TULSA, Okla. — The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), in partnership with Eagle OPS and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, will provide Oklahomaveteransandtheir families direct access to benefits and health care services at the Veterans Village during the Tulsa State Fair.
Veterans visiting the Veterans Village will have an opportunity to do more than simply receive information. ODVA Veteran Service Officers will be on site to assist veterans with VA disability claims and submit claims directly, helping veterans take immediate action on benefits they may have earned through their military service. The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) will also be on site, providing veterans access to federal benefits information and assistance.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) will provide several important services directly at the fair. Veterans will be able to receive assistance with VA health care enrollment and eligibility, obtain VA identification cards, and participate in toxic exposure screenings. These services are intended to make it easier for veterans who may not regularly visit a VA facility to connect with the health care and benefits systems available to them.
The Veterans Village reflects a coordinated approach to veteran outreach by bringing state, federal and community organizations together in one location. Rather than requiring veterans to navigate multiple agencies on their own, the goal is to provide a convenient place where veterans can ask questions, identify available resources, begin the claims process, enroll in health care and connect with organizations capable of assisting with additional needs.
“Our goal is to meet veterans where they are and give them an opportunity to take action while they are there,” said Bryan Jeffries, ODVA Outreach Programs Administrator. “A veteran should be able to walk into Veterans Village with a question and leave having filed a claim, started the VA health care enrollment process, completed a toxic exposure screening or connected with theorganizationthatcanhelp them. Oklahoma veterans have earned more than a thank you for their service they have earned access to the benefits, health care and resources that come with that service.”
Veterans attending the Tulsa State Fair are encouraged to visit Veterans Village and speak directly with ODVA, VBA, VHA and participating veteran organizations. Veterans who have never filed a VA claim, have questions about an existing claim, are not currently enrolled in VA health care, or have concerns about possible toxic exposures during their military service are especially encouraged to stop by.
Veterans are encouraged to bring any available military discharge documents, such as their DD Form 214, and relevant supporting records that may assist with benefits or enrollment services.
INFORMATION CONTACT Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Outreach Programs Bryan Jeffries, Outreach Programs Administrator bryan.jeffries@odva. ok.gov