Events

LVMAC News — LVMAC Is Getting Involved with PA 2-1-1 East

United Way of Lancaster Asks for Assistance

United Way 2-1-1As a result of discussions within our newly formed Lehigh Valley Homeless Veterans Action Committee (LVHVAC) about the loss of the local Red Cross’ Valley Wide Helpline, which had been a valuable resource to the local social services community, and because it considers a common telephone resource line for homeless and near-homeless veterans and their families an essential service, LVMAC invited Toni McCuistion, Director for PA 2-1-1 East, United Way of Lancaster, to speak on the topic of “2-1-1 Service in the Lehigh Valley, How It Can Help Veterans, How You Can Help It” at its March 19 Council business meeting. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — PA Designates Its Veterans as License-Worthy

Drvr License with Vet DesignationVeterans! Heads Up on Your Next Driver’s License Renewal

On March 4 with a lot of fanfare at Fort Indiantown Gap and after considerable time spent to get it up and running,  Governor Corbett officially announced that veterans now can apply to PennDOT’s Department of Motor Vehicles for a new veterans designation on their drivers licenses (or identification cards) at their option and at no extra charge (if being done during as part of the routine cycle for driver’s license renewal or first application).  The designation consists of an American flag with the word “Veteran” beneath it.  The measure was authorized by Act 176 of 2012. (more…)

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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

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

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