By Staff Reports

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – U.S. Department of Labor and Oklahoma State Workforce representatives will be at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex at 7 p.m., March 11 to listen to concerns about employment needs of Native American and other veterans living on tribal lands.

This is a chance for citizens and veterans to voice concerns and learn about employment, training and other opportunities.

The Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans is hoping at least 20 veterans attend the meeting, but more than that are welcome. 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced it is taking a second look at the disability claims of thousands of Gulf War Veterans suffering from illnesses they may have received while serving in southwest Asia. 

This could be the first step toward potentially compensating those veterans nearly two decades after the war ended.

If you have filed a claim for Gulf War Illnesses, you need to get in touch with the regional office in Muskogee at 1-800-827-1000 to check on its status. Veterans who have not filed a claim but wish to do so or had a claim denied should visit the CNOVA office in the Tribal Complex. Staff there can file a claim or a request a re-evaluation of a claim. Call the CNOVA at (918) 453-5695 for more information.