Comrades, Sisters and Brothers,
Saturday October 19, 2024 will be training sessions consisting of Liquor Laws/Bingo and Raffle Policy instructed by Judge Advocate Kirk Rosa. I hope the training and meeting is very informative.
Let me be the first to wish you and yours a Great Thanksgiving, a Merry and Blessed Christmas, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. I hope to see everyone in Grand Junction for our next Council of Administration.
Membership is an on-going program in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and will for as long as we exist. So, let us work together and help each other to become All-American Posts/Districts and by doing so some will also become an All-State Post. Please review the requirements in the Commander-in-Chief and Department Commander's Program books located on the Colorado VFW website. As of 10//7/2024, Colorado currently has 12,098 current members and needs 2,122 to reach 102%, 86.78%.
I'd like to acknowledge the following comrades on recruiting new members:
As of October 7, 2024, Membership Statistics, I would personally like to congratulate the following posts
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5 members
Jesse Eastburn, Post 1
Stephen Urbany, Post 6461
4 members
David Stone, Post 3917
Peter Dowding, Post 3631
James Sheridan, Post 2788
Travis Baker, Post 6461
3 members
Aaron Himes, Post 6461
Jeffrey Punches, Post 4031
Richard Cole & Glen Blackmann, Post 4051
Mathew Cummings, Post 6624
2 members
Brian Asbeck, Post 1
Michael Mcclure, Post 1771
Leon Bartholomay, Post 2601
Leonard Ladue, Post 3981
David Latham, Eric Veed, David Anthony & Mike Sinchak, Post 4031
Duane Johnson, Post 5061
Alan Hughes & Curtis Moss, Post 5231
Anthony Johnson, Post 5812
Todd VanSant, Post 9644
Benjamin Livsey, Post 12063
Kevin Ryan, Post 12230
David Adams, Post 15006
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1 member
Robert Stewart & John Keene, Post 1
Lorrie Mclaughlin, Post 41
Michael Gardunio, Post 322
Frederick Schaefer, Post 784
Richard Nagley & Christopher Martinez, Post 899
Jeffrey Bintz, Post 1166
Dennis Craig & Roman Sepulveda, Post 1781
Damien Berg, Post 2585
Matthew Lewis, Post 3917
Alfred Riedinger, Demetrius Lewis, & Christopher Gober, Post 4031
Larry Johnson & James Mavity, Post 4051
Milo Cress, Post 4061
James Peterson, Post 4266
Robert Brekke, & Harold Abney, Post 4666
Ronald Brown, Post 4671
Tommy Endres, Post 5231
David Gelatt, Post 6624
Thomas, Dowd, Post 7829
Wayne Neumann, Post 9565
Lynn Peterson, Post 9644
Neil Schaal, Post 12189
Christopher Boyer, Timothy La Monda, David Mooney, Tammy Garrett, & John Alborghetti, Post 12230
Robert Martinez, Post 15006
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Bravo Zulu and Job Well Done!!!!
Remember Comrades, this is your Department, and we are here to serve you, the members, Posts, Districts, Warriors, Military Order of the Cooties, the Auxiliary. If you think of a way we can better assist you, please put it in an email to me, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I assure you I will read it and reply to it.
Hope to see everyone at the next council of administration. Be well and Be Safe.
Carol Thomas
Department Commander
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” – Heny Ford.
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you, the auxiliary members, my sisters and brothers of the Department of Colorado VFW Auxiliary, for continuing to support our Veterans, Active Service Members, and their families. There have been many obstacles to overcome, to get where we are today, but it is the love, passion, and commitment that you all have for our Veterans, Military Members, and their families that give them hope and make our Legislators listen to the issues they face and work towards a solution. Without you, our voice would not be as mighty as it is, and their plights would go unnoticed.
During the first few months to the start of my year as President, I have been truly grateful for the grace and mentoring that I have received, and I know that we all have struggles that we face in the auxiliary. With this, I want to remind everyone, that we are all working towards one goal, which is to ensure that our Veterans, Active Military Personnel, and their families are always taken care of and never left behind. Our goal is one of great importance, especially to them, and it does not do well for conflict to reside among us, when there are much greater issues of importance for us to focus on.
