View this email in a browser

In this Update:

• State Veterans Commission Meeting
• Accelerating Access to Veterans’ Benefits and Employment Opportunities
• Fundraising for the Valor Clinic Foundation
• Shareapy Military
• Discount on YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket
• Fall Home Improvement Deals

State Veterans Commission Meeting

The State Veterans Commission (SVC) will hold its next regular meeting on Friday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. at Fort Indiantown Gap. The SVC advises the adjutant general and the DMVA on all matters related to the status, welfare, benefits, employment and support of veterans and veterans’ programs in Pennsylvania. The public is welcome to attend the meeting either by phone or virtually.

• To dial-in by phone: (267) 332-8737; Phone conference ID: 654 091 486#.
• To join via Microsoft Teams: Click here to join the meeting.

Accelerating Access to Veterans’ Benefits and Employment Opportunities

Under a recent executive order, federal agencies must update their technology systems and policies to give veterans quicker access to the benefits they earned through their military service.

The Accelerating Access to Veterans’ Benefits and Employment Opportunities Executive Order directs the Departments of War and Veterans Affairs to improve their sharing of military personnel and medical records from the time an individual enlists until they no longer require veterans’ benefits. They must also streamline the application process for and access to benefits for veterans.

The order also requires updates of the Transition Assistance Program and other veteran workforce programs to ensure service members leaving active military service are either connected to a job or enrolled in career and technical education, as well as connected with appropriate veterans’ representatives to assist them with applying for healthcare, disability, home loan, job placement or education benefits.

Fundraising for the Valor Clinic Foundation

Several upcoming fundraisers are scheduled to benefit the Valor Clinic Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps veterans and their families throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

Last year, the Valor Clinic served over 4,000 veterans and their families through programs that provide outreach and housing stabilization to homeless and at-risk veterans; peer-driven wellness and reintegration; holiday food boxes and meals; and benefits navigation and advocacy. Its October fundraising events are:

• Help Wounded Veterans Scavenger Hunt & Ride in Honor of Harry Phillips – Saturday, Oct. 10 at noon at The Boat Yard in Lehighton.

• Cornhole Toss for Veterans in Need – Sunday, Oct. 17 from noon to 7 p.m. at the BRIX Brewhouse in Brodheadsville.

The Valor Clinic will also host the following free events in October that use peer to peer and outdoor events like fishing and hunting to help veterans with elevated social conflict, emotional scars and a loss of purpose and direction. Life partners and significant others are encouraged to attend. 

• Veteran Unstoppable Program Peer to Peer – Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at its Paul’s House Facility in Kunkletown.
• Veterans Unstoppable Peer to Peer Program – Oct. 20 from 6:30–8 p.m. at American Legion Post 927.
• Veterans Unstoppable Program Retreat Classes – Oct. 2 to Oct. 5 in White Haven. 

Shareapy Military

Shareapy offers free virtual peer support for active-duty military, veterans, first responders and their immediate family members. Once registered, you can:

• Join weekly virtual “Get Togethers”
• Connect with fellow veterans and family members
• Access wellness resources and community programming

There is no cost for eligible members. For more information and to sign up, click here.

Discount on YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket

YouTube TV offers NFL Sunday Tickets for $198 for the military community verified through ID.me. NFL Sunday Ticket gives fans the ability to watch their favorite NFL teams’ out-of-market Sunday games, enjoy unlimited streams at home, view key plays and watch up to four live games on one screen in multiview.

Fall Home Improvement Deals

• Lowe’s offers 10% off for active-duty military, veterans and spouses verified through ID.me.
• The Home Depot offers 10% off for active service members, veterans and their spouses verified through their mobile app.