Oklahoma City VA brings PACT Act resources to tribal communities

Oklahoma City VA recently brought PACT resources to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal lands in partnership with Muskogee VA regional benefits office, Indian Health Services and many other organizations.

Held at the Recreation, Exercise, and Sports for the Elder and Children of our Tribes gymnasium in Concho, Oklahoma, staff from the Oklahoma City VA has been road tripping to communities to ensure that Veterans in these local tribal communities don’t miss out on the benefits provided by the new PACT Act.

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. 

Office of Tribal Government Relations Specialist Mary Culley knows how difficult it is for some Veterans to travel to a VA facility to receive health care, navigate the VA systems or digital pathways for online services. It can be overwhelming for Veterans, especially those who are older.

“The first challenge was where to start to get all the right resources in the right place,” Culley said. “Having VA’s Mobile Medical Units here to perform compensation and pension exams was a huge advantage. Our goal is to try to get as many Veterans as possible to these events so we can get them through the entire process—from start to finish—in one day. You’re addressing so many issues right here on the spot and you have all the right people who can address questions and concerns. We have all key staff here so people are able walk out of here with everything they need.”

“In tribal communities, the demographics are completely unique. These Veterans experience different challenges in rural areas. They live in remote locations, might not have nearby medical facilities, might have transportation issues,” said Heather Osborne, management analysist with the Medical Disability Management Office. “If they can’t come to us, we will bring services to them. We want to offer a safe environment and let them know we are here to help them with the medical exam process. Let us help you get the benefits they you are entitled to and deserve.”

“It is our warrior spirit.”

At the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes PACT Act event, the organizers invited tribal leadership to help encourage participation.

“We have seen cases where Indians don’t feel comfortable talking to certain groups of people and when you bring resources like this to them in their own tribal lands, they feel more comfortable coming out and asking for help,” said Lieutenant Governor Gib Miles, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. “Per capita, we serve in the military more than any other race. This is in our culture and it is engrained in our children and grandchildren. It is our warrior spirit. I want to let all Veterans know they have earned this benefit and they deserve to get VA compensation for serving. Come out to these PACT Act events and let VA experts help with your VA claims.” 

“Oklahoma City VA is growing very rapidly. We have more Veterans trusting us than ever before, more Veterans moving here from other states and choosing us to provide for their health care needs,” said Director Wade Vlosich, Oklahoma City VA. “Bringing VA resources to rural communities like Concho is our way of showing Veterans that we value their service to our country.”  

One frequently overlooked group Oklahoma City VA is focusing on is widows and widowers of Veterans. “It is important to invite our widow population to attend these events and ask questions. Let our team of experts do the research, find out if you qualify for widow benefits or compensation,” Culley said. “Just because your Veteran is no longer with us doesn’t mean you are not deserving of your spouse’s benefits. The only way to find out is to ask questions of the right people.”