Green Country veterans whose well being was impacted by burn pits at army bases world wide discovered extra about their choices at an occasion Wednesday in Tahlequah.
The Cherokee Nation and the VA are placing an emphasis on serving to them, after the federal government acknowledged that 23 totally different respiratory sicknesses and cancers are linked to burn pit publicity.
With the PACT Act solely in impact for in regards to the final six months, the Cherokee Nation and the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs teamed as much as assist veterans get on monitor to obtain their advantages.
Bob Hathaway was a Naval aviator within the Vietnam War. He mentioned he went to 75 nations throughout his 28 years of service, and was uncovered to defoliant sprays, and burn pits.
“We all say the same thing. The smell,” Hathaway said. “It’s a unique smell that you don’t forget quickly.”
Hathaway mentioned he already has “excellent healthcare” with the VA and Cherokee Nation, however got here in Wednesday to get some extra.
“I’m 79 now and things start wearing out,” he said.
Aside from help with the PACT Act, there were other government workers on standby, from places like the Social Security Administration.
All of the services at the Cherokee Nation Veterans Center were available to any veteran, tribal or not.
“At an occasion like this, we frequently get lots of our widows. Our tribal widows who’ve been denied prior to now. And they did not have a connection. They did not know the place to go to show to to get the solutions to their questions,” Lisa Mussett, who works for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, mentioned.
Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner mentioned it has been just a few years since they’ve hosted an occasion like this one.
“We did this in 2019 so it is a huge factor to return again as we speak publish pandemic and begin to put some issues again collectively,” he mentioned.
If you missed Wednesday’s occasion and you’re a veteran in search of assist, name the Cherokee Nation Veterans Center at (918) 772-4166.
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