ending 1 April, this year. TRICARE service centers overseas are not affected. Joint Base Dix-Maguire-Lakehurst's service center is among the 189 facilities affected. The Department of Defense (DoD) states this $250 million cost-savings move (over the next five years) will not affect the TRICARE - [Forward Observer -- Pension Scams Are Continuing](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-pension-scams-are-continuing/) - Interested in Aid and Attendance because you face or are in a nursing or personal care home in Pennsylvania? Beware, financial advisement predators may not be far behind, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appears to regulate them poorly -- or this subject would not be continually coming up. The post card below sent out by - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Cold Weather Alert Information for Helping the Homeless](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-cold-weather-alert-information-for-helping-the-homeless/) - See our Street Sheet Section and other resources on this Answers Desk page: Local Homeless Veterans Resources. ### As of 12 December 2013 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- "Leave Home Without It" (Your VA Card)](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-leave-home-without-it-your-va-card/) - Protect your VA Card (Veterans Identification Card, aka VIC, which has been issued since 2004) against identity theft like you would your Social Security card. Leave home without it if you do not need it for an appointment. Don't hand it to anyone but a VA employee. If you are using it for a purchase - [LVMAC Tidbit -- New Edition of PTSD Booklet Available](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-edition-of-ptsd-booklet-available/) - To meet the demand, a reprinting of Stephanie Laite Lantham’s Veterans and Families’ Guide for Recovering from PTSD is now available upon request at no cost to those who want to learn more about PTSD and want to know how to help a loved one or a friend. The booklet has also proven unexpectedly useful - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Phone Phishing -- Don't Get Caught](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-phone-phishing-dont-get-caught/) - Gift Card for Personal Information Scam Tis the season to deceive veterans ... We thought you might want to know about this one because it is particularly devious in the way it is done. We wish to thank our Navy Club brothers from the Reading area for putting us onto it. A marketing company is - [Forward Observer -- Mini-Stand Down ... Learning From Others](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-mini-stand-down-learning-from-others/) - They say you can always learn from others. While it is a bit out of our area of operations, we think the 16 November Mini Stand Down in the Reading area is something about to which to take note. (Rumor has it there will be one at the Allentown VA Outpatient Clinic in the near - [LVMAC News -- The "Vet" Question](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-the-vet-question/) - Healthcare Providers Seek to Identify Veterans to Improve Their Care LEHIGH VALLEY, PA; November 6, 2013 – An alliance of every hospital in the Lehigh Valley, created by the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) in 2011, is announcing an initiative to identify veterans during the hospital registration process. Much in the same way patients - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Discounting Veterans on Veterans Day](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-discounting-veterans-on-veterans-day/) - Nope, they're not being disrespectful ... but many businesses are offering free meals or discounted prices in recognition of veterans and their families this November, particularly on 11 November. Thought you might be interested. These two files offer a nearly complete list of what we know is out there but you need to check both. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- The Cold Weather Season Has Arrived for Street Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-the-cold-weather-season-has-arrived-for-street-veterans/) - It is that time of year again when temperatures are getting cold again. Temperatures are predicted to be slightly below 32 degrees overnight throughout the next couple of days and into the weekend. I have spoken with both Shelter Directors (Salvation Army and Allentown Rescue Mission) who have agreed to go into a Cold (Blue) - [LVMAC Tidbit -- A Special Veterans Forum, Locally Grown, With a Point](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-special-veterans-forum-locally-grown-with-a-point/) - The Lehigh County Veterans’ Mentorship Program, a beneficial county effort which plays shortstop to a full Veterans’ Treatment Court as practiced in other states and a few counties of this Commonwealth, is holding a special Veterans Forum partially as a result of recent veterans’ suicides in the area. It is entitled, “Hope, Healing and Returning - [Forward Observer -- PS to You, Lehigh Valley Veterans Wanted for Focus](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-ps-to-you-lehigh-valley-veterans-wanted-for-focus/) - The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, using Penn State University (PSU) - Harrisburg as its contractor, is conducting an unusual survey to assess the real needs of veterans and their families. There are significant concerns with the current system which need addressing at state and federal levels or, in our estimation, this study would not not be - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Purdue Us! Want to See a Penn State Game?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-purdue-us-want-to-see-a-penn-state-game/) - Hurry if you want to see a Penn State football game on 16 November for free. They're playing Purdue University. The school is offering 5,000 tickets to servicemembers (reserve and active), wounded warriors, Gold Star mothers and NOW veterans of any era, to include their family members, and we hear if you register now, you - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Government Shutdown Affects Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-government-shutdown-affects-veterans/) - Many of you have concerns about the continuation of the government shutdown engineered by our Congress. Since we are largely a veterans population in the Lehigh Valley, we thought it would be useful for you to know the facts on how you are affected. Tap on the images on the right for the details the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Local Leathernecks Bash Marine Corps' Birthday](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-local-leathernecks-bash-marine-corps-birthday/) - At 1 p.m. on 10 November at the Catasauqua American Legion Building, the Belleau Woods Chapter of the Leathernecks Nation Motorcycle Club is hosting a very special U.S. Marine Corps Birthday celebration. Fine food and drink, a Blues Band of note, games and historical information -- but most importantly, camaraderie -- come in one neat, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Ritter Elementary School Wants You!](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ritter-elementary-school-wants-you/) - Ritter Elementary School at 740 N Plymouth St, Allentown, PA 18109, is again having its annual, fifth grade student's veterans' interview day (to be later followed by a veterans day celebration). The interviews are projected to be conducted on October 8th. This is one of the oldest school events involving veterans in the Lehigh Valley - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Healthcare for Veterans: “It Takes a Village”](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-healthcare-for-veterans-it-takes-a-village/) - Local Hospitals Continue Making Progress On 20 June 2013 at Northampton Community College (NCC) in Bethlehem, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) hosted the second annual Executive Steering Committee Conference on the subject of local military veteran healthcare. All the hospital networks in the Lehigh Valley were represented, including the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, - [Forward Observer -- TRICARE For Life Users Face Potentially Higher Costs When Using the VA](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-tricare-for-life-users-face-potentially-higher-costs-when-using-the-va/) - In an August 14, 2013 News Release, TRICARE announced that its TRICARE For Life (TFL) beneficiaries may incur higher costs for treatment when using a VA healthcare facility effective October 1 – if the condition for which they are being treated is not related to their service-connected disability. It states that after October 1, 2013, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Allentown VA Clinic Extends Its Operating Hours](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-allentown-va-clinic-extends-its-operating-hours/) - Wilkes-Barre VA Offers Evening and Weekend Appointments in Primary and Mental Health Care We have been informed the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center recently announced that it and one of its satellite facilities, the Allentown Outpatient Clinic, are offering extended appointment hours to better serve their veterans. This has been confirmed. In an effort to improve - [LVMAC Tidbit -- A’s for Veterans in Retraining](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-as-for-veterans-in-retraining/) - LVMAC Announces Its 2013 Scholarship Recipients The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council conducted its Scholarship awards for 2013 at the Council’s 21 August meeting and awarded twelve $1,000 scholarships. Phil Hublitz and Bob Rothenberger, Co-Chairs for our Scholarship Program, led us into uncharted waters this year. For the first time in the nine years of - [Forward Observer -- The Cornerstone of Good Community](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-the-cornerstone-of-good-community/) - The cornerstone of a good community is its awareness and engagement in civic life. When it comes upon war, things can sometimes be done outside of government and political processes which can meaningfully assist our military, our veterans and their families. One way is to do fundraising but also to ensure the money goes to - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Sigal Museum and American Legion Post 9 Partner to Remember 9/11](https://lvmac.org/sigal-museum-and-american-legion-post-9-partner-to-remember-911/) - From 20 August through 20 September, the Sigal Museum at 342 Northampton Street, Easton will host showings of the 911 Memorial Flag, beginning with a flag raising ceremony at 2.30 p.m. on 20 August. On display will be a 22’ x 32’ flag using nearly 3,000 American flags representing each victim who died as a - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Raymour & Flannigan and Jewish War Veterans Join Forces Locally](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-raymour-flannigan-and-jewish-war-veterans-join-forces-locally/) - 'Help Wounded Veterans' Project Raymour & Flanigan and Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV), the oldest, existing veterans group in the United States, have joined together in an effort to raise monies for the wounded veterans who have returned from the Post 9/11 wars. All veteran organizations and returning wounded are invited to participate - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Help Blue Star Mothers Chapter 201 Get Tee'd Off](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-help-blue-star-mothers-chapter-201-get-teed-off/) - Our busy Blue Star Mothers of the Lehigh Valley Chapter No 201, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit member organization, is hosting its third charity golf event, “Teeing Off for the Troops Tournament”, to raise funds to support its various endeavors, making a difference to the lives of military service members and veterans from the Greater Lehigh - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center's Bus Travel Policy](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wilkes-barre-va-medical-centers-bus-travel-policy/) - There has been talk going around that Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center does not reimburse for bus travel involving authorized VA appointments. This is misinformation as best as we can determine. For the latest on its travel reimbursement policy and who to contact in the event of a problem, click here. Also inform us if you - [LVMAC Tidbit: PPL Wants to Work With the Council](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-ppl-wants-to-work-with-the-council/) - Anthony Pearson, Founder and President of PPLVets, a “Business Resource Group” (BRG) of PPL Corporation, the local power and light company, spoke to the Council at its 19 June business meeting. He is Persian Gulf War (Gulf War I) Marine who served from 1989 through 1993. Pearson explained PPL has had ten other minority and - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Motorcycle Club Ride to Benefit Lehigh Valley Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-motorcycle-club-ride-to-benefit-lehigh-valley-veterans/) - RIDE FOR LEHIGH VALLEY VETS Showing support for our local veterans The Teamster Horsemen Motorcycle Association Chapter 53 North will host its first annual ride to benefit local veterans on July 20, 2013 at Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club, 21st and Canal Streets, Northampton, PA. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club. “Kick stands - [Forward Observer -- Something Smart from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry That Might Help Veterans](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-something-smart-from-the-pa-dept-of-labor-industry-that-might-help-veterans/) - When it comes to helping veterans find employment -- having done away with its Governor's Veterans Outreach and Assistance Centers (and using them properly before that) and having had problems with the staffing of its Veterans Employment Representative program -- the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has not exactly been a frontrunner among - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Days to Remember: A Year of Films](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-days-to-remember-a-year-of-films/) - Until June 2014, the Sigal Museum -- Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society's flagship facility and headquarters -- is presenting a series of films which document some of the significant events related to World War II. A local company, Reda Productions, produced the films while working with the History Channel. This series is free and - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Five Guys Decide to Raise Money for 'Support No Stigma'](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-five-guys-decide-to-raise-money-for-support-no-stigma/) - Five Guys (Burgers) will be holding the fundraiser from 24 to 26 June for a new local organization, Support No Stigma. If interested in supporting this organization, all you have to do eat at one of the three locations in the area and present the flyer when you pay. Five Guys will then donate 100 per - [LVMAC Tidbit -- A Lehigh Valley Museum Finally Gets To It: Vietnam Veterans, Will You?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-lehigh-valley-museum-finally-gets-it-vietnam-veterans-do-you/) - "American involvement in the Vietnam War (1955-1975) was one of the most tumultuous events in modern history. More than fifty years since the war began, Vietnam remains an emotional topic. The goal of this exhibit is to enlarge perspective for this unresolved era ... The content will be visual, highly educational, and extremely patriotic. This - [Forward Observer -- Honey, The "In-Laws" Are Back! The Consumer Credit Association (Payday Lenders)](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-honey-the-inlaws-are-back-the-consumer-credit-association-payday-lenders/) - Editor's Note: Kerry Smith, a Staff Attorney for Community Legal Services of Philadelphia was the speaker at our March Council Meeting. Ms. Smith, at that time, explained the harm of such lending legislation and how other states which have passed such wish they could turn back the clock. She urged the Council to stand up - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Looking for a Few Good Women](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-looking-for-a-few-good-women/) - No, it is not Marine recruiting we're talking about, but instead a Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley request for veterans as construction volunteers. They seek about 10 to 20 women who are veterans or in the Guard and Reserves for a day's worth of construction during its Women's Blitz Build on St. James - [Forward Observer -- Adalberto Morales Introduces Us to Suicide Prevention Services](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-adalberto-morales-introduces-us-to-suicide-prevention-services/) - Adalberto Morales, one of two Suicide Prevention Coordinators at Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center (VAMC), gave an outstanding talk to the Council at its 15 May business meeting. His sole purpose is to help those contemplating suicide to get to needed help, no matter where – within the VA system or within the community. Together with - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Thinking of Starting Your Own Business?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-thinking-of-starting-your-own-business/) - Want to start your own business? Tired of working for someone else? Unemployed or underemployed and want to change your life? You're not alone. Nearly 40% of returning current conflict veterans have expressed a desire to work for themselves. Can you afford to spare one night a week for ten weeks to participate in a - [LVMAC Tidbit -- On 27 May Give Time for a Moment of Remembrance](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-on-27-may-give-time-for-a-moment-of-remembrance-2/) - Memorial Day should be more than a picnic holiday and a sales day. It is intended to be a day when we remember those who fought and died for us and our way of life, and to rededicate ourselves to good purposes to ensure their sacrifice was not wasted. In an effort to remind our - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Coming Home? Looking for Information?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-coming-home-looking-for-information/) - Coming home and transitioning often leads to more questions than answers as the reality sets in. Trying to get good information, often with a local Lehigh Valley slant -- i.e., tailored information? Lost in the thicket of government, nonprofit and business websites when simply trying to get a lead on where to first inquire? We - [LVMAC Tidbit -- A Special Memorial Day Service](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-special-memorial-day-service/) - Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church is continuing its tradition of holding a special Memorial Day service on 26 May at 9 a.m. for veterans at its church located just off the intersection of Cedar Crest Boulevard and I-78 in Allentown. This year's guest speaker will be Retired Rear Admiral Tim Ziemer who is currently the - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Warriors' Healing Retreat Draws Near](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-warriors-healing-retreat-draws-near/) - VETERAN HEALING RETREAT Using the Creative Arts With Jason Moon NO ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE OR ABILITY NECESSARY! FULL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE June 19 – 23, 2013 Pendle Hill, Wallingford, PA (Click on for map location) For more info: info@warriorsongs.org Website: www.warriorsongs.org This retreat will offer a safe and supportive healing space and retreat model. Warrior Songs is - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Come! Salute the Troops](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-come-salute-the-troops/) - To the General Public: On May 3rd, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) and the City of Allentown are sponsoring the tenth, annual “Salute to the Troops” dinner to honor our local military, veterans and their families. This festive occasion celebrates those who have recently returned to us and those who still serve us. - [LVMAC Tidbit -- BSA Troop 57 Spreads Its Ashes on Graves](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-bsa-troop-57-spreads-its-ashes-on-graves/) - Retired Flag Ceremonies to Occur in June; Recognizing the Fifth Anniversary of the Program Boy Scout of America Troop 57, jointly sponsored by Union Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Schnecksville and Union United Church of Christ of Neffs, will incinerate American flags at its Fifth Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at 7:00pm on Tuesday, June 11th on - [Forward Observer -- Pending Payday Lending Legislation: A Debt Trap for Military Veterans](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-pending-payday-lending-legislation-a-debt-trap-for-military-veterans/) - Kerry Smith, Community Legal Services Warns of the Danger Kerry Smith, Staff Attorney, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, a leading advocate for low income residents in the Philadelphia area, spoke to the Council at its 20 March business meeting as a member of a coalition of over 90 organizations – including the Community Action Committee - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Wan'a Trip to the World War II Memorial?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-wana-trip-to-the-world-war-ii-memorial/) - This trip is for World War II veterans. The WWII Homefront Gals and Guys organization, operating out of Berks and Lancaster County, is sponsoring a trip to the World War II Memorial on 27 April 2013. For a few in our area of operations, the pick up points at the Berkshire Mall and the Lancaster - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Habitat Wants a Veteran for a Supervisory Position](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-habitat-wants-a-veteran-for-a-supervisory-position/) - Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley, a low income housing building ministry which relies on volunteers, is keenly interested in finding veterans to help them because they come with many of the skill sets needed. It is currently offering a paid, part-time supervisory position at its new Lehigh Valley ReStore. For the details, click - [LVMAC Tidbit -- We're Fishing](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-were-fishing/) - In case you are wondering what we have been up to regarding our trendsetting fly fishing program which is a partnership project with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., click on the image below: ### As of 31 March 2013 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Local Habitat for Humanity Seeks Humane Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-local-habitat-for-humanity-seeks-humane-veterans/) - Debra Cummins, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Lehigh Valley (HFHLV), an LVMAC member, and her Program Development Director, Thomas Mohr, a veteran, addressed the Council at its 17 March 2013 business meeting on its desire to recruit veterans as volunteers. She said, “Habitat for Humanity International, the parent organization, has a - [LVMAC News -- Veterans, Reservists and the National Guard Should Worry About a Pennsylvania Payday Lending Bill](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-veterans-reservists-and-the-national-guard-should-worry-about-a-pennsylvania-payday-lending-bill/) - In this Issue Pending Payday Lending Legislation: A Debt Trap for Military Veterans General Announcements Homelessness Scholarship Program Community Educational Outreach PTSD Booklet for Families Healthcare in Our Community Veterans Supportive Colleges Initiative DoD/VA News Pending Payday Lending Legislation: A Debt Trap for Military Veterans Go to the Forward Observer article on payday lending to - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Poaching Veterans’ Pensions](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-poaching-veterans-pensions/) - Veterans Are Being Preyed Upon Again David M. Dubois, Deputy Director of the Office of Servicemember Affairs in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau of the Federal Trade Commission, has put out this alert to various veterans groups: "Veterans and their families are a target for some dishonest advisers who are claiming to offer free help - [LVMAC Tidbit -- PA Superior Court "Argues" About Vets](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-pa-superior-court-argues-about-vets/) - An Event Honoring Those Who Have Served On 26 February the Argument Court of the PA Superior Court is coming to Northampton County and will begin its special session by hosting an open program to honor our veterans. The event is called, "Honoring Those Who Serve - A Tribute to Our Veterans." The purpose of - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Last Call for 2013 Student Vets Conference](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-last-call-for-2013-student-vets-conference/) - Less than two weeks are left until the March 2nd through 3rd Student Veterans Education & Employment Conference at the William Pitt Student Union on the University of Pittsburgh campus, Pittsburgh, PA. Register today to meet the Student Veterans of America Staff and National Leadership Council Members who know first-hand effective strategies for supporting student - [Forward Observer -- VBA Claims Initiative Aims at Reducing Processing Time and Adding Convenience – Is it Possible?