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
Department of Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.
1400 Carr Street - Lakewood, CO
General Orders No. 2, October 15, 2024, Series 2024-2025
- Post & District Inspections should be completed by December 31, 2024. Send (1) copy to Department Headquarters for the Department Inspector to review. If he finds any irregularities, he will confer with the State Commander and a letter of recommendation will be written to the Post Commander.
- Section 709 of the VFW National By-Laws concerns Disposition of Real Property, i.e. Post Homes. Written notice of such proposal has first to be given to each member of said unit at least ten (10) days prior to such regular or special meeting and at least 30 days to the Department Commander prior to the regular or special meeting, at which the proposal is to be considered. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of approval of those present and voting at such regular or special meeting.
- It is the obligation of every member to GET OUT AND VOTE for the candidates of their choice. Take a friend or friends with you to the voting place. Election Day is November 5th and you must be registered to exercise your right to vote.
- Section 218 (a) (11), Duty of Trustees, Trustees shall not be eligible to serve on committees or as officers whose books, records and accounts are audited by the Trustees. Post Commanders and Post Trustees are reminded that the 2nd Post Trustee Report of Audit is due to Department Headquarters by October 25, 2023 to meet All State requirements. Please see your Post Quartermaster for forms and records.
- Please be informed that any Post or District requesting a Department Officer to attend a VFW function should make such request in writing to the State Commander. Please allow sufficient time, at least three (3) weeks, for Department to make arrangements.
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.
Greetings Comrades.
This article is dedicated to the Post and District Commanders and Quartermasters. It is imperative for you to get your audits and bonds in on time. There are deadlines for each audit and the bond is due by September 1st.
Start your bonds on August 1st and get them into the Department, guess what? Your bond won't be late, it will not affect your bond for the next year, and the Department Commander won't suspend your charter.
If you don't know when your audits are due you can find that information on vfwco.org.
VFW Members
New District Status Report
The bond application is fillable and can be emailed directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The audit report is also fillable and can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This article may sound like I'm complaining, I'm not! These are requirements in the By-Laws, that we as elected officers of this organization have to abide by. If you don't know don’t be afraid to ask, I will answer my phone, or call you back, to help you anyway I can.
Fred Scheck
Department Sr Vice Commander
I feel like some of you have gotten to know me recently, but not all of you have and I figured, instead of barking orders and telling you that you need to get your bonds and audits in at a normal time or tell you how you need to recruit everyone eligible into our ranks. I thought I'd share what got me to be in the VFW and the Passion I have for this organization.
I first joined the VFW in San Diego at VFW 7420 in 2006 shortly after I came home from deployment and never really thought of the VFW again. I didn't even pay my dues for years. Then on 9/30/2014, 10 years ago I lost one of my Best Navy friends to Suicide. RIP Sean Flaugher, this one hit hard. He was my roommate in A-school, we'd later work together in San Diego shortly before I got out. About 9 months later after Sean died I would be struggling with my own mental health and gratefully soon find my community and my purpose at VFW Post 1 and fall into a rabbit hole of growth from just a guy who showed Art with Art of War Project, in the Post. To help found the Veterans Arts Council, being the Head curator and assistant director, to later ascend and become a leader in the Post, first as Surgeon and then later Post Adjutant/ Quartermaster and currently Commander and continuing my journey into the VFW Department of Colorado chairs as the State Adjutant/ Quartermaster.
People ask me why as a young veteran at 40 years old; WHY do all I do for the VFW. Simply put it saved me, it helped bring me out of the dark, it gave me a sense of purpose that I lost. It gave me my veteran family back; it was where I needed to be. It’s why I’m so passionate about growing this organization and trying to recruit every eligible veteran into it. I know those who we’ve had a positive impact on, I talk to them every day, I see them grow as I did. I wish more who chose the path of suicide found a place in a VFW first, they would have gotten through it, they might still be here. I’m glad I did.
I hope it continues well into the future after I’m gone. The VFW is important, and it's a pillar of the Veteran community since our Founder returned from war 125 years ago. That's why I expect greatness from everyone in the VFW, that’s why I am #stillserving!
Jesse Eastburn
Department Adjutant/Quartermaster
The VFW Airlift: Time to Make a Difference!
The VFW Airlift is just around the corner, and we need your help! We’re currently $15,000 short of our fundraising goal for the year. With increased demand and rising food prices, every dollar counts. You can donate to the VFW Airlift and also apply for the Uniting to Combat Hunger Grant, which is a proven way to obtain matching funds. By sending up to $1,500 to the Department of Colorado, specifying it for the VFW Airlift, and filling out the grant forms to send back to National, you can receive $1,500 in matching funds! Every contribution helps as we enter the home stretch of this giving season. For more details, visit VFW Post Grants.
