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.

LVMAC Tidbit: Northampton County’s low-income veterans can apply for free Internet vouchers

Low-income veterans and seniors living in Northampton County who meet HUD income guidelines are eligible to apply for free basic internet services starting 28 September.  It is one result of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding being provided to the county and a county decision.

For more detail and whom to contact: click here.

Source: WFMZ website posting, 25 September and Northampton County website

###

As of 25 September 2020

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.

LVMAC Tidbit: VA Offers Some Debt Relief When Natural Disasters Occur

The VA announced this week its commitment to extend debt relief to veterans impacted by natural disasters. The department recognizes veterans and their beneficiaries are negatively impacted by the wildfires and hurricanes prompting the offering of financial-debt relief. This includes the suspension of debt-collection actions for up to 90 days or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, whichever the veteran prefers. To request assistance for VA financial debt relief, contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648.

Source:  VVA Web Weekly, 16 Sep 2020

###

As of 16 September

LVMAC Tidbit: Want to Legislate?

Apply today for the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship Program and advocate for veterans alongside the VFW on Capitol Hill during our annual VFW Legislative Conference.  Generally, ten fellowship positions are open.

LVMAC Tidbit: Pennsylvania VFW announces its annual Women Veterans Retreat — Sign up now!

Click on to enlarge

Register now for the 2021 Women Veterans Retreat set for March 26-28.

Open to all women veterans.

It will be held at the Ramada Conference Center, 1450 Atherton St., State College, PA 16801.

For details, click on the thumbnail flyer to the right.

###

As of 26 August 2020

 

 

LVMAC Tidbit: NCC provides free truck driver training to veterans and their families

U.S Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) helps NCC provide free Class A CDL training programs to veterans and their families. 

Click on to enlarge

This August, Northampton Community College (NCC) received a $163,200 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to provide free Class A truck driving training to 40 current or former members of the United States Armed Forces, their spouses and adult children.  NCC will recruit qualified students, provide them with superior safety-focused training, support them through successful program completion, and provide placement services to assist them in becoming employed in the transportation industry.

Forward Observer: Some Useful Re-employment Resources

The piece of information below found on a 4 June Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce “email’er” is probably worth more mention than most as our valley’s community begins the long journey of  returning to normal.   Considering the importance of employment to job hunters, furloughed employees and employers, it good to see when someone has thought of putting relevant, actionable information all in one place to a particular topic.

Veterans, do not forget that our CareerLink has veterans employment representatives.  Insist on speaking to them, if you have not done so and are seeking a job — especially if things are not going well.  They can take a more holistic approach towards helping.   If they do not, let us know.  They are expected to go the extra mile — if you are on the straight-up.

CareerLink Lehigh Valley is Here to Help ·     Online Jobs Portal updated daily with positions for Lehigh Valley job seekers and an easy way for employers in the area to add immediate job openings ·     COVID-19 Resources Page (for job seekers and employers) ·     Online Workshops & Resources (for job seekers)

###

RJH
As of 6 June 2020

LVMAC Tidbit: COVID-19 Affects Property Tax/Rent Rebates in a Good Way

Gov. Wolf, Treasurer Torsella Announce Property Tax/Rent Rebates Arriving Early to Help Seniors, Others During COVID-19 Pandemic

Governor Tom Wolf and Treasurer Joe Torsella today announced that many older homeowners, renters and people with disabilities will receive early rebates through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.

It is something worthwhile for veterans or their widows/widowers who are homeowners or renters to check off to help get them through these trying times when needed.  It is not always chump change; and you may be more eligible than you might first suspect (don’t assume age is the only criteria).  For details and how to apply, if you have not: click here.

###

As of 20 May 2020

 

LVMAC Tidbit: Veterans may need to act by May 5 for Economic Impact Payments

Special alert for those who don’t file a tax return and have dependents under the age of 17 years.

On 24 April, the Internal Revenue Service issued a special alert for Supplemental Security Income and Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries to act by May 5 if they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and have dependents so they can quickly receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payment.

For details, click here: VA, SSI recipients with eligible children need to act by May 5 to quickly add money to their automatic Economic Impact Payment; ‘Plus $500 Push’ continues | Internal Revenue Service

As of 26 April 2020