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1 BIG THING: HONORING OUR VETERANS
On Veterans Day, we recognize the bravery and dedication of service members who have risked their lives to protect our country.
Last weekend, I was honored to support the honorary promotion of Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey III, a 22-year Army veteran and member of the renowned Tuskegee Airman. Having served in a military that was still segregated, Lt. Col. Harvey’s incredible courage and skill earned him repeated honors, including as the military's first black fighter jet pilot to fly in Korean airspace and the winner of the military’s original ‘Top Gun’ competition. That’s why earlier this year, I urged the U.S. Department of Defense to review his many accomplishments and consider him for this well-earned promotion. I’m pleased this American hero is getting the recognition he deserves.
Lt. Col. Harvey receives his honorary promotion at Denver’s Empower Field.
This week, I was saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, World War II veteran Francis Lovett. Francis was a member of the 10th Mountain Division that trained at Camp Hale and helped defeat the Nazis – many of whom came back to Colorado to establish our outdoor recreation industry. Last year, Francis helped us convince President Biden to protect the Camp Hale-Continental Divide as the first national monument of his administration. Francis articulated – with an experience and a voice that very few have – what Camp Hale meant to him and the generations of veterans who have and will come after him.
Sitting with Francis at the Vail Town Hall last month to celebrate the Camp Hale National Monument designation.
2. CHECKING IN ON VETERANS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
What’s happening: For some returning service members, the transition back to civilian life can be difficult. Veterans can face years of mental health struggles like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
What I did: Earlier this year, I cosponsored a resolution to recognize November 12 as National Warrior Call Day – a day when Americans are encouraged to take a moment to check in on veterans in their community.
What you can do: More than 400,000 veterans call Colorado home. It is our responsibility to support them and make sure they know they aren’t alone. One call can save a life.
3. RESOURCES FOR COLORADO VETERANS
- Veteran Crisis Line: Veterans undergoing a crisis can speak to qualified responders ready to offer support by calling the new Veteran Crisis Line – available by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
- County Veterans Service Offices: Every Colorado county has a Veteran Service Office that offers free assistance to veterans for filing their claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about your county’s office is available here.
- Colorado Veterans Project: Community events are important for empowering veterans and offering support as they navigate new careers and opportunities. Learn more about getting involved with this nonprofit and view a comprehensive list of additional resources for veterans and military families.
- Education and Training Benefits: The VA can help veterans, service members, and their families with career counseling, college tuition, and managing education and training benefits. More information is available here.
- Free National Parks Pass: U.S. veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible to receive free annual or lifetime passes that cover entrance at national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and other federal recreational lands. Learn more, and discover places to get an interagency pass here.
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