VA Medical Center

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System 3601 S. Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85723 DEPARTMENT of VETERANS AFFAIRS NEWS RELEASE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lorraine Conn, MSQA, MT (ASCP) Chief, Management Support & Public Affairs Officer J.L. Pepe’ Mendoza, MS, Assistant PAO & PA Operations Manager (520) 792-1450 Extension 1819 For Immediate Release After July 30, 2013

7th ANNUAL SOUTHERN ARIZONA GATHERING OF AMERICAN INDIAN VETERANS TAKES PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 22!

Tucson, AZ – The Coalition of American Indian Veterans, which includes the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS), Indian Health Service, and the Tucson Indian Center, along with Tribal Veterans Organizations, is hosting the 7th Annual Gathering of American Indian Veterans. The event will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at the Casino Del Sol Conference Center “Indoors” at 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The Gathering of American Indian Veterans event is being held to help American Indian Veterans learn more about the benefits they have earned. Representatives from Veterans and non-Veteran organizations will be available to provide health screenings, wellness education, and information about other health and social services. This is an opportunity to honor Veterans for their service and for the Veteran to meet and share experiences with other American Indian Veterans. The event will include a lunch and activities for Veterans and family members. The event will also feature a special “Coin Presentation” to honor Veterans. Jonathan H. Gardner, MPA, FACHE, Director for SAVAHCS commented, “We are honored to be a part of this Southern Arizona Gathering of American Indian Veterans. Our Veterans are the reason for our being, and providing them with high quality care is our number one priority.” He continued, “Providing valuable information on eligibility and enrollment for health care at this Gathering of American Indian Veterans will be just one of our focuses”.

To take advantage of all the services being offered at the event, please bring your DD Form 214 (Discharge Paperwork) and let us help you enroll for services at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. For further information on the 7th Annual Gathering of American Indian Veterans, please contact Phyllis Spear, RN at (520) 343-4452.

Media wanting to cover this event are asked to contact Pepe’ Mendoza, at the SAVAHCS Public Affairs Office at (520) 629-1819.