TEB Approves One Time Vets Stipend
In a developing story, the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board voted Monday to approve approximately 60 tribally enrolled veterans for a one-time stipend of $500.
Council Member Jestin Dupree told the Northern Plains Independent that stipends will be open to all Fort Peck tribal members who served in the Armed Forces.
The enrollment period is still being discussed, but Dupree said it should last for at least the next 30 days. Veterans can add their names to a list of applicants administered by Tribal Veterans Services Program head Medicine Bear Lone Warrior and staff. Call 406-768-2354 or 406-768-2445 for more information before applying in person.
Dupree told the NPI that interest in the stipend took shape when the board passed a $500 donation for U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Catlin Tanner Eagleman during the July 13 meeting with little discussion about the ramifications of the move. After Eagleman received his check, board members began discussing the need to prepare stipends for other veterans to avoid the appearance of unfair practices.
The outcome is a stipend program that may grow to include hundreds of veterans.
Dupree said the stipend qualifies as a “good, bad mistake.”
He said criteria for additional stipends recipients will be added after committee meetings July 28.
