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…)

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…)

LVMAC Tidbit — Looking for a Job in State or Local Government in PA? Do Know About the Veterans Preference Law?

PA State LogoThe Commownwealth’s Veterans Preference statute might not be the greatest thing since sliced butter and we have heard that there have been problems of fairness in hiring veterans in by state government. It is what drove a state law which now requires a veteran to be appointed to the state’s Civil Service Commission.  However, that does not mean you should be ignorant of the benefit when applying.  It has helped many. (more…)

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…

Forward Observer — VA Expands Medical Reimbursement Period for Drinking Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

LVMAC Poster Art 2005On 18 July the VA issued a final ruling which expanded eligibility for those who may have been affected by drinking contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.  The window of eligibility has been expanded by about two and a half years.  Previously, you must have been there from 1 January 1957 to 31 December 1987.

You may now be eligible for VA health benefits if you served on active duty or resided (family members) at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. (more…)