WINDOW ROCK — A meaningful conversation took place on July 7 as Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with 15 Central Agency veteran commanders to address key issues impacting veterans.
The discussion focused on critical concerns, including utility right-of-way delays for homes, transparency in housing programs, the stalled Warrior Home construction, the unstructured Wellness Center project in Pinon, Veterans Trust Fund oversight, Chapter 16 funding confusion for veterans, cemetery upkeep, and leadership conflicts.
President Nygren said meeting with veterans by each agency is important to hear regional concerns directly from veterans.
“Our Navajo veterans defended our freedom and stood for our people,” President Nygren said. “Many now face barriers to care and stability. I needed to listen face-to-face and ensure their voices lead to action.”
One urgent issue involves six veterans without electricity or water in their new homes.
Bobbi Ann Baldwin, executive director for the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration, said that the Navajo Nation’s Right-of-Way approval process hampers utility connections, often taking years.
To address these issues, Baldwin shared with the veterans that an executive order known as an “as-built waiver” is underway to address the utility connections to veterans’ homes.
Baldwin also noted that privacy laws prevent the public release of the veterans’ housing waitlist. Additionally, the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration is working to clarify roles, funding, and accountability for projects like the Warrior Home and Pinon Wellness Center, Baldwin said.
Following these listening sessions with each agency, the NNVA will restructure into a government division to better serve veterans. With improved tools, funding, and authority, NNVA aims to fulfill promises made to Navajo veterans and provide them with the support they deserve.
