News Blog

LVMAC Tidbit — Habitat for Humanity Is Looking to Hire

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

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

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

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

By LVMAC, ago

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 and appreciative, as are the teachers.  See flyer below for details. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

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

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

By LVMAC, ago

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

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

By LVMAC, ago

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

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

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — Punishing the Higher Education System for Veterans – The Pennsylvania Way

LVMAC Poster Art 2005Effective 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 million in state revenues from the federal government to Pennsylvania’s institutions of higher learning.

Section 702 of that law states:

 … the Secretary shall disapprove a course of education provided by a public institution of higher learning (more…)

By LVMAC, ago