Programs at the Navajo Veterans Organization
To address the issues of Navajo Veterans, the Chinle Chapter of the Navajo Veterans Administration formed the Navajo Veterans Organization in 2019, to ensure more services and resources are accessible to veterans, surviving spouses, and Gold Star families on the reservation.
Services and Resources for Navajo Veterans
- Education: We guide, assist, and explore financial assistance for higher education for veterans to help them adjust to living outside the military.
- Job Skills: These skills have life-long applications. Core skills are reading, writing, communication, leadership, math, and business.
- Development: We help them find resources for veterans starting businesses and coordinate with local executives and businesspeople to mentor them. This way, they develop business skills which open opportunities for them to accomplish their goals.
- Mental Health: We refer veterans who suffer from PTSD for counseling at the closest hospital.
- Healthcare: There is an immense need for healthcare services.
- There is a need for more qualified doctors. Telemedicine is an alternative
- However, due to the vast distances, there is very limited internet and cell services on the reservation.
- Patient Advocacy at their providers like the VA clinic, Indian Health Services, and the VA hospitals.
- Housing: We help homeless veterans secure stable, permanent housing. According to an article written in August 2021, there are over 1400 veterans, on the waiting list. Some have been on it for more than 40 years. Source
- Resources: We provide information on available help. Many of our veterans need assistance in finding existing resources. For instance, with the help of one of our partners, Copper Penny Plumbing, we help veterans with plumbing and repairs to their homes.