A group that has made a difference in thousands of veterans lives is celebrating a milestone. Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center is celebrating 10 years as a nonprofit.

The nonprofit marked the occasion with a concert at Cowboys Night Club Thursday night.

Mount Carmel helps veterans and their families with things including mental health services, housing and finding work.

"For 10 years, to be able to serve and support those who served, especially in this amazing military town, with my great staff, to be able to do this to help out with job placement, counseling, supportive services, it's really an honor," said Bob McLaughlin, Executive Director of Mount Carmel.

Mount Carmel says it has helped more than 50,000 veterans with its services.

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El Paso County is hosting its 2026 Veterans Expo this Wednesday at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, giving veterans, their families, and active-duty service members a chance to connect with more than 100 vendors offering benefits assistance and support resources.

Attendees can get help filing or re-filing benefit claims, meet with support groups and sit in on informational classes.

Charles Graves with El Paso County Veteran Services said navigating the benefits system can be an overwhelming experience for many veterans.

"It can be extremely difficult and frustrating for veterans. They have a question, they don't know who to call, and so many times they will call us, and we do have many of those resources available," said Graves.

The expo aims to cut through that confusion by bringing resources directly to veterans in one place.

"Getting their questions answered, getting questions answered that they didn't know that they had, finding out about benefits that are available to them that they didn't know that they had, and also all the different resources that help veterans in the area," said Graves.

The expo kicks off at 9 a.m. this Wednesday. Free parking is available at the county parking garage behind the center and at the Olympic Museum.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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A major resource fair for veterans is right around the corner.

According to a news release from the El Paso County Government, veterans, their families, and community members are allowed to attend the free full-day expo on Wednesday, June 10.

Veterans will be connected with roughly 120 veteran-focused organizations, which will provide things such as benefits assistance, healthcare information, support for housing, and employment resources.

Hosted at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, the vendor fair will be located in the upper and lower lobbies of the Pikes Peak Center.

The event will run from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Wednesday and will be broken up into two sessions: a morning session from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and an afternoon session from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Inside the auditorium, there will be keynote speakers from the Colorado National Guard, the Veterans Health Administration, and the Veterans Benefits Administration.

The Veterans Expo is about connection, connecting Veterans to resources, families to support, and organizations to one another, said Charles Graves, El Paso County Division of Veterans Services Manager, in the release. By bringing everything together in one place, were helping reduce barriers, increase awareness, and strengthen the network of support available to those who have served.

Performances will also be held, including that by Walker Wilson, a Nashville-based singer and songwriter who will be performing for the morning program.

Click for more about the event.

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The City of Fountain and Army officials are teaming up to launch the Carson Connector, a free rideshare service for service members, their families, and base workers at Fort Carson.

The Carson Connector officially launched Monday, replacing the base's old shuttle service. The City of Fountain and Army officials are holding a ribbon-cutting for the new program at 1 p.m.

The system uses 15-passenger vans with designated pickup and drop-off locations throughout the base. In addition to stops around the base, the vans also travel to locations off Post that will be served, including the South Academy Highlands shopping center and Pikes Peak State College.

Rides can be ordered through the Ride Fountain App for iPhone and Android by calling 719-322-2007.

According to the City of Fountain, a total of 8 vans will operate daily.

A military spouse and City of Fountain employee said the service is a huge relief for families without reliable transportation.

"I am a spouse, um, and for the past 10-11 years I have been noticing that there was a lot of, um, soldiers that have not had any, um, cars or vehicles to get around and just walk in blazing heat or in the cold."

For more information about Carson Connector, click here.

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (KOAA) More than seven decades after the Korean War, two veterans living on opposite sides of the world remain connected by the same memories.

One lives in Colorado Springs. The other lives in Seoul, South Korea.

News 5's Peter Choi traveled from Colorado Springs to Seoul to deliver a message from one veteran to another. It's a reminder that the bonds forged during war can last a lifetime.

More than 76 years after the Korean War began in 1950, life in South Korea looks very different. The streets of Seoul are crowded and fast-paced, filled with towering buildings, packed subways, and modern technology.

But for some veterans in both South Korea and the United States, the memories of war have never faded.

The first time I met Juan "Paul" Romero was during an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., in October 2025.

Standing at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the memories came rushing back. Romero was just 18 years old when he was sent to Korea.

"I've never been there, and when I hit Korea, I went right straight to the front lines," said Romero.

He still remembers the fear.

"War is not a pretty thing," said Romero.

He also remembers the South Korean soldiers who fought alongside American troops.

"We called them the ROK Army," he said.

Though they didn't always speak the same language, Romero says they shared a common purpose.

"They were soldiers, you know... young men fighting right alongside of us," said Romero.

76 years later, Romero still carries those memories. He wanted to send a message of gratitude and remembrance to the Korean soldiers who stood beside him.

"Freedom isn't cheap ... and the South Korean people know that," said Romero.

That sacrifice is still remembered throughout South Korea.

At the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, exhibits tell the story of families forced to flee their homes and soldiers fighting with limited supplies. One display captures the moment the 1953 armistice agreement was signed, bringing a pause to active fighting.

Inside the museum are reminders of a war that changed millions of lives, photographs, uniforms, and names etched into history.

Somewhere in Seoul, another Korean War veteran still carries those memories.

Inside his Seoul home, surrounded by photos and medals, Korean War veteran Jae-Shik Ryu remembers the pain of war.

"I was just 18 years old when I went to war as a student soldier," said Ryu.

He remembers dozens of B-24 bombers flying overhead and colorful parachutes filling the sky. The war left lasting scars. Ryu says bullets are still lodged in his chest decades later.