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-vba-claims-initiative-aims-at-reducing-processing-time-and-adding-convenience-is-it-possible/) - No More In-Person Exam Requirement for Some? On 31 January 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it had begun a new initiative which will reduce the requirement for an in-person medical examination for some veterans when applying for a service-connected disability compensation rating – when sufficient information is in the individual’s records. The intent - [LVMAC Tidbit -- New License Plate Helps Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-license-plate-helps-veterans/) - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) began issuing the new “Honoring Our Veterans” license plates in mid-January 2013. The “Honoring Our Veterans” license plate was authorized by Act 194 of 2012. This license plate features an image of the American Flag and a Bald Eagle and contains the words “Honoring Our Veterans.” The license plate - [LVMAC Tidbit -- A Women Veterans Symposium, First of Its Kind in Pennsylvania](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-women-veterans-symposium-first-of-its-kind-in-pennsylvania/) - The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), under which the Office of Veterans Affairs is found, is hosting its first Pennsylvania Women Veterans Symposium (PWVS) on March 8-10, 2013, at the Wyndham Hotel in Gettysburg. All Pennsylvania women veterans, regardless of period of service, are welcome. The symposium is geared to meet the - [LVMAC News -- Babb-ling on About Military History](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-babb-ling-on-about-military-history/) - In This Issue Mr. Babb Talks About the Veterans History Project Roundtable Veterans Affairs Committee Develops Its Operating Budget Looking Forward on the Homelessness Front 2013 Scholarship Season Opening Re-looking Our Employment Programs Health Care Initiative Progressing Project Healing Waters Events Set for 2013 Focus on Colleges Begins Report on the War Veterans Council DoD/VA - [LVMAC Tidbit -- A Special Retreat for Women Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-a-special-retreat-for-women-veterans/) - ALL WOMEN VETERANS IN PENNSYLVANIA, STAND UP! ATTENTION: What: Women Veterans Retreat Where: Comfort Inn, Duncansville, PA When: From 22 March at 4:30 p.m. to 24 March at about 9 a.m. Cost: Free, courtesy of state VFW Posts and Ladies Auxiliaries RSVP required: PAWomenVets2013@gmail.com by 1 March 2013 Primary POC: Sandy Showalter, Chair, Women's Programs, - [LVMAC Tidbit -- New TRICARE Pharmacy Copays for 2013](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-new-tricare-pharmacy-copays-for-2013/) - As a result of the enacted Fiscal Year National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, beginning this February new copayments for prescription drugs purchased through TRICARE off-base are about to go into effect. Off-base TRICARE Pharmacy copays will continue to vary based upon class of drug and where beneficiaries choose to fill their prescriptions. For generic - [LVMAC News -- Dr. Bhatia Speaks About the VA's Mental Health Efforts](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-dr-bhatia-speaks-about-the-vas-mental-health-efforts/) - WILKES-BARRE VA MEDICAL CENTER SAYS IT IS PAYING MORE ATTENTION TO MENTAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY Dr. Aruna Bhatia, Chief of Mental/Behavioral Health Services spoke to the Council at its business meeting on 19 December on the advances in care by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In an honest and straightforward talk, she stated there has - [LVMAC Tidbit -- The COLA Increase for 2013](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-the-cola-increase-for-2013/) - Since we have been asked, the President's signing of the 2013 National Defense Act last November authorized veterans to receive a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase of 1.7% in their compensation and pension payments. The same applied to survivors enrolled in either a pension or dependency and indemnity compensation program, and also to Social - [Forward Observer -- Cutting the Red Tape from Veterans' and Survivors' Pensions -- Somewhat](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-cutting-the-red-tape-from-veterans-and-survivors-pensions-somewhat/) - VBA CHANGES EVR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Besides seeming to signal lately the transition in nomenclature from the poorly named Disability Pension and the Death Pension to the terms Veterans' Pension and Survivors' Pension respectively, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has gone on to do something truly significant in this benefit area which is worthwhile to our - [Forward Observer -- Heads Up ... VA Seeks to Expand TBI Benefits](https://lvmac.org/heads-up-va-seeks-to-expand-tbi-benefits/) - VA SEEKING TO PROMULGATE A REGULATORY CHANGE IN HOW IT HANDLES SECONDARY ILLNESSES On 7 December 2012 (Pearl Harbor Day), the Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing to change its disability compensation rating rules to add five diagnosable illnesses which are secondary to service-connected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It would improve the timeliness of decisions. - [LVMAC News -- McKenrick Talks About a New VA Regional Office](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-mckenrick-talks-about-a-new-va-regional-office/) - In This Issue: The New Director of the Philadelphia VA Regional Office Introduces Himself to the Council Community Educational Outreach’s Journey of Discovery Reaches Its End Changing Our Stripes in Employment Health Care in Our Community is at a Critical Stage in Its Development Adam Keys Smart Home Build May or May Not Continue A - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Veterans Day Discounts for 2012 and Pennsylvania's Act 176 of 2012](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-day-discounts-for-2012-and-pennsylvanias-act-176-of-2012/) - We frequently get calls about Veterans discount programs. On Veterans Day, in particular, businesses often discount goods, services and dining at their establishments as a token of appreciation for our our veterans and servicemembers, as well as their families. One of the more complete and maintained sources is found at Military.com. Click here for Veterans - [LVMAC Tidbits -- A Very Special Veterans Event](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-a-very-special-veterans-event/) - What: Veterans Day Event Celebration Where: Veterans Sanctuary, 24 South Fifth Street, Allentown PA When: Saturday, November 10, 1-3 p.m. Join the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC), Treatment Trends and Warrior Songs as we celebrate military veterans on Saturday, November 10, from 1-3 p.m. at the Veterans Sanctuary in Allentown. This - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Valley Baker Alert! Please Help](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-lehigh-valley-baker-alert-please-help/) - Click on image to enlarge. Veterans Day is about more than parades and speeches. It is about all of us taking the time to recognize and honor those who have served and protected our country. Join us as we come together in a special event to thank our community’s veterans. LVMAC working with two of - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Vets Needed for Roosevelt School](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-shout-out-for-vets-for-roosevelt-school/) - Roosevelt Elementary School is once again conducting a Veterans Day event. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 415 have participated in it and report it is time worthwhile spent. If you are interested, see below: What: Veterans Celebration Event Where: Roosevelt Elementary School, 210 W. Susquehanna St., Allentown, PA 18103 When: Friday, 9 November, 09:45 - [LVMAC News -- Thrivent Foundation Wishes to Work with LVMAC](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-thrivent-foundation-wishes-to-work-with-lvmac/) - THRIVENT FINANCIAL WANTS TO GET INVOLVED IN ASSISTING VETERANS Messrs. Rick Baldwin, Community Engagement Coordinator, Tom Knauer and Michael Colson, the regional point of contact, of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans addressed the Council at its 26 September business meeting. Although there is no chapter specific to the Lehigh Valley, there are about 107,287 members in - [LVMAC Tidbits -- NCC Tribute to the Troops Dedication](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-ncc-tribute-to-the-troops-dedication/) - You are invited to join the Band of Brothers, Northampton Community College's (NCC) veterans organization, for the dedication of the recently completed Veterans Plaza in the Susan K. Kubik Tribute Garden at 11:30 a.m. on 1 November 2012. The Tribute Garden is between Penn and Commonwealth Halls on the NCC Main Campus at 3835 Green - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Take a Simple Veterans Healthcare Survey](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-take-a-simple-veterans-healthcare-survey/) - If you are a veteran, help us by taking a simple, ten question survey on your use of the Veterans Health Care system. Click here to take the survey now. ### As of 22 September 2012 - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Upcoming LVMAC Council Speakers](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-upcoming-lvmac-council-speakers/) - 26 September 2012: Mr. Rick Baldwin, Community Engagement Leader, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, on “Gaining an Understanding of Thrivent’s Veterans Benevolent Program.” 17 October 2012: Ms. Kristy Gehman (Dir. of Core and Housing Services) and Mr. Eladio Gonzalez (Community Support Coordinator) of LVCIL will speak on “Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living and Its Supportive - [LVMAC Tidibits -- Fly Fishing Event on 7 October](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidibits-fly-fishing-event-on-7-october/) - Register for the Latest Lehigh Valley PHWFFI Event Trout Unlimited Hokendauqua and its partner, LVMAC, are again sponsoring a Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Outing. It is scheduled for October 7th 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.at Bob Saks’ Pond (a private pond). Donuts and coffee, full picnic lunch and all fishing materials and - [Forward Observer -- 'Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012' Enacted!](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-honoring-americas-veterans-and-caring-for-camp-lejeune-families-act-of-2012-enacted/) - NEW VETERANS OMINBUS BILL SIGNED INTO LAW ON 6 AUGUST Surprisingly, nothing has been mentioned in the local media on the recent passage of H.R. 1627 (now known as Public Law 112-154), Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, despite its importance to the veterans community. It is an omnibus - [LVMAC News -- LVMAC Awards Its Scholarships](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-honoring-americas-veterans-and-caring-for-camp-lejeune-families-act-of-2012-passes/) - NINE RECIPIENTS ARE RECOGNIZED The 2012 award recipients of the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council’s Scholarship Program were honored at the Council’s business meeting on 15 August 2012. Phil Hublitz of the Scholarship Subcommittee, presented the awards, assisted by Dave Binder, Board Member. The awardees had been vetted by a team consisting of Phil Hublitz - [Forward Observer -- The Lejeune Matter, Some Good News Finally?](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer-the-lejeune-matter-some-good-news-finally/) - U.S. Senate Finally Steps In For months there has been a hold-up in the passage of an omnibus veterans benefits bill in Congress, H.R. 1627, but this time to the good. The bill had started life providing only "...for certain requirements for the placement of monuments in Arlington National Cemetery …", evolved into The Honoring - [LVMAC Tidbits -- TRICARE Prime Increase Starts in October](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-tricare-prime-increase-starts-in-october/) - TRICARE Management Recommends Quarterly or Monthly Payments Due to Possible Changes In a 23 July media release, TRICARE announced the Fiscal Year 2013 TRICARE Prime enrollment fee increases for uniformed service retirees and their families will go into effect 1 October 2012. For all retirees, the annual enrollment fees for 2013 will be: - $269.28 - [LVMAC Tidbit -- Valley’s Top Healthcare Execs Bless “Healthcare in Our Community” Initiative as Active Partners](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-valleys-top-healthcare-execs-bless-healthcare-in-our-community-initiative-as-active-partners/) - Lehigh Valley's Health Care Executives Met July 19 Regarding Military/Veteran Health Care On July 19, 2012, after six months of collaboration with representatives from all the major health care providers in the Lehigh Valley, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) hosted a luncheon meeting at Northampton Community College to present a “Health Care in - [LVMAC News -- Why War Stories Matter](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-why-war-stories-matter/) - DAVE VENDITTA AND HIS WAR STORY PROJECT Dave Venditta, Content Editor for The Morning Call newspaper, spoke to the Council at its business meeting on 18 July on the subject of war stories and why they matter. He got interested in the subject in the mid-1990’s while trying to find out how his cousin, Nicky, - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Valley's Health Care Executives Will Meet July 19 Regarding Military/Veterans Health Care](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-valleys-health-care-executives-will-meet-july-19-regarding-militaryveterans-health-care/) - Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council to Update on “Health Care in Our Community” Initiative On July 19, after six months of collaboration with representatives from all the major health care providers in the Lehigh Valley, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) will host a luncheon meeting to present a “Health Care in Our Community” - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Seven More Member Organizations Inducted](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-seven-more-member-organizations-inducted/) - LVMAC Continues to Expand Its Reach in the Valley The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council continues to add members who support its causes -- proving a community of both veterans and non-veterans organizations can come together to address important issues and to help, if provided a means to work together. In a council election on - [LVMAC News -- Assistant District Attorney Luksa Explains DA's Veterans' Mentor Program](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-assistant-district-attorney-luksa-explains-das-veterans-mentor-program/) - LEHIGH COUNTY SEES ITS VETERANS' MENTOR PROGRAM AS A SUCCESS Steve Luksa, First Assistant District Attorney for Lehigh County, spoke to the Council on 20 June at its business meeting about the District Attorney’s Veterans' Mentor Program. Other program team members present with him were: Debbie Garlicki, Executive Aide (Public Relations), DA's Office; Brenda Trayes, - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Veterans Sanctuary: Closed Up for Good?](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-veterans-sanctuary-closed-up-for-good/) - Treatment Trends Announces Suspension of Operations It is with profound dismay that the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council informs you of Veterans Sanctuary’s suspension of operations. It was our only local, long-term residential addiction and PTSD services treatment facility exclusively dedicated to military veterans. This important asset to our veterans statewide is no longer accepting - [LVMAC News -- Lang Says Schools Need to Pay More Attention to their Veterans](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-lang-says-schools-need-to-pay-more-attention-to-their-veterans/) - LANG EMPHASIZES ROLE OF THE STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA, INC. On 16 May 2012, Mr. Joshua Lang, Vice President, National Leadership Council, Student Veterans of America, spoke to the Council at its business meeting on the topic of “Student Veterans of America and Returning Veterans.” Mr. Lang served in the 82nd Airborne Division from 2005 - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Older Vets Retraining Assistance Update](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-older-vets-retraining-assistance-update/) - "VOW to Hire Heroes" Act's Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) About to Begin Accepting Applications This is an update to the 28 March article. Short story is: Applications will accepted starting 15 May but the application form is still unknown; High demand occupations the program will support are now specified; One can now sign up - [LVMAC News -- Mensch Says More Can Be Done](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-13/) - SENATOR MENSCH SAYS STATE MUST PAY MORE ATTENTION TO ITS VETERANS State Senator Bob Mensch, 24th District, spoke to the Council at its business meeting on 18 April 2012. A Valley Forge Military Academy graduate, he served in the Army Reserve as a platoon sergeant of a heavy engineer equipment platoon during the Vietnam Era. - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Sign Up for "Salute to the Troops" Dinner](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-sign-up-for-salute-to-the-troops-dinner/) - Ninth Annual Dinner to be Held to Honor Our Military Service Members The entire community is invited to participate with the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) and the City Allentown in an event which brings together active military, ROTC, veterans, elected officials and the general public for an evening filled with thanks and appreciation - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Talk DBQ (Not English) to Your Doctor](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-talk-dbq-not-english-to-your-doctor/) - VA Expands Medical Forms Program to Support Faster Claims Processing Previously, we have reported upon the importance of asking the doctor examining you during a compensation claim if he has reviewed the medical information found in your claims file (c-file) before he starts examining you and follow-on steps to be taken if he/she has not. - [LVMAC Tidbits -- First Question to Ask in a Medical C&P Exam](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-first-question-to-ask-in-a-medical-cp-exam/) - VVA Warns Vets to Get Smart About Compensation and Pension (C&P) Examinations The Vietnam Veterans of America wants you to know the first question the veteran should ask the VA doctor is, “Have you had a chance to review my claim file?” If the answer is no, the veteran should ask the doctor to first - [LVMAC Tidbits -- New DAV Service Officer in Town](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-new-dav-service-officer-in-town/) - Disabled American Veterans Re-establish Local Service in the Lehigh Valley Carmen DeSanti, the chairman of the state's Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Service Officer Program (the national organization separately provides national service officers at the Philadelphia VA Regional Office), is reestablishing direct, face-to-face service for Lehigh Valley veterans who wish to use the DAV for their - [LVMAC Tidbits -- DAV Van Driver Wanted](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-dav-van-driver-wanted/) - Wilkes-Barre VA Volunteer Transportation System Seeks Bangor Clinic Driver The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council needs the help of the community in finding volunteer drivers for the Northampton County (Bangor) Department of Veterans (VA) Affairs Outpatient Clinic. The use of this free transportation service, manned by volunteers, for medical appointments at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Resources for the Unemployed](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-resources-for-the-unemployed/) - Local AFL-CIO Holds a Resources Fair at the Allentown IBEW Hall. Unemployment leads to a host of problems. For that reason, the AFL-CIO is holding a resource fair for those who are unemployed on 12 April at the IBEW Hall located at 12th and Liberty in Allentown. It is one of the five planned for the - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Small Games of Chance Law Changed](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-small-games-of-chance-law-changed/) - Bill Increases Prizes for Small Games of Chance On 2 February, Governor Corbett of Pennsylvania signed House Bill 169 into law as Act 2 of 2012, a bill for which the veterans organizations in this state lobbied long and hard and considered by some necessary for their continued charitable works, in the face of declining - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Older Vets Retraining Assistance](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-older-veterans-retraining-assistance-program/) - VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 Creates New Benefit for Older, Unemployed Veterans We have reported previously on the VOW .... Act. Included in this new law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) for unemployed Veterans. It applies to older, unemployed veterans between the ages of 35 and 60. The Department of Veteran - [LVMAC Tidibits -- Fly Fishing Event](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidibits-fly-fishing-event/) - Register for the Latest Lehigh Valley PHWFFI Event Trout Unlimited Hokendauqua and its partner, LVMAC, are again sponsoring a Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Outing. It is scheduled for May 5th 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bob Saks’ Pond (a private pond). Donuts and coffee, full picnic lunch and all fishing materials - [LVMAC News -- Larry Holm..an Speaks Out](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-12/) - President of Vietnam Veterans of America's State Council Addresses the Council Larry Holman, the President of the State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America, spoke to the Council at its 21 March business meeting on the topic of the “Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) -- Not Forgetting Its or the Next Generations." First, he - [Forward Observer -- Why We Need a State Dept. of Veterans Affairs, an Example](https://lvmac.org/forward-observer/) - Veterans Are Getting Short Rations in the Governor's Budget District 8 of the VFW has once again resolved we need a Department of Veterans Affairs not stuck under the National Guard. Our Chapter 415 of the Vietnam Veterans of America has just passed their own resolution. We have heard District 30 of the American Legion - [LVMAC News -- TRICARE in the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-11/) - MR. TERRY GOODYEAR EXPLAINS THE TRICARE PROGRAM Mr. Terry Goodyear, Educational Specialist for HealthNet Federal Services LLC, which manages the TRICARE North contract serving our region, spoke to the Council on 15 February at its business meeting on the subject of TRICARE and the options available. TRICARE brings together the health care resources of the - [LVMAC Tidbits -- PTSD Help for Families](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-34/) - Veterans and Families' Guide to Recovering from PTSD is Now Available We thank the author, Stephanie Laite Lanham, PMH-NP, for granting us permission to publish the 6th edition of this booklet. “The Guide”, as it has come to be called by many, was very well received when nationally distributed for several years by the Military - [LVMAC Tidbits -- New Member Expands into Valley](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-33/) - Keystone Wounded Warriors Plan Upcoming Events One of our newest member organizations is finally expanding its activities and events in or near the Lehigh Valley with the coming year. Below is a summary of major known events as provided by Sam Johnson, Captain, USMC, its current President. Details are being developed and more will be - [LVMAC News -- DiLuzio Says Homeless Veterans Are Not on Radar of Public](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-10/) - MR. DiLUZIO OF LVMAC SPEAKS OUT ON VETERANS HOMELESSNESS Mr. Pat DiLuzio, Executive Director of Victory House, the area’s only VA recognized homelessness shelter and the new Homelessness Subcommittee Chairman for our Veterans Affairs Committee, addressed the Council at its 18 January 2012 meeting on the subject of homelessness and the plight of our veterans - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Job Hunt Training Offer](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-32/) - 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 - [Forward Observer -- Doing Better in Veterans Employment Efforts](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-31/) - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Veterans Employment The Good: As far as websites go, the new website My Next Move for Veterans, which tries to automatically relate military occupational specialties with civilian careers plus provide advice on the future prospects of those career fields, identify their characteristics, salaries, educational requirements and apprenticeship - [LVMAC Tidbits -- VOW ... Act, More Details](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-30/) - 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 - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-29/) - 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 - [LVMAC News](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-9/) - CLYDE HOCH SPEAKS TO THE COUNCIL Clyde Hoch, author of Tracks – Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran, spoke to the Council on his service in the Marine Corps, his remembrances of war and his return home. First off, he expressed his appreciation to the Council for their concern for veterans as he thinks too often - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-25/) - 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 - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-23/) - 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 - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-28/) - 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 - [LVMAC News -- Swinfard Talks on Downstream Effects of War](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-8/) - SWINFARD ADDRESSES COUNCIL Dr. Ronald W. Swinfard, M.D., President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Health Network (LHVN) spoke to the Council at its business meeting on 19 October. During the Vietnam War, he served in the Medical Service Corps as a Battalion Surgeon (a lieutenant position) of an Aid Station (a platoon equivalent organization) - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-27/) - 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 largely Victory House's Homeless Veterans - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-26/) - 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 from a dual diagnosis such - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/1485-2/) - 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 - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-24/) - 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 great opportunity for our Wounded - [LVMAC News -- Keystone Wounded Warriors Introduce Themselves](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-7/) - Council Speaker: On 21 September 2011, Captain Samuel Johnson, USMC – who is assigned as an Instructor-Inspector to the newly relocated 150 personnel Battery I, 3-14 Regiment of Artillery (155 mm) which closed on the Lehigh Valley’s Navy-Marine Corps Reserve Center from Reading on 15 September – spoke to the Council on the origins and - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-22/) - Trout Unlimited - Hokendauqua Is Having Another Event for Injured Veterans Trout Unlimited's Hokendauqua has arranged for its third Project Healing Water Fly Fishing event of the season to occur on 8 October just upstream of the Robin Hood Dell bridge in Little Lehigh Park. Rain date is 9 October. This special program is for - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-21/) - TTI's "Supporting the Homefront" has Launched A groundbreaking new program for the families of deploying and deployed military members and returned veterans has just become available in the Lehigh Valley beginning 27 September on Tuesday evenings. “Supporting the Homefront” offers a place to gather, understand and address the difficulties inherent in being a military family. - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-20/) - Understanding Travel Reimbursement for VHA Health Care We have had a number of inquiries regarding VA travel reimbursement. The information sheet provided below should answer most questions. 