Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council

The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) was established in 2003 to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, serving military, and their families in Lehigh and Northampton counties. With over 40,000 veterans residing in the area, the LVMAC was founded as an organization of organizations to harness and integrate existing resources for the benefit of the local military community. It aims to improve the lives of military service members, veterans, and their families by coordinating support from various sectors, fostering community awareness, and promoting educational programs.

Key Points for Description:

1. Local Military Community: LVMAC was created to serve the substantial population of over 40,000 veterans and their families in Lehigh and Northampton counties, emphasizing the need to address their unique needs and challenges.

2. Unmet Needs: The organization recognizes that local veterans and military families often face challenges due to the absence of a major military installation nearby and insufficient attention from the Department of Veterans Affairs and state government.

3. Founding Vision: Founded in 2003, LVMAC's vision involves harnessing and integrating existing resources to address local issues and create a supportive community for veterans, active-duty military, and their families.

4. Community Collaboration: LVMAC believes that a whole community, including businesses, governments, service organizations, educational institutions, and individuals, must work together to support military service members and veterans effectively.

5. Awareness Building: The organization seeks to heighten awareness in the regional community about the significant military-veterans population and the sacrifices made by those who have served.

6. Mission: LVMAC's mission is to improve the lives of local military service members, veterans, and their families by coordinating support and promoting awareness through educational programs and public events.

7. Vision for Supportive Community: The organization aspires for the Lehigh Valley to be recognized as the most supportive community in the United States for serving military, veterans, and their families.

8. Core Operating Principles: LVMAC is guided by principles such as recognizing the necessity and honor of military service, community-based support, honest patriotism, and collaboration among various sectors. It emphasizes that its duty lies in serving the military community and supplants no existing organizations but collaborates with them to achieve its mission.