"If we lost ground, we had to fall back. If we took it back, we moved forward again," he said. "The land we fought over is the land where people live today."

When I showed him a video of Romero's letter, Ryu listened carefully.

Then he shared a message of his own.

"If the United States had not helped during the Korean War, South Korea would not exist today," said Ryu. "We are deeply grateful to the American people."

Though they grew up in different countries, spoke different languages, and lived completely different lives, both men were forever shaped by the same war.

It was a conflict that divided nations and families. Yet somehow, it also connected two strangers separated by thousands of miles and more than seven decades of time.

Their shared history is one neither man will ever forget. News5's Peter Choi traveled from Colorado Springs to Seoul to deliver a message between two Korean War veterans whose lives were forever shaped by the same conflict.

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Originally dubbed "Decoration Days", the origins of Memorial Day date back to a post-Civil War Union when the first practices were recognized in 1868 to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers according to the National Cemetery Administration.

Officially becoming a Federal Holiday in 1971, Memorial Day honors veterans from across US history who died for the country.

On Thursday, the 4th Infantry Division with Fort Carson held one of its first Memorial Day ceremonies honoring those soldiers from our region who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Watch Fort Carson's Mountain Post War Memorial Ceremony In The Video Below

With our extensive military population and connection in Southern Colorado, there are many ceremonies and ways to honor them. Here is a look at a few.

Pikes Peak National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

At Pikes Peak National Cemetery on the southeast side of Colorado Springs, the Memorial Day ceremony starts at 10 am. On their Facebook page, they say to consider carpooling because parking is limited. Anyone who would like to volunteer on Saturday to lay flags on veterans' graves ahead of the ceremony on Monday can register here.

News5 will be in attendance and plans to stream the ceremonies live on KOAA.com

Pueblo Roselawn Cemetery Memorial Day Mass

Held for years at Roselawn Cemetery, a Memorial Day Mass is scheduled to be held at 10:00 at Roselawn Cemetery at Bishop's Mausoleum.

Pueblo Riverwalk Memorial Day Ceremony

Also in Pueblo, the Pueblo Veterans Council Memorial Day ceremony will be at 11 a.m. under the Veterans Bridge on the Pueblo Riverwalk. It will include a flyover by Doss Aviation.

News5 has been to many of the events listed. Check out last year's ceremonies from Pueblo in the video player below.

Monument Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

The Town of Monument will host a Memorial Day Ceremony honoring those veterans whose final resting place is the Monument Cemetery. The ceremony is set to start at 10:00 a.m. and is free and open to the public.

Evergreen Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

A ceremony will also get underway at 10 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery off Hancock Expressway in Colorado Springs. The event includes living history displays and a Buffalo Soldiers presentation.

Is there a ceremony we missed? Send us a message, and we will be sure to add it to the list.

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Fort Carson held the Mountain Post War Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, commemorating the lives of soldiers from the installation who died in overseas operations since 2003.

To date, 407 soldiers who served at Fort Carson have had their names inscribed on the memorial at Kit Carson Park.

This year, the newest name to be added to the memorial was Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennngton, who died in March from wounds sustained during Operation Epic Fury in the Iran War. Sgt. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Brigade on Fort Carson.

Due to construction at Kit Carson Park, this year's ceremony was held at Fort Carson.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said it is the city's responsibility to preserve the legacy of those who never came home.

"As mayor, I believe one of our responsibilities as a city is to ensure the legacy of the fallen and that they are remembered long after the final salute. That means teaching the next generation about courage. It means caring for military families, and it means living lives worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf," said Mayor Mobolade.

Maj. General Patrick Ellis said the day is a time for reflection and remembrance.

"On Memorial Day, we pause as a nation to reflect on the true meaning of this day. It's a day of remembrance. It's a day of honor. It's a moment to gather in gratitude for the heroes who gave their lives in defense of our country," said Maj. General Ellis.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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This Memorial Day, the 8th Annual Angel Run hosted by Red Leg Brewing will take place.

This 10k and 5k run/walk is a great way to kick off the holiday, get outside, and help military families in our community. Each year, all proceeds from the event are donated to Angels of America's Fallen.

A nonprofit with the mission of funding positive and healthy activities for children of fallen military, firefighters, and law enforcement. The group also offers grief counseling and scholarships, among other things, to the families.

The run will take place starting at Red Leg Brewing along Garden of the Gods Road at 8:00 a.m. Runners will follow the bike path from 30th Street down to the Garden of the Gods visitor center before being turned around to make their way back to Red Leg Brewing.

Each year, hundreds of people have shown up, and News5 has been a proud media sponsor of the event. Check out the scenes from a previous year in the video player below.

Race registration will last through Sunday, May 23, and will start at $54.00. Racers can pick up their packets from Red Leg Brewing on Thursday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. or on Race Day, but plan to get there early, as a line can develop.

For those not able to attend, a virtual event is being offered as well.

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One local bar in Monument is turning veteran mental health into its mission.

Every year, 3 Hundred Days Distilling hosts an event called Zero K for Veteran Mental Health, focused on connecting veterans, families, and mental health professionals with support and resources, while helping break the stigma around mental health struggles.

On a Friday night, music fills the bar as people gather to unwind, share stories, and leave the stress of the week behind. Whiskey and moonshine line the shelves, while old newspapers hang framed across the walls.

For owner Michael Girard, the distillery is more than just a business. Its personal.

I decided I wanted to make a traditional Colorado spirit from beech, which is what moonshiners used here 100 years ago, said Girard.

He says he first started making moonshine during his deployments to Afghanistan, using a repurposed pressure cooker that had once been intended as an explosive device.