1. PURPOSE: To explain travel reimbursement for VHA health care as it applies to veterans and their families. 2. ELIGIBILTY FOR TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT*: - Veterans rated 30% or - [LVMAC News](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-6/) - Speaker: On 17 August, BG (PA) Michael Gould, the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs in the Commonwealth, spoke to the council. He explained that most states have a Secretary of Veterans Affairs but in this state the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has the responsibility. He is one of three deputies and serves - [LVMAC Tidbits -- Review of Medical Separations](https://lvmac.org/1334-2/) - DoD Physical Disability Board of Review is Reviewing Medical Retirement Ratings Share this with the younger veterans you encounter. It may be old news, but it is worth repeating. Roughly 70,000 vet­er­ans rated at less than 30% disability and given a med­ical sep­a­ra­tion between Sep­tem­ber 11, 2001 and Decem­ber 31, 2009 now have the chance - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-19/) - VA Creates Office of Economic Opportunity The Vietnam Veterans of America's (VVA) Newsletter of July/August 2011 reports it has long pressed for the creation of a Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration, a fourth administration under the Department of Veterans Affairs -- the others being the Veterans Benefits, Veterans Health, and National Cemetery Administrations. The Department of - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-18/) - VA Rolls Out 2011 Edition of Its "Primer" Handbook Although not available yet in printed form, the 2011 edition of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors handbook is now available online at http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp or http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/federal_benefits.pdf This is one of the best primers for veterans benefits currently available and - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-17/) - Vet Cards and Discount Programs We have had several queries about “Vet Cards” in relation to discount programs offered by various businesses in the Lehigh Valley. Currently no such thing as an official "Vet Card" exists locally. Also, misunderstandings of the policies of various businesses which offer discounts abound. Last year there was some discussion - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-15/) - VVA Is Looking for "Volunteers" of Chem-Bio Testing The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) organization is a plaintiff in a lawsuit seeking to illuminate the long-term harm done to service members who "volunteered" for testing of chemical and biological agents at Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, from the 1950s through the 1970s. The law - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-16/) - Lejeune Update ... Depression Hits Older Veterans ... Latest Agent Orange Info ... HIV Test encouraged Vet Toxic Exposure … Lejeune: A Senate bill (S.277) (Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2011) would make it easier for veterans and their families affected by contaminated water aboard base to receive medical assistance. It has the - [LVMAC News](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-5/) - Speaker: Ann Friedenheim, Clinical Supervisor for Confront Services, Treatment Trends, Inc. spoke about a new program to be launched by Treatment Trends and called, “Supporting the Homefront: Educational Footing for Families of Veterans and Active Duty Men and Women.” After three years of planning and effort, Veterans Sanctuary – a program for veterans with co-occurring - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-14/) - Reminder: Veterans Sanctuary is now open for business Veterans Sanctuary is accepting referrals as of July 11, 2011. Veterans Sanctuary offers moderate to long term (Level 3B – 3C) inpatient – non- hospital treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders (including PTSD) for male and female Veterans. For admission or referral information to Veterans Sanctuary please - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-13/) - VA Rolls Out 2011 Edition of Its "Primer" Handbook Although not available yet in printed form, the 2011 edition of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors handbook is now available online at Hyperlink Version: http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp PDF Version: http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/federal_benefits.pdf This is one of the best primers on veterans' benefits - [LVMAC Tidbit - Unique Vietnam War Memorial Launched](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-12/) - Easton Area High School Vietnam War Memorial Fund Launches The Easton Area High School Vietnam War Memorial Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is trying to build an Easton Area High School memorial site to honor those who served during the Vietnam War. It will have a website soon. In the interim, if you, your loved one, - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-11/) - Red Cross Changing "Emergency Communications" System Beginning June 13, the American Red Cross will use a single telephone number for its emergency communication services. All military members and their families, regardless of where they live, can use 1-877-272-7337 to send an urgent message to a service member. The number is toll free in the United - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-10/) - Veterans Sanctuary is now open for business. If you have not heard, as 19 May 2011, Veterans Sanctuary -- a new drug, alcohol, and PTSD therapeutic community treatment program for Pennsylvania's veterans and located in the newly renovated building at 24 S. Fifth St., Allentown -- cleared the last licensing and approval hurdle: it received - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-9/) - VA Found Incompetent On 10 May, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in an a 104-page opinion asserted that years of "unchecked incompetence" at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was directly responsible for an epidemic of suicides and lengthy delays in processing disability benefits for war veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). - [LVMAC News](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news-3/) - Speaker: Mr. Stephen Lew, the Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Program’s Advocate (contractor) for our region spoke to the Council at its 18 May meeting, explaining the program and his role within it. Not to be confused with the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization, AW2 is “the official Army program that serves the severely wounded, - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-8/) - VA Finally Rolls Out its Family Caregiver Program After missing the 30 January deadline for full implementation, the VA is posting the “interim” final rule to enable them to get rolling on “Family Caregiver Program” of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act 2010, which includes enhanced services to a family caregiver of a - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-6/) - Avoiding Foreclosure Since at least 2008, veterans defaulting on their mortgages has been a concern. Unlike several other states, Pennsylvania has no special home loan programs to assist. However, for veterans there is possible recourse through a service offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Cleveland Regional Loan Center (in the Cleveland Regional Office) - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-4/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) is pleased to announce their 8th annual Salute to the Troops dinner scheduled for Friday May 13th 2011. Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley will be the keynote speaker at the dinner which is the premier event celebrating Armed Forces week in the Lehigh Valley. This event - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-5/) - Eyeglasses – Another change but an old one The Veterans Health Administration hospital networks gives eye examinations and provides eyeglasses (and hearing aids) to veterans who receive a disability pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being permanently housebound; receive compensation for a service-connected disability; are former POWs or a Purple - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-3/) - Upcoming Changes to the Post-9/11 GI-Bill The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was recently signed into law. The law makes these changes by date: Effective August 1, 2009, but not payable until October 1, 2011: Active Guard Service Credited: Expands the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include Active Service performed by National Guard - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-2/) - Northampton County Celebrates Veterans' Month Northampton County is conducting an opening ceremony on 1 April as part of National County Government Month, which has the theme, "Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces and Their Families.” Speaker is to be announced. Event will be held in the Rotunda area of the Northampton County Courthouse Building, 669 Washington - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits/) - Congressional District 15 is hosting a job fair on April 9. See Spring_Job_Fair_District_15 flyer. For participants, see LVMAC Events Calendar. - [LVMAC News](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-news/) - Scholarship Program: Deadline for submissions is 15 May. Marketing is occurring. Go to "Items of Note" on Homepage for more information. Homelessness: Evidently Wilkes-Barre VA is not interested in rescheduling its local homelessness summit. Meanwhile the Allentown Commission to End Chronic Homelessness has scheduled its own for 13 May. The subject is the most natural - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/719-2/) - Homebuyer Tax Credit Ending, Full Concurrent Receipt Proposed, Military ID Cards for 100% Disabled Veteran's Home Buyer Tax Credit: The program will soon end. Under the problem, veterans who served overseas in the past two years are probably eligible for an $8,000 tax credit when purchasing a home. Under the extension passed late last year - [LVMAC NEWS](https://lvmac.org/news-2/) - Veterans Diversion Courts: The Veterans Affairs Committee is looking into Veterans Diversion Courts at this time. It has observed what has gone on in Philadelphia and notes that there are now such courts in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Lackawanna Counties of this state. It is going to start off by getting a speaker or two on the subject to come to a council meeting so the council and our community have a better understanding of what it is about and what is involved. It’s not a parole program. It has to do with steering a life back before prison time, not after. Judges, attorneys, mental health professionals, the VA, police, and others must all be involved to make it successful. Scholarship Program: The scholarship program has been revamped as was reported at the last council meeting. It’s a major overhaul of the program to keep up with the changing times. If we guessed wrongly, we will readjust, but currently there is renewed emphasis on veterans seeking employment and their children plus those willing to make an active duty service commitment while in college (ROTC). A new business plan has been developed and a new brochure and application forms have been created. The new scholarship committee will meet 22 February to start off the new cycle. See LVMAC Scholarship Program Brochure . Homelessness: The VA Summit at the Allentown Clinic was cancelled ... - [LVMAC Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-tidbits-7/) - Hearings and Closures Affecting the Veterans Community Veterans Sanctuary Zoning Hearing Part 2: There will be a second zoning hearing on 19 November (Thursday) at 7 PM at Alletntown's City Council Chambers (4th and Hamilton St.) about allowing the conversion of an old church building on South Sixth St. into a veterans treatment center. "Veterans Sanctuary" is ## Pages - [Home](https://lvmac.org/) - Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council Our mission is to improve the lives of our local military service members, veterans and their families by fostering and coordinating support from businesses, organizations,institutions and communities; and by promoting awareness of the military’s role in defending America through educational programs and public events. This site is undergoing construction. We - [Council Meetings](https://lvmac.org/council-meetings/) - Council Meetings “Sounding Off” for the Lehigh Valley’s Military and Veterans We are an organization of organizations that supports local veterans, military, and their families. Check us out and join us. Email us an event of interest to our members and, if it passes muster, we will post it. Upcoming LVMAC Meetings Next Council Meeting: - [Answers Desk](https://lvmac.org/answers-desk/) - Answers Desk Type your topic or area of interest in the blue box below Generic selectors Exact matches only Search in title Search in content Post Type Selectors Benefits Assistance and Disability Claims 10 articles Last Updated: November 18, 2024 Burial and Monuments Info 4 articles Last Updated: November 18, 2024 Education 4 articles Last - [Newsletter](https://lvmac.org/newsletter/) - Latest Newsletter - [Membership List](https://lvmac.org/membership-with-table-press/) - Membership List (As of 31 May 2026) [table id=2 /] - [Board Members](https://lvmac.org/board-members/) - Board of Directors Officers President: Lt. Col. Alexander Alex, USAF-Ret. First Vice President: Dr. Andrea Graham-Mosley, Veteran-USA Second Vice President: Ms. Diane Elliott Treasurer: Master Sgt. Thomas O’Rourke, USAF-Ret Secretary: Staff Sgt. James Reese, PARNG-Ret. Directors At-Large Ms. Wendy S. Badman Mr. David Binder, Veteran-USN Mr. Thomas Carson, Veteran-USAF Lt. Col. Leonard R. De Roche, - [Employment](https://lvmac.org/employment/) - Veterans Employment Program (DRAFT) Introduction “People are not your most important asset. The right people are.” This is the premise on which every facet of the VetPortfolio program is directed. Those with military service are a major source of skilled and semi-skilled labor for this nation. The military emphasizes experience and proven performance. Veterans are - [Contribute](https://lvmac.org/contribute/) - Contribute … help fund our activities In addition to volunteerism – we are practically an all-volunteer organization – donations and grants ensure our operations and support our programs and initiatives in our community. It helps make us a driving force for good. Your contribution means a great deal to the organization, but even more to - [Press Room](https://lvmac.org/press-room/) - Press Room Welcome to the Press Room, the one-source link to our publications and other media products related to LVMAC, to include archived newsletters. News Blog Site: for current events and information, click here. To submit events for posting on website, click here. Brochures, Factsheets and Handouts: Brochure on LVMAC Fact Sheet LVMAC Brochure on JOVE Program (Employment - [Social-Recreational Confederation (SRC)](https://lvmac.org/social-recreational-confederation-src/) - Social-Recreational Confederation (SRC) Mission Statement (Program Purpose): To provide social and recreational activities to active duty military personnel, military veterans and their families to aid in their rehabilitation or in their transition back into an active and rewarding civilian life in the Lehigh Valley. Vision Statement (End State): The Lehigh Valley provides a sustainable, informal socialization and - [Speak](https://lvmac.org/speak/) - Speak Arrange to speak to the Council … using these speaker guidelines Speaker presentations to the council are a unique opportunity to reach and engage our member organizations in a large group setting. Our membership is diverse and consists of veterans’ organizations, businesses, government organizations, educational and religious institutions, healthcare and social service organizations, and - [Scholarship Program](https://lvmac.org/scholarships-and-education/) - LVMAC Scholarship Program For those from the Lehigh Valley Typical annual scholarship ranges between $1,000 and $2,000 Target Audience and Priorities Veterans seeking meaningful first-time civilian employment Veterans seeking meaningful reemployment due to job loss Children of veterans and non-veterans intending an active duty service commitment through college ROTC Children and un-remarried spouses of service - [Organizational Documents](https://lvmac.org/organizational-documents/) - Organizational Documents and Forms Our Bylaws To download the current bylaws (Amendment 8), please click here. Our Strategic Plan 2025-2028 To download the current strategic plan, please click here. Our Job Book To download our current Job Book, click here. Our Membership Application and Memorandum of Understanding - [Contact Us](https://lvmac.org/contact-us/) - Contact Us Email: admin.office@lvmac.org for business purposes or info@lvmac.org for general inquiries and event notifications Telephone: 484-788-0196 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 22522, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002 Corporate Office: 640 Hamilton St., Suite 302 (southeast corner of center square), Allentown, PA 18101 Council Meetings: Anyone interested in helping is welcome to attend. LVMAC meets as a council normally on - [Healthcare in Our Community](https://lvmac.org/healthcare-in-our-community/) - Healthcare in Our Community Task Force The Time for a Second Phase Has Come to Better Serve a Special Population We Are Recruiting Our aim continues to be that Lehigh Valley’s military service members, veterans and their families receive accessible and integrated health care services of the highest quality along the time continuum - [Programs](https://lvmac.org/programs/) - Programs Academics for Vets Community Educational Outreach Employment Healthcare in Our Community Monuments Project Scholarships and Education Social-Recreational Confederation (SRC) Veterans Reading Brigade Visitation Programs - [Healthcare in Our Community - Original](https://lvmac.org/healthcare-in-our-community-original/) - Healthcare in Our Community PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION Healthcare in Our Community Veterans’ healthcare nowadays requires a community-wide investment and commitment to meet their needs. Sometimes these needs are unique. Not infrequently, long-term illnesses or life-threatening injuries are involved. Our aim is that Lehigh Valley’s military service members, veterans and their families receive accessible and integrated - [Special Notifications](https://lvmac.org/special-notifications/) - Special Notifications Powered By EmbedPress We need someone with organizing ability and drive to continue the success of this program. You will be working with a small committee of exceptional people and another co-chair. Apply by 14 September 2024. Powered By EmbedPress - [Join](https://lvmac.org/join-2/) - Join … become a member of a very special organization There aren’t very many “ecumenical”, regional organizations to attend to the concerns of military veterans. The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council is the region’s largest community-service organization dedicated to awareness of, advocacy for, and assistance to the Lehigh Valley military-veterans community. Connect with others, get - [About](https://lvmac.org/about/) - About Welcome to LVMAC! Membership List Board Members Committees Organizational Documents - [Community Events Calendar - Full Calendar View](https://lvmac.org/calendar-fcv/) - Community Events Calendar Select MonthJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberSelect Year202220232024202520262027202820292030 Monthly List Grid Tile July August 2026 September SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 Battle Borne Women Veterans Support Group 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 CareerLinkLV Veteran Job Club 18 - [Lookup Methods](https://lvmac.org/lookup-methods/) - Lookup Methods Index Alternative Methods - [Clinicians Guide](https://lvmac.org/clinicians-guide-2/) - Clinicians' Guide Military Health Questions Military Service – Health Risks by Service Era VA/DoD Clinical Practices DBQ’s Disability Benefits Questionnaire Lookup Methods Afterword – Bibliography Question Six Have you received medical care for this condition from any other provider, including military or VA? By asking this question, you may find out that the individual is - [Information](https://lvmac.org/information/) - Answers DeskNews BlogPress RoomClinician’s GuideLehigh Valley Monuments Guide - [Veterans Reading Brigade](https://lvmac.org/veterans-reading-brigade/) - Veterans Reading Brigade The Program The Veterans Reading Brigade is part of LVMAC’s community educational outreach efforts. The Reading Brigade brings our community’s veterans into its elementary schools to read short stories to children. Veterans read a pre-approved book of a historical or military nature which is then donated to the classroom along with an - [Lehigh Valley Monument Guide](https://lvmac.org/introduction-to-monument-project/) - Monuments Project Introduction This webpage electronically records the work originally begun in 2005 to document all the military monuments and markers in the Lehigh Valley (Lehigh and Northampton counties) for the purposes of promoting awareness of our local military veterans’ contributions in service to our nation and to encourage public officials and citizens’ groups to - [Monuments](https://lvmac.org/monuments-2/) - Monuments Monuments 195 products « ‹ Page 1 of 22 › » Home