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1 BIG THING: HONORING COLORADO’S VETERANS
Supporting the honorary promotion of Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey III last year.
What’s happening: On Veterans Day, we honor the bravery and dedication of service members who have risked their lives to protect our country, including the over 300,000 veterans who call Colorado home.
What I believe: In Colorado, our veterans deserve to be recognized not only for their enormous sacrifices and dedication, but also for their many contributions to our state’s history and rich tradition of military service. I’ll always fight to ensure Colorado’s service members, veterans, and military families have the care and resources they have earned.
2. HELPING SERVICE MEMBERS AFFECTED BY TOXIC POLLUTION
What happened: Whether they served in the jungles of Vietnam or the mountains of Afghanistan, generations of America’s veterans have been exposed to toxic pollution while fighting for our country.
What we did: In 2022, I helped pass the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act to get those veterans the comprehensive health care and compensation they deserve. After years of inaction from Washington, the PACT Act was a bipartisan effort that represented the largest expansion of benefits for veterans in decades.
Good news: Thanks to the PACT Act, over 50,000 veterans in Colorado have received millions of dollars in compensation and access to essential health care. I’m grateful so many of our state’s brave veterans are benefiting from this historic bill.
3. SUPPORTING VETERANS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
What’s happening: For some returning service members, the transition back to civilian life can be difficult. Each year, 6,000 veterans die by suicide and many more face years of mental health struggles like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
What I did: I cosponsored a resolution to recognize November 17th 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: We have an obligation not only to honor the bravery of service members, but also to ask veterans in our communities how they are doing. Over the next few weeks, I encourage every Coloradan to reach out to returning service members and veterans to let them know they’re not alone.
4. RESOURCES FOR COLORADO VETERANS
- Veteran Crisis Line: Veterans undergoing a crisis can call the Veteran Crisis Line to speak to qualified responders ready to offer support – available 24/7 by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
- Colorado Veterans Project: As veterans navigate new careers and opportunities, community events offer important ways to support and empower them. Learn more about getting involved with this nonprofit and view their comprehensive list of additional resources for veterans and military families.
- County Veterans Service Offices: Veteran Service Offices offer free assistance in every Colorado County for veterans in filing claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Find an office near you.
- 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.
- Service Dogs for Veterans: Veterans can get connected with service dogs for free through Freedom Service Dogs. Learn more here.
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