But beyond the drinks, Girard says supporting veterans has become his biggest purpose after losing close friends connected to military service.

Everybody's transition out of the military is different, said Girard. A lot of guys get out, and they feel kind of lost. They don't know where to go. They don't know who to talk to.

Thats why he wants the distillery to be more than a bar. His goal is to create a place where veterans feel connected, supported, and comfortable opening up about mental health struggles.

My goal is just to keep this going and provide an outlet for anybody, said Girard.

Girard says he hopes veterans struggling after service know they are not alone.

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A Colorado Springs Army veteran has received a large gift for the work he does for those who serve. Cody Halfpop now has a new red Tacoma pickup thanks to Corwin Toyota, News5, and the people who nominated him for the prize.

Halfpop works with the Special Forces Foundation and uses his own special forces experience to help fellow Green Berets and their families in crisis.

"You just need to find something to continue to serve... or feel like you're doing some good on the other side, and... I've really found purpose in just helping guys out, whether it's connecting them with work or... hobbies... or care for them and their families," said Halfpop.

Halfpop says he's grateful for the new pickup. He says his current one, which is also a Tacoma, runs great, but has 300,000 miles.

His kids are excited about the outlets in the back of the Tacoma to pump up their paddleboards.

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The 2025 El Paso County Veteran of the Year has been announced!

The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services has recognized Larry Peterson at the Military Affairs Council Armed Forces lunch in Colorado Springs.

Peterson is a highly decorated U.S. Air Force Vietnam combat veteran who served from 1970 to 1974 as a gunner on AC-130 Spectre gunships.

During his service, Peterson accomplished the following;

He was honored numerous times, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters.

Peterson has continued his service in the region as the Southern Colorado Lead for the Honor Bell Foundation, becoming a force in honoring veterans and supporting their families.

Despite being 75 years old, he dedicated over 1,100 volunteer hours in 2025 alone, coordinating 996 funeral honors in two national cemeteries. He also mentors fellow veterans.

Last year, Peterson created and launched the Pikes Peak Honor Bell, a tribute that honors veterans with dignity and remembrance.

El Paso County says that through his leadership, compassion, and unrelenting commitment, Peterson has touched the lives of thousands of people, providing comfort to grieving families and helping fellow veterans find their purpose.

To learn more about the El Paso County Veteran of the Year Program and past recipients, visit the county's website.

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A Fort Carson soldier is being recognized for his heroism in Afghanistan more than a decade after the battle.

Army Master Sergeant Sean Ambriz was honored with a Purple Heart in a ceremony on April 16 at the Mountain Post.

In 2011, shrapnel injured Ambriz, a medic, while he defended a humanitarian convoy under attack. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight.

The original paperwork for the award was lost in the chaos of war, but fellow soldiers encouraged Ambriz to reapply. He says this award is about honoring the sacrifice of his fellow soldiers and bringing him closure.

For Ambriz, the Purple Heart isn't just an award, it's a responsibility.

"The fact that I'm alive to bear the award is a responsibility to be an ambassador, to talk about the battles, to be a historian, to remember a piece of history and how we took part of that piece of history," said Ambriz.

This is the second Purple Heart for Ambriz, who also earned a Bronze Star for his actions during that same battle.

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MONUMENT, Colo. (KOAA) A new wheelchair basketball team, Colorado Silverbacks, is giving disabled veterans something many thought they had lost, a sense of purpose.

For Army veteran Matthew Spang, basketball has always been part of who he is.

I grew up playing basketball sports are a big passion with my family and friends and kind of my life in general, said Spang.

Spang enlisted in 2006 as a combat engineer, deploying to Iraq and later Afghanistan.

But in 2011, his life changed forever.

My truck hit two IEDs it crushed my legs, my feet and ankles and broke my legs, he said.

Spang lost both of his legs and, with that, the future, he says, became uncertain. But just like a basketball, he found a way to bounce back. This time, with a team.

Wheelchair basketball didnt just bring back the sport he loved. It introduced him to a community of other veterans who understood his journey.

It definitely gave me a new purpose I got to meet other veterans we traveled around the country, he said.

One of those veterans is Dan Hendrix. He's now both a teammate and a coach. Hendrix was injured during a parachute training jump after years of service.

It was my 812th jump I got complacent, made a mistake, and it turned out to be a pretty big mistake, he said.

Like Spang, Hendrix says he lost more than just physical ability. He lost his sense of direction. That is, until he found basketball again.

I found my purpose again when I found basketball it gives me that feeling of having my guys back and having a sense of purpose again, said Hendrix.

They say its never just been about winning or losing. Its about getting out of the house, finding mentorship and rebuilding their lives.

Theres something out there for everybody you just gotta find it something that will get you off the couch and give you a new purpose in life, said Spang.

This weekend, Colorado Silverbacks will play its very first game, from April 10 to 12, at the Military and Womens Wheelchair Basketball National Championships.

"We have a saying in the military, adapt and overcome, and that's kind of what... being in this situation is, you know... you don't know what the situation is going to be, but you have to adapt, and you have to overcome," said Hendrix.

For more information, visit Colorado Wheelchair Basketball's website.

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A local Colorado veteran just turned 100 years old. Although he's now 100, he's still full of life and energy.

Master Sergeant John Mazzella served for 30 years in the Air Force and retired from Peterson Air Force Base. He served through World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

During his military career, he served as a weather forecaster and served overseas in Germany. Once he retired, he turned to running marathons, including running three marathons up Pikes Peak.

He still goes for walks and lifts weights, which he says is the key to a long life.

