News Blog

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

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

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

By LVMAC, ago

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

LVMAC Poster Art 2005There 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 also being maintained, that prospect instantly becomes harder.  The veterans benefits we have today were largely hard-earned through these organizations. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

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. The law says that veterans who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam from 1962-1975 are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange or other harmful herbicides. Exposure to these herbicides have been linked to a list of several harmful medical conditions: (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

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 us to through your networks.  See below: (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

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 hospitals and the VFW.  And, chess brings people from all walks of life together more casually through the pleasure of a game — something often missing in our society.  Its benefit can be manifold. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

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 criteria related to their service.  Although not all Veterans are eligible for VA health care, most Veterans who served on active duty with an other than dishonorable discharge are eligible to receive some level of care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Just as VA Healthcare eligibility criteria changes over time, so may a Veteran’s eligibility for care.  A Veteran once deemed ineligible for VA health care may become eligible if they experience changes in income level, health, or suffer a catastrophic event. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago