Colorado has a proud tradition of honoring its military veterans and serving as host to some of the nation’s most important military installations. With four Medal of Honor recipients hailing from Pueblo alone, all of Colorado is in many ways the “Home of the Heroes.”
More than 420,000 veterans reside in Colorado, and 2,800 Coloradans are deployed overseas. Veterans and active-duty military are key components of Colorado’s economy and social fabric. As a society, we have a moral obligation to provide fully for our veterans and active-duty personnel. My father served in the Army during World War II and is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery. He took great pride in his military service, and my respect for the military and our veterans is derived from my father’s experience.
As Governor, I will make it a priority to improve state-delivered services to our veterans and their families. I will fully support veterans by advocating on their behalf and providing leadership on issues of importance. While the federal government’s responsibilities and resources are greater, Colorado can play an important role. The state can and should take a strong position on issues affecting our veterans, such as the relocation of the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Denver to Fitzsimons, even where we have little statutory or financial role.
Last November, I worked for the successful passage of Referendum C, which created important opportunities for the state to address the needs of troops returning home to Colorado from Iraq and Afghanistan and to meet the needs of our existing veterans.
Sadly, 1,800 aging veterans die each day around the country. Most are World War II veterans. Veterans’ needs for nursing, long-term, and other health-care services are escalating. Colorado operates nursing homes for veterans in Aurora, Florence, Monte Vista, Rifle, Trinidad, and Walsenburg. But we know from the recent troubles at the nursing home in Aurora at Fitzsimons that the state must do a better job of caring for our veterans. State veterans’ nursing homes are an integral part of VA health support; as Governor I will work hard to honor the commitments the state has made to enhance our nursing homes.
We also must provide greater support and services for our rural veterans and their families, including access to health care, compensation, pension benefits, and additional information. According to the VA, $20 billion in pension benefits goes unclaimed nationally because those who are eligible are unaware that these funds are available. As Governor, I will ensure our veterans and their families receive every available dollar.
I also will ask the legislature to improve the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Program and the training given to these key providers of veteran services. With little state support, the services are typically limited, vary widely in quality, and are sometimes nonexistent.
With the pending return of the entire 4th Infantry Division to Fort Carson, we must make sure they and all returning troops are prepared for the eventual transition to civilian life. As Governor, I will make sure the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Personnel, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are fully equipped to provide a high level of job training, rehabilitation, and business opportunities.
Colorado’s military service members have sacrificed a great deal for their fellow citizens. They have given their lives, their future well-being, their very best in every respect. Political leaders owe our veterans and their family members far more than rhetoric. As Governor, I will work to ensure our state government’s services are commensurate with these sacrifices. To best accomplish this, I will ensure that veterans’ voices are heard in Colorado and that veterans are part of every discussion regarding their future.