Happy birthday, John, and thank you for your 30 years of service!

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A veteran resource event in downtown Colorado Springs brought together local non-profits to provide mental health resources, networking, and general support to U.S. veterans in the area.

Organizations like the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center gathered to highlight the need for community involvement.

Speakers emphasized that supporting veterans is a responsibility that extends beyond government programs, requiring local communities to step up, according to Robert McLaughlin, Executive Director at the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center.

"Service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. And it doesn't only belong to those who wore it. Service belongs to all of us," said McLaughlin .

Organizers designed the event to create real opportunities for veterans to heal, rebuild, and participate fully in community life. They noted that while the government tries to help, collaboration among public and private organizations is essential.

"No single organization, public or private, can do it alone... but together, through collaboration and effective systems, we will continue to catch people before they fall," said McLaughlin.

Speakers also emphasized that helping veterans is an investment in the community rather than charity, a sentiment shared by Khristopher Thomas Sr. of Homeward Pikes Peak.

"Recovery, reintegration, and stability are not personal favors. They are the outcomes of communities that choose to invest in people," saidKhristopher Thomas Sr..

The Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center has been connecting Colorado veterans with community resources since 2016. For help or to get involved, visit Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center's website.

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The Pikes Peak Veterans Council is hosting its inaugural Honoring Our Veterans event on Friday, March 27.

Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, along with over 40 partner agencies, will be participating in the resource fair, providing services to veterans, service members, and their families.

Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Centers Executive Director Bob McLaughlin will provide the keynote address.

The event will take place at Meanwhile Block on West Cimarron Street at 11:00 a.m., with a social hour starting at 10:00 a.m.

Representatives from the mayor's office, elected officials, and military-connected organizations will also be attending.

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Kristy Durso is learning the ins and outs of adaptive skiing, how to get into a mono sitski, strap up, board a chair lift and make her way down the slope. She says it feels like magic.

"Sit skiing is incredibly freeing," said Durso. "You feel like you're going a million miles an hour."

Durso is a veteran and wheelchair user who says moving to Colorado opened the door to new adventures rather than new challenges.

"You think as a wheelchair user Colorado is kind of a daunting state to visit because of the snow and being able to wheel in it, but for me, I was so excited when we found out we were moving here because it meant that I was going to take on new adventures," said Durso.

She isn't doing this alone. Durso tells News5 this is her third sitski adventure in Colorado. The first at Eldora Mountain with their Ignite program, the second in Winter Park with the National Center for Disabled Sports, and now nonprofit Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center.

The BOEC is guiding her on her current journey, supplying equipment and teaching people how to adaptive ski and snowboard. She is doing this adventure with in part by the Hyperformance Foundation.

"Ultimately it's a chance to provide opportunity for all to get out there and start sliding on the hill," said Yuri Czmola, assistant director of the ski program for Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center.

Czmola explained that the program meets skiers where they are and grows with them.

"The goal is to get you out there to experience it. We have individuals who start on a bi ski and end up on a monoski, which would be a single ski variation of that. But the beauty is that we are able to outfit people with the equipment they need to experience the outdoors and independence is up to them and how they want to go," said Czmola .

The center has between 15 and 20 sit skis. He tells News5 the equipment for adaptive skiing can cost nearly $8,000, but people who want to learn without committing, can go to the BOEC.

Czmola says it costs $340 a day and the nonprofit also offers scholarships for those who need extra assistance.

"So it's not easy to find access to some of this gear, so we're lucky enough that we're able to work with some of these ski resorts to create access to the outdoors and for the cost of a lift ticket, we are allowed to have people experience the gear, even demo it if eventually they are lucky enough to find a scholarship that fits," said Czmola.

The program isn't just for people who use wheelchairs. They have equipment and classes for anyone who has a disability, like those who are visually impaired. They also give people the chance to try snowshoeing and adaptive cross-country skiing.

"It means anybody can do it. There's no limits," said Czmola. "Monoskis in general, are some of the steepest learning curves in skiing in general. So to have it at a place like Breckenridge is great. It allows people to learn with grace as opposed to having this being an intimidating experience."

When people are beginning to learn mono-skiing or bi-skiing, the BOEC provides instructors. There is an extensive training process so the instructors can provide whatever students need.

"There might be moments where we are calling out terms. There are other moments where we explore grids and help them define where they are on the hill through different coding calls and things like that, but it's very cool to see," said Czmola.

In the equipment room, staff can even modify a sitski to fit the individual skier. For Durso, that meant a custom fit.

"They had to add all kinds of padding. I've got duct holding pieces of foam in different places so that I can sit properly and be able to find that center and make it so I can turn without falling," said Durso.

For Durso, the balancing act can be difficult.

But she already has her sights set on a bigger goal. As a former gymnast, she says she is determined to one day make a jump like the Paralympic athletes she sees on television.

"My favorite is watching the sit ski jumpers doing their flips and twisting and turning. I think it is mind blowing," said Durso.

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The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services will be hosting a Veterans Claims Clinic in Calhan on Saturday, March 28.

The clinic will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until 2:00 p.m. at VFW Post 5221 (568 Colorado Avenue).

County officials say the clinic is part of the Division's efforts to expand outreach beyond Colorado Springs.

Veterans, dependents, and survivors will have the opportunity to talk with Veterans Service Officers to receive guidance on VA disability, pensions, survivor benefits, healthcare, and other programs.

Services are free and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Veterans are asked to bring the following documentation;

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The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services will be hosting a Veterans Claims Clinic on Thursday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Fountain Police Department (222 N. Santa Fe Avenue).

