Veterans from as far away as Texas are coming to the Muskogee’s VA Regional Office to get emergency advance payments for their GI Bill benefits.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is distributing the checks for up to $3,000 to veteran students who have applied for educational benefits, but have not yet received them, said Jerry Davidson, coach of public contacts of the Muskogee VA Regional Office. The Muskogee Regional Office, 125 S. Main St., is the only office in Oklahoma where veterans can get their checks.

“We have been really excited about how smooth the process has been,” said Sam Jarvis, director of the VA Regional Office.

Army veteran Jarrod Madden said he came to the Muskogee office from Amarillo, Texas. He said Muskogee was closer and easier to get to than the VA office in Waco, Texas.

He said the emergency benefit will help him pay for college costs at West Texas A&M, where he is seeking a master’s degree in computer information systems.

Madden said he sees it benefiting other veterans even more.

“It could help keep some soldiers from getting evicted from their apartments,” he said.

Kylie Wolf of Sapulpa, who served in the Navy, said the check is a relief.

“I have been waiting for over two months for the check,” he said.

“The veterans have been so appreciative and pleased,” said veterans service representative Pam Littlefield. “This process is as easy as it was quick.”

Davidson said veterans may pick up the checks in person from 8 a.m. to noon today. He said the in-person distribution could continue into the coming week. Veterans also could apply for the checks online, he said.

The funds are advance emergency payments of the earned benefits for education through the various assistance programs, including the Post 9/11 and Montgomery GI Bills, a Veterans Administration media release said.

Reach Cathy Spaulding at 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.