Monument Search City Hellertown (2) Egypt (3) Belfast (1) Bethlehem (28) Nazareth (4) Wind Gap (4) Bath (3) Bangor (3) Easton (23) Neffs (1) Howertown (2) Hanover Township (2) Center Valley (1) Macungie (2) Lynnport (1) L. Macungie (2) Hokendauqua (2) Friedens - [Monument Listings](https://lvmac.org/monument-listings/) - [Community Educational Outreach](https://lvmac.org/community-educational-outreach/) - Community Educational Outreach “For Them” The following, carefully selected links are provided to teachers, counselors and students in the Lehigh Valley in an effort to help them understand the value and importance of our military, veterans and their families in our communities. These sites will also help in the understanding the challenges that these families - [Monuments](https://lvmac.org/catalog-1/) - Monuments 195 products « ‹ Page 1 of 22 › » Home Monument Search City Hellertown (2) Egypt (3) Belfast (1) Bethlehem (28) Nazareth (4) Wind Gap (4) Bath (3) Bangor (3) Easton (23) Neffs (1) Howertown (2) Hanover Township (2) Center Valley (1) Macungie (2) Lynnport (1) L. Macungie (2) Hokendauqua (2) Friedens (1) - [test2](https://lvmac.org/test2/) - [Test](https://lvmac.org/test/) - [Monuments](https://lvmac.org/monuments-3/) - [Monuments Catalog Do Not Use](https://lvmac.org/monuments/) - Monuments 195 products « ‹ Page 1 of 22 › » Home Monument Search City Hellertown (2) Egypt (3) Belfast (1) Bethlehem (28) Nazareth (4) Wind Gap (4) Bath (3) Bangor (3) Easton (23) Neffs (1) Howertown (2) Hanover Township (2) Center Valley (1) Macungie (2) Lynnport (1) L. Macungie (2) Hokendauqua (2) Friedens (1) - [Monument Blocks](https://lvmac.org/monument-blocks/) - [Blog Page](https://lvmac.org/blog/) - LVMAC Blog Forward Observer: VA Gets Rolling on a Better Allentown VA Clinic On 6 July, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center announced that... Read More Rich HudzinskiJuly 9, 2026 MossRehab to Address the Council on Its Work in TBI (and PTSD) Learn what MossRehab, known for its rehabilitation work as part... Read More Rich HudzinskiJuly - [Blog Page E](https://lvmac.org/blog-page-e/) - Forward Observer: VA Gets Rolling on a Better Allentown VA Clinic Rich HudzinskiJuly 9, 2026 On 6 July, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center announced that... Read More Load More Forward Observer: VA Gets Rolling on a Better Allentown VA Clinic Rich HudzinskiJuly 9, 2026 On 6 July, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center announced that... Read - [Gulf War 1990-1991](https://lvmac.org/gulf-war-1990-1991/) - Gulf War Persian Gulf Conflict / Gulf War /Desert Shield Storm (1990-1991): Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Chemical or Biological Agents Depleted Uranium Resource #1 Depleted Uranium Resource #2 Dermatological Issues Chronic fatigue syndrome Chronic Multisymptom Illness (Gulf War Syndrome) Chronic Multisymptom Illness (Gulf War Syndrome) Resource #2 (MUS) Infectious Disease Diseases of the Gulf War - [Military Service - Health Risks by Service Era](https://lvmac.org/military-service/) - Military Service - Health Risks by Service Era OEF OIF OND 2001-Present Bosnia 1992-1996 Gulf War 1990-1991 Cold War 1945-1990 Camp Lejeune 1957-1987 Vietnam 1961-1975 . Korea 1950-1955 World War II 1941-1946 Other Exposures - [Bosnia](https://lvmac.org/bosnia/) - Bosnia Bosnia and Herzegovina Humanitarian Operation (1992-1995) Depleted Uranium Resource #1 Depleted Uranium Resource #2 - [OEF OIF OND 2001-Present](https://lvmac.org/oef-oif-ond-2001-present-2/) - OEF OIF OND 2001-Present OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan / OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom – Iraq) OND (Operation New dawn – Iraq) Conflicts/Global War on Terrorism (2001-Present) Acinebacter (multi-drug resistant) Animal Bites / Rabies Combined Penetrating, Blunt Trauma, Burn Injuries (Blast injuries) Burn Pits Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Cold Injury (Afghanistan) Dermatologic Issues Depleted Uranium - [Afterword - Bibliography](https://lvmac.org/afterword-bibliography/) - LVMAC Afterword - Bibliography The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council wishes to acknowledge the Department of Veterans Affairs for its Military Health History Pocketcard for Clinicians, which was the start point for this product. The Clinician’s Guide takes advantage of the capabilities of the Internet in providing a quick and reference tool to assist clinicians - [Alternative Lookup](https://lvmac.org/alternative-lookup/) - Alternative Lookup VA Portal Exposures for Providers Four Ways to Look up Exposures Hazardous Exposures - [Index](https://lvmac.org/index-2/) - Index – Acinetobacter (multi-drug resistant) – Agent Orange Exposure – Commonly Associated Agent Orange Diseases – Spina Bifida in Veteran’s Children – Korea and various stateside and overseas locations – Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – Animal Bites / Rabies – Birth Defects in Women Veterans’ Children – Burn Pits – Camp Lejeune Water Contamination – - [Lookup Alternatives](https://lvmac.org/lookup-alternatives/) - [DBQ's (Disability Benefits Questionnaires)](https://lvmac.org/disability-benefits/) - Disability Benefits You may encounter veterans who wish you to use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire. They may be seeking a private evaluation for what they believe is a service-connected injury, which is allowed by the VA, in an effort to receive VA service-connected compensation or, at least, permanent VA health care for the condition. Even - [VA/DoD Clinical Practices](https://lvmac.org/va-dod-clinical-practices/) - Clinical Practices The VA/DoD Evidence-Based Practice Guideline Work Group (EBPWG) was established to advise the VA/DoD Health Executive Council (HEC) on the use of clinical and epidemiological evidence to improve the health of the population across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Military Health System. The work group was first chartered in 2004. As clinical - [Military Health Questions](https://lvmac.org/military-health-questions/) - Military Health Questions When reviewing a patient’s health history it is important to ask about their veteran status. Answers to the six questions will provide you with information helpful in understanding the patient’s medical problems and concerns, and in establishing the needed rapport and therapeutic partnership. For the more recently returned veteran, developing social relationships - [What's Happening](https://lvmac.org/whats-happening/) - What's Happening The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council intends to make a difference in our community. It is an active organization and has been and will continue to be involved in the military-veterans community in various ways. Programs and Initiatives: We have been involved in a broad range of programs and initiatives to improve our community. - [Welcome to LVMAC!](https://lvmac.org/welcome-to-lvmac/) - Welcome to LVMAC! The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council Help us help those serving in the military and the veterans returning home, whenever and wherever the help is needed most. Why LVMAC Was Created From the very earliest days of the Nation, the Lehigh Valley has answered the call of duty. It has been a - [Visitation Program](https://lvmac.org/visitation-programs/) - Visitation Program Introduction Most veterans organizations place heavy emphasis on VA and state veterans homes and many overlook the other long-term care facilities. It is more a question of resources than unwillingness. Consequently, a gap in attention occurs where often most needed – the private sector. LVMAC created this program to encourage and facilitate member - [Transition and Benefits Knowledge 101](https://lvmac.org/transition-and-benefits-knowledge-101/) - Transition and Benefits Knowledge 101 Making the Transition to Veteran For Transitioning, TurboTAP.org has been replaced with DoDTAP as Department of Defense’s official website for information to service members and their families on transitioning from military service (beware of counterfeit sites). The site is intended to supplement on site courses, but the same course curriculum is supposedly provided traditionally - [Test Blog](https://lvmac.org/test-blog/) - Forward Observer: VA Gets Rolling on a Better Allentown VA Clinic On 6 July, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center announced that... Read More Rich HudzinskiJuly 9, 2026 MossRehab to Address the Council on Its Work in TBI (and PTSD) Learn what MossRehab, known for its rehabilitation work as part... Read More Rich HudzinskiJuly 7, 2026 - [Resources](https://lvmac.org/resources/) - Resources Answer Desk Benefits and entitlements News - [Participate](https://lvmac.org/participate/) - Participate … Donate Your Time, Resources, and Skills If you are interested in donating something other than money, we’re interested!! In fact, why join an organization unless you intend to help it along as much as you can. Participate directly. The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council offers many opportunities for involvement. It is not a - [LVMAC Programs](https://lvmac.org/lvmac-programs/) - LVMAC Programs The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) is an organization which continually adapts to identified needs. Programs are added, dropped or modified in response to changing circumstances. Nothing is held sacred. An effective solution to a need is the driver. Since its founding in 2003, LVMAC has also become increasingly sophisticated in how - [JOVE Application](https://lvmac.org/jove-application/) - JOVE Application LVMAC OFFERS FREE, JOB HUNT TRAINING TO RETURNING VETERANS NOTE: Please do not apply at this time. Program is undergoing revision. 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 - [Inform](https://lvmac.org/inform/) - Keep Us Informed … effectively communicate Lehigh Valley activities; spread the word One of the reasons for forming the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council was to help inform the local community on what is going on in military and veteran events. It would be useful to have a one-source point for this and LVMAC stands - [Help](https://lvmac.org/help/) - Help Get Involved Participate Speak Join Contribute - [Give/Support](https://lvmac.org/give-support/) - Give/Support Contribute! … help fund our activities In addition to volunteerism – we are practically an all-volunteer organization – donations and grants ensure our operations and support our programs and initiatives in our community. It helps make us a driving force for good. Your contribution means a great deal to the organization, but even more - [Get Involved](https://lvmac.org/get-involved/) - Get Involved You can help … by getting involved If you are interested in helping our military and veterans locally, one way you can do it through the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council. Join us as a member to network in common interest and have a voice in our organization. Participate in our programs, projects, - [Events Calendar](https://lvmac.org/events/) - Events Calendar [my_calendar] Events verbiage - [Events](https://lvmac.org/events-2/) - Community Events Calendar Council MeetingsSpecial NotificationsLatest Newsletter - [Community Events Calendar](https://lvmac.org/calendar/) - Community Events Calendar July August 2026 September SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 Battle Borne Women Veterans Support Group Battle Borne Women Veterans Support Group 10:00 am - 11:00 pm Editor’s Note: This is an update announcement. Battle Borne no longer uses the Northbound Community Center in - [Committees](https://lvmac.org/committees/) - Committees Introduction What follows are general descriptions only sufficient gaining an understanding of the relative roles of those committees and subcommittees required to implement the strategic plan for the intermediate term planning. LVMAC uses a form of hybrid organizing. While LVMAC uses functional organizations for needed internal support activities (e.g. for membership and information technology), - [Benefits and Entitlements](https://lvmac.org/benefits-and-entitlements/) - Benefits & Entitlements KNOWING YOUR BENEFITS These sites provide you the initial knowledge you need of your benefits and entitlements. VBA Website: The relatively new VBA Website has become more useful. Simply go to the upper left corner, select who you are under “I AM A …” and then select the benefits area of interest below - [Academics for Vets](https://lvmac.org/academics-for-vets/) - Academics for Vets (aka A's for Vets) Introduction Academics for Veterans, or A’s for Vets, is an LVMAC alliance consisting of institutions of higher learning in the Greater Lehigh Valley which proactively endeavor to better support military veterans seeking an education. It is the result of a cooperative effort first begun with a formal proposal in - [Shop](https://lvmac.org/shop/) - [Membership List rename](https://lvmac.org/membership-list/) - Membership List [table id=2 /] Organization Name Member Status 65th Infantry Regiment (“Borinqueneers”) Motorcycle Assoc., PA Chapter Member Org 82nd Airborne Division Association, Lehigh Valley Chapter Member Org 213th Regiment (The First Defenders) Member Org 744th Military Police Battalion (USAR) Member Org AARP Pennsylvania Assoc. Member AblePay Health Member Org Air Force Association Lehigh Valley - [My Calendar](https://lvmac.org/my-calendar/) - [my_calendar id="my-calendar"] - [Coming Soon](https://lvmac.org/coming-soon/) - Coming Soon HomelessnessReading BrigadeMonuments - [Articles](https://lvmac.org/articles-2/) - Articles Forward Observer: VA Gets Rolling on a Better Allentown VA Clinic On 6 July, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center announced that... Read More July 9, 2026 MossRehab to Address the Council on Its Work in TBI (and PTSD) Learn what MossRehab, known for its rehabilitation work as part... Read More July 7, 2026 Lehigh ## Answers Desk - [Tax Preparation](https://lvmac.org/docs/tax-preparation/) - Introduction Whether you are in one of the military services or are a veteran living in the Lehigh Valley, there are free tax services to assist you ... of the online and face-to-tace variety. In no particular order, some of the options are listed below. [Top of Page] Option #1 -- Military OneSource Tax Resource - [Home Programs and Home Related Issues](https://lvmac.org/docs/home-programs-and-home-related-issues/) - Introduction The VA Loan Guaranty Service is the organization within the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) charged with the responsibility of administering the home loan program. Its Home Loan Program is for veterans and active duty military personnel and certain members of the Reserves and National Guard; and allows various real estate professionals, banks and mortgage - [Omnibus of Benefits and Assistance](https://lvmac.org/docs/omnibus-of-benefits-and-assistance/) - The AARP Resource Guides AARP publishes a particularly fine, introductory series of resource guides on a number of subjects relevant to military veterans, sometimes serving military, and their families. They address a wide range of subjects in healthcare, education, employment, housing, etc. and include what direct assistance is available from the VA, DoD, AARP and - [Education -- for Veterans](https://lvmac.org/docs/education-for-veterans/) - The GI Bills (VA Offerings) The GI Bills and more is a good website from the Veterans Benefits Administration which attempts to be a one-stop shopping and information site. It now includes a particularly useful School Decision Resources page, which intends to make information and transparency on approved schools more available at one's finger tips. - [Education - for Survivors and Dependents](https://lvmac.org/docs/education-for-survivors-and-dependents/) - Introduction This page is devoted to dependent and survivor scholarships. However, go to the veterans page for college locator services and other information that might be of use, such as general student scholarships. Waiver of Pennsylvania Residency Requirement When using schools financed by the state, the rules for military and veteran dependents and survivors regarding - [Special Efforts in Disability Assistance](https://lvmac.org/docs/special-efforts-in-disability-assistance/) - Wounded Warrior Project The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit focused on assisting veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. Everything it offers is free. What is most important, it offers boots-on-the-ground programs and services through various - [Introduction to Local Healthcare](https://lvmac.org/docs/healthcare-introduction/) - The Local VA Hospital System The Lehigh Valley has two VA community based outpatient clinics, satellites of the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center (VAMC). The Allentown VA Outpatient Clinic is located at 3110 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18103. Its telephone number is 610-776-4304 or Toll Free 1-866-249-6472. The Northampton County Outpatient Clinic (aka “Bangor” Clinic) is - [Death Reporting Requirements and Benefits](https://lvmac.org/docs/death-reporting-requirements-and-benefits/) - Reporting a Veteran's Death and Applying for Survivor's Benefits Losing a loved one is a challenging time — we are here to help. As the survivor of a military veteran or a servicemember, you need to check to see if you qualify for survivor benefits, including help with burial costs. If your loved one was - [Monuments and Markers in the Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/docs/monuments-and-markers/) - Go our Monuments Project page. - [Counseling and Claims Services](https://lvmac.org/docs/counseling-and-claims-services/) - Accredited veterans service officers are the key to good service and are supposed to be experts at helping veterans get the benefits they deserve -- county, state, or federal. NOTE: As a matter of policy, because we believe there is a need for face-to-face service, at times and especially during the first interview for a - [Suicide Prevention](https://lvmac.org/docs/suicide-prevention/) - Introduction Finding comprehensive guidance for military veterans and their families on the subject of suicide prevention and the factors contributing to it is a spotty affair. Hopefully these vetted sites will help. Where immediate crisis is involved, refer to the Suicide Prevention/Emotional Crisis section of Introduction to Local Healthcare. Face the Fight Founded at the - [Financial Management](https://lvmac.org/docs/financial-management/) - Introduction Finding guidance to help one navigate one's way successfully in matters of finance and figuring out what you do need and do not can be a tricky matter in this country. Whom can you trust is another issue. Below are few useful, one-stop websites with a concern for military servicemembers and military veterans. National - [Transition and Benefits Knowledge 101](https://lvmac.org/docs/transition-and-benefits-knowledge-101/) - Making the Transition to Veteran DoDTAP (DoD's Transition Assistance Program): TurboTAP.org, the first effort at "electronic-tizing" transition, was replaced long ago with DoDTAP as Department of Defense's official website for information to service members and their families on transitioning from military service (beware of counterfeit sites). The site is intended to supplement on site courses, - [Employment and Entrepreneurship Resources](https://lvmac.org/docs/employment-and-entrepreneurship-resources/) - Veterans Employment Representatives (VER) First Things First: If you are a veteran and going to the Lehigh Valley CareerLink, tell them right up front that you are a veteran -- if they do not ask. That way, the CareerLink will get you with someone trained to assist veterans, even if you do not qualify for - [Finding and Reconstructing Military Records](https://lvmac.org/docs/finding-and-reconstructing-military-records/) - Introduction It is advisable to speak with a county director of veterans affairs or a county, state, or veterans organization "accredited" veterans service officer if you are seeking to reconstruct your military records of any sort incident to the filing of a claim. It may save you considerable time and effort. While service policies have - [Special Topics in Housing and Homelessness Assistance](https://lvmac.org/docs/special-topics-in-housing-and-homelessness-assistance/) - Introduction This page is intended to highlight some of the more unique, needed efforts in housing assistance needed in the Lehigh Valley. Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance Housing Counseling Program of CALV: The Housing Counseling program of the Community Action Lehigh Valley (CALV) is intended for low to moderate income families. It provides a "continuum of coordinated - [Special Topics for Serving Military (Active and/or Reserve Components) Only](https://lvmac.org/docs/special-topics-for-serving-military-active-and-or-reserve-components-only/) - The TRICARE Reserve Select Health Benefit for Survivors Buried within the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (PL 118-31) passed at the last moment and signed into law on 22 December 2024, is a provision in Section 702 called the “Extension Of Period Of Eligibility For Health Benefits Under TRICARE Reserve Select For Survivors Of A - [Well-Being and Behavioral Health Services](https://lvmac.org/docs/well-being-and-behavioral-health-services/) - Mental Health First Aid Resources For the military, veterans and their families: click here. Local Services New Vitae Wellness and Recovery’s Veteran Services: Their veterans services are located principally in the Quakertown area. Recently, it acquired the Mitchell Clinic in Emmaus. According to its literature, New Vitae offers comprehensive behavioral health services and supportive residential - [Eyes and Ears on VA Healthcare](https://lvmac.org/docs/eyes-and-ears-on-va-healthcare/) - These benefits resulting from enrollment in the VA's healthcare system are often overlooked. The VA in our area, provides excellent service by all accounts. Might save you on Medicare costs. What is presented here is in the VA's own words. Routine Eye Exams If you have VA healthcare benefits (your enrolled), the VA will cover - [Flag Etiquette](https://lvmac.org/docs/flag-etiquette/) - There are plenty of misconceptions about the proper display of the United States Flag, which end up in debate at last moment at some event, such as when forming up for a Memorial Day parade. Ignorance abounds despite our unusual, common man love to display it (remarkable among the nations of the world). Even "military - [Identification Cards](https://lvmac.org/docs/identification-cards/) - Military ID Cards and Disability We have been asked by a couple of younger veterans if permanently disabled veterans rated 100% service-connected by the VA are entitled to military ID cards, even if they are not military retirees, medical or otherwise. The answer is yes. DoD instructions say it is be issued to 100% disabled - [Local Deployment Support](https://lvmac.org/docs/local-deployment-support/) - "Warmth for Warriors" This local program, offered by Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling and Electric, provides free heating system maintenance services to the Lehigh Valley families of deployed service members. It serves as an example of the recognition of the hardships that deployments can sometimes create and of true, honest American generosity in response. Click here - [Special Efforts in Employment](https://lvmac.org/docs/special-efforts-employment/) - This page is intended to highlight some of the more unique or needed efforts in employment which often do not get a lot of attention. Helmets to Hardhats Helmets to Hardhats was launched in 2003 to help those discharging from active duty find gainful employment in the building and construction industry. The program is administered - [Homelessness Resources](https://lvmac.org/docs/homelessness-resources/) - Local VA Outreach Point of Contact If you are or know of a homeless veteran, contact Thomas Gonzalez, Homeless Veterans Outreach Social Worker, tel: 610-776-4329 ext 2364, or email: Thomas.Gonzalez@va.gov, at the Allentown Outpatient Clinic. If you are a social agency trying but unable to reach him, his supervisor is Crystal Arcarese, Homeless Supervisor, tel: 570-824-3521 x7742 or email: - [Finding Other Sources of Help](https://lvmac.org/docs/finding-other-sources-of-help/) - Local Referral and Assistance Services Lehigh County Information and Referral Service: For human services assistance in Lehigh County, mainly governmental, refer to Lehigh County’s Information and Referral Unit. Northampton County Information and Referral Service: Northampton County’s version of Lehigh’s I&R Unit is Information, Referral, and Emergency Services . PA 211: Part of a larger national - [Identifying Hazardous Exposures and Birth Defects](https://lvmac.org/docs/identifying-hazardous-exposures-and-birth-defects/) - Introduction The military service has many hazards – not all at first apparent. We often hear of the Agent Orange and its Registry, though there is confusion over what that does. However, there are lesser known “hazardous exposures” as well. Below is a simple listing of hazards particular to military service of which we know - [Funeral Benefits](https://lvmac.org/docs/funerals/) - While not the most pleasant topic, properly arranging one's funeral is part of life's journey and can lessen unnecessary stress on loved ones. We list here some of the