The clinic will provide veterans and their families the opportunity to meet with Veterans Service Officers for assistance with;

There are no appointments, and the event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

The services will be provided for free to veterans.

In 2025 alone, the Division of Veterans Services made

Veterans attending the clinic are asked to bring documentation, including DD-214 discharge paperwork, medical records, and prior VA correspondence.

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While Team USA competed at the Milan Cortina Olympics, local heroes of a different kind took to the ice at Ed Robson Arena in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Warriors Hockey and Brave Warriors Hockey faced off in two charity games, uniting local veterans and first responders for a cause greater than the final score.

For the players, the games were about far more than competition.

"It's like butterflies, you know, it's like when you play your first sport when you're a kid. Or you know certain aspects of the military, you know, you get that just, that, that fuzzy feeling inside, it's awesome, it brings it back," said Eli Jauregui, with the Colorado Warriors. U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.

For first responders on the ice, the sport offers a rare chance to decompress.

"To come out and do something like this, have fun, joke around, it helps kind of lighten it up for us. For me, hockey has always been that kind of rock, my whole life. It helped me through a lot of stuff, so for it to still be there for me while I'm a fireman is, is super important to me," said Griffin Mason, Brave Warriors and CSFD Firefighter.

The sense of community the games create resonates deeply with those who suit up.

"It's about camaraderie, being with your brothers and sisters on the ice, and everything goes away," a player said.

That community has been especially meaningful for those new to the area.

"Being new to Colorado, not knowing many people, being able to come right in here and join this family has been phenomenal," one player said.

For veterans in particular, the connection to the sport goes beyond the game itself.

"It's helped me a lot mentally, emotionally, spiritually. That sense of belonging was, was a big thing that was missing when I left the Marine Corps, and that came back really, really fast," said Eli Jauregui.

For at least one player, the organization arrived at a critical moment.

"This organization found me one of my darkest times in my life. So for me, it means everything," said CJ Truelson a U.S. Navy Veteran and now Colorado Warriors Fundraising Director.

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EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KOAA) An Air Force veteran says she has been denied service at local businesses because of her service dog, and she hopes sharing her story will help raise awareness about the rights of people who rely on service animals.

Jessi's service dog, Buster, is always by her side. She has had him for 6 years.

Wheeler is a veteran living with PTSD. She got him from Victory Service Dogs. She says Buster has played a critical role in her mental health.

November of 2020 was the last time I felt like I didnt want to be anymore, Wheeler said. I have, unfortunately, been suicidal. Having him gives me that extra reason to stay.

Buster does much more than provide comfort. He is trained to perform specific tasks, including retrieving Wheelers medication when she needs it. Those tasks may seem small to some, but Wheeler says they can be lifesaving.

I cannot imagine my life without him, she said.

However, Wheeler says she has been denied access to local businesses because of Buster, and that it has happened more than once.

I just wanted a snow cone, she said. I went in, and the owner told me his business was a sterile environment and dogs were not allowed in.

To clarify what businesses can and cannot do in these situations, News5 spoke with Frank Santana, legislative advocacy specialist with The Independence Center, a local disability advocacy organization.

Santana says under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses are limited in what they can ask when someone enters with a service dog.

They can only ask two things, Santana said. Is the dog required because of a disability? What tasks has the dog been trained to perform?

Businesses cannot ask for documentation, certification, or proof that the dog is a service animal.

Santana says confusion often arises when people mistake emotional support animals for service dogs.

He says service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a persons disability. Emotional support animals, while important to their owners, do not have the same public access rights as service animals under the ADA.

News5 asked him what happens if a business refuses service because of dog allergies.

Under ADA regulations, having a dog allergy is not an excuse to deny somebodys access to your establishment, he said.

There are some exceptions. A business can ask a service dog to be removed if the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, if the dog is not housebroken, or if it is behaving aggressively or disrupting the establishment.

How they help the disabled community... theyre not just an accessory or for fun, she said.

Wheeler hopes greater awareness will prevent others from experiencing similar situations in the future.

The Independence Center says it provides resources to help business owners better serve customers with disabilities and understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

You can visit here to learn more about a service dog.

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A decorated World War II Army veteran celebrated his 101st birthday on Sunday.

In 1944, master sergeant Edwin "Ed" Beck fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was captured by German forces.

He endured 6 months as a Prisoner of War (POW) before he made a brave escape and was able to find his way back to American lines.

Sergeant Beck also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. His message to others is "Keep on going, hang in there."

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Veterans gathered at the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Tuesday evening to meet with U.S. Senator Michael Bennet as part of his ongoing campaign for governor.

The event focused on what veterans want from Colorados next governor, and how to improve support systems for the states veteran community.

Jason Shoffit, a 20-year Air Force veteran and technology committee lead for the Veterans Beer Club, said many veterans feel their voices arent being heard outside of veteran-only spaces.

Being able to balance to where we don't feel like just because we are veterans that our voice is not being heard by anybody outside of our own organizations, said Shoffit.

Shoffit said financial stability is one of the biggest issues facing veterans in Colorado Springs, where housing and living costs have surged over the past several years.

If there could be just a little bit of sanity added to the financial increase, I think that would really help out a lot of vets in this area, said Shoffit.

Shoffit also emphasized that veterans want more than just a seat at a public meeting.

Hopefully getting a seat at the table would be nice where we can come to these open forums and speak freely, said Shoffit.

Veterans share their top priorities

In addition to financial concerns, veterans at the meeting raised other major issues they want the next governor to prioritize, which include the following:

Senator Bennet responds: Real priorities, then execute them.

Senator Bennet acknowledged the concerns and said the state needs a stronger partnership between public agencies and private organizations to improve veteran services.

