Community’s VFSO hosts Second Roundtable in District 4

GRIN Staff

Gila River Indian News

The Community’s Veteran & Family Services Office (VFSO) hosted its second Veterans Benefits Roundtable with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on June 20 inside the District 4 Multi-Purpose Center. The event aimed to educate veterans about the support and resources available under the Veterans’ Administration Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. (PACT) 

PACT, a federal measure passed in 2022, covers veterans exposed to toxic chemicals – like Agent Orange and burn pits, while serving in the U.S. military. 

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Lt. Gov. Regina Antone, and District 1 Community Council Member Joey Whitman – a military veteran – attended the session along with many other GRIC veterans and their families.  

“Every veteran has benefits,” said Darrell Whitman, a U.S. vet who served in Iraq and is a VFSO Peer Support Specialist. “This is what they earn while they are in the military.”

The group’s first roundtable was held in District 5. Whitman said that with additional support services provided by the VA, VFSO was able to increase the number of informational booths for the second event. He said that he and his VFSO colleagues are expanding their knowledge of the available PACT benefits to help the Community’s many members who served in the military.

“As we know, veterans sacrificed their lives for this,” said Gov. Lewis. “This is one of the most important roles and responsibilities of the Community through our VFS office. We must make certain that our veterans know their rights, privileges and their benefits.”

Several VA experts spoke at the event, including specialists in healthcare enrollment and toxic exposures. The roundtable also featured representatives from the VA PACT Native American Direct (Home) Loan program and nurse practitioners from Gila River Health Care. The professionals offered valuable insights and guidance concerning benefits, housing, and healthcare.

Lancelot Lewis, a Vietnam veteran from District 4, said he heard about the roundtable online. Lewis attended the event to learn more about services regarding voting, he said. He urged the Community to continue to support U.S. veterans.

The next VFSO and VA roundtable event will be hosted in September.