Have You Improved Your Post This Year?
If you’ve done any work on your post—be it a new roof, heater, parking lot repairs, or plumbing—you may be eligible for additional funding! There’s a grant available on the same page, allowing you to receive up to $2,500 back from National. Follow the instructions provided to access this valuable resource! For more details, visit VFW Post Grants.
If you’ve done any work on your post—be it a new roof, heater, parking lot repairs, or plumbing—you may be eligible for additional funding! There’s a grant available on the same page, allowing you to receive up to $2,500 back from National. Follow the instructions provided to access this valuable resource! For more details, visit VFW Post Grants.
Support for Veterans During the Holidays
Lastly, the holiday season can be particularly challenging for veterans and their families, often seeing a rise in suicide rates. Please take a moment to educate your members about the Veteran Crisis Line. They can reach out by visiting Veterans Crisis Line, dialing 988 and pressing 1, or texting 838255 for immediate support. This vital resource serves both veterans and those who care for them.
Lastly, the holiday season can be particularly challenging for veterans and their families, often seeing a rise in suicide rates. Please take a moment to educate your members about the Veteran Crisis Line. They can reach out by visiting Veterans Crisis Line, dialing 988 and pressing 1, or texting 838255 for immediate support. This vital resource serves both veterans and those who care for them.
Thank you for your continued support of our veterans and the VFW Airlift. Together, we can make a meaningful difference!
Todd Van Sant
Department Jr. Vice Commander
Brothers and Sisters,
James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
I pray this finds everyone doing well. The ask is that if you or someone you know needs prayer or assistance please reach out to your District or Post Chaplains. They are there to serve and assist you how every they can. If you cannot reach your District or Post Chaplain, please reach out to me.
National Chaplain Zoom Training has resumed. The Auxiliaries are very much welcome to attend the training. If any Auxiliary Chaplains are interested, please reach out to me. I will see that you receive the information for when the training will be held and how to attend.
New VFW Chaplain Orientation, Past National Chaplain Deb Halter will be giving an orientation for New VFW Chaplains on 10 October, 8:30PM EST. If you can attend, please do. You will learn a lot about the VFW Chaplain and if you’re not a Chaplain you can learn something about what your Chaplain does.
Link to Join Zoom Meeting for New VFW Chaplains on October 10th
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87331878380?pwd=ORtd4jKeausqs7rJbpZvQYKLQXjxq0.1
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87331878380?pwd=ORtd4jKeausqs7rJbpZvQYKLQXjxq0.1
Meeting ID: 873 3187 8380
Passcode: 759822
Passcode: 759822
Auxiliary Chaplain Orientation, Past National Chaplain Deb Halter will be presenting an Auxiliary VFW Chaplain Orientation on 15 October, 8:30PM EST. Please attend and after this training continue with the monthly training the National Chaplains offer.
Here is the link to Join the Auxiliary Chaplains Orientation Meeting on October 15th
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89640095319?pwd=CCKAi8zbbtAFsLZZr7Ht5ZeCz7LEku.1
Meeting ID: 896 4009 5319
Passcode: 942810
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89640095319?pwd=CCKAi8zbbtAFsLZZr7Ht5ZeCz7LEku.1
Meeting ID: 896 4009 5319
Passcode: 942810
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHAPLAINCY
During times of turmoil and war, mankind always looks to religion and religious figures for comfort. Both ancient and modern societies have turned to religion and communities have extended the comfort of religion to those serving in the heat of battle. Priests and other religions figures petition gods and spirits for victory in war. The Scriptures often refers to priests accompanying troops into battle. (see: Deut. 20:2-4; Joshua 6:2-5).
The modern chaplaincy’s roots and origin are essentially in the medieval church. The word chaplain dates from this period. A fourth century story tells of the pagan Roman soldier called Martin of Tours. One day as he and his soldiers were approaching the gates of the city of Amiens, he met a scantily clad beggar. He impulsively cut his military cloak in half to share with the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Christ wearing the half-cloak he had given away. He heard Christ say to the angels: “Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe.” When Martin woke, he found his cloak restored to wholeness.
