I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the Central Agency Veterans Organization for coming to my office on Monday in Window Rock for the purpose of bringing awareness to the Warrior Home, a proposed nursing home for veterans in the Chinle Agency. I’d also like to thank the Navajo Land Administration for providing lunch to our veterans and their families who made the trip.
Regrettably, I was unable to meet with the veterans’ group due to prior commitments that had been scheduled weeks in advance, as well as a prearranged flight obligation. But rest assured, I am always committed to ensuring that our Navajo veterans receive the homes they deserve, services they need and funding they have earned.
Here are the top issues they brought to my office:
(1) Navajo Warriors Nursing Home in Chinle: The “Warrior Home” is a proposed nursing home for veterans to be located in Central Agency. An agreement was signed on April 10, 2023 by President Nygren with the Veteran’s Administration, the Navajo Nation Washington Office, and our Navajo Department of Health, accepting a grant of over $29 million, to go toward the construction of the Warrior Home, which will cost a total of $83 million. An additional grant application is in progress for $54 million to supplement Navajo funds for construction. My team will continue to follow this issue and work toward making this a reality. (Note: the figures have been updated and corrected)
(2) Amend the Veterans Trust Fund Policy: The Navajo VA is currently working with the Navajo Nation Veterans Advisory Council and all Chapter Veteran Organization Commanders to obtain their input on how to amend the Veterans Trust Fund Policy to best meet the needs of our veterans, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Mothers. I look forward to seeing the amendments.
(3) Increase the Veterans Trust Fund: Veterans have requested that the Veterans Trust Fund increase from 4% to 12%. Currently, Delegate Andy Nez is working on legislation to address this. I look forward to reviewing the legislation.
(4) Any Trust Fund Carry-Over: Veterans have requested that any unspent annual trust funds be carried over to the next fiscal year to benefit chapter veteran organizations, rather than being recaptured and reinvested into the Veterans Trust Fund. Delegate George Tolth is working on legislation to address this issue. I look forward to reviewing the legislation.
I am happy to share the work we have done on behalf of all Navajo veterans.