most asked questions. To obtain and arrange these benefits, use your funeral director to assist you in making the arrangements (only an incompetent one would not know - [VA Healthcare Eligibility One-Page Guide (Wilkes-Barre VAMC)](https://lvmac.org/docs/va-healthcare-eligibility-one-page-guide-wilkes-barre-vamc/) - Note: LVMAC recommends that you see an accredited Veterans Service Officer to assist you in filing for healthcare benefits to which you are entitled. Also, this guide is only concerned with obtaining health benefits alone. Click on image to obtain PDF and live links. Click on image to obtain PDF and live links. ### Last - [Understanding TRICARE](https://lvmac.org/docs/understanding-tricare/) - Locate a TRICARE Service Provider Go to the Introduction to Local Healthcare page or click here. [Top of Page] TRICARE and Divorce Not adjusting your DEERS can be quite expensive for you, in the event you do not change it in a timely manner. Here are the generalized rules regarding divorce and TRICARE: DEERS Update - [Partnering Opportunities](https://lvmac.org/docs/partnering-opportunities/) - VA Pathfinder Launched in 2022, The Department of Veterans Affairs launched Pathfinder.va.gov to serve as the 'front door' for vendors and innovators to engage with VA in an effort to provide "a virtual concierge to streamline procurement and innovation." It also provides useful resources. Click here for more background. Veterans Trust Fund The Veterans Trust Fund - [Legal Assistance](https://lvmac.org/docs/legal-assistance/) - INTRODUCTION Occasionally the need arises for special legal services for military service members and veterans. Since we have received more than one call over this subject, we will begin maintaining a listing of pro bono legal service providers. This is a project in development. As more local resources are found, we will list them, but - [Healthcare Library and Apps](https://lvmac.org/docs/healthcare-library-and-apps/) - The Library A good encyclopedia on health matters affecting veterans is the MyHealtheVet Health Library. Introduction to Mobile Apps We are in the era of tablets and smartphones. To take advantage of this new technology, the Department of Veterans Affairs' Health Administration (VHA) has relatively recently entered the mobile apps scene in a big way. - [Education - for Educators](https://lvmac.org/docs/education-for-educators/) - Helping Military/Veterans' Children The Community Educational Outreach web page on the LVMAC website provides carefully selected links for teachers, counselors and students in the Lehigh Valley as an aid in helping them to understand the value and importance of our military, veterans and their families in our communities. Useful links are also provided to help - [Job Boards](https://lvmac.org/docs/job-boards/) - Introduction This bulletin board supplements the Employment and Entrepreneurship page (which also lists other websites designed for veterans in mind). LVMAC recognizes having a job is typically the "number one" concern of a transitioning or mid-life veteran -- and good, well-paying jobs are hard to come by. From time to time, we receive notification of - [Military and Veteran Family Starter Kit for the Wounded and Injured](https://lvmac.org/docs/military-and-veteran-family-starter-kit/) - Wounded Warrior Call Centers Army Recovery Care Program: The Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) was formerly known as the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2). This is the official, U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill, and injured soldiers, veterans, and their families, wherever they are located, regardless of military status. It - [Social Security and You](https://lvmac.org/docs/social-security/) - Social Security Disability Insurance Note: This section discusses Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a workers’ disability program which pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured” – meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. It does not address Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), which is a - [Valley Veterans Data](https://lvmac.org/docs/valley-veterans-data/) - MILITARY AND VETERANS DEMOGRAPHICS TRICARE UTILIZATION LEHIGH VALLEY TRICARE EXPENDITURES AND TOP TEN ILLNESSES LIST VA HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION AGE GROUP HEALTHCARE DEMOGRAPHIC ESTIMATES (Note: These are U.S. Census estimates derived through sampling. Their value lies in identifying probable population demographics. There is no direct correspondence with VA and DoD - [Myths About DoD/VA Benefits for the Guard and Reserves](https://lvmac.org/docs/guard-and-reserve-special-topics/) - After I return from deployment, I need to have my dental work (as part of my VA benefit) completed before the end of the 180 day period. False. Fact: The 180 day period refers to enrolling in the VA and making the dental appointment within 180 days of the REFRAD date, but you are NOT ## Events - [Nam Knights Vet Fest 2026](https://lvmac.org/events/nam-knights-vet-fest-continues-146/) - [Financial Webinar](https://lvmac.org/events/financial-webinar/) - [CareerLink Job Fair](https://lvmac.org/events/careerlink-job-fair-417/) - Note: The special part of this event is the 11:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. time slot for veterans only (but only for a half hour this time). Emphasis is on Lehigh Valley's largest labor concerns, it seems: • Healthcare & Medical Services • Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing • Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics - [Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Enrollment Event](https://lvmac.org/events/allentown-va-clinic-enrollment-event-261/) - Special Note: Many of the 'rules of the road' have changed over the last decade. If you are a veteran who has never applied for VA healthcare or was at one time deemed ineligible, you are encouraged to reapply at the event. - [Allentown VA Clinic Enrollment Event](https://lvmac.org/events/allentown-va-clinic-enrollment-event/) - Special Note: Many of the 'rules of the road' have changed over the last decade. If you are a veteran who has never applied for VA healthcare or was at one time deemed ineligible, you are encouraged to reapply at the event. - [Valley Preferred Cycling Center Veteran/Caregiver Event](https://lvmac.org/events/valley-preferred-cycling-center-veteran-caregiver-event/) - [Wills for Heroes Foundation: Free Estate Package Help for Vets](https://lvmac.org/events/wills-for-heroes-foundation-free-estate-package-help-for-vets/) - One will also occur in Northampton County later, we have heard. - [Chamber Veterans Leadership Summit](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-veterans-leadership-summit-2-491/) - [Upper Saucon Valley Memorial Day Event](https://lvmac.org/events/upper-saucon-valley-memorial-day-event-201/) - Again, want to 'learn and see' a small community Memorial Day event properly done? This is one of them, for it comes out of the heart of a community -- its citizens. - [Salem United Methodist Veterans Picnic](https://lvmac.org/events/salem-united-methodist-veterans-picnic/) - [Chamber Veteran and Military Council Meeting (Roundtable)](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-veteran-and-military-council-meeting-339/) - To register, click here. Sign-in is at 8 p.m. Meeting is in Haupert Union Building (the HUB), by the way. - [NCC's Mission to Market](https://lvmac.org/events/nccs-mission-to-market/) - Last registration date is 11 May. This is a no-cost, special offering for veterans only. - [Wilkes-Barre VAMC Veterans Community Partnership Wellness Summit](https://lvmac.org/events/va-veterans-community-partnership-wellness-summit-205/) - We do not normally publish events outside of the Lehigh Valley, for our focus in this calendar is exclusively upon doings which benefit our military, military veterans, and their families in our valley. However, Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, our primary VA servicing hospital network, continues to sponsor a Veterans Community Partnership effort of some value - [Lapatcong Township Memorial Day](https://lvmac.org/events/lapatcong-township-memorial-day/) - [Macungie Memorial Day Observance](https://lvmac.org/events/macungie-memorial-day-observance-2/) - [LVSCI's Big Trout Shootout](https://lvmac.org/events/lvscis-big-trout-shootout/) - Free event, no fishing license required, but must pre-register. - [LVMAC Salute to the Troops Banquet 2026](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-salute-to-the-troops-banquet-645/) - Members of the Armed Forces who are currently serving can attend as our guest at no cost. Registration is required. This year the Air Force will be recognized. Also, President Jerry Still, Major General, USAF Retired, who will have stepped down on 1 April, will be honored and recognized for his service to LVMAC and - [Lehigh Valley Veterans History Project Roundtable](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-veterans-history-project-roundtable-2-289-792/) - Special Notes Please join us on Thursday, March 26 when LTC Travis Steigerwalt will share his U.S. Army experience from Afghanistan to Iraq to Europe. Please see attached Program Notes for more information of his career serving our country. It's important that we recognize these 21 st Century Veterans who have served the USA! If you - [DeSales Vietnam War Veterans Commemoration 2026](https://lvmac.org/events/desales-vietnam-war-veterans-commemoration-2025-549/) - DeSales University is once again recognizing, honoring and thanking Vietnam War Veterans, their families and others who supported the Armed Forces. To register, click here. Please share this information with your family, friends, neighbors and members of your veteran organizations. - [Flags for Unity 2026](https://lvmac.org/events/flags-for-unity-2026/) - Consider dedicating a flag or becoming a sponsor. - [Annual Northampton Veterans Outreach Day](https://lvmac.org/events/annual-northampton-veterans-outreach-day-425/) - A collaborative effort of the Joint Veterans of Northampton and the Veterans Health Program (part of Valley Health Partners) - [CareerLink Job Fair](https://lvmac.org/events/careerlink-job-fair/) - Note: The special part of this event is the 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. time slot for veterans only. 21 employers will be there: 1 Worldwide Flight Services (Amazon) 11 Crayola LLC 21 Kids peace 2 Cetronia Ambulance Corps 12 Sanico Inc 22 Valley Health Partners 3 Silgan Containers 13 LEHIGH - [Chamber Veteran and Military Council Meeting](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-veteran-and-military-council-meeting/) - To register, click here. - [LVMAC Council Meeting](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-council-meeting-2/) - Open to the public. Council business meeting with a speaker. Networking opportunity for military and military veterans community and those interested in them. For speaker, go to Council Meetings page on our website. - [Iron Pigs Night for Veterans](https://lvmac.org/events/iron-pigs-night-for-veterans/) - The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs organization has announced its opening day at Coca-Cola Park for the 2026 season. Serving military and veterans and immediate family have been invited to attend for free. The baseball team will be playing the Toledo Mud Hens, associated with the Detroit Tigers. Courtesy of Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC), - [Battle Borne Walk for Wellness](https://lvmac.org/events/battle-borne-walk-for-wellness/) - [Navy Band in Concert](https://lvmac.org/events/navy-band-in-concert/) - [DeSales Veterans Day Luncheon](https://lvmac.org/events/desales-veterans-day-luncheon/) - [Kospia Farms Veterans Day Celebration](https://lvmac.org/events/kospia-farms-veterans-day-celebration/) - [VALOR Mini Stand Downs](https://lvmac.org/events/valor-mini-stand-downs/) - [Annual Chamber Ruck n' Walk](https://lvmac.org/events/annual-chamber-ruck-n-walk/) - [Allentown Band Veterans Concert](https://lvmac.org/events/allentown-band-veterans-concert/) - Allentown Band presents "Tribute to Veterans" Holiday Concert For the first time in history, the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, America’s oldest Bach Choir, and the Allentown Band, America’s oldest civilian concert band, will join for a combined performance. The centerpiece of this year’s concert is Randall Thompson’s wonderful “A Testament of Freedom.” The program will - [Phantoms Ice Hockey Military Appreciation Night](https://lvmac.org/events/phantoms-ice-hockey-military-appreciation-night/) - FREE LV Phantoms Ice Hockey Military Appreciation game tickets are available for veterans, members of the military and their families. Tickets will be sent to your email address or cell phone. Limited number of seats available, place your request now please, deadline November 11, 2025. The QR Code is above, but click here to - [Horses Healing Heroes Community Day](https://lvmac.org/events/horses-healing-heroes-community-day/) - [Lehigh Valley Marine Corps Monument Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-marine-corps-monument-ceremony/) - [Lehigh Valley Health Network Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-health-network-veterans-day-recognition-ceremony/) - [AARP Veteran Caregiver Appreciation Breakfast](https://lvmac.org/events/aarp-veteran-caregiver-appreciation-breakfast-2/) - [CareerLink DVOP Alert: Free QuickBooks Training](https://lvmac.org/events/careerlink-dvop-alert-free-quickbooks-training/) - Meant to help those in or joining the small business world. Veterans, have you spoken with CareerLink's Disabled Veterans Opportunity Program Specialist? - [Lehigh Valley Veterans History Project Roundtable](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-veterans-history-project-roundtable-2-289/) - Special Notes We're looking for someone with computer skills to work with Mike Sewards on processing our speaker videos for the Library of Congress project. Please see Mike. All of our meetings are free and open to the public, but your support through donations and/or membership dues ($15/year) is much-appreciated help. Our annual bus - ["Salute to the Troops" Concert](https://lvmac.org/events/salute-to-the-troops-concert/) - Proceeds go to Victory House of Lehigh Valley, a member organization. - [Lehigh Valley Veterans History Project Roundtable](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-veterans-history-project-roundtable-2/) - Special Notes We're looking for someone with computer skills to work with Mike Sewards on processing our speaker videos for the Library of Congress project. Please see Mike. All of our meetings are free and open to the public, but your support through donations and/or membership dues ($15/year) is much-appreciated help. Our annual bus - [Military Heritage Weekend](https://lvmac.org/events/military-heritage-weekend/) - [MOAA Dinner with Rep. Schlossberg](https://lvmac.org/events/moaa-dinner-with-rep-schlossberg/) - ["Prince of Egypt" Fundraiser](https://lvmac.org/events/prince-of-egypt-fundraiser/) - Please remember to use the code "LVMAC" in the ticket purchasing process. The First Baptist Church of Bethlehem is doing a film offering to help its community, which includes a donation to support LVMAC's efforts to attend to the needs of our Lehigh Valley military and veterans community. - [Marine Corps' Washington Barracks Friday Night Ceremony Excursion](https://lvmac.org/events/marine-corps-washington-barracks-friday-night-ceremony-excursion/) - [CareerLink "Back to Work" Fair](https://lvmac.org/events/careerlink-back-to-work-fair/) - Note that the first hour is exclusive to veterans. No registration required but it might be wise to do so. See link. - [Rodale Organic Field Day 2025](https://lvmac.org/events/rodale-organic-field-day-2025/) - Note: Free for military veterans, but not family members Use above "More Info" on right to register Password: RodalePartners, if needed For others, use https://rodaleinstitute.org/organic-field-day/ - [Lehigh County Veterans Resource Day](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-county-veterans-resource-day/) - [Embassy Bank Flag Day Event](https://lvmac.org/events/embassy-bank-flag-day-event/) - The famous Allentown Band will perform patriotic songs with Evelyn Stewart, vocalist. If interested in having a table at this event, please contact to Heather Seifert at hseifert@embassybank.com Set up at 12:30 p.m. - [Chamber Veterans Leadership Summit](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-veterans-leadership-summit-2/) - [Chamber VMC Roundtable](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-vmc-roundtable/) - At May's meeting, information from Victory House of the Lehigh Valley, The Veterans Business Outreach Center at Penn State, and leadership at Lehigh Carbon Community College will be provided. - [Bethlehem Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/events/bethlehem-memorial-day-parade-and-ceremony/) - To register as a parade participant, click here. - [Allentown Area VA Veterans Assistance Expo](https://lvmac.org/events/allentown-area-va-veterans-assistance-expo/) - [LVMAC Salute to the Troops Banquet](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-salute-to-the-troops-banquet/) - Members of the Armed Forces who are currently serving can attend as our guest at no cost. Registration is required. This year, the Pennsylvania National Guard will be recognized. Use the QR code or the link "To register" in the upper right to register and or become a sponsor of this event. Click here for - [Iron Pigs Military Appreciation Night](https://lvmac.org/events/iron-pigs-military-appreciation-night-2/) - Alternatively, if wish to reserve tickets, go to More Info's "To register" See More Info's "To register" if wish to participate in 4:15PM pre-game softball game. See More Info's "To register" if wish to participate as a volunteer to help present the large American Flag pre-game ceremony. Must be at the stadium by 5:45PM - [Upper Saucon Valley Memorial Day Event](https://lvmac.org/events/upper-saucon-valley-memorial-day-event/) - Want to 'learn and see' a small community Memorial Day event properly done? This is one of them, for it comes out of the heart of a community -- its citizens. - [Semper Fi Fest 2025](https://lvmac.org/events/semper-fi-fest-2025/) - [Battle Borne Women Veterans Support Group](https://lvmac.org/events/battle-borne-women-veterans-support-group/) - Editor's Note: This is an update announcement. Battle Borne no longer uses the Northbound Community Center in Stroudsburg. - [VA Veterans Community Partnership Wellness Summit](https://lvmac.org/events/va-veterans-community-partnership-wellness-summit/) - We do not normally publish events outside of the Lehigh Valley, for our focus in this calendar is exclusively upon doings which benefit our military, military veterans, and their families in our valley. However, Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, our primary VA servicing hospital network, has begun a Veterans Community Partnership effort which may ultimately benefit - [Victory House 40th Year Celebration](https://lvmac.org/events/victory-house-40th-year-celebration/) - Come to celebrate Victory House's 40 years of remarkable service and compassion in our community. This milestone event will honor the countless lives transformed through our shelter and the unwavering support from our dedicated staff, volunteers, and generous donors. - [Allentown Art Museum String Art Workshop](https://lvmac.org/events/allentown-art-museum-string-art-workshop/) - A collaboration between the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Allentown Art Museum We in LVMAC are all about collaborations! Is your organization working with others to the benefit of veterans, military, and their families in the Lehigh Valley? Contact us. - [River Crossing YMCA Veterans Wellness Program Comes to Allentown](https://lvmac.org/events/river-crossing-ymca-veterans-wellness-program-comes-to-allentown/) - Program starts 7 April. Sign up now! - [Annual Northampton Veterans Outreach Day](https://lvmac.org/events/annual-northampton-veterans-outreach-day/) - A collaborative effort of the Joint Veterans of Northampton and the Veterans Health Program (part of Valley Health Partners) - [DeSales Vietnam War Veterans Commemoration 2025](https://lvmac.org/events/desales-vietnam-war-veterans-commemoration-2025/) - DeSales University is once again recognizing, honoring and thanking Vietnam War Veterans, their families and others who supported the Armed Forces. The office of Veterans and Military Services at DeSales is proud to be recognized as an official Commemorative Partner of the Department of Defense, Vietnam War Commemoration as a top performer. It wishes to - [Iron Pigs Opening Season Game](https://lvmac.org/events/iron-pigs-opening-season-game/) - Veterans and serving military are invited to the opening night of the Iron Pigs Baseball Season. A limited number of tickets are available. Please request your tickets using the QR link on the flyer attached or use this direct link found in "To register" on the upper right: - [Veterans Reading Brigade Visits Mosser Elementary](https://lvmac.org/events/veterans-reading-brigade-visits-mosser-elementary/) - Are you a military veteran who wants to volunteer to do some good in the community? Are you a teacher looking for a useful and lively reading program? We are trying to expand our efforts throughout the Lehigh Valley. Click here for general information on the program - [St. Michael's Warriors Family Group](https://lvmac.org/events/st-michaels-warriors-family-group-117/) - We have opened our women’s group to now include family members such as parents and caretakers of first responders and veterans. Please share with anyone who can benefit from the support! - [St. Michael's Warriors Family Group](https://lvmac.org/events/st-michaels-warriors-family-group/) - We have opened our women’s group to now include family members such as parents and caretakers of first responders and veterans. Please share with anyone who can benefit from the support! - [LVMAC Council Meeting](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-council-meeting-2023/) - Open to the public. Council business meeting with a speaker. Networking opportunity for military and military veterans community and those interested in them. For speaker, go to Council Meetings page on our website. - [CareerLinkLV Veteran Job Club](https://lvmac.org/events/careerlinklv-veteran-job-club/) - Note that RSVP is wanted. Meetings occur in PPL Room. If Monday is a federal holiday, meeting occurs on the following Tuesday. One of the better ways to get a good job. One of the better ways for CareerLinks to behave. - [Chamber Ruck 'N Walk Lehigh Valley](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-ruck-n-walk-lehigh-valley/) - Editor's Note:The registration rules have changed since we first posted this event over a month or more ago. There is no longer a company team registration fee of $150 and and the event is now free for all until the day of the event, when it becomes $10. Also donations are now identified as going - [LV CareerLink Job Fair](https://lvmac.org/events/lv-careerlink-job-fair/) - Once again, some minor but necessary consideration of the needs of returning, transitioning veterans (and those separating and thinking of settling Pennsylvania for a better life) in finding good jobs from Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry and our local Workforce Board. Take advantage of this opportunity. Twenty-nine or so businesses and government agencies are - [LV Vet History Project Roundtable](https://lvmac.org/events/lv-vet-history-project-roundtable/) - [Rotary Salute the Troops Concert](https://lvmac.org/events/rotary-salute-the-troops-concert/) - Benefits Victory House of Lehigh Valley, a member organization, and other Bethlehem Morning Star charitable activities. - [Kospia Farms 9th Annual Veterans Day Event](https://lvmac.org/events/kospia-farms-9th-annual-veterans-day-event/) - Proceeds benefit VFW 9264, Boy Scouts, and Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans, all member organizations. - [LVHN-VHP Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/events/lvhn-vhp-veterans-day-recognition-ceremony/) - Registration is not technically required. Note bottom of flyer. - [DeSales Veterans Day Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/events/desales-veterans-day-ceremony/) - [Mission BBQ Sandwiches in Veterans Day](https://lvmac.org/events/mission-bbq-sandwiches-in-veterans-day/) - [St. Michael's Warriors Women's Group](https://lvmac.org/events/st-michaels-warriors-womens-group/) - [Veteran’s Day at Ontelaunee Park, New Tripoli](https://lvmac.org/events/veterans-day-at-ontelaunee-park-new-tripoli/) - A fine example of what "community" can do when it works together on something meaningful. - [AARP Veteran Caregiver Appreciation Breakfast](https://lvmac.org/events/aarp-veteran-caregiver-appreciation-breakfast/) - A nice little event put on by AARP Lehigh Valley - [LVMAC Council Meeting Speaker](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-council-meeting-speaker/) - Open to the public. Council business meeting with a speaker. Networking opportunity for military and military veterans community and those interested in them. - [Lehigh Valley Veteran and Military Employee Resource Group Get Together](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-veteran-and-military-employee-resource-group-get-together/) - [Third Annual Greater Lehigh Valley Sea Services