By Freddy Groves

I ran into a guy recently, a fellow veteran, who I hadn’t talked to in years. And he was limping, badly. When I asked, he said he needed knee surgery and couldn’t afford it.
I asked if he’d looked into VA health care, and he replied that he’d applied years ago and got nowhere with the VA, so he gave up.
Before we even left the store, I had my phone out and placed a call to the local VSO (veteran service officer).
I got the two of them hooked up with an appointment and the VSO is going to walk my friend through all the paperwork.
It should not be this hard for a veteran to get health care.
A big problem is that many veterans tried to deal with the VA years ago, became frustrated and gave up, not realizing that things have changed.
If you were turned down for VA health care, apply again. The PACT Act has changed many things, including expanded locations for exposure to Agent Orange and two dozen new presumptive conditions. If you got hung up trying to get Community Care, try again. The rules are different now.
Or if you never had VA health care, sign up now. Go to the website (www.va.gov) and search for VA Form 10-10EZ. Check whether you’re eligible for VA health care. Have your DD-214 handy and any other military paperwork you have. The online process takes about a half hour.
If you don’t think you can handle the online application process yourself, look for a local VSO. See www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative. Or call the MyVA411 information line at 800-698-2411. They’re open 24/7. You can also contact the American Legion near you or the DAV.
A VSO can do a lot of things for you: tell you about the benefits you’re supposed to get, assemble documents, help with appeals and so much more.
Or call the benefits hotline at 877-222-8387 to ask about enrolling in VA health care by phone.

Oklahoma City has been selected to host the week-long 2032 American Legion National Convention, a centennial celebration projected to bring thousands of veterans to
the metro area, generate
more than $12 million in
local economic impact, and fill approximately 17,000 hotel room nights.
The selection follows a highly competitive bidding process led by Visit Oklahoma City OKC), a division of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, with Oklahoma City ultimately chosen over finalist cities Spokane, Washington, and Reno, Nevada.
“This is an extraordinary win for our city,” said Shaun Yates, senior vice president of tourism development for Visit OKC. “What stood out most to the client throughout the site visit was not just our facilities or our proposal, it was our people.”
During a site visit that coincided with a major winter snowstorm, American Legion representatives praised the city’s hospitality, adaptability and tight-knit community collaboration, ultimately solidifying Oklahoma City as the ideal choice for the landmark centennial.
“Serving the State of Oklahoma as the American Legion Commander has had many highlights. One of the biggest being something that will be part of the Oklahoma legacy for generations to come is being the Commander that was able to assist to secure the 2032 National Convention bid,” said Steven Charles Thomas II, department commander for the American Legion Department of Oklahoma.
“I give all the credit to the amazing folks at Visit OKC, the Chamber of Commerce and all the many people within OKC who had a vital role in the site visits and the two amazing representatives Lesley and Mandy who did the in person presentation in Indianapolis to the full selection committee. Their passion for the City, knowledge of its history and strategic planning the City has done to make Oklahoma City a top tier destination is what I believe pushed us to the top. I can’t wait for all my fellow Legionnaires to come here from around the globe and see the beauty and vibrant culture of Oklahoma that we are blessed to call home every day.”
Securing this convention highlights Oklahoma City’s growing reputation as a premier destination for major national events, and the region’s entire business and hospitality community stands ready to welcome these veterans with the world-class service they deserve.