Saraphine Josley is fundraising
Restore Dignity for the Forgotten Navajo Veterans
Help Correct an Injustice in History
In the vast expanse of the Navajo Nation, where the earth stretches out beneath endless skies, lies a community of unsung heroes—Navajo veterans who have served our country with unwavering courage and devotion. Yet, amidst the breathtaking desert landscapes and sweeping mesas, a stark reality unfolds: thousands of these brave men and women live in the shadows of neglect and broken promises.
Please read this note from Sara Josley, a Navajo woman who has dedicated her life to helping the “Forgotten Navajo Veterans” who have been left behind:
“The Navajo Nation is a place of profound challenges and hardships. Many homes lack even the most basic amenities like plumbing or kitchens, with about one-third residing in traditional hogans, a reflection of the deep-rooted cultural heritage of our people.
Poverty rates here are three times higher than the national average. The median household income is a miserable $8,240, a stark contrast to the national average of $74,580. The unemployment rate is almost 40%, and access to higher education and healthcare is severely limited. We also face severe food insecurity. The Navajo Nation has a population of nearly 200,000 and is the size of West Virginia... and yet, there are only 14 grocery in the entire reservation!
Due to the immense size of the reservation, Navajo veterans must drive 2-6 hours each way to claim the Veterans Administration (VA) benefits they were promised. And even then, they're often turned away at the door because of the paperwork and bureaucracy. Their service to the nation often goes unrecognized due to systemic barriers that deny them their rightful benefits.
Our goal with this fundraising campaign is to shine a light on these forgotten heroes, rally support for their cause, and raise money to assist them and their families. Join us as we strive to restore dignity and honor to Navajo veterans, ensuring that they receive the respect, care, and support they have earned through their service.”
Our Mission
Our mission extends beyond immediate relief; it encompasses a vision of sustainable change—a future where every Navajo veteran receives the respect and care they deserve. Your support today will help us deliver on this promise.
Voices of the Unforgotten
> Phillip's Story: The Burden of Unseen Sacrifices
Imagine Phillip, a Navajo Vietnam War veteran, his days marked not only by the harsh memories of war but by the enduring battle against Agent Orange poisoning. After returning home, Phillip found solace and purpose in teaching, becoming a beacon of hope for generations of Navajo youth. But the promises made to him by the Veterans Administration (VA) were as fleeting as the desert winds.
Honorably discharged, Phillip was left to navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy of the VA alone. Promises of a home, made in exchange for his service, vanished into thin air as vital documents mysteriously disappeared into bureaucratic oblivion. Today, Phillip lives with the daily reminders of his sacrifices in a modest home, desperately needing care and support that never arrived.
> Vincent's Struggle: Fighting Battles at Home
Then there's Vincent, a former Marine who bravely served in Vietnam. Like many Navajo veterans, Vincent battles not only the physical wounds inflicted by Agent Orange but also the bureaucratic red tape that ensnares those who served. His family, promised a home after his return, faced the same heartbreaking narrative of lost paperwork and empty promises.
Now facing Parkinson's disease and other health issues, Vincent's health demands modifications to his home—basic changes like wheelchair accessibility and additional bathroom facilities. Yet, these essentials remain out of reach, buried under layers of indifference and systemic neglect. His family, navigating these challenges with resilience, hopes for a home where Vincent can live with dignity and comfort, a place that reflects the honor of his service.
> Grandma Dorothy's Journey: The Struggle of a Veteran's Widow
Imagine Grandma Dorothy, the loving wife of a Navy veteran. Together, they dreamed of a peaceful retirement in a home promised by the VA, a promise shattered by the same familiar refrain of lost paperwork. Now widowed and alone, Grandma Dorothy endures the harsh realities of a dilapidated trailer, its walls marred by flood damage and mold infestation.
Her days are spent in a constant battle against the elements that invade her living space, her nights a testament to the strength and resilience of Navajo women. Yet, despite her hardships, Grandma Dorothy remains steadfast, her spirit unbroken but her need for safe, livable housing urgent and undeniable.
By donating, you can ensure that veterans like Phillip and Vincent receive not just a roof over their heads but a foundation of hope and dignity.
These stories are not just anecdotes; they're echoes of a broader issue—a systemic failure to honor the sacrifices of Navajo veterans. As you read these words, know that your generosity has the power to rewrite these narratives, to transform hardship into hope, and to ensure that no Navajo veteran is left behind.
How You Can Help
Your donation will start by funding the purchase of FEMA trailers for Vincent and Grandma Dorothy, providing them with safe, accessible homes where they can live with dignity. However, with approximately 15,000 Navajo veterans who are in critical need, there is more work to be done. To continue to serve these veterans, our goal is to establish a network of dedicated caseworkers—professionals who will visit veterans daily, offering essential services like medical check-ups, assistance with paperwork, and most importantly, companionship.
Join us in this crucial mission to honor our Navajo veterans. Your contribution is more than a donation; it is a pledge of solidarity, a commitment to justice, and a testament to the enduring strength of our community. Together, we can ensure that every Navajo veteran receives the care and respect they earned through their sacrifice.
As the sun sets over the vast horizon of the Navajo Nation, let us stand together, united in purpose and resolve. Let us honor our heroes—the brave men and women who served our country with valor and dignity. Let us ensure that their stories are not forgotten, their sacrifices not in vain. Donate today and help us rewrite the future for Navajo veterans—one story, one home, one life at a time.
Who We Are
The All-Navajo Veterans is a grassroots nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation established by Navajo women in order to provide assistance to over 14,000 Navajo Veterans who have served America and the Navajo Nation.
We are proud of our heritage and our veterans, and we have dedicated our lives to serving those who have served us. We are honored to help our fellow veterans each day, and with your help, we can make an unbelievably large impact on so many more.
Please join us today.
Sara Josley
President
Elouise Brown
Vice President
All-Navajo Veterans Auxiliary
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31 supporters