Supporting Veterans in the Lehigh Valley
At AARP Lehigh Valley, we are dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through a variety of initiatives and programs, led by Associate State Director for Community Outreach in the Lehigh Valley and Veteran and Military Families (VMF) State Liaison Kellie VonStein, and Lehigh Valley Volunteers Ron and Milly Liable, and Barbera Frey.
With over 400,000 veterans plus their families, living, working, and enriching the communities in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, AARP Lehigh Valley volunteers and staff are committed to supporting them by providing helpful information, resources, and connections.
AARP Lehigh Valley VMF volunteers are deeply involved in various initiatives that are making a tangible differences in the lives of veterans, active military members and their families. Here’s an overview of the ongoing work we do to honor and assist veterans in our community.
Salute to Service Awards
During the IronPigs baseball season, we honor veterans and military members at every home game with Salute to Service awards. These presentations take place at all 75 home games, providing a public platform to recognize and celebrate the service of our local heroes. This initiative not only honors veterans but also raises awareness of their contributions within the broader community. Complete this form to recognize a Veteran!
Monthly Council Meetings
Our VMF volunteers are active participants in the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council. By attending monthly council meetings, we ensure that veterans' issues are addressed and that their voices are represented in community discussions. These meetings provide a platform for collaboration, enabling us to stay informed about the needs and concerns of veterans in our area.
Military Food Boxes
To support veterans and their families, our VMF team volunteers monthly at Second Harvest Food Bank, where we pack military food boxes. These boxes contain essential supplies and are distributed to veterans in need, helping to alleviate food insecurity and provide much-needed assistance.
Card Writing Campaigns
A simple yet impactful way we show our appreciation is through card writing campaigns. Our VMF volunteers write heartfelt messages to veterans and active military members, offering words of encouragement and gratitude. These cards serve as a reminder that their service and sacrifices are not forgotten.
Hidden Heroes Counties
In collaboration with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, we have worked diligently to have both counties in the Lehigh Valley declared as Hidden Heroes counties. This designation recognizes the vital role of military caregivers and ensures they receive the support and resources they need. By raising awareness and advocating for these caregivers, we help create a supportive community for those who care for our veterans.
Patriot of the Year Award
We are proud to announce that AARP PA Lehigh Valley was recently honored with the Patriot of the Year Award by the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council. This award recognizes our outstanding dedication to benefiting the veteran community in the Lehigh Valley. To learn more about this prestigious award and our efforts, please visit our Patriot of the Year Award page.
Get Involved
We invite you to join us in our mission to support veterans and their families. Whether through volunteering or participating in our programs, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. For more information on how you can contribute, please contact us at paaarp@aarp.org.
