Veterans, law enforcement and even military spouses honored
by E.E.Mullens
OUR WORLD — May is the month that traditionally kicks off the summer holiday season with many families planning vacations that coincide with Memorial Day. Throughout the nation local communities plan events to honor those who gave their all in protecting the county in calls to arms.
There are special days to honor many people, whether or not they have worn uniforms to defend our freedoms, from Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 12), Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15), Armed Forces Day (May 20), and of course, Memorial Day, celebrated in the U.S. on the last Monday of May, which this year falls on Monday, May 29.
Here in Colorado a recent snap shot of information concerning veterans in the state was passed along to the board of county commissioners from Huerfano County Veteran Service Officer Destry DeWolf at the board of commissioners’ last regular session on May 9.
The information from the Veterans Administration covered veteran populations by county and congressional districts, total expenditures, compensation and pensions, educational and vocation rehabilitation and employment, medical care and unique VA patients (those wh0 received treatment at a VA health care facility.
The information showed the veteran population in Huerfano County was 702, with total expenditures of $11,467, with $6,492 in compensation and pensions, 97 participants in education and vocational rehab and employment, 4,858 who have received some medical care and 373 who have received treatment at a VA health care facility.
In Las Animas County those numbers are, 1,244 resident veterans, total expenditures of $17,229, $10,920 in compensation and pension, 222 taking advantage of education-vocational rehabilitation and employment, 6,051 receiving medical care and 520 unique patients received medical services at a VA facility.
Colorado is a popular veteran retirement destination and many in the state were first introduced to Colorado during their active military service as the state contains large U.S. Army, U.S.A.F, NORAD and Space Command bases.
The total Colorado veteran population listed in the fiscal year 2022 report was 374,233 with 50,219 living in the Third Congressional District.
If you want more information about the services available from your Huerfano County VSO, call Destry DeWolf at 719-738-3000 ext. 838 or email ddewolf@huerfano.us. In Las Animas County, contact VSO Raymond Odum at either 719-846-3940 or 719-846-4554 or email r.odum@lasanimascounty.org.
The 2023 Armed Forces Day Parade in downtown Trinidad is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20. For additional information about the parade you may contact Linda Barron at 719-846-8228 or Tommy D Productions at 719-680-4677.
