May 30, 2019 - By Jeff Jardine - Nearly half of the American Indian and Alaska Native tribal leaders, have served in the American military. With 109 federally recognized tribes, California is home to a large number of Native American veterans; but they are dramatically underserved as a population.
“Upon their return from duty, they aren’t likely to seek out assistance or benefits,” said CalVet Deputy Secretary of Minority Affairs Elizabeth Perez.
To help address this issue, CalVet, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Office of Tribal Government Relations are co-sponsoring the third Tribal Veteran Advocate (TVA)training sessions. This one is being held June 5-6 at the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino in Coarsegold. The sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
By working with community agencies, TVA outreach workers help Native American veterans to get the benefits and services they have earned. The majority of TVAs are volunteers.
“This training will provide an important link between service providers and veterans, ensuring our veterans receive proper medical care, disability compensation, and counseling in tribes across California,” Perez said.
TVA representatives receive the resources and training necessary to help veterans access the benefits they earned through their service. Tribal leaders, representatives of federal and state agencies will make presentations, as will representatives from nonprofit organizations. The focus will be on veteran benefits, including but not limited to:
- Discharge processes and upgrades
- Claims and appeals
- Caregiver programs
- Non-service and service-connected disability benefits programs
- Social security benefits
- Native American community and spiritual support
- VA enrollment and eligibility requirements.
When the session concludes, participants will have acquired important skills to work with state and local veteran agencies to help all AIAN veterans access their earned benefits and services.
To register for this training or for more information, click here
Event contact: CalVet Deputy Secretary Minority Veterans Affairs Elizabeth Perez, Elizabeth.Perez@CalVet.ca.gov or 916-201-0295
Source: CalVet