What weve got to do is figure out a set of real priorities for our vets in Colorado and then execute them, said Senator Bennet.

Senator Bennet also pointed to successful suicide-prevention programs in Colorado, like the Next Chapter initiative, and said they must be expanded and replicated statewide.

That unfortunately has been cut because of budget crises the most important thing that we can do is help people save their own lives.

He said veterans are best supported by other veterans and that Colorado should be a place where veterans can find good-paying jobs and retire.

We have to figure out how to make Colorado a better place to be a veteran into decent paying jobs and a place where people want to retire, said Senator Bennet.

What Happens Next

Senator Bennet said he will continue holding similar meetings across Colorado and plans to release a policy document based on the feedback gathered from veterans statewide.

Veterans are not a special interest group. Veterans are a core of who we are as Coloradans," said Senator Bennet.

Shoffit said hell be watching to see if Senator Bennet follows through on his promises.

It would be nice with any politician if they say they're going to try to work on something that they actually do it, plain and simple, said Shoffit.

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Pueblo is celebrating and helping military veterans. Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center hosted its annual Salute to Heroes event at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum with a dinner and entertainment.

The event is meant to raise money to help out Pueblo's military veterans and their families.

News5 spoke with one of the veterans who was honored Friday about what this event meant to him.

"Very grateful to them, like I said, I am a proud veteran, and I would go do it again in a minute, I have no problem with that," said Frank Cirullo, a Purple Heart Recipient.

More than 300 people showed up, raising more than $70,000.

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Life as a Green Beret spouse can be rewarding, but it can also be isolating. Frequent moves, long deployments, and the unique demands of military life often leave spouses without a clear support system.

Thats why Teah Fagins, a Green Beret spouse, is helping expand Green Thread in Colorado Springs with The Special Forces Foundation and The Station Foundation, two organizations already dedicated to supporting Special Operations families.

Through this collaboration, the year-long mentorship program is now open specifically to Tenth Special Forces Group spouses in the Fort Carson area, deepening the collective impact of both nonprofits.

The program is designed to create a safe space and community for spouses of Green Berets.

Fagins knows the challenges firsthand, Sometimes you dont know a destination. You dont know how long theyre going to go. It might be a day, it might be six months, she said. The things that happen within our families, when your husband deploys, you have no point of contact, and it feels isolating because you cant share with anyone else.

After years of navigating this lifestyle, moving 15 times in 17 years, Fagins decided to turn her own experiences into support for others. What can I do to pour back where I was not poured into? It has to be somebody that has experienced that pain, she said.

The program will host gatherings twice a month at local spaces including Wayfinder Coffee and Third Space Caf, offering both morning and evening cohorts to accommodate spouses in different seasons of life.

The idea of Green Thread is that we have a safe space for Green Beret spouses to come, be in community, and feel seen and understood, explained Fagins. Were addressing honesty, hope, vulnerability, some taboo topics that are not easy to discuss outside of our community.

Through guided discussions, shared experiences, and interactive activities, Green Thread aims to foster resilience, connection and peer-to-peer support.

The program also emphasizes giving back. Fagins hopes that spouses who participate feel empowered to support others in the same way theyve been helped.

This past year alone in Fort Carson, we were able to serve over 450 people as part of the Special Operations community, said Fagins. I hope they feel equipped, not just here, but wherever they go next, to pour into somebody else.

Green Thread is an exclusive, word-of-mouth community for Green Beret spouses. The program officially kicks off this January, and organizers plan quarterly events to continue building trust and connection within the community.

For more information about Green Thread, or to inquire about participation, visit The Station Foundations website.

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The Rocky Mountain Veterans Advocacy Project (RMVAP), a partner of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Services Center, will be expanding its legal services.

Starting January 16, 2026, their on-site legal services will expand from monthly availability to weekly availability for service members, veterans, and their families.

RMVAP is a legal nonprofit firm that offers representation and advocacy through student externs from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Wyoming.

They cover cases involving the following;

RMVAP aims to help its clients navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs, military discharge review boards, and state and federal courts.

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A Colorado Springs brewery is making sure no one spends Christmas alone by hosting a free holiday feast complete with 40 pounds of turkey, three honey-roasted hams, and tables full of pies and cupcakes.

Wackadoo Brewing has turned its annual Christmas feast into more than just a meal it's become a lifeline for veterans, newcomers to the city, and anyone facing the holidays without family or friends nearby.

"Being alone on Christmas or the holidays can be tough for a lot of people, but I think if you come in here and just hang out, there's always someone to talk to," said Zaid Mohammed, a customer who discovered the brewery last Thanksgiving when he was new to town.

The free feast isn't just about food. For founder and head brewer Steven Fuller, a veteran himself, it's part of a larger mission to prevent veteran suicide and build community connections.

"We started it off because Christmas and Thanksgiving are the two days you especially shouldn't be left alone. Veteran suicide prevention being one of the most important things we do here at the brewery," Fuller said. "To give them a place so they're not left alone for the holidays."

Fuller's commitment to giving back extends year-round. The brewery donates 100% of its profits every month to 25 different nonprofits, with over $16,000 going to veteran nonprofits just this month.

" We're talking about veteran suicide. Veteran suicide is very scary. And we've tried to do everything we can to help prevent that through either some of the programs and the nonprofits that we work with," Fuller said, "Or through our meals like on Thanksgiving and Christmas because you shouldn't be left alone."

For many patrons, the brewery has become a second home where lasting friendships are formed.

"It's become one big family here," Fuller said.

Zaid Mohammed, who found the brewery through a Facebook post about last year's Thanksgiving feast, says the welcoming atmosphere keeps him coming back.

