California is home to more American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) veterans than nearly any other state in the nation. Yet this population remains one of the most underserved.
CalVet is partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the County of San Diego to host a two-day advocacy training on veteran benefits and services for Tribal Veteran Representatives (TVR) this month on January 23-24 at Rincon Tribal Hall in North County San Diego.
“American Indian and Alaska native veterans are historically the most underserved veteran population across the nation, yet this group seeks combat duty due to their culture and warrior traditions,” said CalVet Deputy Secretary Elizabeth Perez. “Upon their return from duty, they aren’t likely to seek out assistance or benefits. This is one of many reasons why this training will provide an important link between service providers and these veterans, ensuring our veterans receive proper medical care, disability compensation, and PTSD counseling in tribes across California and address combat-related issues, including generational PTSD.”
In this two-day training, tribal representatives will gain the resources and training necessary to assist veterans in accessing benefits and services earned through their service. Attendees will hear from tribal leaders, federal and state agencies, and non-profit organizations. Presentations and training courses will be focused on numerous veteran benefits, including:
- 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, and more
Event participants will leave the training with the skills necessary to become a link between state and local veteran agencies and all AIAN veterans throughout the 109 federally recognized tribes in California to ensure they can access their earned benefits and services.
To register for this training or for more information, click here.
To view the two-day event agenda, click here.
Event contacts:
- CalVet Minority Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Elizabeth Perez, Elizabeth.Perez@CalVet.ca.gov or 916-201-0295
- CalVet, Thora Chaves, Thora.Chaves@CalVet.ca.gov or 916-651-2147
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