Forward Observer — When It Comes to Veterans, Strange Bedfellows on Display 5 November: LU’s SDBC and CADCB

LVMAC Poster Art 2005Something queer for the good has happened.  All of a sudden the Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem (CADCB) has taken an interest in veterans’ entrepreneurship.  It is ‘partnering’ with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer a seminar about entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans on  5 November at the Fowler Center in South Bethlehem (click on the flyer thumbnail below and to the right).   Actually the SBA partner is Lehigh University’s Small Business Development Center (together with Kutztown University’s, often hidden secret to veterans from the Lehigh Valley interested in starting a business). (more…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

LVMAC Tidbit — Rotary Club of Bethlehem Falls In to Help Our Local Veterans and Their Families

Bethlehem Rotary Tastes&Tunes Flyer 5Oct2014The Rotary Club of Bethlehem, via a fundraiser in the Fall (5 October), has decided to support the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council in its efforts to help military veterans who could use special assistance. The Council is thankful to them for their willingness to help us in serving this important segment of our society and our local community; and their effort neatly dovetails with needs being generated by some of our alliance efforts. (more…)