There have already been some issues to address and obstacles to overcome this year, and I am extremely grateful for the absolutely amazing team members that we have in our Department who have stepped up to mentor, support, and help others grow within our Auxiliary. These members have done absolutely amazing jobs in assisting and mentoring auxiliaries around the state, and helping them to navigate difficult situations, which will only help to make our Department Auxiliary stronger. The stronger we are together, the more we can accomplish together in taking care of our Veterans, Active Military Personnel, and their families, but we must remember to grant each other grace, understanding, and compassion when difficult situations or conflict arises, or we will fall short of completing our mission to help those who are the heart of our organization. If there are issues that cannot be resolved or addressed, please reach out to any Department Line Officer, District Officer, or trusted mentor to help with the situation; as we cannot help or offer guidance if an issue is not brought to our attention.
Even among the many obstacles that needed to be overcome, the auxiliaries have kept moving forward and started off the year with a bang, and I am amazed with all that has already been accomplished this year. There have been many exciting events held, more being planned, and it has been absolutely wonderful to see. I know that we all strive to work on programs throughout the year, and that there are some programs that are closer to our hearts than others, use the passion that you have for a program that you care about to mentor and foster new auxiliary members about that program. Sharing our passions and strengths, is how we will continue to succeed in all that we do.
Those who know me, know that I am passionate about helping others, and making others feel heard about their experiences. My special project for this year, which is a combined special project with Commander Carol Thomas, focuses on ensuring that those who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Sexual Assault/Harassment, or Domestic Violence have their voices heard and that they have the resources to either begin their journey of healing or continue on their healing journey through the White Ribbon Project and supporting the “Equine-imity” program through the Rocky Mountain VA. The “Equine-imity” program will help survivors on their healing journey in a non-traditional way. The format they will use, is similar to how the program is tailored to our Veterans who experience PTSD participate, but it will be focused on how to best help survivors of MST, Sexual Assault/Harassment, and Domestic Violence. I am very excited to see the implementation of this program in regards to Intimate Partner Violence (IVP), and look forward to seeing the program grow. To do this, awareness of these issues and information on prevention needs to happen, and in order to do that, we all need to begin with believing the individual, showing compassion to one another, and by educating where we can. These topics are difficult to speak about, but if we want to see change occur, we must speak out, inform, and educate others about these issues. I hope you will all join myself and Commander Thomas in bringing awareness to these issues.
Trainings, which don’t have to be long, are great ways to get information out about all of the programs. These can be done in as little as 5 or 10 minutes, and can be done at an auxiliary meeting or joint district meeting. I have seen some creativity, while visiting the different districts, and if you need ideas on how to do a quick training, reach out to your Department Chairmen or anyone that you may know who has a passion for the program, and don’t forget to report all the hard work that is done for each of these programs. When we all help each other, we continue to grow in our successes in the organization.
I know that we will continue to have a great year, despite any obstacles that we may face, and I am blessed and grateful to be part of the Department of Colorado Auxiliary and know that our organization is full of mentors that can be looked to. Thank you for all that each of you continue to do, to help our organization become better for our Veterans.
Wishing you all a very Blessed Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Warmest Wishes,
Nadia Flores
Department VFW Auxiliary President
VFW Department of Colorado will be honoring the Salute to Service Award Nominees for VFW Post & VFW Auxiliary Members for their tireless efforts and enthusiastic energy in promoting the Ideals and Goals of this great Organization.
What better way to recognize an Outstanding Volunteer for their support and dedication to the VFW and Auxiliary then to nominate them for the VFW Department of Colorado Salute to Service Award.
Each VFW Post and each VFW Auxiliary in Colorado should nominate 1 member whom you feel is deserving of this award.
Only 1 Entry for VFW and 1 Entry for VFW Auxiliary can be submitted.
Nomination Deadline is March 15, 2025 to VFW Department of Colorado HQ.
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While there won't be a Department Banquet this year, the recognition for those nominated can be done at each district meeting starting in April 2025. All plaques will be sent to the respective districts.
Banquet: January 25, 2025 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM - Social
6:00 PM - Dinner
6:00 PM - Dinner
7:00 PM - Awards
Cheyenne Mountain VFW Post 3917 and Auxiliary
MENU:
Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Corn, Green Salad, Dinner Roll and Cake
Coffee, Fruit Punch, Water
Price: $15.00/person PAY AT THE DOOR (seating limit 150)
Meal: To Be Announced Later
RSVP: VFW Department Headquarters 303-421-1630 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
by 2:00PM, January 16, 2025 (No RSVP No Admittance)
14th Annual VFW Airlift 2024: Join Us in Supporting Colorado Veterans
Mark your calendars for December 7, 2024, as we kick off this year's VFW Airlift, a vital initiative dedicated to delivering food and toys to veterans and their families in need. This event is a collaborative effort between the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Colorado, VFW Post 9644, and the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA).
Last year, we celebrated our 13th Annual VFW Airlift, benefiting 25 VFW Posts and over 1,600 veterans and their families, ensuring they had a special holiday season. Thirty-two aircraft transported an impressive 10,000 pounds of food and toys to twelve airports across Colorado, primarily focusing on smaller and rural communities. The journey began with dedicated volunteers purchasing goods from local supermarkets and delivering them to our hangar at Centennial Airport in Englewood. After weighing and palletizing the donations, we ensured that these essential supplies reached those who needed them most. It took over 100 volunteers, including pilots, ground crews, VFW and auxiliary members, and fantastic community supporters, to make this event a success.
This year, we are aiming to make an even greater impact, but we need your help! Here’s how you can get involved:
Volunteer: Block out your calendar for the weekend of December 7th. You can either visit the hangar at Centennial Airport or connect with your local post to assist in receiving and distributing the food and toys.
Donate: Financial contributions are crucial. Send checks to the Department with "VFW Airlift" noted in the comment line.
Organize a Drive: Start a toy or food drive at your post. We need a LOT of toys to make this a successful year!
Request a Plane: If you're associated with an outskirt post, contact PDC Ron Davies to arrange for transportation.
We want to serve as many posts as possible to get food and toys to as many needy veteran families as we can. If you're from a local Denver Metro post and wish to distribute food, please reach out as well!
For more information or to set up your post for the airlift, contact PDC Ron Davies at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 303-419-0472 or JVC Todd Van Sant at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 480-399-8273.
Together, we can make this year’s VFW Airlift a resounding success and continue our commitment to supporting Colorado veterans and their families. Thank you for your support!
The VFW Foundation has released the parameters for the 2024-25 grants that are available to Posts, Districts, and their Auxiliaries. As in years past they are reimbursement grants and are funded on a first come first served basis. Once funding for a particular grant is exhausted that grant will be closed until next year, so I suggest you jump on these opportunities right away.
In particular, I think every Post should consider supporting the annual VFW Airlift by utilizing the Uniting to Combat Hunger & Homelessness grant (now known as UTCH2).
To support the VFW Airlift, have your Post or Auxiliary send a donation, up to $1500, to Department HQ as soon as possible. The Airlift organizers need time to purchase the non-perishable food that will be distributed throughout Colorado over the first weekend in December with the help of the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA). Once the airlift is completed a copy of the receipt will be provided to all who donated, to be included with the UTCH2 grant application.
If you are interested in also addressing veteran homelessness in your communities, use the same grant. Instead of pounds of food, anti-homelessness efforts can be measured by the value of the in-kind donations (or cash donations) you provide. Think, supplying hygiene gear for a stand-down, or organization a coat drive for a local homeless shelter. Get creative and partner with a local group, like Volunteers of America, to document your Post’s involvement.
Keep in mind, the UTCH2 grant is limited to a total of $1500 per Post OR Aux, not both. The minimum donation is $500 for either entity, but multiple requests can be submitted during the grant cycle. So, talk with your counterparts do make sure you are maximizing your efforts while maintaining your eligibility for reimbursement.