"I think it's great because I've made a lot of friends over here and so it feels like a second home," Mohammed said.

The brewery serves anyone dealing with loneliness, financial hardship, or simply looking to connect with others during the holiday season.

"Every time you come in here, no matter what it is you're purchasing, you're helping us help the community, and that's been a big part of what we're doing here," Fuller said. "It's a call of service, something I've always had. I've always been inspired by... And so here that that's always been the most important thing to me is helping and giving back."

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PUEBLO, Colo. (KOAA) For many veterans, the holidays can be one of the most difficult times of the year, especially for those struggling after service.

Feelings of isolation, painful memories, and mental health challenges can feel heavier this season. But, Project Healing Waters is helping veterans find peace, connection and healing.

Standing knee-deep in flowing water, Army veteran Miguel Chacon focuses on the simple rhythm of fly fishing.

Picking up my rod getting in the water water going through your legs, said Chacon.

The quiet moments are what he treasures the most.

Ive never experienced anything like it, said Chacon. Just the drive coming out, getting out of the house. Its an exciting thrill for me.

After 25 years in the Army, including a deployment to Iraq, Chacon says life after service was not what he expected.

The first year was okay, he said. The second year was isolation. Alcohol two suicide attempts. Its rough. Its been a rough one.

That all changed when he found Project Healing Waters, an organization that uses many programs, including fly fishing, to help veterans cope with physical and emotional wounds.

I love every minute of it, said Chacon. I love being here with the guys. I got the trust factor back.

Group leaders say the holidays can be especially hard for veterans who may be alone or reliving past trauma.

A lot of guys are struggling during the holidays, said Jerry Doubleday, assistant program lead for Project Healing Waters in Pueblo. They dont have family with them. They may be by themselves, which brings back memories from the past.

On the day of fly fishing, Santa Claus also came to support veterans.

"This is a great thing for any (of our) veterans," said Santa.

But the day wasnt really about the fish. It was about joy, healing, and finding peace during a challenging time of year.

Organizations like Give Pikes Peak help keep programs like this going by connecting donors with local nonprofits serving veterans and other community needs. The organization worked with 73 nonprofits this year.

Project Healing Waters is one of the organizations that it supports.

To connect donors with causes they care about, said Victoria Norton, executive director of Give Pikes Peak. Donors decide where their money goes."

You can get involved in supporting Project Healing Waters and other organizations serving veterans. More information can be found here.

For veterans like Chacon, that support makes all the difference.

Before leaving, News5 asked Santa for one final message this Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all, said Santa. I pray that you will find some peace in this world. Be kind and be courteous.

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The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services held a veterans claims clinic on December 18 at the Fountain Utilities Building, providing local veterans with in-person assistance navigating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits system.

Accredited Veterans Service Officers met individually with veterans to help file claims for healthcare, disability compensation and other benefits. The clinic aimed to reduce barriers veterans often face when seeking assistance through the VA.

Its a 30 to 45-minute drive from Fountain to our office, so we wanted to provide the opportunity for veterans who dont already utilize our services or who have a hard time getting to us, said Charles Graves, Division Manager for El Paso County Veterans Services.

According to Graves, El Paso County is home to approximately 100,000 veterans. Of those, only about 54,000 are currently using VA benefits, leaving an estimated 47,000 veterans who may be eligible but are not accessing available support.

Were accredited veteran service officers, said Graves. Were not allowed to charge you money, and being accredited means we have access to your VA file. Were not guessing, we know exactly whats going on with your claims.

The clinic also provided guidance to surviving spouses who may qualify for benefits, offering free assistance and information about resources they may not have known existed.

Veterans Jimmy Gurule and Steve Elisha traveled to Fountain for the clinic, despite neither living in the area. Both said the opportunity to receive in-person guidance made the drive worthwhile.

Gurule, a Vietnam veteran from Pueblo, sought help regarding his late mothers will, which has not been probated after more than three years.

Its not about the money, said Gurule. When she died, she had six generations alive, with photographs of her grandfather and great-grandfathers. Without help getting into that will, its like whole generations are lost.

Gurule said he initially hesitated to ask for help, but found reassurance through the clinic. Service officers were able to connect him with a Judge Advocate to help guide him through the legal process.

Elisha, who currently has a 90% disability rating, attended the clinic to request a review of his medical records in hopes of increasing his rating.

Face-to-face is definitely way better than drilling through a phone tree, said Elisha.

With assistance from a service officer, Elisha was able to submit his claim during the clinic.

I just sign right here, hit the submit button, and its now in the works, he said.

The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services encourages veterans and surviving spouses to seek assistance through accredited service officers, emphasizing that all services are provided at no cost.

For more information, contact the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services at (719)520-7750, email vet@elpasoco.com, or visit veterans.elpasoco.com.

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Hundreds of cities are placing Christmas wreaths on veterans' headstones. It's all part of Wreaths Across America. That includes right here in Fountain.

According to the city, dozens of volunteers placed 348 wreaths at Fairview Cemetery.

The wreaths represented each military branch and were covered by the local VFW and American Legion posts.

Nationwide, more than 5,600 locations are participating.

Thousands of wreaths were also placed on all 265,000 graves at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

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WINTER PARK, Colo. For many military veterans with disabilities, getting to the slopes can feel out of reach. But a new partnership at the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) is making sure cost and transportation arent barriers.

NSCD has launched a free program for veterans, active-duty service members and reservists with disabilities. Funded by a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the program covers shuttle rides from the Denver metro area, lift tickets, gear and adaptive equipment.

