Recommended Resources for Disabled Veterans

Below are recommended resources available for disabled veterans:

US Air Force US Army Army National Guard US Navy US Coast Guard US Marine Corps
 

Disabled Veterans


The Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), recently issued a warning that an organization, not affiliated with the VA in any way, called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA programs and services and gathering personal information about inquiring veterans that could be used for illicit purposes.


The message from the General Counsel's Office advised, in part, that "...VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal" and requested help in spreading the word about "...this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to provide any services."


We extend our thanks and gratitude to all American veterans of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard for their service and sacrifices on behalf of a great and grateful nation.


Although these veterans served with different military forces, they took the same oath to "...support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic..." Because of the September 11, 2001 attack on America and the ensuing war against terrorism, that reference to "domestic enemies" took on new and greater meaning.


As we reflect further on this oath, we need to fully understand that these American patriots of the warrior class are the true protectors of our Constitution. In the final analysis, they are the ones who ultimately guarantee our Constitutional guarantees.


We at PIBH are very grateful for the courage, commitment and sacrifices of our veterans, especially disabled veterans. These men and women stood at the ready to serve us in our Nation's time of need and we, in turn, must now serve them in theirs.


The majority of disabled veterans, more recently those of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are in want of our support to help them return to a more normal and independent life. They are particularly in need of employment. However, in this fragile and challenging economy, it is especially difficult for disabled veterans to find work.


By virtue of their service, these individuals bring great attributes and qualities to the workforce; adaptable skills, discipline, commitment, teamwork, enthusiasm and resilience.


For reasons stated, PIBH is reaching out to organizations such as Disabled American Veterans, Blinded Veterans Association and Paralyzed Veterans as part of our effor to help provide employment opportunities to disabled veterans.


While PIBH is undertaking this special endeavor, we encourage all Pennsylvania businesses to likewise commit to the recruitment, employment and retention of disabled veterans as a key component of their hiring initiatives.


How we treat our military veterans will positively or negatively impact the future strength, quality and readiness of our armed forces. And in these uncertain and threatening times, we need to have a strong and capable force at the ready.

They have never let us down and we cannot let them down.

 

Employment Opportunities

We encourage disabled veterans who are seeking employment to submit their resumes to PIBH for referral to our member agencies for employment consideration. Disability certification along with a copy of a DD214 should be included with the resume.


We invite disabled veterans to explore other sections of our website, especially information about our member agencies, the area(s) they serve and the support services they provide.


Feel free to contact our member agencies directly.

 

Business Development

The U. S. Small Business Administration established Veterans Business Outreach Centers to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or starting a small business. For more information, go to www.sba.gov/content/veterans-business-outreach-centers.


PIBH is interested in working with disabled veterans who have formed or are interested in establishing a non-profit organization that serves the needs of disabled veterans. We, in turn, would like these organizations to become members of PIBH so we can assist with providing contracting opportunities for the manufacturing of products and/or the providing of services by disabled veterans.


Assistance about forming a non-profit organization can be obtained by going to www.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/small-business-matters/how-start-non-profit-organization-0.


Interested persons should directly contact the PIBH President/CEO at gcrowell@pibh.org.

 

Recommended Resources

Pennsylvania is fortunate to have numerous organizations and agencies that support the needs of disabled veterans and their families, providing assistance with such matters as filing and following up on claims, obtaining rehabilitation services, securing scholarships for education and training, resolving family related matters, and helping with employment applications, resume writing and job placement.
As appropriate, consideration should be given to contacting the following organizations:


LEEK—a 256 acre preserve located in North Central Pennsylvania that provides hunting and fishing experiences for disabled veterans. Participants are partnered with knowledgeable local sportsmen, many of whom are veterans of our military services. Learn more about LEEK by going to www.leekpreserve.org or calling 410-322-4610.

 

General Information

Scholarship opportunity - The John Family Health Careers Scholarship provides annual financial aid awards (four awards of $5,000 each year) to students entering college for the purpose of pursuing a career as a respiratory therapist, medical technologist, clinical laboratory scientist or cytotechnologist. First consideration will be given to recent veterans/disabled veterans who have returned to PA and more specifically Union, Snyder or Northumberland Counties.


Questions and requests for more information should be directed to Angela Hummel, Director of Organizational Development & Training, Evangelical Community Hospital. She can be reached at ahummel@evanhospital.com or 570-522-2597. Information regarding the scholarship and the application form can be found at: www.evanhospital.com/jobs/scholarships/john-family-health-careers-scholarship.


Financial assistance - The Veterans Administration, in partnership with the U. S. Department of Labor, established the Veteran Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), under the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011, for which unemployed veterans can apply for financial assistance to help cover the costs of job training.


Financial assistance through the VRAP will be available until March 31, 2014. Veterans can review the list of qualifications by going to www.benefits.va.gov or by contacting one of the VA call centers at 1-800-827-1000. Qualified veterans can apply for the assistance program online at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov.