News Blog

Forward Observer — Mini-Stand Down … Learning From Others

LVMAC Poster Art 2005They 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 future by another organization.  Nothing official has come from the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center network to us.)   As the cold weather approaches, such events for veterans who are homeless and perhaps living on the streets take on added significance.  Kudos to Chapter G, 2nd Brigade Motorcycle Club for taking on this duty … and not just for the first time.  See the flyer attached. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC News — The “Vet” Question

LVMAC_Circular_w_Motto 2013 (Backgroundless)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 are asked if they feel safe in their home, all adult patients soon will be asked whether they are a veteran.  Completion is targeted for 31 March 2014. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — A Special Veterans Forum, Locally Grown, With a Point

Lehigh County Mentorship Program Veterans Forum Flyer 7Nov2013The 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 Home.” Its purpose is to provide information regarding: suicide prevention, the Veterans’ Mentorship Program itself, and other support services. It will be held on 7 November, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the former Veterans Sanctuary site at 24 S. Fifth St., Allentown. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — PS to You, Lehigh Valley Veterans Wanted for Focus

PA Veterans Needs Assessment FG Flyer NCC 7Nov2013LVMAC Poster Art 2005The 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 conducted.  If properly done,  LVMAC sees the study as a tool towards achieving future system changes for the benefit of our local military veterans and their families. In addition to literature searches, comparisons with other states, random surveys and interviews of selected organizations to help assess the situation,  focus group meetings are being conducted at six sites throughout the state.  The Lehigh Valley has been selected for one of these sites – usually we are overlooked. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Purdue Us! Want to See a Penn State Game?

PSU Military Appreciation Game Flyer 16Nov2013Hurry 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 are virtually assured seating.  Yes, you must register — the extended deadline is now 25 October. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Government Shutdown Affects Veterans

Many of you have concerns about the continuationVeterans Shutdown Field_Guide 01Oct2013 (1 of 2) 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 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is putting out.  (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Ritter Elementary School Wants You!

Ritter Elementary SchoolRitter 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 Ritter Veteran Interview Day Flyer 8Oct2013projected to be conducted on October 8th.  This is one of the oldest school events involving veterans in the Lehigh Valley and has a sterling reputation among veterans from our community who have participated.  It is a tradition carried on by the teachers themselves in remembrance of our veterans and their contributions to our nation and community.  If you are interested please contact Rick Grab at 484-765-5661 or grabr@allentownsd.org. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago