There comes a time in our lives when parents or grandparents become more than we can handle. Sad but one of life’s situations that we pray never happens to us.
Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs has seven (7) State Veterans Homes, Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, Sulphur and Sallisaw. We spoke with Candice McIntire of the ODVA, and she said that veterans can enroll early because if they wait it could be a hardship on the family and by pre-enrolling can be placed on the inactive waiting list. The Veterans Homes, according to Tracy Wilkinson in Norman, have two waiting lists for admission to the nursing home, one an active waiting list for veterans that need to be admitted when possible and an inactive waiting list of veterans who may or may not need a nursing home in the future. Being on the inactive waiting list does not insure a room but most of the paperwork is completed. There is more information at https://oklahoma.gov/veterans.html or call, Candice McIntire at (405) 523-4092.
OKVetWorks
If you are interested in starting or expanding a small business, look no further than the OKVetsWork Program. They will help you get started and stay on course by listening to learn about your business, discuss ideas, understand challenges, and craft a roadmap to keep you moving forward.
OkVetWorks consultants have owned at least one small business, possess advanced business degrees and have worked in different industries. Leveraging collective experience, team members share best practices to deliver timely and in-depth consultation to our clients. If interested in scheduling a one on one consult contact OKVETWORKS at https://oklahoma.gov/veterans.html or email OKVETWORKS@odva,gov
Women at War
Too many times at stores, fast food places or on the street, women with their Army, Navy or Marine hats on get, “Tell your husband – Thanks for his service!” or no comments because most folks do not realize or think of women being veterans.
A flyer from the Department of Veteran Affairs was headlined, “PACT Act for Women Veteran” and covered the PACT Act, a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. Women Veterans, we know you were there too!
The Act expands and extends eligibility for VA heath care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era and Post 911 era and it expands eligibility for benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances. To learn more or sign up at VA.gov/PACT and download the VA Health and Benefits App or call 1 800 MyVA411 (800) 698-2411
Also, you may contact the ODVA Women Veterans Coordinator at (405) 523-4020 or email OKWOMENVETS@ODVA.OK.GOV
Farmer Veteran Coalition
The Farmer Veteran Coalition is the nation’s largest non-profit assisting veterans and active duty members of the U. S. Armed Forces embark on careers in agriculture. Through the collaboration of the farming and military communities, we support those who choose to serve their country twice – once by defending it, snd a second time by feeding it. We simultaneously offer veterans a new purpose on America’s farms.
As the states veteran agency, in a land with deep military and agricultural roots, supporting FVC and its committee of military veteran is a natural decision!
The mission of the FVC is mobilizing Veterans to feed America.
We cultivate a new generation of farmers and food leaders and develop viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. We believe that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems.
To get more information do a search for ncrs.usda.gov/veteran.
Information provided by Pete Rogers, American Legion Post 10, Okmulgee
