​Statement of Unity

On behalf of the Veterans & Military Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, we share a Statement of Unity in support of our Lehigh Valley military veterans and their family members.
We recognize that the tragic events swiftly unfolding in Afghanistan are significantly impacting our military community right here in the Lehigh Valley, and throughout the nation. These effects include a wide range of emotional and mental impacts.

We want our military veterans and family members to know they do not stand alone, and your service and sacrifice was not in vain. There are local and national resources available and standing by to help them cope and offer space to share their emotions. As a Lehigh Valley community, we must all stand united as advocates and allies for our military community.

As a community, we will collectively help our military veterans and family members cope through this tumultuous time.

Below is a list of local, state, and federal resources to help our military community:

• American Red Cross
• Camp Freedom PA
• The Veteran Health Program, Valley Health Partners in collaboration with LVHN. Contact 610-969-2082.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website has information and resources specifically for veterans and their families.
• Team RWB
• Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving

The Board Members of the VMC are veterans themselves, many of whom have served overseas including in Afghanistan. They are each willing and ready to speak to any fellow veteran or military member in need.

For more information on The Chamber’s Veterans & Military Council, or to connect with a board member directly, contact Alison Pickel at (610) 739-1512.

If you are a veteran, military member, family service member, including National Guard and Reserves, caregiver or survivor, immediate help is available through the Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line by calling 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1 or by texting 838255. Website: veteranscrisisline.net/.