The Muscogee Nation, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Tribal Government Relations and the Eastern Oklahoma VA Medical Center, will host a pivotal event today aimed at aiding homeless veterans across Eastern Oklahoma.
The Homeless Veterans Stand Down Event will take place at the Claude Cox Omniplex, located at 200 Preston Rd. in Okmulgee, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event promises a comprehensive array of essential services and support for homeless veterans and their widows/ widowers. — Services Offered
• Healthcare services including toxin health screens and flu shots
• Disability benefits assistance
• Housing and vocational rehabilitation services
• Free legal aid
• Social security assistance
• Job and employment services
• Help obtaining ID cards
• Free haircuts and a clothing room stocked with cold weather items -The event also aims to assist veterans with filing VA disability claims onsite, facilitated by dedicated Veteran Service Officers. Organizers stress the importance of veterans bringing essential documents such as medical records, discharge papers (DD 214) and any other pertinent documentation to expedite claims processing.
Transportation to the event will be provided. For details on pickup locations and times in the Okmulgee and Tulsa areas, individuals can contact Tacia Berryhill or Kaylea Berry of the Displaced Warriors Support Program at 918-549-2719 or 918-758-7012.
Recognizing that many homeless American Indian/Alaska Native veterans may not typically engage in community events, organizers are particularly eager to raise awareness about recent expansions in VA healthcare and benefit eligibility, such as those resulting from the PACT Act. These expansions include new presumptive conditions for toxic exposures and additional eligibility criteria for healthcare coverage.
For more information about the VA Office of Tribal Government Relations, visit www.va.gov/tribalgovernment or contact Mary Culley at 405-626-3426 or Mary. Culley@va.gov. For inquiries specific to the Muscogee Nation Veterans Department, contact Rachel Riddle at 918-732-7739 or rriddle@muscogeenation. com.