As of October 15, 2024
| District 1 | 2023 | 2024 | % | District 8 | 2023 | 2024 | % | ||
| 1 | Denver | 1017 | 753 | 74.04 | 859 | Leadville | 26 | 21 | 80.76 |
| 322 | Englewood | 102 | 84 | 82.35 | 1166 | Buena Vista | 105 | 100 | 95.23 |
| 3471 | Morrison | 57 | 53 | 92.98 | 3820 | Salida | 58 | 49 | 84.48 |
| 4266 | Parker | 108 | 80 | 74.07 | 7563 | Black Hawk | 29 | 24 | 82.75 |
| 4666 | Littleton | 97 | 96 | 98.96 | 8661 | Bailey | 105 | 95 | 90.47 |
| 5061 | Denver | 236 | 201 | 85.16 | 10721 | Minturn | 101 | 89 | 88.11 |
| 9644 | Fort Logan | 396 | 344 | 86.86 | 11411 | Lake George | 43 | 41 | 95.34 |
| 12230 | Castle Rock | 26 | 41 | 158* | 12009 | Conifer | 109 | 101 | 92.66 |
| TOTAL | 2039 | 1652 | 81.02 | TOTAL | 576 | 520 | 90.27 | ||
| District 2 | District 9 | ||||||||
| 2788 | Penrose | 110 | 84 | 76.36 | 4264 | Stmbt Spgs | 89 | 74 | 83.14 |
| 3641 | Pueblo | 74 | 66 | 89.18 | 4265 | Craig | 98 | 83 | 84.69 |
| 4061 | Canon City | 239 | 188 | 78.66 | 5261 | Rangely | 20 | 15 | 75 |
| 5812 | Pueblo West | 189 | 170 | 89.94 | 5843 | Meeker | 38 | 36 | 94.73 |
| 7305 | Colo City | 44 | 39 | 88.63 | 9374 | Kremmling | 26 | 22 | 84.61 |
| 8898 | Boone | 42 | 37 | 88.09 | TOTAL | 271 | 230 | 84.87 | |
| 12063 | Westcliffe | 55 | 55 | 100* | |||||
| TOTAL | 753 | 639 | 84.86 | ||||||
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.
The references and resources below are to help you get started supporting local military units and their families through VFW’s Adopt-a-Unit (AAU) program. Before submitting AAU paperwork to VFW National HQ or sending care packages to a unit: Get permission from the unit’s Commanding officer or Senior NCO and review the information in the Adopt-a-Unit Application. VFW HQs does not have a list of names &/or addresses of units or service members.
Resources
VFW Post/Auxiliary members are the BEST resources to make contact with a local military unit. Ask if anyone has a friend/relative currently serving in the military; or even knows of someone working/serving on a local base.
VFW & Auxiliary Department Chairmen are a critically important resource, they receive training on VFW troop support programs and receive regular communications from VFW HQs. Your own hometown community (Churches, workplace, schools, VSOs etc.) As with your membership, ask around to see if anyone has a friend or relative currently serving in the military or working at a base or reserve center.
The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce that requests for the State of Colorado Military Honors Stipend will be accepted starting January 15, 2022 from eligible organizations that have completed the registration process.
Per C.R.S. 28-5-507, a local unit of a congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization or its auxiliary is eligible to receive a $75 stipend for providing an honor guard detail at the funeral of an eligible, honorably discharged veteran. Second, third, and fourth honors services performed on the same day can also receive up to an additional stipend of $25 each for expenses incurred for mileage, transportation costs, and meals, not to exceed $75 in total. If the local unit provides a student to play “Taps,” the local unit may pay some or all the stipend to the student. Stipends will be paid based upon availability of funds.
To be eligible to receive the reimbursement:
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.
The VFW Department of Colorado Foundation has gone through some changes again. We have new administrative staff and have gotten back into a deal with the Veteran’s Trust Fund. All grant applications will come to VFW Department of Colorado Headquarters. The amount has not changed, we will still grant up to $500 on a one-time basis for emergencies. The application and requirements will be on the VFW Department of Colorado website.
The Department of Colorado also has the Ralph W. Emerson/Jack Gulden Memorial Blood/Cancer Fund. The application may apply once every 12 months with a lifetime maximum of 2 times for a grant of $500 to cover out of pocket expenses. The application must be a current member of the VFW or it’s auxiliary and must include their member number, and auxiliary members must include a copy of their membership card. This fund covers acceptable receipted expenses for the following: treatments such a chemo, radiation, surgical and any other medical procedure concerning cancer treatments; blood work, including transfusions, platelet infusions, transplants, and any other procedure concerning blood; travel receipts will be accepted in the form of fuel receipts only. For more information please see the Department of Colorado Website.
The last fund that the VFW Department of Colorado offers is the Katy Rimpley Service Animal Assistance Fund. The applicant may apply once every 12 months for a grant of $500 to help cover out of pocket expenses for pet insurance, veterinary appointments/treatments/inoculations, and pet food. The application must be a current member of the VFW or it’s auxiliary and must include their member number, and auxiliary members must include a copy of their membership card. Receipts MUST accompany the grant application. Please see the Department of Colorado website for more information.
Our funds are fairly stable currently but all donations are greatly appreciated to continue to be able to serve our veterans and their families. All donations are tax deductible. If you have any questions please call Department Headquarters at 303-421-1630.
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!
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!!
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!
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!
