Marcus Denetdale, Air Force Veteran and Regional Associate Director for Home Base Arizona, and Kate Weinograd, Director of Government Affairs and Network Development for Home Base, presented to a group of tribal leaders and industry executives that included Veterans during the Indian Gaming Association’s 37th Annual Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in Anaheim, Calif in April 2024. The talk called “Coffee and Conversation: Supporting Native Veterans” marks the first time that Home Base has partnered with the IGA to provide outreach to Veterans during the convention.

“Native Americans serve in the United States Military at higher rates than any other ethnic group. However, Native American Veterans, Service Members and their Families face unique challenges with geography, infrastructure and access creating barriers to care for those impacted by the invisible wounds,” said Denetdale (Diné).  “We are grateful to the IGA for allowing us to talk directly to Veterans, their Families and tribal leaders about the services that Home Base offers. More importantly, recognizing all who served in the military within Indian gaming.”

The largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention is both the meeting place where the community gathers to learn, network and exchange industry-specific ideas and a cultural celebration of success, strength and self-reliance.

“IGA is happy to collaborate with Home Base during the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention,” said Ernie L. Stevens, Jr. (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin), Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. “IGA recognizes the many Veterans within our association and in Indian gaming and we look at this as just the beginning of an effort to ensure Native American tribes and those that work with tribal businesses have the knowledge to share information about mental and behavioral healthcare resources to Veterans.” 

Home Base addresses the unique needs of Native American Veterans, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen to help heal their invisible wounds of war at no cost to them. Veterans, Service Members, and their Families are eligible to receive treatment from Home Base through our National Center of Excellence’s Intensive Clinical Program (ICP) for Veterans and Families of the Fallen. Travel, lodging, meals, and care are provided at no out of pocket cost to the Veteran. To connect to care, visit homebase.org/getcare.  

“We sincerely thank the Indian Gaming Association for providing us the platform to connect with thousands of leaders from across the country and ensure tribal communities have access to the lifesaving care Home Base provides,” said Weinograd. “There are so many barriers to accessing quality mental and behavioral healthcare in Indian country. With an estimated 1 in 3 Veterans returning home with an invisible wound including post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and co-occurring substance use disorder, partnerships and dialogue between Native American tribes and Home Base are crucial.”