Because “All Politics Is Local”: We Must Elect Pro-Veteran Candidates
As we approach the upcoming elections, it’s essential to recognize that the well-being of our veterans, military personnel, and their families must be a top priority for Congress and the Administration. The best way to ensure that veteran and military quality-of-life issues are taken seriously is to vote for candidates who genuinely support our concerns. While these candidates will have various priorities, it is crucial that veterans’ needs remain at the forefront of their agendas.
Evaluating Candidates
When considering whom to support, take a close look at their voting records. Have they voted for critical legislation like the PACT Act, Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act? Have the supported The Major Richard Star Act or the GUARD VA Benefits Act? New candidates must understand the immense value that veterans bring to our communities across Colorado. Their actions and commitments should reflect a dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans and military families.
The Importance of Advocacy
With ongoing discussions about potential cuts to programs that directly impact veterans and their families, it’s more important than ever to align ourselves with candidates who share the VFW’s Priority Goals. These goals are not mere talking points; they embody the needs and rights of those who have served our nation. By electing representatives who prioritize veteran issues, we can help safeguard essential services and benefits.
Register to Vote
Voter registration and participation are crucial in amplifying our voices. According to surveys within the VFW community, an impressive 89.7% of us are registered to vote, and 99.3% of those registered voters actively participate in elections. When I visit new members of Congress, I remind them that there are nearly 700,000 veterans and family members in Colorado, and our collective voice matters.
Get Involved
Here’s what we need from you: if you’re not already registered, take the time to do so! As Congress returns home to campaign, download and print a copy of the latest VFWCO Legislative Priorities from VFWCO Linktree https://linktr.ee/vfwco . Attend townhalls of all candidates—wear your Auxiliary or VFW cap and sit in the front seats. Let them know you’re a proud VFW member!
Speak Up
Engage with the candidates by asking questions based on the VFWCO priorities. Your voice can influence the conversation and help highlight the issues that matter most to our community. Remember, all politics is local, and your participation can make a significant difference.
Together, let’s ensure that veterans, military personnel, and their families receive the attention and support they deserve. Your vote is your voice—make it count!
Western Slope Post 3981 & Auxiliary members received a surprise at their October Meeting.
It was the VFW’s 2023-2024 National Community Service Award in recognition for the Community Service and Veteran Support in Mesa County.
Congratulation VFW Post 3981 & Auxiliary for your outstanding work!!
Western Slope VFW Post 3981 and Auxiliary 3981 in Grand Junction hosted a Stand Down in Sept 2024 and served over 175 Veterans-in-need. Twenty-eight members of the Post and Auxiliary volunteered their time to assist Veterans during this event.
Sixteen VSO's were also on hand to provide Veterans with information concerning Veteran Benefits and available resources for Veterans experiencing financial and housing challenges. The event was held at the Western Region One Source facility in Grand Junction.
VFW Post 5231 participated in the 2024 Montezuma Stand Down for Veterans. The event was held at the Montezuma County Annex which was perfect location for the Stand Down. The stand down had an amazing turn out of 192 veterans, 315 family members, 12 caretakers/others, 8 homeless veterans, and 69 vendor for a total attendance of 588 from all different ages, races, etc. They had veterans from Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington states.
Vendors came from far and wide that made the event happy, comforting, and welcoming. There were around 40 vendors with a wide range of services for veterans. The vendors in attendance included VFW Post 5231 & Auxiliary, DAV Post 44 & Auxiliary, American Legion 75 & Auxiliary, Elks Lodge 1789, Daughters of the American Revolution, Military Women’s Memorial from Colorado Springs, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Alcoholics Anonymous, Cross Roads Church, First Baptist Church, Celebrate Recovery and the Way Recovery, Quilts of Valor, Volunteers of America, several nurses, massage therapists, acupuncturists, barbers, Emiko’s Wells, the Durango VA, Major Mortgage, Ertel’s Axis Health, Montezuma Hearing, Montezuma Social Services, Montezuma County Veteran Services, Southwest Center for Independence, PASCO, Montezuma County Housing, Southwest Wellness, Colorado Workforce, Pet Pantry, Mesa Media, LOR Foundation, and many more.
The event was live streamed by Mesa Media; you can view the stream by going to https://www.youtube.com/live/uHQYmU4tQJk
Great job VFW Post 5231 for you outstanding work!!
