Interviews held Friday
A contingent of federal, state and Muscogee Tribal officials are scouring the state, looking for veterans to help them obtain benefits.
“We travel around the state, going to where veterans live,” said Bryan Jefferies, outreach coordinator with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.
He works in tandem with Mary Culley, Tribal Government Relations Specials with the Muscogee Nation, and Gina Goodson, congressional liaison with the Veterans Health Administration at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Muskogee.
Twice a week or more the organizations put together a group of specialists who travel the state to meet with veterans and widows of veterans who qualify for benefits.
It’s a complex process for many, one that can be overwhelming and intimidating.
The group came to Eufaula Friday, meeting through the morning and afternoon with clients at the Indian Community Center, 800 Birkes Rd.
The event was hosted by the Eufaula-Canadian Tribal Town.
Though the Tribal Town was the host, the event was open to everyone.
Jefferies said the organization goes to communities that will supply them with free space to conduct the interviews with clients.
Tribes around the state have helped the program grow.
It has been around about 10 years, but on a much more limited basis. For the past two years, since being helped by tribes, the pace to help clients with their benefits have picked up.
Chris Powell, 59, of Wetumka, was among Friday’s clients. He was trying to get assistance in obtaining medical care for a back injury suffered in England in 1987 when he stepped off the back of a deuceand- a-half truck and fell. He has had difficulty getting assistance going through regular channels.
Herman Harjo, 66, of Wewoka, also suffers from back pain.
This was his first time to apply.
“It’s going pretty quick,” he said. “We’ll see if it helps.”
Before the Tribal Town served a free lunch for their guests, a group of five singers sang “Hallelujah” in Muscogee’s native tongue.
“It’s a Creek Prayer song sung when soldiers came home from battle, and in honor of those who have fallen,” said Jon Tiger, with the Tribal Town.
Following the song, Tiger led the group in prayer.
