Rumors swirl about closure of Disabled American Veterans office

Posted: Oct 19, 2010 5:45 PM by Zach Thaxton
Updated: Oct 19, 2010 5:47 PM

The Disabled American Veterans office in Colorado Springs is not closing, contrary to a fast-spreading rumor that was originally based on factual information.

The office functions as a liason between disabled veterans and the Veterans Affairs office to help veterans work through the complex process of applying for and receiving benefits from the VA. Monday, workers at the Colorado Springs office were notified that the office would permanently close on November 30. Workers then notified clients of the impending closure.

Michael Terry, executive director of the DAV Department of Colorado, says the announced closures of the Colorado Springs, Denver, and Grand Junction offices operated by the Department of Colorado, were the result of an estimated $500,000 to $600,000 budget shortfall. The DAV earns its revenue from sales at DAV thrift stores. Only two DAV thrift stores remain in Colorado, including a Colorado Springs location. There were once five thrift stores.

Terry says the DAV has applied for a $500,000 annual grant at the national level, which will now keep the Colorado Springs, Denver, and Grand Junction offices open. "Department of Colorado has had this service program for 34 years and we've taken care of vets and that's what we do," Terry said, "and we will continue to do it one way or the other." One worker at the Colorado Springs DAV estimates the office provides services to around 20,000 disabled veterans.