Happy Veteran’s Day!

Veteran’s Day marks a time when we honor those who served in the U.S. military. Native people have a long and notable history in America’s armed forces. Tribal people have participated in every major military conflict since the American Revolution. And according to the Library of Congress, they have participated in greater rates per capita (five times more than the national average!) than any other group in the country.

Native contributions are many—from fighting for Independence from the British to using Native languages in WWI and WWII including Navajo, Choctaw, Cherokee, and Comanche to create unbreakable tactical codes. Individuals such as Ira Hayes helped raise the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima, Minnie Spotted-Wolf was the first Native woman in the U.S. Marine Corps, and Medal of Honor recipients like Woodrow Wilson Keeble and Dwight Wayne Birdwell are all part of the great legacy of generations of Native American veterans who served our country.

Join the American Indian College Fund in honoring Native veterans—student veterans and historic veterans alike—in the following ways:

• Learn more about Native veterans, the reasons for service, and their contributions at the National Museum of the American Indian’s exhibit Why We Serve.
• Explore historical narratives about Native veterans through the Library of Congress Veterans History Project or read data on tribal veteran care via the Colorado School of Public Health Study.
• Visit the National Native American Veterans Memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., at the National Museum of the American Indian. The memorial (“The Warrior’s Circle of Honor”) commemorates American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian veterans.

And for Native veterans, we thank you for your service! We have gathered a list of resources for your use below.

• VA Services & Programs: Native American Veterans may be eligible for a wide variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, Veteran readiness and employment, and burial. See the Veterans page for an overview of the benefits available to all U.S. Veterans.
• In addition, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers dedicated programs for Native people as follow:
  • Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Program: The NADL program helps eligible Native American Veterans finance the purchase, construction, or improvement of homes on Federal Trust Land or reduce the interest rate on such a VA loan. Native American Veterans may use these direct loans to simultaneously purchase and improve a home or refinance another VA direct loan made under NADL to lower the interest rate.
  • Office of Tribal Government Relations: The VA Office of Tribal Government Relations (OTGR) consults with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop partnerships that enhance access to services and benefits by veterans and their families. OTGR also sponsors regional training sessions for tribal leaders, Veteran Service Organizations, and tribal Organizations to increase access to Veteran access to Veteran’s Administration Healthcare and benefits through informative presentations and interactive discussions.
  • Other Programs for Native American Veterans
    • Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Program of 2019: The John D. Dingell, Jr., Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019 provides the opportunity for eligible Vietnam-era Veterans or their heirs to select 2.5 to 160 acres of Federal land in Alaska. Veterans or their heirs will have five years to select and apply for land. The program is open to all eligible Alaska Natives who served between August 5, 1964, and December 31, 1971, and it removes the requirement for personal use or occupancy mandated under previous laws.
    • How to Apply for Veteran’s Benefits: There are many paths to eligibility, and applying is the best way to know if you qualify. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.
      • Apply online using VA.gov, OR
      • Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
      • In person at the nearest VA medical center or clinic, OR
      • By calling the toll-free hotline: 800-698-2411, OR
      • Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page.
      • File your claim using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ). Print the form, fill it out and send it to:
        Department of Veteran Affairs
        Claims Intake Center
        PO Box 4444
        Janesville, WI, 53547-4444