Nope, they’re not being disrespectful … but many businesses are offering free meals or discounted prices in recognition of veterans and their families this November, particularly on 11 November. Thought you might be interested. These two files offer a nearly complete list of what we know is out there but Read more…
The 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…)
The 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…)
Hurry 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…)
At 1 p.m. on 10 November at the Catasauqua American Legion Building, the Belleau Woods Chapter of the Leathernecks Nation Motorcycle Club is hosting a very special U.S. Marine Corps Birthday celebration. (more…)
Ritter 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 
projected 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…)
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…)
The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council conducted its Scholarship awards for 2013 at the Council’s 21 August meeting and awarded twelve $1,000 scholarships. Phil Hublitz and Bob Rothenberger, Co-Chairs for our Scholarship Program, led us into uncharted waters this year. (more…)
The 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 
assist 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…)
From 20 August through 20 September, the Sigal Museum at 342 Northampton Street, Easton will host showings of the 911 Memorial Flag, beginning with a flag raising ceremony at 2.30 p.m. on 20 August.
On display will be a 22’ x 32’ flag using nearly 3,000 American flags representing each victim who died as a result of the World Trade Towers, Pentagon and Flight #93 terrorist attacks. (more…)