Lt. Cmdr. Bob Lion, who served in the Navy for 32 years, helped revitalize the MOAA Valley Forge (Pa.) Chapter’s Veterans Helping Veterans program, which collects money and donations for veterans in need.

“We can give back — that’s the biggest thing. And I’m personally able to provide some of what’s needed.”

Lion, a Navy mustang who oversees the program, helps organize fundraising efforts for veterans at the Coatesville VA Medical Center and the Southeastern Veterans’ Center in Spring City. Over the past two years, he helped organize the donation of 20 in-room air conditioners to the Coatesville VA Medical Center. Other donations included first-aid kits, dental kits, and large-format coloring books.

“Whatever they need, I’m in contact with Coatesville pretty frequently,” Lion said.

He uses his own business, PPC Promotional Products Co., to help veterans get some of the items they need. He buys items in bulk for his clients, and then he’s able to piggyback off those orders to add products for the veterans’ centers at a discount.

“If they had the need, and we were able to do it, why not?” said Lion, adding that most of the time it’s for homeless veterans.

The veterans’ center was having a Korean War veterans ceremony in August and needed pins for those who served, and the Valley Forge Chapter purchased 30 pins at a discounted rate.

“Because I’m retired, I have access to the [Navy] Exchange services, and it was 50% less than Amazon,” Lion said. “I think I cleaned out the entire Exchange service because I got pins from Alaska, California, all over.”

Lion and the chapter also organized a Philadelphia Eagles watch party for veterans at the VA.

The chapter also offers support to four ROTC and seven Junior ROTC programs in the area through its Liberty Bell Scholarship Program.

“We can give back — that’s the biggest thing,” Lion said. “And I’m personally able to provide some of what’s needed.”