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May 1,
1938
MAY 1, 1998
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Veterans article proves to be a hoax
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'any organizations and agencies across
the country which provide benefits and
.health care to veterans have recently been
the victims of a serious informational error, includ
ing the Grand Ronde Tribe. In the last issue of
Smoke Signals, we ran a story that was faxed to us
titled "Public Announcements to all Veterans,"
which stated that if a U.S. veteran has not regis
tered at a Veterans Affairs Hospital for medical
care between October 1, 1996 and October 1, 1998,
he or she will lose all medical benefits for life. THIS
INFORMATION IS NOT TRUE.
This information was circulated on the Internet,
through the mail, and was posted on bulletin boards
in communities and cities everywhere. We have
even heard of one instance where an announce
ment was made to a church congregation by a min
ister during Sunday services. Consequently, many
veterans and their families have become concerned
about this misinformation, and have been calling
service agencies. Smoke Signals has obtained the
correct information regarding veterans' benefits. ,
VA health care eligibility reform was authorized
by Congress and signed into law by President
Clinton in October, 1996. The new law requires
the VA to manage veterans' access to VA care by
using a system of enrollment priorities. There are
seven enrollment priority groups, and the VA will
enroll veterans from as many of those groups as
possible. Veterans can apply for enrollment AT
ANY TIME they come to a VA medical facility for
care, even AFTER the trial enrollment period,
which ends October 1, 1998.
So, if you or someone in your family is a veteran
who receives health benefits don't panic! For
more details, call the Portland Veterans' Adminis
tration office at 1-800-827-1000, or your local VA
hospital.
Tribal Council Nominations
held at May 3 meeting
The next General Council meeting will be held
on Sunday, May 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Commu
nity Center. This will be the last meeting before
the summer recess. Nominations for Tribal Coun
cil will be held.
Remember, if you are planning to nominate
someone, or are interested in running for Tribal
Council, you must be present at the meeting to
publicly nominate your candidate, or if you are
nominated, to accept the nomination. Only enrolled
tribal members who will be 18 years of age by the
date of the election may make a nomination or be
nominated to run for Tribal Council.
The 1998 Election Board consists of the follow
ing people: Cherie Butler, Dorothy Lawe, Val
Sheker, Ruby Bigoni, Nancy Coleman, and Ellen
Fisher. All eligible voters will be mailed an absen
tee ballot this summer.
Tho rein cfoppod jucf in mo for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt
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The Tribe's Annual Easter Egg
Hunt, hosted by Wellness, enter
tained 224 children as they
searched for Easter goodies.
A special "Jesus Jamboree" was
presented with upbeat rock and
roll versions of songs held in the
Grand Ronde Elementary School's
covered basketball area.
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