Veterans Day approaches and discounts to veterans will be offered by various companies for either business purposes or for saying thanks to them for their service — and perhaps both. Here is one offer which is year-round for the moment. Crayola, a local company based in Easton, has often Read more…
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The Wescoe School of Muhlenberg College (a school where “adults” go to learn) and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (the local, minor league baseball organization) have teamed up to recognize our local serving military and military veterans. (more…)
Each year, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council conducts its Armed Force Week Dinner. This year it will be held on 2 May, starting at 6 p.m., at the Days Hotel (The Jetport), 3400 Airport Road in Allentown. Please come, but register now.
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Many veterans with a VA-rated disability are unaware they may also be entitled to a Social Security benefit program known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) service-connected compensation program, it too has come under congressional scrutiny for its processing times. However, on 19 February Social Security Administration (SSA) officials announced plans to expedite disability claims for individuals with a VA approved, 100 percent disability rating. (more…)
Healthcare Providers Seek to Identify Veterans to Improve Their CareLEHIGH VALLEY, PA; November 6, 2013 – An alliance of every hospital in the Lehigh Valley, created by the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) in 2011, is announcing an initiative to identify veterans during the hospital registration process. Much in the same way patients are asked if they feel safe in their home, all adult patients soon will be asked whether they are a veteran. Completion is targeted for 31 March 2014. (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…)
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…)
Our busy Blue Star Mothers of the Lehigh Valley Chapter No 201, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit member organization, is hosting its third charity golf event, “Teeing Off for the Troops Tournament”, to raise funds to support its various endeavors, making a difference to the lives of military service members and veterans from the Greater Lehigh Valley. Its activities include shipping about 1500 care packages to deployed semiannually, sponsoring holiday parties for military families, assisting veterans having financial troubles, providing travel funds for the families of injured soldiers visiting their loved ones, conducting ‘welcome home’ events for returning troops; and visiting patients at VA hospitals. (more…)
Editor’s Note: Kerry Smith, a Staff Attorney for Community Legal Services of Philadelphia was the speaker at our March Council Meeting. Ms. Smith, at that time, explained the harm of such lending legislation and how other states which have passed such wish they could turn back the clock. She urged the Council to stand up for our veterans and oppose any such legislation.
The Pennsylvania Council of Chapters, Military Officers Association of America, strongly opposes Senate Bill 975, the Micro Loan Program, recently introduced on May 31, 2013 to legalize payday lending in Pennsylvania at 300% interest on a two-week loan. We agree with them. The bill, which will result in such usury despite possible good intentions, has surprisingly made it out of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee by a narrow 8 to 6 voting margin and is now on the floor of the Senate for a vote in a few more days. 
Since the possibility exists for our legislators to fail to take — or are not given — the time to completely read the bills they vote upon on a Senate or House floor (let alone reflect upon their possible unintended consequences), your timely action could make the difference in their decision-making. (more…)
To the General Public:
On May 3rd, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) and the City of Allentown are sponsoring the tenth, annual “Salute to the Troops” dinner to honor our local military, veterans and their families. This festive occasion celebrates those who have recently returned to us and those who still serve us. As part of our community, we ask you to express your own appreciation through taking the time to attend.
The dinner will be held at The Palace, 623 Hanover Avenue in Allentown. Cocktails will begin at 6:00 pm and dinner at 7:00 pm. Event normally ends around 10 p.m. Free parking is available onsite.
Cost is $35 per person. All serving military and a guest are being invited to the dinner at no cost. (more…)