Chinle Veterans Office Updates Contacts, Reinforces Local Service Access

The Chinle Agency Office, serving veterans in and around Chinle in Apache County, published an updated contact listing on December 27, 2025, that clarifies where residents should turn for benefits help, housing support, and accounts services. The office is reachable by mail at P.O. Box 1840, Chinle, AZ 86503, by phone at (928) 674 2224, by fax at (928) 674 2228, and by email at nnvachinle@navajo-nsn.gov.

Key local staff listed in the update include Veteran Service Officer Paula Begay, reachable at p.begay@navajo-nsn.gov and 928 674 2529, Housing Specialist Sylvia Preston at spreston@navajo-nsn.gov and 928 674 2223, Office Specialist Raphaela Yazzie at raphaela.yazzie@navajo-nsn.gov and 928 674 2224, and Accounts Maintenance Specialist Benjamin Benallie at ben.benallie@navajo-nsn.gov and 928 674 2225. The listing also notes that the Office Assistant position is vacant.

For Apache County residents, particularly veterans and their families, having direct lines to named staff matters for more than paperwork. Access to veteran service officers and housing specialists can determine timely access to disability claims, medical referrals, housing stability, and income supports that affect chronic disease care, mental health, and overall household security. In rural and reservation settings, delays in connecting to the right staff can compound health inequities and burden already stretched local health and social services.

The vacancy in the Office Assistant role highlights a staffing gap that could slow intake, appointment scheduling, and follow up work. Local leaders, health care providers, tribal administrators, and community organizations can use the contact information to coordinate outreach, ensure veterans receive continuity of care, and help bridge transportation and digital access barriers that many residents face.

Residents seeking assistance should call the main office at (928) 674 2224 or email nnvachinle@navajo-nsn.gov. For specific needs contact the staff listed above directly. Clear, current contact information is a practical step toward equitable access to benefits and services that support health and stability across Apache County.