September 2020

Forward Observer: Want to hire Veterans? Consider Registered Apprenticeships

Are you a business interested in attracting and recruiting servicemembers separating from active duty (veterans)?   They are motivated men and women who can help to ensure your success and profitability.  However, although often highly skilled, they are not generally credentialed or running around with some unnecessary degree that will bring them to your attention.

The Department of Defense has recognized this deficiency and implemented DoD SkillBridge.  It may be worth checking out.  But there is another and less restrictive way more suited to your needs to do the same.  Consider developing a Registered Apprenticeship Program to overcome the skills barrier. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: VA’s “Bangor Clinic” Reopens

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre announced today the re-opening of our Tobyhanna and Northampton (Bangor, PA) Community Based Outpatient Clinics at a 50% face-to-face pre-COVID capacity, effective 28 September.  All services remain available, and veterans who need to be seen will be scheduled for care. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: Chamber seeks Businesses for Veterans Survey

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, working with the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council and others, has created a Veterans and Military Affairs Council focused upon employment; e.g.,  helping local businesses to find returning military veterans, for they are known to have the makings for  being reliable, first-rate  employees.

The chamber has been conducting an initial, baseline survey to assess the current situation in the valley for these separating military servicemembers.  It is soliciting responses from as many government agencies and businesses (for profit and nonprofit) which have employees in our Greater Lehigh Valley area as possible.  The more organizations participating, the more accurate the assessment will be. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: Comp and Pension Exams Resume

All C&P Exam Locations Now Open For those in the process of settling a claim submission, some good news.  Not everything is resolvable via telecommunications, the use of which is reportedly up a thousand percent.  The Veterans Benefits Administration’s operations must have been severely affected, therefore. The VA has partnered Read more…

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: Don’t forget about the State Veterans’ Commission. Apply now!

As previously reported, Governor Tom Wolf announced just over a week ago that the commonwealth is seeking veterans to apply for two commissioner-at-large positions on the State Veterans’ Commission, state government’s only officially sanctioned, veterans’ advisory body.

One position, this time, must be a Vietnam-era veteran.  The other is open to veterans of any era.  Indeed, the commission is seeking younger veterans.  And for the first time in ages, the opportunity to serve is being offered statewide. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: Pennsylvania’s VA Healthcare Network Reports Out

In the latest issue of Vision for Excellence, VISN-4 highlights the work of its front-line staff in caring for veterans and keeping them safe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also highlights several winners of our quarterly “I CARE” Awards and reports on how VISN 4 is improving access to care.

Pages 7 and 12 address VA prescription management, a concern expressed by some veterans (more…)

By LVMAC, ago