Kykotsmovi, AZ – (Oct. 18, 2024) – As the Gathering of Native American Veteran Voices Tribal Listening Tour continues, we want to pass along this encouraging example from Hopi Veterans Services. This organization stands out as a well-positioned model with a strong foundation, combined with a “yes we can” attitude that allows it to effectively serve veterans and their families. The structure of Hopi Veterans Services enables them to take decisive action and meet the needs of their community, providing a positive example of how both organizational readiness and a committed mindset can make a lasting impact.
In the quiet expanse of northern Arizona, Eugene “Geno” Talas works tirelessly for the Hopi veterans and their families, weaving together a collage of services that extends far beyond the walls of his office. Born in Moenkopi, on the Hopi Reservation in 1956, Geno followed a path of service similar to his father, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1974. His career as a C-5 Loadmaster spanned three decades, taking him around the world. However, after retiring as Chief Master Sergeant in 2004, Geno was driven by a new mission – returning to the Hopi Reservation to serve his local community.
Since 2008, Geno has been the Manager of Hopi Veterans Services (HVS) for the Hopi Tribe, where he manages services for Hopi veterans, their spouses, and their families. In this role, Geno, one driver and one administrative employee assist Hopi veterans in numerous ways – providing essential transportation to healthcare appointments, linking veterans to benefits, and supporting families in grief by arranging final honors for those who have passed. Geno’s dedication ensures that no veteran falls through the cracks.
HVS is not just a group of dedicated individuals; it is an organization structured to provide vital support, which makes the work of Geno and his team possible. While Geno’s passion and “we will get it done” attitude drive the success of many initiatives, it is the framework of HVS that allows these efforts to take root and flourish. This organizational support and infrastructure combined with a committed and passionate team is what enables HVS to truly impact the lives of Hopi service members, veterans, and their families.
For veterans on the Hopi Reservation, access to resources can be a challenge since they often have to traverse long distances in remote locations with limited transportation options. For example, it takes about 3.5 hours to drive to Prescott, 4 hours to get to Phoenix, and 1.5 hours in good weather to get to Flagstaff. And those times are just one way. After attending the appointment, veterans then have to repeat the drive to get back home. In winter, the roads can be treacherous, making it even harder for veterans to reach the care they need.
Geno’s dedication to his community shines brightest in these moments. His team works tirelessly to ensure veterans have transportation, often coordinating rides for those who might otherwise miss vital appointments. At times, Geno’s role feels like that of an air traffic controller—juggling schedules, locations, and routes to make sure every veteran reaches their destination on time. He and his team have mastered the art of route planning, carefully mapping out the most efficient paths to guarantee no veteran is left without the care they need.
Through strategic partnerships, Geno has amplified the impact of his work, creating a network of support that extends far beyond the Hopi Reservation. To assist veterans without access to transportation, he collaborated with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to secure reliable rides for those in need. Veterans with their own transportation were linked to the Arizona Coalition for Military Families’ Be Connected program that provided fuel cards to help offset the cost of long drives to medical appointments. This thoughtful coordination has provided significant relief for families, ensuring that transportation challenges don’t stand in the way of veterans receiving essential care.
Sometimes even getting to the mailbox regularly can present challenges. Geno recalls a veteran in his 80s reaching out for help reading his mail. After reviewing the letter, Geno discovered that the veteran had missed a compensation and pension exam. Realizing the impact this could have on the veteran’s financial future, Geno intervened, helping him reschedule the exam. Weeks later, the veteran returned to Geno’s office, this time with bank statements. The veteran was asking about extra money in the account. This time, Geno had the pleasure of informing the veteran that his claim was approved and that the benefits had started to flow in.
“Never give up,” said Geno. That persistence to ensure that veterans, their spouses, and their families receive the benefits they earned extends to families experiencing the loss of a veteran. When a veteran passes, Geno and his team ensure the family receives the support they need to navigate their grief while also managing the process to bestow Final Honors and benefits. In Hopi tradition, Geno takes special care to follow the families’ wishes.
When he is not working with the community, Geno is ensuring that Hopi Veterans Services remains connected, informed, and engaged at the national and state levels. He is a charter member of the VA Tribal Advisory Committee, helping shape policies at the national level, and advocating for Native American and rural veterans. In Arizona, Geno works with the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, and Be Connected to maintain links to resources and support networks for veterans. “For the past five or six years, I’ve relied on the Arizona Coalition for Military Families Symposium to stay connected at the state level,” says Geno. These national, state, and local partnerships enable Hopi veterans to access a wider array of resources to link the Hopi community with the broader system of veteran care.
As an advocate for his community, he consistently seeks new ways to address critical issues with cultural relevance, such as suicide prevention among Native American veterans. Geno is currently exploring partnerships based on the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) model to create culturally appropriate suicide prevention programs. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that veterans receive not only physical care but also emotional and mental health support.
Geno’s deep sense of responsibility to his fellow veterans and the Hopi community serves as a reminder that service doesn’t end with a uniform; it continues in the day-to-day dedication of people like Geno, who work tirelessly to support their communities.