Reunion](https://lvmac.org/events/third-annual-greater-lehigh-valley-sea-services-reunion/) - Hosted by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association - [Semper Fi Fest and Pig Roast](https://lvmac.org/events/semper-fi-fest-and-pig-roast/) - Donations to be made to Semper Fi & America's Fund and Victory House of Lehigh Valley. - [Tobyhanna Military Retiree Appreciation Day](https://lvmac.org/events/tobyhanna-military-retiree-appreciation-day/) - [New Vitae "Hire a Veteran" Day (Interview Day)](https://lvmac.org/events/new-vitae-hire-a-veteran-day-interview-day/) - LVMAC recommends you schedule your interview with HR@newvitaewellness.com; or, even better, call 610-928-5231. - [Navy Jazz Band Concert](https://lvmac.org/events/navy-jazz-band-concert/) - For Jazz lovers, an "I can now die and go to heaven" event Tickets are free but you must have one to attend. - [Nam Knights Community Picnic](https://lvmac.org/events/nam-knights-community-picnic/) - [Lehigh Valley VetFest](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-vetfest/) - This is their seventh annual event! Want to enjoy yourself and learn at the same time? Get benefits information? Apply for a benefit as a veteran or a survivor? The Office of Veterans Affairs for the state says it will have service officers from the counties and veterans service organizations, plus themselves, there to do - [Lehigh Valley Fleet Reserve Association Golf Fundraiser](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-fleet-reserve-association-golf-fundraiser/) - 6th Annual Event Register by 31 August 2024 - [Lehigh Valley Fleet Reserve Association Golf Fundraiser Registration Ends](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-fleet-reserve-association-golf-fundraiser-registration-ends/) - See "More Info" to register. - [Lehigh Carbon Community College Veterans Scholarship Fundraiser](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-carbon-community-college-veterans-scholarship-fundraiser/) - [Lehigh Valley Veterans History Project Roundtable](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-veterans-history-project-roundtable/) - [HUD-VASH Landlord Recruitment Fair](https://lvmac.org/events/hud-vash-landlord-recruitment-fair/) - Go to "More Info" in right column for direct link rather than wasting time on QR Code camera work. Due to questionable regional and municipal planning and control practices and laws in Pennsylvania -- and, sometimes, greed -- affordable housing in our valley is a major catastrophe currently. Hence the urgent need for fairs like - [LVMAC Military Movie Day](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-military-movie-day/) - [First Annual Veterans and Community Partners Wellness Summit](https://lvmac.org/events/first-annual-veterans-and-community-partners-wellness-summit/) - #Intended audience: This event was originally created to educate and connect health care professionals, veteran advocates, caregivers, family members, and community leaders. Priority is to health care professionals and social workers. CEU credits are planned to be offered. Information link provides the agenda The Veterans and Community Partners Wellness Summit will serve as a one-day - [Chamber Veterans Leadership Summit](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-veterans-leadership-summit/) - [Upper Saucon Township Memorial Day 2-Mile Bike/Walk/Run](https://lvmac.org/events/upper-saucon-township-memorial-day-2-mile-bike-walk-run/) - Our community is hosting our tenth, annual Memorial Day even. This year we are honoring Brandon Van Parys (USMC) who was killed in Iraq in 2007 (graduated from Northwestern Lehigh High School). His mother and father are our guests of honor and will speak at our event. - [LVMAC Bethlehem Memorial Day Parade](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-bethlehem-memorial-day-parade/) - Hosted by the United Veterans of Bethlehem. Lineup begins at 8:30 am in front of Liberty High School. Parking is available at the high school. Please come early to alleviate any traffic problems. To register as a parade participant, see "More Info" to the right. - [Bethlehem Memorial Service for Vietnam War Dead](https://lvmac.org/events/bethlehem-memorial-service-for-vietnam-war-dead/) - Join the Bethlehem Detachment of the Marine Corps League as it conducts a Memorial Ceremony at the Killed-in-Action Memorial. The event features prayer, music, a reading of the names of the 35 men whose names are inscribed on the memorial, and a short oration by a Bethlehem veteran. It is a fitting remembrance of the - [Macungie Memorial Day Observance](https://lvmac.org/events/macungie-memorial-day-observance/) - [CareeLink Lehigh Valley One-on-One Job Fairs](https://lvmac.org/events/careelink-lehigh-valley-one-on-one-job-fairs/) - Some Offer Good Job Opportunities for Veterans The summer series for special CareerLink job interviews begins 13 May and continues on Mondays and Tuesdays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This summer series is based on only one employer in the building. This way you are assured you will see who you - [Saint Michael's Warrior's Golf Tournament](https://lvmac.org/events/saint-michaels-warriors-golf-tournament/) - [Saint Michael's Warriors Spouse Support Meeting](https://lvmac.org/events/saint-michaels-warriors-spouse-support-meeting/) - [STR Veterans and First Responders Connection Hour (Behavioral Health)](https://lvmac.org/events/str-veterans-and-first-responders-connection-hour-behavioral-health/) - Focuses on the skills related to military transition to civilian life as well as additional resources in a safe and judgment-free environment. Also for first responders experiencing issues. While facilitated by a Saint Michael's Warriors member, this program is provided by STR Behavioral Health, a mental health and addiction treatment organization, for more general wellness - [Lehigh Valley VA Community Town Hall](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-va-community-town-hall/) - VA Healthcare Changes May Make It Worth Your While The event will provide military veterans, family members and the public, feedback on VA operations and give them a chance to ask questions about recent expanded benefits through the PACT Act. Staff will also be on hand throughout the Community Town Hall to assist with VA - [VA "Wellness Wednesday" Financial Education Seminar](https://lvmac.org/events/va-wellness-wednesday-financial-education-seminar/) - As a result of a partnership between the VA and Prudential Financial, the Office of Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED) is offering to military veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and their family members and caregivers, the opportunity to participate in a Wellness Wednesday Financial Educational series. The series addresses identified, financial literacy gaps across the military - [Senior Expo](https://lvmac.org/events/senior-expo/) - This short event (almost over before it begins) might be of use to veterans, as over half are senior citizens. Senior citizens, their family members and caretakers from the 16th Senate District are invited to join me at a Senior Expo Thursday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Schnecksville Fire Company banquet - [LVMAC Annual "Salute to the Troops" Dinner](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-annual-salute-to-the-troops-dinner/) - Celebrate Armed Forces Week in the Lehigh Valley at the 21th Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council Dinner on May 10, 2024, 6:00 pm. at DeSales University Conference Center, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034. Meet others and enjoy the conviviality of the event. The guest speaker will be Lieutenant General Richard Kramlich, USMC Retired, The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council's 21st Annual Salute to the Troops Dinner featuring Lieutenant General Richard Kramlich, USMC-Ret., as guest speaker. - [Mission BBQ Armed Forces Week Event](https://lvmac.org/events/mission-bbq-armed-forces-week-event/) - Consider the rest of the days as lead ups. This one is about meeting your fellows, possibly. - [WVET Empowerment Workshop](https://lvmac.org/events/wvet-empowerment-workshop/) - [Catalyst4 New Class Starts](https://lvmac.org/events/catalyst4-new-class-starts/) - Register before 25 April 2024 - [Lehigh Carbon Community College Military Appreciation Days](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-carbon-community-college-military-appreciation-days/) - [Veterans Experience Action Center Virtual Help Event](https://lvmac.org/events/veterans-experience-action-center-virtual-help-event/) - for the Northeast - [Iron Pigs Military Appreciation Night](https://lvmac.org/events/iron-pigs-military-appreciation-night/) - Please use the link below to register to attend the upcoming Iron Pigs Baseball Military Appreciation Night sponsored by Toyota and hosted by LVMAC.. There are opportunities to participate in a Pre-Game Veterans vs Military softball game, a pre-game presentation of a big American Flag on the field, military swearing-in ceremonies, promotion announcements, and welcome - [Victory House 18th Annual Golf Charity Classic](https://lvmac.org/events/victory-house-18th-annual-golf-charity-classic/) - Save the Date! - [Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Town Hall](https://lvmac.org/events/wilkes-barre-va-medical-center-town-hall/) - We have been told that one will be coming to the Lehigh Valley on 22 May! Internet Microsoft Teams participation is available for this one From the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center press release: The meetings are intended to provide local Veterans an open forum and for VA officials to hear directly from beneficiaries as - [Women's Ritual Storytelling and Art Exhibit Event](https://lvmac.org/events/womens-ritual-storytelling-and-art-exhibit-event/) - [DeSales Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/events/desales-vietnam-war-commemoration-ceremony/) - [Northampton Community College Combat Stigma Run & Walk](https://lvmac.org/events/northampton-community-college-combat-stigma-run-walk/) - Supports the college's Band of Brothers activities and Team Red, White, and Blue. One can also compete virtually. - [Northampton Community College Combat Stigma Speakers Panel](https://lvmac.org/events/northampton-community-college-combat-stigma-speakers-panel/) - [Lehigh Valley Veterans History Project](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-history-project/) - Speaker will be Patrick Cubbage. Patrick went into the Army in 1968 and to Vietnam in 1969 to serve with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The work of this organization is done in conjunction with the National Veterans History Project which is sponsored by the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. All video taped interviews, public or private, are - [Joint Veterans of Northampton's "Veteran's Outreach Day"](https://lvmac.org/events/joint-veterans-of-northamptons-veterans-outreach-day/) - A combined effort of the Joint Veterans of Northampton and the Veterans Health Program of Valley Health Partners, a Federally Qualified Health Center. A cooperative effort between the Joint Veterans of Northampton and the Veterans Health Program of Valley Health Partners, a Federally Qualified Health Center, which has continued to support the Joint Veterans. Mix of non-rprofits and for profits participate. - [Family Fundraiser for Camp Freedom](https://lvmac.org/events/family-fundraiser-for-camp-freedom/) - 11th Annual Joshua B. Smith, USMC, "Angelversary" Fundraising Event Show up at the door on the day of the event Tickets are at the Door. Cash, check or Venmo will be the forms of payment accepted at the event. - [Allentown Band Tribute to Veterans](https://lvmac.org/events/allentown-band-tribute-to-veterans/) - "AMERICANS WE" TRIBUTE TO VETERANS HOLIDAY CONCERT Sunday, November 19, 2023, 3:00 pm THE ALLENTOWN BAND Ronald Demkee, Conductor with the U.S Air Force Band Singing Sergeants Colonel Don Schofield, Commander and Conductor Lieutenant Colonel Michael D. Hoerber, Director of Operations, Senior Master Sgt. Taylor S. Armstrong, Section Chief of Flight Production This concert honors - [LVHN/VHP Veterans Day Program](https://lvmac.org/events/lvhn-vhp-veterans-day-program/) - You’re Invited to a Veterans Day Program Speakers include: Brian A. Nester, DO, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lehigh Valley Health Network Joseph Yozviak, DO, Chief Medical Officer, Valley Health Partners Army Sgt. 1st Class (Retired) Eric Darling, MA, Valhalla Veterans Services: “The Deadly Recipe of Veteran Suicide” Nov. 9, 2023, 11 a.m. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar - [AARP Lehigh Valley Veteran Caregiver Breakfast](https://lvmac.org/events/aarp-lehigh-valley-veteran-caregiver-breakfast/) - Note: Hidden Heroes is a creation of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Tap on the name in the details section to discover more about it. - [LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans Appreciation Day Continues in Macungie](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-tidbit-veterans-appreciation-day-continues-in-macungie/) - [Bethlehem Rotary's 11th Annual Taste & Tunes](https://lvmac.org/events/bethlehem-rotarys-11th-annual-taste-tunes/) - The Bethlehem Rotary Club invites you to join us for the 11th Annual Tastes & Tunes Fundraiser. Ask your friends and colleagues to join you for a casual afternoon of Hors D'oeuvres, desserts, auction, raffles, games, cash bar and entertainment. Dress code is business and military attire. Proceeds will be divided between the Bethlehem Rotary Foundation, whose - [Folds of Honor 5th Annual Sporting Clays Event](https://lvmac.org/events/folds-of-honor-5th-annual-sporting-clays-event/) - [DeSales University Veterans Day Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/events/desales-university-veterans-day-ceremony/) - [DeSales Veterans Chess Club](https://lvmac.org/events/desales-veterans-chess-club/) - All are welcome to join the DeSales University Chess Club and the DeSales Veterans and Military Services Center as we partner together with the staff at DeSales Trexler Library to host Chess with Vets. All levels of chess players welcome, refreshments will be served. Learn to play chess. It does a mind good while also - [Chamber Veteran Employment Roundtable](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-veteran-employment-roundtable/) - Topic of the Quarter: Leading The Charge: Helping Employers Hire & Retain a Veteran Workforce Presented by: Mike Dopkin, Administrator of PA CareerLink To Register: click here Possibly a good networking opportunity for veterans seeking jobs, while employers learn how the state's employment system can aid them in finding veterans with excellent soft and hard - [Lehigh Valley History Project Roundtable](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valley-history-project-roundtable/) - Come! Learn of Our History from a Local Point of View Lehigh Active Life Center 1633 Elm St., Allentown, PA Thursday, September 28, 2023 7:00 P.M. (1900 hours) _____________________________________________ Speaker: Ralph Leroy Timmons, U.S. Army Career Veteran Ralph Leroy Timmons will share some of his experiences and accomplishments as a U.S. Military Veteran. He joined - [NMUSA Vietnam Veterans Honor Bus Trip](https://lvmac.org/events/nmusa-vietnam-veterans-honor-bus-trip/) - Remember the first time you were bussed to an Army post? - [WVET&R Brings in Maldonado to Speak About Suicide](https://lvmac.org/events/wvetr-brings-in-maldonado-to-speak-about-suicide/) - Free Event ... also livestreamed ... - [Chamber of Commerce Veterans and Military Council Ruck 'n Walk](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-of-commerce-veterans-and-military-council-ruck-n-walk/) - A "Rain or Shine" Event - no snow has been predicted Benefits Shamrock Reins, an equinox therapy nonprofit which has benefited both military and military veterans - [Chess with Vets](https://lvmac.org/events/chess-with-vets/) - Free Event Comes with snacks - [Northampton Community College's "Community Enrichment Event"](https://lvmac.org/events/northampton-community-colleges-community-enrichment-event/) - The Adult & Military-Affiliated Student Services Office at Northampton Community College is excited to announce that we have partnered with Warrior Strong Inc in hosting our Community Enrichment Event. On September 23, 2023, at noon at Northampton Community College, we will be having Yoga | Networking | Veteran Resources. NCC welcomes everyone to participate in this - [11th Annual LVSCI Veterans Pheasant Hunt](https://lvmac.org/events/11th-annual-lvsci-veterans-pheasant-hunt/) - Looking for 10 Military Veteran Pheas'bians Why pay for clays, when you can get the real thing for free? - [CareerLink Veterans Job Club Meeting](https://lvmac.org/events/careerlink-veterans-job-club-meeting/) - A Job-Seeker's Force Multiplier USE CAREERLINK TO YOUR ADVANTAGE! - [Battle Borne Starts Women Veterans Support Group](https://lvmac.org/events/battle-borne-starts-women-veterans-support-group/) - [Flyer should read starting 5 November.] Editor's Note: There has been a change of venue as of August 2023. Battle Borne no longer is associated with Northbound and Co. and its Stroudsburg Recovery Center. See September 2023 calendar. - [Heights Market Car Show](https://lvmac.org/events/heights-market-car-show/) - [Emmaus Movie Day for Veterans and Their Families](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-emmaus-movie-day-for-veterans-and-their-families/) - An event promoted by the LVMAC Social-Recreational Confederation https://lvmac.org/social-recreational-confederation-src/ Open to all serving military, veterans and their families -- free of charge - [National Museum of Industrial History Pushes Metal Health for Veterans](https://lvmac.org/events/national-museum-of-industrial-history-pushes-metal-health-for-veterans/) - Free for Veterans Register now! - [Hellertown American Legion Golf Tournament](https://lvmac.org/events/hellertown-american-legion-golf-tournament/) - 7th Annual Geoff Baer Golf Tournament Register by 20 August. - [Women Vet Museum Fundraiser](https://lvmac.org/events/women-vet-museum-fundraiser/) - [Folds of Honor 2023 Wingman Open](https://lvmac.org/events/folds-of-honor-2023-wingman-open/) - [Nam Knights Vet Fest Continues](https://lvmac.org/events/nam-knights-vet-fest-continues/) - [Rodale Annual Organic Field Day](https://lvmac.org/events/rodale-annual-organic-field-day/) - Do you know that Rodale Institute actually has a program to train veterans in organic farming and lead them into a career? - [Allentown VA Clinic Healthcare Enrollment Fair](https://lvmac.org/events/allentown-va-clinic-healthcare-enrollment-fair/) - [WVET "I am Vanessa Guillen" Showing](https://lvmac.org/events/wvet-i-am-vanessa-guillen-showing/) - [Chamber's Leading to Win Event: Leadership Lessons Learned From Our Veterans](https://lvmac.org/events/chambers-leading-to-win-event-leadership-lessons-learned-from-our-veterans/) - [Upper Saucon Memorial Day Event](https://lvmac.org/events/upper-saucon-memorial-day-event/) - [Mental Health First Aid Training](https://lvmac.org/events/mental-health-first-aid-training/) - [LVMAC "Salute to the Troops" Dinner](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-salute-to-the-troops-dinner-2/) - Guest Speaker: Rear Admiral Victor See, Jr. , U.S. Navy (Ret.) Subject: U.S. Space Force On Campus Map: click here - [LVMAC Memorial Day Parade](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-memorial-day-parade-2/) - [Second Harvest MilitaryShare Program (Allentown)](https://lvmac.org/events/second-harvest-militaryshare-program-allentown/) - Finally, a MilitaryShare program in the Lehigh Valley! *** What is a MilitaryShare Food distribution? The Military Share program with Second Harvest Food Bank is designed to provide fresh, nutritious foods for families with at least one member who has served or is currently serving in the armed forces. Each eligible military member (or family) - [NCC-AARP 50+ Job Seeker Workshop](https://lvmac.org/events/ncc-aarp-50-job-seeker-workshop/) - [Eastern PA-NJ Folds of Honor's 5th Annual Sporting Clays Event](https://lvmac.org/events/eastern-pa-nj-folds-of-honors-5th-annual-sporting-clays-event/) - [Victory House's 17th Annual Golf Charity -- A Classic](https://lvmac.org/events/victory-houses-17th-annual-golf-charity-a-classic/) - [VALOR Clinic Motorcycle Run](https://lvmac.org/events/valor-clinic-motorcycle-run/) - [FRA 115 Gettysburg Trip Registration Deadline](https://lvmac.org/events/fra-115-gettysburg-trip-registration-deadline/) - [FRA 115 Field Trip to Gettysburg](https://lvmac.org/events/fra-115-field-trip-to-gettysburg/) - Must sign up by 26 April 2023. No refunds. - [Folds of Honor Memorial Day Concert with John Rich](https://lvmac.org/events/folds-of-honor-memorial-day-concert-with-john-rich/) - [Bethlehem Marine Corps League Mess Night](https://lvmac.org/events/bethlehem-marine-corps-league-mess-night/) - Ignore the 22 February registration date but get your registration in as soon as possible to George Borman below or you will go hungry. A military style formal dinner or “dining-in” to honor MCL Detachment 284's 2023 Citizen of the Year, Claude S. Rone. This event helps us honor the outstanding community service of - [Deadline for the Chamber's Veterans' Homes Brush-Up Program](https://lvmac.org/events/deadline-for-the-chambers-brush-up-program/) - [Northampton Veterans Outreach Day](https://lvmac.org/events/northampton-veterans-outreach-day/) - This is the second event of this nature arranged by the Joint Veterans of Northampton - [DeSales Vietnam War Commemoration](https://lvmac.org/events/desales-vietnam-war-commemoration/) - SAVE THE DATE - [Lehigh Valley's "Walk For Recovery"](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valleys-walk-for-recovery/) - [Red Cross Lehigh Valley Heroes Breakfast](https://lvmac.org/events/red-cross-lehigh-valley-heroes-breakfast/) - [Chamber Veteran Smart Round Table: Hiring and Retaining Veterans -- with St. Luke's Insights](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-veteran-smart-round-table-hiring-and-retaining-veterans-with-sluhn-insights/) - Free for military veterans: networking opportunity - [Vet 2 Vet Service Dog Fundraiser for Eaters](https://lvmac.org/events/vet-2-vet-service-dog-eaters-fundraiser/) - Falls under the "M'm! M'm! Good!" category of helping. - [Showing of Documentary, "The Journey Home"](https://lvmac.org/events/showing-of-documentary-the-journey-home/) - [Showing of Documentary, "The Journey Home"](https://lvmac.org/events/showing-of-documentary-the-journey-home-2/) - [Battle Borne Opens Allentown Veterans Resource Center](https://lvmac.org/events/battle-borne-opens-allentown-veterans-resource-center/) - [PACT Act Town Hall for Women Veterans](https://lvmac.org/events/pact-act-town-hall-for-women-veterans/) - Sponsored by the VA's Center for Women Veterans, this virtual town hall will include the topics of health screenings and services now available if related to toxic exposures; the evaluation process for determining service-connected conditions. - [Wilkes-Barre VAMC CHALENG Summit Offering Fire Safety Equipment to the Homeless?](https://lvmac.org/events/wilkes-barre-vamc-chaleng-summit-offering-fire-safety-equipment-to-the-homeless/) - CHALENG (Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups) Summits, created for the purpose of assisting the VA (and vice versa) in addressing veterans homelessness, are taking on on a new purpose: fire safety instruction and equipment for homeowners? Go figure, unless one stops think that homelessness prevention is one aspect of the - [Join Habitat's Veterans Build](https://lvmac.org/events/join-habitats-veterans-build/) - Veterans care about their community more than most and are known for their generosity of spirit and "get it done attitude". This is a way to demonstrate that and to have a good time with other veterans as well. Habitat in our local Lehigh Valley area, as a member of LVMAC, needs to grow into - [Lehigh Valley's 32nd Annual Ceremony Celebrating Marine Corps' Birthday](https://lvmac.org/events/lehigh-valleys-32nd-annual-ceremony-celebrating-marine-corps-birthday/) - [Student Military Community Empowerment Workshop](https://lvmac.org/events/student-military-community-empowerment-workshop/) - Additional workshops in November and December. Inquire for location on campus. - [Women Veterans Art Exhibit and Ritual Storytelling](https://lvmac.org/events/women-veterans-art-exhibit-and-ritual-storytelling/) - Note that February and March events are projected to follow. - [Phantoms Game Honoring Veterans](https://lvmac.org/events/phantoms-game-honoring-veterans/) - [LVHN Veterans Day Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/events/lvhn-veterans-day-ceremony/) - [POSTPONED: Chamber Apprenticeship Training Program Roundtable](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-apprenticeship-training-program-roundtable/) - POSTPONED as of 14 October 2022 Want to learn about the value of apprenticeships or the requirements for one, if you are not aware? This event is a good start. While the focus is on recruiting businesses to hire veterans using apprenticeship, veterans are invited to attend. May be an opportunity to network while leaning - [Hospice Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans](https://lvmac.org/events/hospice-welcome-home-vietnam-veterans/) - Some irony involved? - [Wilkes-Barre VAMC Virtual Town Hall](https://lvmac.org/events/wilkes-barre-vamc-virtual-town-hall-3/) - Note