2009 News

September 14, 2009

Commissioners Partner with Travis Manion Foundation to Establish Military Community Network of Bucks County
Service members, veterans, families & survivors encouraged to complete survey

DOYLESTOWN, PA, September 14, 2009 - Today, the Bucks County Commissioners join the Travis Manion Foundation in announcing a partnership that creates a comprehensive network connecting current service members, veterans, family members, and survivors with individuals and organizations offering assistance.  The new network will launch later this year. 

The endeavor, known as the Military Community Network of Bucks County (MCN BC) was conceived when Janet Manion (whose son, 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, was killed in Iraq) approached the commissioners with a concern, and a potential solution.  “The foundation was getting regular calls from members of our military community asking where to go to find needed resources and information,” notes Manion.  “Although there are many generous local businesses and organizations offering help, there is no one-stop-shop, easy way to find or contact them.”

Initial meetings were conducted with county officials such as Dan Fraley, Military and Veterans Affairs director, representatives of the Armed Forces including the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior program and the US Department of Defense Community Relations liaison, as well as service members, veterans, families, and survivors to determine the best course of action. 

“I am proud that the county can play a part in ensuring we are linking those who serve our nation with those who wish to serve and support them,” notes Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin, who encourages those involved with our U.S. military to visit www.BucksCounty.org.“It is important that we receive feedback from those who will be assisted by this program so that we’re moving in the right direction in terms of providing relevant, important information.”

Initial ideas include a comprehensive one-stop-shop Web site that will serve as a directory. “We believe this new site should be wide-reaching,” Manion adds.  “Whether you are looking for veteran-friendly employers, assistance with resume and interview skills, programs for children affected by deployment, education assistance, financial assistance, or even companies offering military discounts, this will be the place to go in Bucks County.”

Manion also thanks all members of the Bucks County military community who filled out the online survey to help shape the program’s direction. Paper copies were also available at local Reserve and National Guard units, VFW and American Legion halls, and the county’s Military & Veterans Affairs Offices.