Group to provide help for veterans

Veterans who have served in any branch of the service during conflict or peacetime are eligible for numerous state and federal government benefits.

But navigating the web of support agencies can be a struggle that a new organization hopes to ease.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Veterans Multicare Alliance wants to make it easier for veterans to receive services they or their families need by cutting through red tape, offering referrals and providing contact information for veterans, regardless of military branch, seeking any type of assistance – whether that is medical care, qualifying for the GI Bill, housing or other needs.

“We are finding a niche to coordinate people, to send them to the right places. … We just want to make it less arduous, less difficult for veterans to find services they are due,” VMA Vice-President Jack Cleary said.

The alliance was founded by veterans and those with a special place in their heart for military service members.

Alliance President Sam Greenberg served in World War II, while Cleary and Treasurer Stephen Biernacki are Vietnam-era veterans. Alliance Secretary Michelle McCabe-Piazza never served in the military, but family members have.

Many Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans face more challenges than Vietnam veterans did when returning home because many of this era’s military personnel serve multiple tours of duty and have families to care for, Biernacki said. He pointed out most Vietnam-era service members were young and single while serving overseas.

Luzerne County Veterans Affairs Director Richard Wren praised the organization for already reaching out to active duty personnel to educate them on the new GI Bill, which provides funding for a veteran’s college education expenses.

“Less than 30 percent of the nation’s veterans know what their benefits are,” Wren said.

VMA volunteers recently conducted a seminar to educate Marine Corps personnel in Wyoming. Additional seminars are scheduled for Navy personnel in Avoca and 109th Field Artillery members.

With the VMA handling phone calls that Wren’s office staff normally takes, Wren and his staff can focus on helping veterans qualify to receive their pensions.

Greenberg pointed out the new organization also is working with Catholic Social Services to establish a “Veterans Village” housing community. The village would serve as transitional housing for veterans and their families as the vets return from duty.

If a veteran needs help but does not qualify for government programs, the organization will help locate other agencies that can assist with medical, housing or family needs.

The VMA office, a suite in the Courthouse Square Towers that was donated for a year, is staffed by volunteers, generally from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

VMA officials are awaiting notification of their federal nonprofit status. They’ve received their Pennsylvania non-profit approval.

Like other nonprofit organizations, VMA is seeking financial contributions to extend its outreach programs.

State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and state Sen. Lisa Baker are among several area lawmakers leading the charge to provide funding for the VMA.

Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, secured a $5,000 state grant to help the organization get its operation started.

“Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. I believe we have an obligation to all veterans to ensure they have the care and resources they need,” said Baker, chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

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Alliance will offer referrals, conduct seminars and assist vets in housing and education.

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