this is a virtual meeting. There is no physical location. - [Chamber Ruck 'n Walk](https://lvmac.org/events/chamber-ruck-n-walk/) - [Freedom Day Free Dental Work](https://lvmac.org/events/freedom-day-means-free-dental-work-for-vets/) - Not to be confused with the real nationally observed National Freedom Day (the signing of the 13th Amendment) on 1 February, this Freedom Day, spawned by the efforts of a dentist in West Virginia and originally meant for military personnel, leads to good deeds that serve a worthwhile purpose. - [Vietnam War Memorial Dedication](https://lvmac.org/events/vietnam-war-memorial-dedication/) - Sponsored by Blankets of Honor, Inc. working in partnership with the National Cemetery Administration. - [DMVA Virtual Town Hall #4](https://lvmac.org/events/dmva-virtual-town-hall-965/) - Part of a series of virtual town halls, this one focuses on transportation accessibility to services. To see videos of past town halls, click here. - [Women Veterans Conference](https://lvmac.org/events/women-veterans-conference/) - Register now, but no later than January 2023. - [Agent Orange Exposure -- What You Need to Know](https://lvmac.org/events/agent-orange-exposure-what-you-need-to-know/) - [Rotary Club Salute to the Troops](https://lvmac.org/events/rotary-club-salute-to-the-troops/) - [Joint Veterans of Northampton Veterans Outreach Day](https://lvmac.org/events/joint-veterans-of-northampton-veterans-outreach-day/) - Sponsored by these veterans organizations, American Legion Post 353, VFW Post 4714, and Catholic War Veterans Post 454, this event is open to all veterans, their families and their caregivers. The following government and nonprofit organizations have committed to being in attendance: Veterans Health Program of Valley Health Partners (FQHC) Northampton County Veterans Affairs DAV - [Wilkes-Barre VAMC Virtual Town Hall](https://lvmac.org/events/wilkes-barre-vamc-virtual-town-hall-2/) - Note this is a virtual meeting. There is no physical location. - [Rodale Field Day](https://lvmac.org/events/rodale-field-day/) - Interested Veterans: Alternatively, you may contact Justin Barclay, Global Education Operations Manager at email: justin.barclay@rodaleinstitute.org or tel: (610) 683-1442. Provide your name, address, phone number, email address, and branch of service. - [GLVCC Clay Shoot](https://lvmac.org/events/glvcc-clay-shoot/) - Good networking opportunity for veterans, particularly those with businesses. - [Macungie Memorial Day Observances](https://lvmac.org/events/macungie-memorial-day-observances/) - [DMVA Virtual Town Hall](https://lvmac.org/events/dmva-virtual-town-hall/) - Part of a series of virtual town halls, this one focuses on homelessness. - [Fleet Reserve Association Black Diamond Branch Golf Outing](https://lvmac.org/events/fleet-reserve-association-black-diamond-branch-golf-outing/) - [Tails of Valor "Let Freedom Ring" Event](https://lvmac.org/events/tails-of-valor-let-freedom-ring-event/) - For more details and to register, go to Let Freedom Ring 3 Page Event Flyer. - [Nam Knights' VetFest](https://lvmac.org/events/nam-knights-vetfest/) - Music, veterans and veterans-associated organizations, vendors, food. Come and enjoy. - [Brother 4 Brother Gratitude Day Event](https://lvmac.org/events/brother-4-brother-gratitude-day-event/) - [USDA Virtual Career Fair for Vets](https://lvmac.org/events/usda-virtual-career-fair-for-vets/) - [PA Veteran Farming Network Special Workshop](https://lvmac.org/events/pa-veteran-farming-network-special-workshop/) - [Folds of Honor Patriot Golf Tournament](https://lvmac.org/events/folds-of-honor-patriot-golf-tournament/) - For those who cannot afford the Saucon Valley Wingman event on September 19 but want to help? - [PNGAS Live, Learn, Work and Play in Pennsylvania; Lehigh Valley Kick Off Event](https://lvmac.org/events/13841/) - Free event. Forget the recruiting and other parts, the chief value of this endeavor may be an opportunity for our local employers to market themselves further to those separating servicemembers out of state and those recently returned who are seeking employment -- via inclusion in PNGAS' marketing, outreach plan. Good for the employer, good for - [Breaking Through The Brass Ceiling 2.0](https://lvmac.org/events/breaking-through-the-brass-ceiling-2-0/) - We have heard it is free for veterans. - [Upper Saucon Township Memorial Day](https://lvmac.org/events/upper-saucon-memorial-day/) - Finally civilized by the Pennsylvania Dutch in 1812 when it became part of Lehigh County, this small community, Upper Saucon Township, shows what can be done when there is a will. The event has grown from small beginnings. Gut fer ihne! - [VALOR Clinic Foundation Golf Tournament](https://lvmac.org/events/valor-clinic-foundation-golf-tournament/) - [Team River Runner Indoor Kayak Training](https://lvmac.org/events/team-river-runner-kayak-training/) - [Congressional District 7 Service Academy Seminar](https://lvmac.org/events/congressional-district-7-service-academy-seminar/) - [SteelStacks' "Time to Remember"](https://lvmac.org/events/steelstacks-time-to-remember-memorial-day-weekend-events/) - Other than for the event on 30 May at 3 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion, the rest is really a Veterans Day program. - [Folds of Honor Spring Golf Outing](https://lvmac.org/events/folds-of-honor-spring-golf-outing/) - [Northwestern Lehigh Veterans Memorial Dedication](https://lvmac.org/events/northwestern-lehigh-veterans-memorial-dedication/) - [Bethlehem Memorial Day Parade](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-memorial-day-parade/) - For additional news about the parade, click here. - [Veteran SMART Round Table](https://lvmac.org/events/veteran-smart-round-table/) - The name of the event might not be clear in conveying the message, but the subject is: hiring veterans is good business; and employers need to be proactive. The question is how; and what to know to advantage. This is the first of a round of seminars for 2022. - [LVMAC Salute to the Troops Dinner](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-salute-to-the-troops-dinner/) - For more information, click here. - [LVMAC Council Meeting](https://lvmac.org/events/lvmac-council-meeting/) - Open to the public. - [Iron Pigs Baseball Event for Veterans](https://lvmac.org/events/iron-pigs-baseball-event-for-veterans/) - [Wilkes-Barre VAMC Virtual Town Hall](https://lvmac.org/events/wilkes-barre-vamc-virtual-town-hall/) - This meeting is the result of technical difficulties with the previous meeting of 23 March. - [Veterans Coalition Mini-Stand Down in Pottstown](https://lvmac.org/events/veterans-coalition-mini-stand-down/) - [Military-Veterans Spouse Support Group Session](https://lvmac.org/events/military-veterans-spouse-support-group-session/) - [DeSales University Vietnam War Commemoration](https://lvmac.org/events/desales-university-vietnam-war-commemoration/) - Click on image for for details - [Battle Borne Veterans Peer Group Session](https://lvmac.org/events/battle-borne-veterans-peer-group-session/) - 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WW 1 Monument - [WW 1 Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-75/) - WW 1 Monument - [WW 1 Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-49/) - WW 1 Monument - [WW 1 Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-127/) - WW 1 Memorial - [WW 1 Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-89/) - WW 1 Memorial - [WW 1 Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-85/) - WW 1 Memorial - [WW 1 & WW 2 (full view)](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-161/) - WW 1 & WW 2 (full view) - [WW 1 & WW 2](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-125/) - WW 1 & WW 2 - [WW 1 (plaque)](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-163/) - WW 1 (plaque) - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-191/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-187/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-141/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-138/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-121/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-114/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-108/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-54/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-27/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-26/) - WW 1 - [War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-132/) - War Memorial - [War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-107/) - War Memorial - [War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-105/) - War Memorial - [W W 1 Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-77/) - W W 1 Monument - [Vietnam War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-52/) - Vietnam War Memorial - [Vietnam Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-135/) - Vietnam Monument - [Vietnam](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-111/) - Vietnam - [Vietnam](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-59/) - Vietnam - [Viet Nam](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-63/) - Viet Nam - [Veterans Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-120/) - Veterans Monument - [Veterans Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-119/) - Veterans Monument - [Veterans Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-100/) - Veterans Monument - [Veterans memorial - F14](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-74/) - Veterans memorial - F14 - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-149/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-145/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-124/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-123/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-122/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-118/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-116/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-112/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-94/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-92/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-91/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-88/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-84/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-81/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-80/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-79/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-73/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-56/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-47/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-24/) - Veterans Memorial - [Trucker's Mill](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-115/) - Trucker's Mill - [Soldiers Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-55/) - Soldiers Monument - [Revolutionary War, Civil War & WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-143/) - Revolutionary War, Civil War & WW 1 - [Revolutionary War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-189/) - Revolutionary War - [Revolutionary War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-181/) - Revolutionary War - [WW 2 (plaque)](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-162/) - WW 2 (plaque) - [Revolutionary War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-87/) - Revolutionary War - [Revolutionary War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-86/) - Revolutionary War - [Maple & Chestnut Sts](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-62/) - Maple & Chestnut Sts - [L.N.Vietnam Vet Mem](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-95/) - L.N.Vietnam Vet Mem - [Korean/Vietnam Mem](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-113/) - Korean/Vietnam Mem - [Korean War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-136/) - Korean War Monument - [Korean War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-51/) - Korean War Memorial - [Korean War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-110/) - Korean War - [Korea & Vietnam](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-148/) - Korea & Vietnam - [Korea](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-64/) - Korea - [Korea](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-58/) - Korea - [Henry's Gun Factory](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-29/) - Henry's Gun Factory - [Fort Everett](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-93/) - Fort Everett - [Fort Deshler](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-60/) - Fort Deshler - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-126/) - Civil War Monument - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-117/) - Civil War Monument - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-103/) - Civil War Monument - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-102/) - Veterans Memorial - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-193/) - All Veterans - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-188/) - All Veterans - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-184/) - All Veterans - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-183/) - All Veterans - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-182/) - All Veterans - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-179/) - All Veterans - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-172/) - All Veterans - [Cold War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-25/) - Cold War Memorial - [Civil War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-139/) - Civil War - [CW,Spainish-American,WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-78/) - CW,Spainish-American,WW 1 - [Col. Siegfried Gravesite](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-106/) - Col. Siegfried Gravesite - [WW 1 Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-28/) - WW 1 Monument - [WW 2](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-190/) - WW 2 - [Revolutionary War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-192/) - Revolutionary War - [WW 2](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-194/) - WW 2 - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-195/) - All Veterans - [Korean War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-175/) - Korean War - [Vietnam War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-176/) - Vietnam War - [Revolutionary War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-177/) - Revolutionary War - [Revolutionary War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-178/) - Revolutionary War - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-169/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-170/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-171/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-173/) - WW 1 - [WW 2](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-174/) - WW 2 - [U.S.S. Maine Memorial (full view)](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-164/) - U.S.S. Maine Memorial (full view) - [U.S.S. Maine Memorial (plaque)](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-165/) - U.S.S. Maine Memorial (plaque) - [Easton City Guard - Roster WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-166/) - Easton City Guard - Roster WW 1 - [Easton City Guard - Dedication Plaque](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-167/) - Easton City Guard - Dedication Plaque - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-168/) - All Veterans - [Vietnam](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-154/) - Vietnam - [Civil War - Spanish American War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-155/) - Civil War - Spanish American War - [Veterans Bench (short)](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-156/) - Veterans Bench (short) - [Korean and Mexican Wars](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-157/) - Korean and Mexican Wars - [Civil War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-158/) - Civil War - [American Revoltion - French](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-159/) - American Revoltion - French - [Veterans Bench (long)](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-160/) - Veterans Bench (long) - [Sullivan's March](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-146/) - Sullivan's March - [Cold War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-150/) - Cold War Memorial - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-151/) - WW 1 - [WW 1](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-152/) - WW 1 - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-153/) - All Veterans - [Civil War](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-142/) - Civil War - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-144/) - Veterans Memorial - [Veterans Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-130/) - Veterans Memorial - [WW 1, WW 2 Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-131/) - WW 1, WW 2 Memorial - [WW 2](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-133/) - WW 2 - [Sept 11th Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-134/) - Sept 11th Monument - [Sullivan's March](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-129/) - Sullivan's March - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-97/) - Civil War Monument - [WW 1 Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-98/) - WW 1 Memorial - [WW2 & Korean War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-99/) - WW2 & Korean War Memorial - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-96/) - Civil War Monument - [Sullivan's Campaign](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-68/) - Sullivan's Campaign - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-69/) - Civil War Monument - [WW I Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-70/) - WW I Memorial - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-71/) - Civil War Monument - [WW 1 Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-72/) - WW 1 Memorial - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-66/) - Civil War Monument - [Sullivan"s Experdition](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-67/) - Sullivan"s Experdition - [U.S.Army Air Crash Victums](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-39/) - U.S.Army Air Crash Victums - [Samuel Weterill](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-40/) - Samuel Weterill - [George F Beckel house](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-41/) - George F Beckel house - [Pulaski's Banner](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-42/) - Pulaski's Banner - [Count Cazimir Pulaski](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-43/) - Count Cazimir Pulaski - [WWII Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-44/) - WWII Memorial - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-45/) - Civil War Monument - [Vietnam Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-46/) - Vietnam Monument - [Crypt of Unknown](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-31/) - Crypt of Unknown - [Armed Forces Mon](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-32/) - Armed Forces Mon - [17th Ward WWII Mon](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-33/) - 17th Ward WWII Mon - [WW 2 Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-34/) - WW 2 Monument - [WW 2 Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-35/) - WW 2 Monument - [5th Ward WWII Mon](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-36/) - 5th Ward WWII Mon - [DAR House](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-37/) - DAR House - [Sept 11th Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-38/) - Sept 11th Monument - [Vietnam](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-22/) - Vietnam - [Korean War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-30/) - Korean War Memorial - [Civil War Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-15/) - Civil War Monument - [Civil War Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-16/) - Civil War Memorial - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-17/) - All Veterans - [All Veterans](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-18/) - All Veterans - [WW 2 Memorial Plaque](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-19/) - WW 2 Memorial Plaque - [Korean War Memorial Plaque](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-20/) - Korean War Memorial Plaque - [WW1 & WW2](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-21/) - WW1 & WW2 - [June.6,1944 D Day](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-6/) - June.6,1944 D Day - [C B I WW 2](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-8/) - C B I WW 2 - [U.S.Army Ambulance Svc](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-9/) - U.S.Army Ambulance Svc - [WW I C Co. Record 109th MG](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-10/) - WW I C Co. Record 109th MG - [Military Order of Purple Heart](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-11/) - Military Order of Purple Heart - [WW 2 Memorial](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-12/) - WW 2 Memorial - [Spanish war 1898-1902](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-13/) - Spanish war 1898-1902 - [Marine-Sailors Monument](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-14/) - Marine-Sailors Monument - [Am Revolution & War 1812](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-2/) - Am Revolution & War 1812 - [Officers&CrewUSSAllentown](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-3/) - Officers&CrewUSSAllentown - [U.S. Submarine Vets WWII](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-4/) - U.S. Submarine Vets WWII - [USSAACS Sons & Daughters](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-5/) - USSAACS Sons & Daughters - ["Buddies" WWII](https://lvmac.org/upcp_product/sample-item-1/) - "Buddies" WWII ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://lvmac.org/category/uncategorized/) - [LVMAC NEWS](https://lvmac.org/category/lvmac-news/) - [Tidbits](https://lvmac.org/category/tidbits/) - [Forward Observer](https://lvmac.org/category/forward-observer/) ## Tags - [Education](https://lvmac.org/tag/education/) - [Government Affairs](https://lvmac.org/tag/government-affairs/) - [Homelessness](https://lvmac.org/tag/homelessness/) - [Legislation](https://lvmac.org/tag/legislation/) - [Mental Health](https://lvmac.org/tag/mental-health/) - [Rehabilitation](https://lvmac.org/tag/rehabilitation/) - [Taxes](https://lvmac.org/tag/taxes/) - [Veterans Diversion Courts](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-diversion-courts/) - [Employment](https://lvmac.org/tag/employment/) - [Healthcare](https://lvmac.org/tag/healthcare/) - [Military Support](https://lvmac.org/tag/military-support/) - [Benefits](https://lvmac.org/tag/benefits/) - [Compensation](https://lvmac.org/tag/compensation/) - [Home Loans](https://lvmac.org/tag/home-loans/) - [Events](https://lvmac.org/tag/events/) - [Women Veterans](https://lvmac.org/tag/women-veterans/) - [Veterans Services](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-services/) - [Family Services](https://lvmac.org/tag/family-services/) - [Serious Disability/Injury](https://lvmac.org/tag/serious-disability-injury/) - [Drugs and Alcohol Treatment](https://lvmac.org/tag/drugs-and-alcohol-treatment/) - [Military News](https://lvmac.org/tag/military-news/) - [Fundraising](https://lvmac.org/tag/fundraising/) - [Finances](https://lvmac.org/tag/finances/) - [Veterans Support](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-support/) - [unemployed veterans](https://lvmac.org/tag/unemployed-veterans/) - [homeless veteran](https://lvmac.org/tag/homeless-veteran/) - [wounded warriors](https://lvmac.org/tag/wounded-warriors/) - [military service members](https://lvmac.org/tag/military-service-members/) - [vet centers](https://lvmac.org/tag/vet-centers/) - [military health system](https://lvmac.org/tag/military-health-system/) - [TRICARE](https://lvmac.org/tag/tricare/) - [Budget](https://lvmac.org/tag/budget/) - [Department of Veterans Affairs](https://lvmac.org/tag/department-of-veterans-affairs/) - [Small Games of Chance Law](https://lvmac.org/tag/small-games-of-chance-law/) - [transportation](https://lvmac.org/tag/transportation/) - [health](https://lvmac.org/tag/health/) - [veterans benefits administration](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-benefits-administration/) - [student veterans](https://lvmac.org/tag/student-veterans/) - [Hazardous Exposures](https://lvmac.org/tag/hazardous-exposures/) - [Special Ceremonies](https://lvmac.org/tag/special-ceremonies/) - [Memorial Day](https://lvmac.org/tag/memorial-day/) - [Department of Military and Veterans Affairs](https://lvmac.org/tag/department-of-military-and-veterans-affairs/) - [Military History](https://lvmac.org/tag/military-history/) - [Veterans Day](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-day/) - [Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)](https://lvmac.org/tag/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi/) - [Pensions](https://lvmac.org/tag/pensions/) - [History](https://lvmac.org/tag/history/) - [Fraud](https://lvmac.org/tag/fraud/) - [fly fishing](https://lvmac.org/tag/fly-fishing/) - [Scholarship Program](https://lvmac.org/tag/scholarship-program/) - [Transition](https://lvmac.org/tag/transition/) - [Loans](https://lvmac.org/tag/loans/) - [oral history program](https://lvmac.org/tag/oral-history-program/) - [vietnam