News Blog

LVMAC Tidbit — Hammer Training to Support Lehigh Valley Veterans

Hammer Training & Fitness Fundraiser Flyer 22March2014

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 veterans and others can gather at ease and mingle. The event consists of a seminar, a social, and exhibition bouts.  The latter two events are free, but donations are encouraged.  The social begins at 5 p.m. followed by the sparring matches starting at 7 p.m. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Oh Where, Oh Where Can Northampton County’s Director of Veterans Affairs Be?

Northampton County LogoWhile 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, Bethlehem (Bethlehem Township).  An anticipated result will be convenient, one-stop shopping for human services, of which veterans affairs is meant to be a part. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit – Social Security Promises Expedited Veterans Disability Claims

Social Security Disability ClaimMany 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 (SSA) officials announced plans to expedite disability claims for individuals with a VA approved, 100 percent disability rating. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

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 more secure, the card has been redesignated as the Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) – replacing the Veteran Identification Card (VIC) introduced in 2004.

20140224_VA-ID-Card-Front

(more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — Their American Dream is Homelessness?

One Way You Can Help Your Homeless Veterans Locally – Find Them, Gather Them

LVMAC Poster Art 2005Not 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 reality nonetheless.

Pioneer Camp (courtesy of Clinic Valor Foundation)It seems doubly a shame for our community when one who has honorably served and actually fought for his or her country is found in such a condition. Whether it is this veteran’s pride or behavior, or a combination of both, that has led to the situation should not matter to us – we can always find a plausible excuse for inaction.

As the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) activates its new Lehigh Valley Homeless Veterans Action Committee to attack veteran’s homelessness as a regional problem, one of its participants is already trying to get those in the most extreme of circumstances in from the “cold.”  VALOR Clinic Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit now working its way down from the Bangor area into the wider Lehigh Valley, has taken up the mission of establishing routine stand downs in the Lehigh Valley. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago