Veterans Support

Forward Observer — Lehigh Valley VA Homelessness Summit Needs More Community Involvement

LVMAC Poster Art 2005On 28 September, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center (VAMC) is holding a Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG) Meeting and Summit at the Charles Chrin Community Center of Palmer Township (Gym II).

While there has been a long history of annual CHALENG meetings, holding one in the Lehigh Valley has been a rarity.  Considering the recent efforts of the Lehigh Valley Regional Homelessness Advisory Board (LVRHAB), the time has come to encourage such meetings locally if the VA is to be a true partner in this region’s homeless efforts – and not off to the side.

Because a summit implies the meeting of leaders, LVMAC is reaching out to various organizations (police departments, school districts, public housing authorities, special social work agencies, county and city governments, for example) to have a key officer or “mover and shaker” attend. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Veterans Retention Survey | Center for a New American Security

CNAS LogoEditors Note:  We thought we would bring this ongoing survey to your attention for the purpose of encouraging your participation.  Over time and among its other efforts, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) has produced useful studies which have provided fresh insights to the issues of the current war generation of veterans and has undoubtedly influenced both public agency and private corporate policies consequently. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — IRS Launches New Website for Veterans

Source: Information for Veterans As of 18 July, the Internal Revenue Service has launched a new site titled “Information for Veterans.”  “The page is designed to provide timely, federal tax-related information to veterans about tax credits and benefits, free tax preparation, financial education, and asset-building opportunities available to veterans,” according Read more…

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Commonwealth’s Major Veterans Organizations Unite on Legislative Goals for 2016

On 5 May 2016, the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council (PWVC), an important association of the major veterans service organizations in the commonwealth, agreed to its legislative goals for 2016-2017.  They should not be overlooked by our Governor and General Assembly,  as they are germane to improving the care of our veterans, including those of the most recent generations: (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Ever Consider a Career in Farming? Looking for Housing?

usdalogocolorIt is estimated forty-five percent of those in the armed forces are from rural areas.  Surprisingly, considering its its wealth of industry and size of population, Pennsylvania has large rural tracts.   About 89.5% of its area and 21.3% of its population is rural.  Even in the Lehigh Valley, the third largest metropolitan area of commonwealth, there are sizeable, rural areas.  These fall within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s sphere of responsibility, and that is useful to know. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC News — Roll Call! Community Banquet to Honor Those Who Serve

LVMAC Logo (Best Small PNG)LVMAC Salute to the Troops Dinner Flyer 24Apr2016The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council’s annual “Salute to the Troops” dinner will be held on 13 May, starting at 6 p.m., at a new location this year:  the Holiday Inn at 7736 Adrienne Drive in Breinigsville.  Our member organizations are strongly encouraged to attend, but the event is open to any member of the community wishing the recognize the service of the current military and recently returned veterans.   Now the the time to reserve your seat(s).  We ask that you do this no later than 4 May. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago