News Blog

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

LVMAC Tidbit — Healthcare for Veterans: “It Takes a Village”

Local Hospitals Continue Making Progress

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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, the local supporting Veterans Health Administration (VHA) network. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — TRICARE For Life Users Face Potentially Higher Costs When Using the VA

LVMAC Poster Art 2005In 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, “as part of the intake process at VA facilities … TFL beneficiaries will be asked if they’re using their VA or TFL benefit or if they have other health insurance (OHI).  When electing to use their TFL benefit at the VA, they will also be informed they must pay the remained bill after TRICARE pays its portion of the TRICARE-allowable charge. They may be asked to sign a form indicating they understand their responsibility.” (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — The Cornerstone of Good Community

LVMAC Poster Art 2005The 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 Cornerstone MAC 1st Annual-Flyerassist our military, our veterans and their families.  One way is to do fundraising but also to ensure the money goes to organizations that actually help military servicemembers from and military veterans in the communities in which they live. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago