Ensign William Michael Finnegan, was appointed Ensign on Nov. 18, 1941, after rising to Chief Radio Electrician.
Ensign is the junior commissioned officer rank in the United States Navy. As division officers, Ensigns were in charge of overseeing the work of a crew of seamen and petty officers in a specific division. As a Chief Radio Electrician, Finnegan was required to qualify for the ratings of Radioman, Aviation Radioman, Radio Technician, Radarman, and Soundman.
In addition to the USS Oklahoma, Finnigan’s Duty Stations included USS Nevada (BB 36), USS Tennessee (BB 43), Naval Air Station San Diego, CA, USS Ranger (CV 4), Headquarters, 15th Naval District, USS Farquhar (DD 304), New York Navy Yard, NY, Radio School, Cambridge, MA and Recruit Training, Great Lakes, IL
Awards and Decorations include: Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (2), American Defense Service Medal (Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (Bronze Star), World War II Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal.
Ensign William Finnegan was born in Bessemer, Michigan and died during the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor. Finnegan will be buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, on September. 7th.

https://tealridge.com/

Across
1 __-relief
4 Sacks
8 Loose strands of hair
13 Tonsillectomy doc
14 Class struggle?
15 Point of contention
16 Binary pronoun
17 *Genetically engineered retriever?
20 Many a Riyadh resident
22 Family chart
23 NYC airport near Citi Field
24 *Colleague of an Idaho farmer?
28 Care follower
29 Relatively small upright
30 Tammy of country
32 NFL stats
33 Socket set
35 Let up
36 *Advice to someone who doesn’t want more kittens?
39 Star in astronomy
42 Of all time
43 Hr. to go
46 __ knot
49 Successful candidate
51 God with good aim
52 *Teaches tricks to circus animals?
54 “Better Call Saul” network
55 Interminable time
56 Nevada city
57 *Food and water supplied during a marathon?
62 Future louse
63 Clip
64 Draft category
65 New prefix
66 Nonsensical
67 Holiday song, and, phonetically, an apt description of the answers to the starred clues
68 Start to sneeze?

Down
1 “You should smile more”
2 Barometer type
3 Soprano Teresa known for her recording of Berg’s “Lulu”
4 Sack
5 Body spray brand
6 Beetle juice?
7 Clobber, biblically
8 Port producer
9 “Amazing Grace” ending
10 Abbreviation on old maps
11 Young hens
12 Data storage company
18 Got bigger
19 Exposed
21 Shut out
25 Promotional links
26 Chalcedony with black and white bands
27 One who’s well-versed
28 Exhausted
31 Not as far
34 Binary pronoun
36 In things
37 Square
38 Hibernian, e.g.
39 __ jar
40 Meteorological concern
41 Ristorante dumplings
43 __ Aigner: fashion house known for accessories
44 Sneaks on the court?
45 Classic autos advertised with the Cole Porter song “It’s De-Lovely”
47 Cow owner in a Rockwell painting
48 Real hoot
50 Caboose, e.g.
53 Salad topper
55 Shrinking Asian sea
58 Caterpillar roll fish
59 Peace activist Yoko
60 Word that indicates a name change
61 ESPN reporter Paolantonio

Across
1 __-relief
4 Sacks
8 Loose strands of hair
13 Tonsillectomy doc
14 Class struggle?
15 Point of contention
16 Binary pronoun
17 *Genetically engineered retriever?
20 Many a Riyadh resident
22 Family chart
23 NYC airport near Citi Field
24 *Colleague of an Idaho farmer?
28 Care follower
29 Relatively small upright
30 Tammy of country
32 NFL stats
33 Socket set
35 Let up
36 *Advice to someone who doesn’t want more kittens?
39 Star in astronomy
42 Of all time
43 Hr. to go
46 __ knot
49 Successful candidate
51 God with good aim
52 *Teaches tricks to circus animals?
54 “Better Call Saul” network
55 Interminable time
56 Nevada city
57 *Food and water supplied during a marathon?
62 Future louse
63 Clip
64 Draft category
65 New prefix
66 Nonsensical
67 Holiday song, and, phonetically, an apt description of the answers to the starred clues
68 Start to sneeze?

Down
1 “You should smile more”
2 Barometer type
3 Soprano Teresa known for her recording of Berg’s “Lulu”
4 Sack
5 Body spray brand
6 Beetle juice?
7 Clobber, biblically
8 Port producer
9 “Amazing Grace” ending
10 Abbreviation on old maps
11 Young hens
12 Data storage company
18 Got bigger
19 Exposed
21 Shut out
25 Promotional links
26 Chalcedony with black and white bands
27 One who’s well-versed
28 Exhausted
31 Not as far
34 Binary pronoun
36 In things
37 Square
38 Hibernian, e.g.
39 __ jar
40 Meteorological concern
41 Ristorante dumplings
43 __ Aigner: fashion house known for accessories
44 Sneaks on the court?
45 Classic autos advertised with the Cole Porter song “It’s De-Lovely”
47 Cow owner in a Rockwell painting
48 Real hoot
50 Caboose, e.g.
53 Salad topper
55 Shrinking Asian sea
58 Caterpillar roll fish
59 Peace activist Yoko
60 Word that indicates a name change
61 ESPN reporter Paolantonio

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Billed as “Our America, Spanning the Generations,” this year’s Edmond LibertyFest parade featured seniors Ms. Oklahoma Senior America Karen Tims, 70 and her invitee, America’s top air ace from the Vietnam War, Chuck DeBellevue, 77.
Taking part for the first time in what is hailed as Oklahoma’s most extensive and most patriotic parade each 4th of July, the two seniors represented the older generation well. They said they were in awe of the patriotic outpouring of American pride displayed along the 1.5-mile downtown Edmond route from the often 10-deep crowd in the shady areas.
Bands, floats, clowns, Boy and Girl Scouts by the hundreds, marching groups, horse groups, Corvettes and antique cars, clowns, round-up clubs, Shriners and more provided color and excitement to the 51st annual parade.
The City of Edmond, the University of Central Oklahoma and The Edmond School District provides people, equipment and facilities to make the all-volunteer parade happen with the support of the Chamber of Commerce. This year the presenting sponsor was Citizens Bank of Edmond.
The parade is one of the largest in Oklahoma, attracting an estimated 120,000 people, some with their extended families in place as early as 6 a.m. in the dark along the route.
Tims, a businesswoman living in Arcadia, was crowned Ms. Oklahoma Senior America 2023 during the 15th annual pageant on April 15. She asked that the organization wait to send out news releases about her new role until she could find an event newsworthy enough to warrant the state’s attention.
“My goal in being a part of the LibertyFest Parade was to honor patriotism by more than saying we support America but by also showing the parade attendees a hero of patriotism by inviting Col. Chuck DeBellevue, our top air ace from the Vietnam War, to accompany me in the parade,” Tims said. “The ability to give a decorated veteran his rightful place in his hometown’s huge celebration is far more important than the idea that I was selected as Ms. Oklahoma Senior America. I was so grateful someone of DeBellevue’s military preeminence accepted my invitation, so I designed signs for the car doors and looked forward to seeing Edmond residents honor his service to our great country in the skies over North Vietnam.”
Tims said the cheering crowds along the parade route were fabulous, with most places crowded beyond capacity. So very many stood, and others saluted the Colonel and thanked him for his service.
“I had tears streaming down my cheeks at this heartwarming experience for him to receive this appreciation,” Tims said. “This was his first Edmond parade, and he was well pleased, and for me, it was quite an experience to have met this gentleman.”
Tims said people may recall that the military returning from Vietnam were not always treated respectfully. It made her happy to see this change in the appropriate behavior for someone who served for such a long and distinguished career in the Air Force on our behalf.
She says she was delighted to see so many enjoying the parade and the joy of seeing each participant because everyone was excited and having fun with huge smiles.
“I have to say my driver and his car drew a lot of attention from the young and not-so-young boys admiring his car,” Tims said. “Andy Archbald drove us in his black Cobra convertible. He had it shining and decorated with an American flag on each side at the front of the hood to denote a military dignitary.”
Tims says the notable excitement along the parade route was so much more than she had ever expected. She was impressed that so many people were having fun at this local event.
“I will ask Col. DeBellevue to consider we switch roles next year since my status only lasts a year,” Tims said. “He will likely be invited back because of the crowd’s huge patriotic outpouring for his attendance. I am hoping he will invite me to ride along to allow me to make such wonderful memories again.”
U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles B. DeBellevue, now 77, became America’s first and only six MiG victory credit flying ace in 1972 in the skies of North Vietnam as an Air Force Weapon Systems Officer (WSO).
DeBellevue was an integral part of a two-person aircrew in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, a two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter bomber. His air-to-air missile victories earned him the Air Force Cross and three Silver Stars.
Living in Edmond for 25 years now, the retired colonel says he witnessed a patriotic glimpse of America on display at the parade. “It is an honor to see my fellow citizens celebrate our independence with 100 parade entries and flock to the parade route to continue one of our best traditions,” DeBellevue said.
“Early in the UCO staging area, I saw the patriotic energy in the Edmond North High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets,” DeBellevue said. “They looked sharp in their uniforms. Five members were the 2023 National Champions of the Air Force Association’s StellarXplorers Space STEM program. They were the best of 350 teams nationwide. They earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Space Center Houston in Texas. Members of the top three teams received scholarships to pursue their STEM education and career goals.”
DeBellevue said things got even better when he learned he was to ride in a black Mustang Cobra Convertible.
He said the parade exceeded his expectations. “The crowd was amazing – energetic, patriotic and proud to be celebrating the 4th of July,” DeBellevue said. “Being in uniform, I was impressed when veterans cheered as our car went by. Some clapped, some stood, and some saluted, which I returned. The center of this country is obviously very patriotic.”
Being near the start of the parade paid off, he said. “Once we completed the parade, I watched the rest come through,” DeBellevue said. “For me, the old tractors and the Corvettes were a big hit, as were the three Edmond high school marching bands celebrating the 247th birthday of this great country.”

story and photo by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

Kimberly Bolman, a United States Marine veteran, purchased a home in Blanchard, and planned to live there before two strokes changed her direction.
Today, she is a resident of Acclaim Living, located at 12525 N Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City, in part due to the fact that more than half of their residents are veterans and now call it home.
“I bought a house in Blanchard and then I had two strokes,” Bolman said. “Just having the veterans alone here attracted me. No matter what service you served in, the camaraderie is there. We all get help.”
Having a veteran presence was also appealing to Jess Thomas, United States Army veteran, and his wife Carol Thomas, who also call Acclaim Living home.
“We were wanting to downsize and move into a senior community, and we wanted one that we could be active in and that I didn’t have to worry about Jess, he is independent, but he doesn’t have full speech because he has a facial stroke,” Carol Thomas said. “So, if he wants to go out and do things on his own here, I don’t care. I know everybody knows him and I know that he’s in good hands if anything happens. We just felt really like we were home when we came in here.”
Mrs. Thomas said the Acclaim Living staff treats residents like they were family.
“The staff that works here doesn’t treat you like residents,” she said. “They treat more like family and it’s just a good atmosphere. They support veterans very well here. It is important to us. It’s important that we have people that support the veterans, that support us and keep our freedom.”
Polly Milligan serves as Residence Director at Acclaim Living. She said it is a privilege serving veterans.
“It’s important to me,” she said. “I’ve been a director for over 15 years and I’ve always put a huge focus on veterans because that’s where I see the largest amount of people get lost in the mix. Any of the communities that I’ve run have always had a huge veteran focus, as well as outreach programs, to get them in when other communities won’t accept them because they’ve maybe struggled with some PTSD issues or something like that. Then, those are the ones that I really reach out to, because a better environment can aid in settling that PTSD.”
Steve Sibley a retired Army veteran with Sibley Insures, who educates and advocates for veteran’ health benefits, recently visited Acclaimed Living, and brought in Veteran Affairs officials via the VA’s community outreach programs for veterans which are services that help veterans access health care, benefits and resources in various settings.
“The VA has a community outreach,” Sibley said. “It’s a focus on mental health outreach for veterans, and they meet weekly at the Black Rifle Coffee, which is just about a mile north of here. They’re (Acclaim Living) actually now scheduled to go to take veterans to that event twice a month. It’s a weekly event, but twice a month they actually will bus veterans out and it’s been a really cool deal. They (Acclaim Living) actually take people down to the VA for appointments, I think that’s really cool. So, that’s just another thing that they do here.”
Milligan said Acclaim Living stays in contact with the VA to let veterans know about housing options.
“We stay in touch with the VA housing department to see if there are people that are looking for placement that are, maybe, on the waiting list for a VA center and they don’t quite qualify yet, because of need,” she said. “We try to get our information to them so that they know that there’s a place that most likely would fit within their budget with their aid and attendance funds”
Milligan said Acclaim Living offers a variety of housing.
“Handicap accessible apartments are available,” she said. “And then, we have just regular home apartments that are available. It includes all of their utilities, their cable television, activities, transportation. We’ll take them to their appointments if they need that. All of their meals, everything’s right here included for them so that it’s a one stop shop for what they need.”
Mrs. Johnson serves as an Acclaim Living Ambassador, and she and her husband help welcome new residents.
“It’s made of residents that have been here for a certain length of time that are outgoing and want to help,” she said. “Then when a new resident comes, they hook that resident up with an ambassador that has similar interests and they fill out a form for that, and then we work with that new person and take them through the whole building, making sure that they know where everything is, how everything operates. We eat with them. We take them to different functions within the building and so, until they get comfortable and know people, so that they’re not just dumped in the door. We make them part of the community.”
Milligan said Acclaim Living honors its veteran residents with a variety of activities.
“We do activities that are in honor of our veterans, we try to do that a few times a year for different pinning, or just recognition, in general, of the veterans,” she said. “We always recognize our veterans on the veteran wall in our community and those are ones that have been here before, and are here now. So, it’s a history of our veterans that are displayed on our veteran wall. And then, we try to go to places that get them in touch with other veterans or happenings that are going on in Oklahoma City, so they can be a part of what other veterans are doing.”

For more information on Acclaim Living call (405)-755-3200. or visit https://legendseniorliving.com/.

Story and photo by
Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Ross Pruitt spent most of his life tending to the needs of the church family. But even in retirement, the former minister is still helping people find their way.
Pruitt is a retired Baptist minister who – after 35 years ministering in churches from Oklahoma to California – was more than ready for the golf course.
But he still felt a pull.
“I retired after those years, I guess, with still a lot of energy left,” he said. “I didn’t want to stop helping people. I got my real estate license and that’s exactly what I get to do now.
“I’m not beating the bushes to put in 50 hours a week like I used to but I do get to help people and that’s important to me.”
Licensed in 2014, Pruitt has continued serving others as a Realtor and certified senior real estate specialist through Metro Brokers of Oklahoma.
It puts him in a unique niche, helping families decide what to do with property that’s no longer needed or being used, but still has sentimental value.
As a certified senior real estate specialist, Pruitt is often called upon by families who have to take on the task of what to do with a parent’s estate either after a death or a move into a new living arrangement.
“That is what’s stressful for them,” Pruitt said. “Every time I’ve done it I’ve been glad I had the experience I had working with people intimately because emotions sometimes run high.
“After all those years I pretty much know when to hold hands and when to stand back.”
Homes and property take on a new meaning when they’re no longer needed. Oftentimes, family members will be torn or even at odds on what to do next.
And there are legal ramifications and processes that most are unfamiliar with.
“What I enjoy the best is helping people. Sometimes the paperwork and all that will bog you down,” Pruitt said. “If it helps people I’m all about it. At the end of the day if I was any assistance to them during one of the biggest decisions of their life, then that’s good.
“Most of the time most stress isn’t about the property and the value of the property, most of the time it’s on the family.”
Pruitt said he will often get clients who will come to him after they’ve tried to tackle the task on their own. Trying to sell a home without guidance can be daunting at best, and financially disastrous at worst.
“About 90 percent of people underestimate all that goes into it,” Pruitt said. “It’s stressful.”
Pruitt realizes that family members will often bring emotion into the situation. He knows when to interject and when not.
Whether it’s 20 acres or fine china, at the end of the day it’s always about the people for Pruitt and helping them make the best decision possible for their situation.
“Usually it’s an adult son or neighbor or family member they trust and that person is really just trying to get by day-by-day to help the family get all the possessions sold and all the paperwork,” Pruitt said. “I’m trained in this and I can take a lot of the load off their shoulders. It’s really a blessing for them to be able to rely on someone they can trust and someone who has the skills and knowledge to do it.”
Call Ross at 405-593-0134 or send him an email at rosspmetbro@gmail.com.

Story and photos by Darl DeVault,
contributing editor

Lyndale Edmond Senior Living Sales and Marketing Director Amber Compton welcomed 58 Senior Business Solution (SBS) colleagues to their networking luncheon on July 20 at Lyndale Edmond. Emphasizing how shifting demographics and reshaping complexes built for older Americans address a variety of rates and services, she explained they have recently added another nurse to the one already available in their assisted living option.
She explained that Lyndale features nine cottages on their remodeled senior living property as well as 115 independent living and 48 assisted living apartments for a total now of 173 units.
Lyndale is setting up a caregiver support group where attendees meet for lunch monthly beginning in the Fall. Topics will vary monthly and cover various issues and challenges caregivers face. Guest speakers will provide insight and resources available in the area. The support group will be held in the Lyndale Clubhouse on the second Thursday of each month at noon beginning in September. Seating is limited, so RSVP is required at 405-340-5311.
The hosts shared their premium meeting space, their clubhouse adjacent to their pool, for the monthly gathering of senior healthcare marketers and senior-focused company workers.
Regional Director of Sales & Marketing Cameron Gruenberg was on hand to observe from his office in Tulsa.
“Lyndale Edmond is a beautiful senior living community offering independent and assisted living with a resident-first philosophy, caring associates, great lifestyle programs and delicious meals,” Compton said after the luncheon. “By hosting this event, we showcase to attendees what life is like at Lyndale Edmond.”
The networking group was treated to one of the host’s amenities when Lyndale Culinary Director Bryan Newton offered a well-received lunch of chicken piccata, parmesan mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.
The luncheon continued with each invitee giving a few minutes of background on their employer and how they saw their role in helping seniors with their needs in the community. A few people outlined special events their venues were planning in the near future, inviting others to attend.
Vicki Escajeda solicited more raffle prizes and interaction to support the booths available at the upcoming Senior Day on September 20 at the Oklahoma State Fair. She also talked about how independent living, assisted living, and long-term care communities could submit a one-minute video by August 20 of their residents “In Motion.” The entries will be judged, and the top 10 will be shown at the Fair, where the public will select the winner.
Joe Forrest with Re/Max FIRST gave his customary real estate market update explaining that home prices are up five percent in the market for those seniors seeking to sell their homes to move to senior centers. Forrest has worked in home healthcare services, independent and assisted living, rehabilitation, and as a Realtor for the past 20 years.
The guests were reminded of the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association Annual Trade Show as the association celebrates its 26th anniversary on August 22-24 at the Embassy Suites in Oklahoma City.
The meeting was a more personalized version of a monthly networking newsletter with information, announcements, and networking within the retirement industry.
Erin Stevens outlined that “The Edmond Way” is offering local hometown journalism to Edmond as it publishes online as a free weekly newsletter now and seeks to start printing editions in the Fall. Readers can find the publication at The Edmond Way.
Several speakers highlighted how to get involved in Oklahoma’s many Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, with the main ones being September 16 in Tulsa and October 28 in OKC.
Some providers reported real-time availability for their care and housing options, home care, and hospice providers.
Later, Compton explained that the spacious, fully-featured clubhouse the meeting was in is available to clients for special events and for rent to outside groups. She offered the facility or to co-host any of the three upcoming SBS events in August, October and December that have yet to be planned.
The guests were also reminded that Lyndale hosts a monthly “Happy Hour” late afternoon for further networking. The event features the use of the pool, weather permitting, with food, drinks, and networking.
Conversations before and after the more formal portion allowed attendees to stay connected with their senior industry peers while building possible referral networks.
Sagora Senior Living operates the Lyndale property. Oklahoma is home to five more of their communities: Aberdeen Heights, Aberdeen Memory Care of Tulsa, Bellarose, Elison Independent Living of Statesman Club, and The Veraden. Sagora is one of America’s top 50 privately-owned senior housing operators with communities throughout Texas, Alabama, Florida, California, Illinois, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, West Virginia, Mississippi and Nebraska.

For more information about Lyndale Edmond Senior Living https://www.lyndaleedmond.com/.

Aquires The Linden at Stonehaven, Name Changes to Stonehaven

Legend Senior Living, a Wichita-based, privately owned senior living operator, announced today that it had completed the purchase of The Linden at Stonehaven Square Assisted Living and Memory Care in a joint venture with an institutional investor. The residence is located at 10802 East 81st Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was immediately renamed The Stonehaven.
The Stonehaven is the 5th Legend Senior Living residence in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following its recent acquisition of Prairie House Assisted Living & Memory Care in Broken Arrow in June.
The residence opened in 2017 and boasts 134 apartments, 79 of which are assisted living and 55 memory care, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, and offers thousands of square feet of indoor-outdoor amenities, including a sprawling outdoor patio, front porch with fireplace, salon, 2nd story game room and theater, fitness center, and lively bistro. The Stonehaven is located approximately 20 minutes outside downtown Tulsa and is near major highways, hospitals, and recreation.
“We are excited to welcome the residents, their families, and associates to the Legend Senior Living family,” said Legend’s Executive Vice President, Matt Buchanan. “The Stonehaven is a great fit for us as we expand our mission in Tulsa and across Oklahoma. The team at The Stonehaven is top-notch, and we are excited to serve area seniors alongside them.”
The company will bring its innovative programs and therapies to the community, including its wellness-focused life enrichment, uncompromising care delivered consistently with dignity, the Best Friends® Approach in memory care and award-winning biofeedback therapy also for memory care, and its signature Gold Leaf dining program for an exquisite culinary experience.
Wichita, Kansas-based Legend Senior Living is a privately held senior housing and services company and one of the nation’s leading senior living providers. The company owns or operates 49 senior living residences across six states – in Florida, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. Legend residences are recognized as Great Places to Work®, have ranked among the Top 25 Best Senior Living communities in the country by Fortune Magazine, and appear on U.S. News & World Report’s Best of Senior Living.

For more information about Legend Senior Living residences, visit:
https://legendseniorliving.com/

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Oklahomans are ensuring their fellow military veterans can register for the new Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Hundreds of Veterans Administration employees are ensuring this is possible at well-attended monthly outreach VA Veterans Festival (VET Fest) and PACT Act Resource Fairs around the state.
The most recent event was held by Oklahoma City VA employees on July 22, in west Oklahoma City, where 30 VA employees assisted veterans at the 7725 CONNECT building. The multi-tenant business campus in the old Western Electric Plant at Reno and Council saw 70 veterans lined up at the 9 a.m. opening, and 150 were assisted throughout the day.
The event was designed to provide services for veterans, spouses, caregivers, veteran’s widows, survivors and active-duty personnel. This outreach allows the VA to provide expanded healthcare and benefits to generations of veterans and their survivors.
The Warriors for Freedom Foundation co-hosted the event from their office in the 7725 Connect building. The nonprofit volunteers assisted the Oklahoma City, VA staff in spreading the word that more veterans and their survivors are eligible for benefits and VA health care under the PACT Act.
Signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022, the “Honoring our PACT Act of 2022” (in its short title version) initiates the most extensive health care and benefits expansion in VA history. This sweeping federal law comprehensively addresses all the service-connected toxic exposure issues of the last six decades.
The act expands VA care eligibility for veterans who experienced exposure to toxic substances during service in Vietnam, the Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. Some veterans’ surviving family members may also be eligible for specific benefits.
The line kept moving, with 30 people who had arrived around 11:30 a.m. waiting in line at noon. The event ran until 4 p.m.
The veterans were helped to register for PACT Act services and check the status of their PACT Act claims, while some were assisted with getting a My HealtheVet Premium account which allows them to sign in to VA online tools.
“The process was timely, very helpful and friendly,” said Staff Sergeant Sarah Scott, who served at Tarin Kwot, Afghanistan, from 2010-2011. The Noble resident, now on active duty with the Oklahoma National Guard, said that once she was registered, she could go right to the people who provided her with the information she needed.
To be eligible for benefits under the PACT Act, a veteran’s disability must connect to their military service. The VA now automatically assumes that a veteran’s service caused some conditions. These are known as “presumptive conditions.” The PACT Act added more than 20 categories of presumptive conditions from exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.
“We are all excited to roll out the PACT Act to OKC veterans because this is one of the largest program expansions in veteran healthcare we have ever seen,” said Carmen Daugherty, OKC VA public affairs officer.
The veterans who attended the PACT Act presumptive claims event asked VA eligibility and service officers questions about their exposure and claim eligibility. They were able to receive toxic exposure screenings from medical staff. Some filed a claim and, in some cases, received a same-day decision from the four VA doctors on hand.
“Being a veteran, I am thrilled to help veterans get their VA health care and benefits fixed,” Daugherty said. “Some of these veterans have waited for 20 plus years to finally get answers to their exposure questions and get claims filed.”
The act also requires the VA to provide toxic exposure screenings to every veteran enrolled in VA care. Many veterans enrolled in VA care for the first time at the event and were helped to secure appointments at the downtown VA Hospital.
Those enrolling in VA care for the first time started the process of having their ID cards mailed out to them.
Some 20 Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) staffers also worked many stations to provide information about benefits and services to veterans and their families. Many other services were provided, including four State of Oklahoma staffers providing information about state veteran services and Oklahoma Tax Commission privileges extended to veterans with 100 percent disability.
An underlying emphasis of PACT Act outreach is to fully inform veteran’s widows of their access to benefits around the state in what has already been 10 VET Fest or PACT Act Resource Fairs, including several cohosted by tribal nations.
“The PACT Act makes it easier for survivors and widows to receive monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC),” Daugherty said. “They qualify if they are a surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability.”
The VA also provides survivors previously denied DIC benefits the opportunity to be re-evaluated to see if they are now eligible under PACT Act provisions. The VA asks widows to come to one of the PACT Act events or the main Oklahoma City VA Health Care System to determine if they qualify.
“Our experts will re-evaluate each case and answer benefits questions for you and your family,” Daugherty said. “Some benefits include burial allowance, education and training, monthly payments, home loans and health care. At these outreach events, we are bringing the experts to investigate each case and figure out exactly what benefits veteran’s widows are entitled to register for as a surviving family member.”
Another benefit explored at these events is that a surviving spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent of a veteran may receive a one-time accrued benefits payment if the veteran was owed unpaid benefits at the time of their death. The VA also informs everyone who qualifies for a Survivors Pension as a surviving spouse or child of a veteran with wartime service.
For more information about this VA benefits outreach campaign, click The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs.