Cherokee Nation Veterans

Cherokee Nation Veterans

The Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans Affairs and Tulsa Vet Center combined forces to bring the services of the Tulsa Vet Center and Office of Veterans Affairs to veterans outside the service area. The staff of the outreach station works closely with personnel within the Department of Health Services Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal, state, and city agencies and organizations. The goal is to identify and link eligible veterans with all available resources through a comprehensive network of services.

Each war is different. Attitudes and homecomings change. Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans Affairs and Vet Centers offer common ground for men and women whom served our country during war. You can take advantage of our experience, service, and community networking. We are ready to help bring you and your loved ones home from war.

Office of Veterans Affairs -- Located on the grounds of the Cherokee Nation Headquarters

UNDERSTANDING
The Office of Veterans Affairs helps Veterans access benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies both internal and external to the Cherokee Nation.

EXPERIENCE
The Veterans Representative is a Veteran and brings to the Office of Veterans Affairs many years of experience in assisting Veterans with their needs.

CONFIDENTIAL
Office of Veterans Affairs services are free and confidential to all eligible veterans and family members. Our staff respects the privacy of veterans, and hold in the strictest confidence all information disclosed. No information will be communicated to any person or agency without written consent from veterans, except in circumstances to avert crisis. PRIVACY ACT 1975

Vet Center
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers operated by Readjustment Counseling Services, a mental health division of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Congress established Vet Centers in 1979. The authorizing legislation arose from recognition of the special readjustment needs of veterans who served during the Vietnam War. In April 1991 legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the President authorized Vet Centers' services for veterans who served in conflict zones in Lebanon , Grenada , Panama , the Gulf War region, and Somalia . World War II and Korean Vets were authorized to receive services in Oct 1996. Operations Joint Endeavor, Joint Guard, and Joint Forge were added in 2001.

The Tulsa Vet Center Outreach Station is located on the grounds of the Cherokee Nation Complex in Tahlequah , Oklahoma . The offices are located behind the gift shop in the old hotel area in rooms 136, 137, and 138. The office is handicapped accessible and a comfortable and helpful environment.

Readjustment Counseling Service is also available to Veterans and their significant others who live in areas where there are no Vet Centers or VA facilities. Private health providers who are awarded contracts by the Department of Veterans Affairs provide these services.

UNDERSTANDING
Since 1979, Vet Center counselors have shared post trauma expertise with survivors of natural disasters like Hurricane Hugo and California 's Loma Prieta Earthquake. The men and women who staff Vet Centers pride themselves on breadth of experience, cultural awareness, and sensitivity. They're ready to help you.

EXPERIENCE
Vet Center counselors offer skills and knowledge to address veterans' concerns. Many Vet Center counselors are also veterans of Vietnam or other military conflicts.

CONFIDENTIAL
Vet Center services are free and confidential to all eligible veterans and family members. Our counselors respect the privacy of veterans, and hold in the strictest confidence all information disclosed in counseling. No information will be communicated to any person or agency without written consent from veterans, except in circumstances to avert crisis. PRIVACY ACT 1975

Outreach Counseling For Veterans of Conflicts/Wars

Vet Centers serve veterans from the following periods of hostilities:

WAR ZONE VETERANS - All eras, including:

  • VIETNAM WAR - 28 Feb 1961 to 7 May 1975
  • KOREAN WAR - 27 June 1950 to 31 Jan 1955
  • WORLD WAR II - 7 Dec 1941 to 31 Dec 1946
  • AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINES - In oceangoing service during the period of armed conflict, 7 Dec 1941 to 15 Aug 1945
  • VIETNAM ERA VETERANS NOT IN THE WAR ZONE - 5 Aug 1964 to 7 May 1975 (eligible until January 1, 2004)
  • LEBANON - 25 Aug 1982 to 26 Feb 1984
  • GRENADA - 23 Oct 1983 to 21 Nov 1983
  • PANAMA - 20 Dec 1989 to 31 Jan 1990
  • GULF WAR - 2 Aug 1990 -
  • SOMALIA - 17 Sept 1992 -
  • Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Joint Guard, and Operation Joint Forge - Vet Center eligibility has been extended to veterans who participated in one or more of three successive operations in the former Yugoslavia (Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia , aboard U.S. Naval vessels operating in the Adriatic Sea , or air spaces above those areas)
  • OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
  • OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM I & II
  • SEXUAL TRUAMA / HARASSMENT COUNSELING - Veterans of both sexes, all eras.

VET CENTER SERVICES INCLUDE:

  • Individual Readjustment Counseling
  • Group Readjustment Counseling
  • Marital Readjustment Counseling
  • Sexual Trauma Counseling
  • Referral for benefits assistance
  • Liaison with community agencies
  • Job counseling and placement
  • Substance Abuse information and referral
  • Community education

UNDERSTANDING
Since 1979, Vet Center counselors have shared post trauma expertise with survivors of natural disasters like Hurricane Hugo and California 's Loma Prieta Earthquake. The men and women who staff Vet Centers pride themselves on breadth of experience, cultural awareness, and sensitivity. They're ready to help you.

EXPERIENCE
Vet Center counselors offer over two decades of wisdom about veterans' concerns. Many Vet Center counselors are also veterans of Vietnam or other military conflicts.

CONFIDENTIAL
Vet Center services are free and confidential to all eligible veterans and family members. Our counselors respect the privacy of veterans, and hold in the strictest confidence all information disclosed in counseling. No information will be communicated to any person or agency without written consent from veterans, except in circumstances to avert crisis. PRIVACY ACT 1975

Frequently Asked Questions about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Q: What is PTSD?

A: PTSD may occur with some individuals following a psychologically traumatic even, which is generally outside the range of human experience. These experiences such as natural (flood, hurricane, etc.) or man-made (war, airplane crash, rape) events could easily trigger symptoms of PTSD.

Q: During what period of time does PTSD usually occur after a traumatic event?

A: The reaction to a traumatic event will very from person to person. However, PTSD symptoms may occur within hours, months, or years later.

Q: What are some symptoms of PTSD?

A: Some symptoms commonly associated with PTSD are:

Feelings of isolation

Rage

Sleep disturbances and nightmares

Survival guilt

Intrusive thoughts

Q: How might one find out about PTSD?

A: Veterans and their families should visit or call the Vet Center for more information.