Fort Logan National Cemetery proudly hosted its 10th annual Saluting Branches Day of Service on September 18, 2024, marking a decade of dedication to honoring our veterans. This year’s event saw an incredible turnout, with over 300 arborists and landscape professionals coming together to provide nearly $500,000 worth of tree and landscape services, completely free of charge. This impressive effort continues to demonstrate the community’s commitment to our veteran heroes and their resting place.
Thanks to this overwhelming level of participation, Fort Logan once again became the largest Saluting Branches event in the entire nation for the second year in a row! The collaboration was monumental, with 10 public municipalities along the Front Range joining forces with over 40 private companies from across Colorado. Together, they worked tirelessly across the cemetery’s 200 acres, performing vital tasks like planting, pruning, providing plant health care (PHC), and removing and stumping trees.
This year’s primary objective was the ambitious planting of 80 trees, aimed at enhancing Fort Logan’s urban tree canopy and increasing the diversity of species on site. These new additions will not only beautify the cemetery but also provide a lasting tribute to those who served. The hard work and dedication of these volunteers is helping to create a healthier, more vibrant environment for generations to come.
A special thank you goes out to all the generous sponsors and donors whose support made this event such a resounding success. If you are interested in volunteering or supporting next year’s Saluting Branches event, please reach out to site leader Luke Killoran at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 720-963-5246. Save the date for our next event on 9/17/25!
Due to the increased volume of claimants for the PACT Act, we are only seeing individuals with appointments. Please call the office of your choice to schedule an appointment.
We do understand the importance of your claim, benefits, or questions you have. We ask for your patience and understanding regarding wait times, returning of phone calls, and scheduling.
Thank you!
VFW Department of Colorado Service Office – Lakewood
Phone number – 303-914-5595
Address: 155 Van Gordon Ste 205, Lakewood CO 80228
Office hours are Monday – Thursday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Matt Cummings, Department Service Officer
Ralph “Obie” Oberhelman, Assistant Department Service Officer
Ginny Rosa, Office Manager/Claims Consultant
VFW Department of Colorado Service Officer – Grand Junction
Phone number – 970-245-4156
Address: 561 25 Road, Ste 101, Grand Junction CO 81505
Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Phone number – 970-245-4156
Address: 561 25 Road, Ste 101, Grand Junction CO 81505
Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Dick Ball, Assistant Department Service Officer
VFW Department of Colorado Service Officer – Security
Phone number – 720-840-1422
Address: VFW Post 3917, 4715 Clearview Drive, Security CO 80931
Office Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Phone number – 720-840-1422
Address: VFW Post 3917, 4715 Clearview Drive, Security CO 80931
Office Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Matthew Lewis, Assistant Department Service Office
The Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S has a rich tradition of serving veterans, military families and their local communities and is proud to be the home of one of the VFW founding organizations. Is was in 1899 that the roots of the VFW began when the National Society of the Army of the Philippines from Denver, Colorado and the American Veterans of Foreign Service from Columbus, Ohio formed to serve the veterans of the Spanish American War (1898) and the Philippines war (1899 - 1902). In 1914 these two organizations merged forming the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. In 1936 Congress chartered the VFW and it continues its rich tradition in enhancing the lives of millions through its community service programs and special projects.
When America called our veterans gave and through the VFW they continue to give today. Our members common bond and shared respect drive us to support those who've born the burden of battle - from WW II through service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other modern theaters. From Memorial Day and Veterans Day services around the state, to overseas troop support such as Operation Uplink, we make a difference. Our benefits assistance, advocacy for veterans and our troops, military transition guidance, veterans employment opportunities, camaraderie and community service proves that NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS.
VFW Headquarters has increased the cost of buddy poppies and is requiring a VFW Membership Number to process the order. Effectively immediately please use the Cloth Buddy Poppy Form OR the Tin/Metal Buddy Poppy Form that was revised 7/31/2024 and is attached below for the traditional cloth poppy. Traditional Red Buddy Poppies can still be ordered.
There is a difference in price between the traditional cloth poppy and the tin poppy. Please verify which type of poppy you would like to order.