war veterans](https://lvmac.org/tag/vietnam-war-veterans/) - [Scholarships](https://lvmac.org/tag/scholarships/) - [Fraud and Scams](https://lvmac.org/tag/fraud-and-scams/) - [PTSD](https://lvmac.org/tag/ptsd/) - [Identity Theft](https://lvmac.org/tag/identity-theft/) - [Social Security](https://lvmac.org/tag/social-security/) - [Northampton County](https://lvmac.org/tag/northampton-county/) - [Veterans Affairs](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-affairs/) - [Identification Card](https://lvmac.org/tag/identification-card/) - [Veterans Health Administration](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-health-administration/) - [Referral Services](https://lvmac.org/tag/referral-services/) - [Council Business](https://lvmac.org/tag/council-business/) - [Lehigh County](https://lvmac.org/tag/lehigh-county/) - [Community](https://lvmac.org/tag/community/) - [Stand Downs](https://lvmac.org/tag/stand-downs/) - [Flag Day](https://lvmac.org/tag/flag-day/) - [Surveys](https://lvmac.org/tag/surveys/) - [Disability](https://lvmac.org/tag/disability/) - [Burn Pits](https://lvmac.org/tag/burn-pits/) - [Readjustment Support](https://lvmac.org/tag/readjustment-support/) - [Social Relationships](https://lvmac.org/tag/social-relationships/) - [Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs](https://lvmac.org/tag/pennsylvania-department-of-military-and-veterans-affairs/) - [Recreational Therapy](https://lvmac.org/tag/recreational-therapy/) - [Memorials](https://lvmac.org/tag/memorials/) - [LVMAC Programs and Projects](https://lvmac.org/tag/lvmac-programs-and-projects/) - [Nursing and Personal Care Homes](https://lvmac.org/tag/nursing-and-personal-care-homes/) - [Visitation](https://lvmac.org/tag/visitation/) - [Community Outreach](https://lvmac.org/tag/community-outreach/) - [Discounts](https://lvmac.org/tag/discounts/) - [CareerLink](https://lvmac.org/tag/careerlink/) - [Grants and Grant Opportunities](https://lvmac.org/tag/grants-and-grant-opportunities/) - [Entrepreneurship](https://lvmac.org/tag/entrepreneurship/) - [Small Business Administration](https://lvmac.org/tag/small-business-administration/) - [Law](https://lvmac.org/tag/law/) - [Veterans Trust Fund](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-trust-fund/) - [Spiritual Wellness](https://lvmac.org/tag/spiritual-wellness/) - [Agent Orange](https://lvmac.org/tag/agent-orange/) - [Mobile Apps](https://lvmac.org/tag/mobile-apps/) - [Technology](https://lvmac.org/tag/technology/) - [Department of Defense](https://lvmac.org/tag/department-of-defense/) - [Housing](https://lvmac.org/tag/housing/) - [Community Service](https://lvmac.org/tag/community-service/) - [Education and Training](https://lvmac.org/tag/education-and-training/) - [Veterans Choice](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-choice/) - [Awards](https://lvmac.org/tag/awards/) - [Department of Agriculture](https://lvmac.org/tag/department-of-agriculture/) - [Veterans Homes](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-homes/) - [Suicide Prevention](https://lvmac.org/tag/suicide-prevention/) - [Camp Lejeune](https://lvmac.org/tag/camp-lejeune/) - [Volunteering](https://lvmac.org/tag/volunteering/) - [Home Repair](https://lvmac.org/tag/home-repair/) - [Legal Services](https://lvmac.org/tag/legal-services/) - [Social Security Benefits](https://lvmac.org/tag/social-security-benefits/) - [Cemeteries](https://lvmac.org/tag/cemeteries/) - [Hepatitis C](https://lvmac.org/tag/hepatitis-c/) - [Small Business Administration (SBA)](https://lvmac.org/tag/small-business-administration-sba/) - [Salute to the Troops](https://lvmac.org/tag/salute-to-the-troops/) - [Well-being](https://lvmac.org/tag/well-being/) - [Clinical Research](https://lvmac.org/tag/clinical-research/) - [Social-Recreational](https://lvmac.org/tag/social-recreational/) - [Vietnam War](https://lvmac.org/tag/vietnam-war/) - [Small Business](https://lvmac.org/tag/small-business/) - [Blue Water Navy](https://lvmac.org/tag/blue-water-navy/) - [Purple Heart](https://lvmac.org/tag/purple-heart/) - [GI Bill](https://lvmac.org/tag/gi-bill/) - [Funding Opportunities](https://lvmac.org/tag/funding-opportunities/) - [MISSION Act of 2018](https://lvmac.org/tag/mission-act-of-2018/) - [Special Training](https://lvmac.org/tag/special-training/) - [Caregiver Services](https://lvmac.org/tag/caregiver-services/) - [Telemedicine](https://lvmac.org/tag/telemedicine/) - [U.S. Census](https://lvmac.org/tag/u-s-census/) - [National Cemetery Administration (NCA)](https://lvmac.org/tag/national-cemetery-administration-nca/) - [Military Retirees](https://lvmac.org/tag/military-retirees/) - [Caregiving](https://lvmac.org/tag/caregiving/) - [State Veterans' Commission](https://lvmac.org/tag/state-veterans-commission/) - [Geriatric and Extended Care](https://lvmac.org/tag/geriatric-and-extended-care/) - [Reports](https://lvmac.org/tag/reports/) - [County Services](https://lvmac.org/tag/county-services/) - [Department of Labor](https://lvmac.org/tag/department-of-labor/) - [Lehigh Valley Community Organizations](https://lvmac.org/tag/lehigh-valley-community-organizations/) - [COVID-19](https://lvmac.org/tag/covid-19/) - [Armed Forces Week](https://lvmac.org/tag/armed-forces-week/) - [Aging](https://lvmac.org/tag/aging/) - [Elder Abuse](https://lvmac.org/tag/elder-abuse/) - [Home Programs](https://lvmac.org/tag/home-programs/) - [Long-Term Care](https://lvmac.org/tag/long-term-care/) - [Speakers](https://lvmac.org/tag/speakers/) - [State Benefits](https://lvmac.org/tag/state-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://lvmac.org/tag/human-resources/) - [Toxic Exposures](https://lvmac.org/tag/toxic-exposures/) - [Farming](https://lvmac.org/tag/farming/) - [Veterans Benefits](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-benefits/) - [Telehealth](https://lvmac.org/tag/telehealth/) - [Service Dogs](https://lvmac.org/tag/service-dogs/) - [PACT Act](https://lvmac.org/tag/pact-act/) - [Insurance](https://lvmac.org/tag/insurance/) - [Event](https://lvmac.org/tag/event/) - [Vietnam War Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/tag/vietnam-war-ceremony/) - [Veterans Outreach](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-outreach/) - [Substance Abuse](https://lvmac.org/tag/substance-abuse/) - [Recovery Services](https://lvmac.org/tag/recovery-services/) - [Homelessness Prevention](https://lvmac.org/tag/homelessness-prevention/) - [Food Programs](https://lvmac.org/tag/food-programs/) - [business](https://lvmac.org/tag/business/) - [Wellness](https://lvmac.org/tag/wellness/) - [Toxic Exposure](https://lvmac.org/tag/toxic-exposure/) - [Criminal Justice](https://lvmac.org/tag/criminal-justice/) - [Evetns](https://lvmac.org/tag/evetns/) - [Grants](https://lvmac.org/tag/grants/) - [Veterans](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans/) - [Amred Forces Day/Week](https://lvmac.org/tag/amred-forces-day-week/) - [Veterans Treatment Courts](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-treatment-courts/) - [Veterans Justice](https://lvmac.org/tag/veterans-justice/) - [Military Retiree](https://lvmac.org/tag/military-retiree/) - [Lehight Valley](https://lvmac.org/tag/lehight-valley/) - [LVMAC Recruiting](https://lvmac.org/tag/lvmac-recruiting/) - [Food Insecurity](https://lvmac.org/tag/food-insecurity/) - [Volunters Wanted](https://lvmac.org/tag/volunters-wanted/) - [Legal Assistance](https://lvmac.org/tag/legal-assistance/) - [Outreach](https://lvmac.org/tag/outreach/) ## Docs Categories - [Burial and Monuments Info](https://lvmac.org/docs-category/burials-and-monuments/) - [Education](https://lvmac.org/docs-category/education/) - [Special Topics](https://lvmac.org/docs-category/special-topics/) - [Healthcare](https://lvmac.org/docs-category/healthcare/) - [Benefits Assistance and Disability Claims](https://lvmac.org/docs-category/benefits-and-claims/) - [Housing and Homelessness](https://lvmac.org/docs-category/housing-and-homelessness/) - [Employment](https://lvmac.org/docs-category/employment/) ## Docs Tags - [Suicide Prevention](https://lvmac.org/docs-tag/suicide-prevention/) - [TRICARE Benefits](https://lvmac.org/docs-tag/tricare-benefits/) - [VA Beneifts](https://lvmac.org/docs-tag/va-beneifts/) ## Categories - [Testing](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/testing/) - [LVMAC Tidbit](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/lvmac-tidbit/) - [Seminar/Conference](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/seminar/) - [Ceremony](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/ceremony/) - [Parade](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/parade/) - [Fundraising](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/fundraising/) - [Social Recreational](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/social-recreational/) - [Career Opportunity](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/career-opportunity/) - [Festival](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/festival/) - [Business Development](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/business-development/) - [Outreach](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/outreach/) - [Concert](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/concert/) - [Classroom/Workshop](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/classroom/) - [Networking](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/networking/) - [Therapy](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/therapy/) - [Homelessness Projects](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/homelessness-projects/) - [Wellness/Mental Health](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/wellness-mental-health/) - [Dinner Event](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/dinner-event/) - [Celebration](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/celebration/) - [Breakfast Event](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/breakfast-event/) - [Projects](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/projects/) - [Lunch Event](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/lunch-event/) - [Food Distribution](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/food-distribution/) - [Healthcare](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/healthcare/) - [Recovery and Recovery Support](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/recovery-and-recovery-support/) - [History](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/history/) - [Employment Opportunity](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/employment-opportunity/) - [Virtual Event](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/virtual-event/) - [Sporting Event](https://lvmac.org/mec-category/sporting-event/) ## Product Categories - [Allentown](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/allentown/) - [Bethlehem](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/bethlehem/) - [Easton](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/easton/) - [Nazareth](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/nazareth/) - [Wind Gap](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/wind-gap/) - [Northampton](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/northampton-county-2/) - [Lehigh](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/lehigh-county-2/) - [Bath](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/bath/) - [Bangor](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/bangor/) - [Belfast](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/belfast/) - [Catasauqua](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/catasauqua/) - [Cementon](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/cementon/) - [Cetronia](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/cetronia/) - [Coopersburg](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/coopersburg/) - [Coplay](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/coplay/) - [Darktown](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/darktown/) - [Egypt](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/egypt/) - [Egypt](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/egypt-northampton-county-2/) - [Emerald](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/emerald/) - [Emmaus](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/emmaus/) - [Fullerton](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/fullerton/) - [Fogelsville](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/fogelsville/) - [Fountain Hill](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/fountain-hill/) - [Friedens](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/friedens/) - [Hellertown](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/hellertown/) - [Hokendauqua](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/hokendauqua/) - [L. Macungie](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/l-macungie/) - [Lynnport](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/lynnport/) - [Macungie](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/macungie/) - [Center Valley](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/center-valley/) - [Hanover Township](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/hanover-township/) - [Howertown](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/howertown/) - [Neffs](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/neffs/) - [New Tripoli](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/new-tripoli/) - [North Catasauqua](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/north-catasauqua/) - [Salisbury Twp](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/salisbury-twp/) - [Schnecksville](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/schnecksville/) - [Slatedale](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/slatedale/) - [Slatington](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/slatington/) - [Stiles](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/stiles/) - [Upper Macungie](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/upper-macungie/) - [Vera Cruz](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/vera-cruz/) - [W. Catasauqua](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/w-catasauqua/) - [Walnutport](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/walnutport/) - [Zionsville](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/zionsville/) - [Allen Township](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/allen-township/) - [Forks Township](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/forks-township/) - [Hecktown](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/hecktown/) - [Kriedersville](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/kriedersville/) - [Moorestown](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/moorestown/) - [Northampton](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/northampton/) - [Palmer Township](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/palmer-township/) - [Pen Argyl](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/pen-argyl/) - [Roseto](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/roseto/) - [Stockertown](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/stockertown/) - [Tatamy](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/tatamy/) - [West Bangor](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/west-bangor/) - [West Easton](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/west-easton/) - [Williams Twp](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/williams-twp/) - [Wilson Borough](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/wilson-borough/) - [Schoenersville](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/schoenersville/) - [Bethlehem Twsp.](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-category/bethlehem-twsp/) ## Product Tags - [Tag 001](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-001/) - [Tag 002](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-002/) - [Tag 003](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-003/) - [Tag 004](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-004/) - [Tag 005](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-005/) - [Tag 006](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-006/) - [Tag 007](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-007/) - [Tag 008](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-008/) - [Tag 009](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-009/) - [Tag 010](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-010/) - [Tag 011](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-011/) - [Tag 012](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-012/) - [Tag 013](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-013/) - [Tag 014](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-014/) - [Tag 015](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-015/) - [Tag 016](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-016/) - [Tag 017](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-017/) - [Tag 018](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-018/) - [Tag 019](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-019/) - [Tag 020](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-020/) - [Tag 021](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-021/) - [Tag 022](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-022/) - [Tag 023](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-023/) - [Tag 024](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-024/) - [Tag 025](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-025/) - [Tag 026](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-026/) - [Tag 027](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-027/) - [Tag 028](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-028/) - [Tag 029](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-029/) - [Tag 030](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-030/) - [Tag 031](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-031/) - [Tag 032](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-032/) - [Tag 033](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-033/) - [Tag 034](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-034/) - [Tag 035](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-035/) - [Tag 036](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-036/) - [Tag 037](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-037/) - [Tag 038](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-038/) - [Tag 039](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-039/) - [Tag 040](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-040/) - [Tag 041](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-041/) - [Tag 042](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-042/) - [Tag 043](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-043/) - [Tag 044](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-044/) - [Tag 045](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-045/) - [Tag 046](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-046/) - [Tag 047](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-047/) - [Tag 048](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-048/) - [Tag 049](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-049/) - [Tag 050](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-050/) - [Tag 051](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-051/) - [Tag 052](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-052/) - [Tag 053](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-053/) - [Tag 054](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-054/) - [Tag 055](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-055/) - [Tag 056](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-056/) - [Tag 057](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-057/) - [Tag 058](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-058/) - [Tag 059](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-059/) - [Tag 060](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-060/) - [Tag 061](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-061/) - [Tag 062](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-062/) - [Tag 063](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-063/) - [Tag 064](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-064/) - [Tag 065](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-065/) - [Tag 066](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-066/) - [Tag 067](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-067/) - [Tag 068](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-068/) - [Tag 069](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-069/) - [Tag 070](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-070/) - [Tag 071](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-071/) - [Tag 072](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-072/) - [Tag 073](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-073/) - [Tag 074](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-074/) - [Tag 075](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-075/) - [Tag 076](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-076/) - [Tag 077](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-077/) - [Tag 078](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-078/) - [Tag 079](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-079/) - [Tag 080](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-080/) - [Tag 081](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-081/) - [Tag 082](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-082/) - [Tag 083](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-083/) - [Tag 084](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-084/) - [Tag 085](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-085/) - [Tag 086](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-086/) - [Tag 087](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-087/) - [Tag 088](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-088/) - [Tag 089](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-089/) - [Tag 090](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-090/) - [Tag 091](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-091/) - [Tag 092](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-092/) - [Tag 093](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-093/) - [Tag 094](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-094/) - [Tag 095](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-095/) - [Tag 096](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-096/) - [Tag 097](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-097/) - [Tag 098](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-098/) - [Tag 099](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-099/) - [Tag 100](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-100/) - [Tag 101](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-101/) - [Tag 102](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-102/) - [Tag 103](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-103/) - [Tag 104](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-104/) - [Tag 105](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-105/) - [Tag 106](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-106/) - [Tag 107](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-107/) - [Tag 108](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-108/) - [Tag 109](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-109/) - [Tag 110](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-110/) - [Tag 111](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-111/) - [Tag 112](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-112/) - [Tag 113](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-113/) - [Tag 114](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-114/) - [Tag 115](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-115/) - [Tag 116](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-116/) - [Tag 117](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-117/) - [Tag 118](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-118/) - [Tag 119](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-119/) - [Tag 120](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-120/) - [Tag 121](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-121/) - [Tag 122](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-122/) - [Tag 123](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-123/) - [Tag 124](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-124/) - [Tag 125](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-125/) - [Tag 126](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-126/) - [Tag 127](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-127/) - [Tag 128](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-128/) - [Tag 129](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-129/) - [Tag 130](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-130/) - [Tag 131](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-131/) - [Tag 132](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-132/) - [Tag 133](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-133/) - [Tag 134](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-134/) - [Tag 135](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-135/) - [Tag 136](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-136/) - [Tag 137](https://lvmac.org/upcp-product-tag/tag-137/) - 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