LD7 Senator Peshlakai's Resolution endorsing AZ Veterans Services and Navajo Nation MOU is unanimously adopted

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Senator Jamescita Peshlakai released the following statement on the Legislature's unanimous adoption of her Senate Concurrent Resolution 1028.

SCR 1028 expresses the Legislature's commitment to ensuring the cooperation of the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services and the Navajo Nation in an effort to increase the number of veteran service officers working within the Navajo Nation. The resolution officially recognizes the memorandum of understanding between the ADVS and the Navajo Nation that was signed on June 24, 2016.

Sen. Peshlakai

"SCR 1028 is a promise that the state of Arizona will collaborate with the Navajo Nation Veterans' Administration to have their staff federally accredited and working under the umbrella of the state Department of Veterans' Services. When implemented, this will be the first time tribal veteran service officers are able to file federal Veterans' Administration claims and benefits applications for our tribal veterans," said Senator Peshlakai. "This significant improvement will change the lives of many tribal veterans, their families and communities by not forcing them to travel many hours away from home to be able to receive these hard earned benefits.

"As a combat war veteran, I thank my legislative colleagues for stepping up to right an incredible wrong and oversight in our state. We must act now and purposely for our patriots and forgotten soldiers."