Were going to have kind of a collaborative all season where veterans ride a shuttle bus up from the Denver metro, come up to Winter Park and have the opportunity to do these downhill sports at no cost, said Jessica Conyers, a recreation therapist with the VA. They have so much amazing adaptive equipment out here. Theres a way to get any veteran of any ability out onto the slopes.

For Army veteran Carla Best, who lost a leg to an explosive device in Iraq in 2004, the chance to ski is about more than sport.

I lost a lot of camaraderie when I got injured, and then I did a lot of isolating and not doing anything with fellow vets, Best said. You lose that brotherhood and sisterhood bond that we used to have in the military. So, being in a room like this, surrounded by other veterans, disabled, and then seeing how theyre managing their disabilities its inspiring.

Best said the program has helped her rediscover what she thought shed lost.

Once Im up on the mountain, and, you know, Im skiing, I dont feel any limitations at all, she said. I just feel free.

Army veteran David Pettigrew said he never skied before his injury in Iraq, but discovered the sport through adaptive programs three years ago.

No matter what the sport, we all bring our own complication to this, Pettigrew said. We have the shared bond of shared service.

Air Force veteran Richard Archuleta, who became partially blind during Desert Storm, said the program offers something unique.

Im glad that theres programs like this that offer an opportunity for different people with disabilities to really partake in an outdoor legacy event, Archuleta said. We all have a story, and each story is unique, but at the end of the day, its overcoming a barrier.

NSCD program manager Matt Peterson said the slopes provide a space where veterans can reconnect with each other.

A big part of these veteran ski groups is that camaraderie, Peterson said. They serve in the military, then as soon as they retire or discharge, they lose that community.

The trip wasn't just about a free day at Winter Park.

When youre around other people who have a barrier theyre overcoming, or theyve shown great success, it makes it easier, Archuleta said. Like, I can do that too.

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A long-running Thanksgiving tradition at the VFW in Caon City was nearly put at risk this year after roof damage left the building in need of major repairs.

But thanks to community support, including donations that poured in after News5s earlier coverage, the annual holiday meal went on as planned in the same building.

Hundreds lined up outside VFW Post 4061 on Thursday, waiting for a warm Thanksgiving meal. For many veterans, including Scott Chaussee, this isn't just another community event.

Each and every veteran needs to have a place to go if they are not with family and friends, Chaussee said. I dont think Ive ever seen turnout like this.

The damaged roof threatened to shut the doors this year. VFW leaders said they werent sure how they would pay for repairs or whether they would have to relocate the VFW.

That changed when community members stepped up.

At first, we were wondering how we were going to pay for it. We might have to move," said Alejandro Aguirre, Senior Vice Commander of VFW 4061.

After News5 first reported the damage, additional support arrived, allowing the VFW to finish repairs just in time for the holiday.

We appreciate everything Channel 5 and the community did for us, Aguirre said. Because of the community and anonymous donors I think its awesome.

Chaussee says the gathering is more than just a meal. He says its a chance to share stories, camaraderie, and connection.

Its kind of like a fraternity, he said. They talked about when they went in and where they were stationed.

With the roof fixed and the tradition restored, the VFW is already looking ahead to the next holiday meal, which is during Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving, Aguirre said. Because of the community, we are able to do this."

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An anonymous donor saved Pueblo's annual Stand Down for Veterans event after organizers nearly had to cancel due to lack of grant funding.

The event took place on Monday, providing essential resources and services to homeless veterans in the community. Organizers said the last-minute donation allowed them to continue their mission of supporting those who served.

"I've always wanted to come to one of these Stand Downs, but I always miss them, and I'm glad I came. There's so many resources here. It's unbelievable. It's really cool," said Terry Phillips, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the United States Army during the 1970s.

Phillips served as an assistant machine gunner and tunnel rat during his deployment to Vietnam.

The event featured tables and booths packed with free items for veterans in need.

"Cold weather gear, we make sure they have backpacks, coats, shoes, hoods, so they can stay warm," said Latanya Yarbrough, an organizer and Posada Program Coordinator.

"It's a great thing because a lot of guys don't have the funds to go out and get this stuff," said Phillips.

Phillips said he picked up new socks and a sweatshirt, but was primarily seeking help with filing a veterans' claim.

"I want to get with somebody that can write a claim for me. That's really what I was looking for," said Phillips.

Organizers said they can provide that assistance and more.

"Some veterans don't know if they're entitled to things or what they're entitled to or where to go to apply. So, we bring all those agencies here so when the veterans come in, they can apply here today (Monday)," an organizer said.

The event also connects veterans to housing resources, addressing a critical need in the community.

"Because homeless veterans, I mean, they're out there, but then we've got to convince them to come in and receive the services and to trust us enough to help them," said Yarbrough.

Phillips said he is fairly new to Pueblo, but the event helped him connect with other veterans and learn about resources available across the city.

"I can go to the American Legion. They're hooked up with this, and it's just a great thing. I didn't know anybody. Now I know a lot of people," said Phillips.

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Two veterans from opposite coasts found new careers in Colorado Springs through a nationwide program that connects military personnel with civilian employment opportunities.

Katie Rant from New Jersey and Michael Figueroa from California both served at Fort Carson and decided to stay in the area after their military service ended. Both found positions at semiconductor manufacturer Entegris through the nationwide Hiring Our Heroes program.

"I retired from military service after 22 years. I was stationed at Fort Carson for the final three, retired, and ended up here in the Springs," Figueroa said.

For Rant, Fort Carson was her only military assignment.

"This was my first and last stop. I was there for four years," Rant said.

The Hiring Our Heroes program helped both veterans transition into manufacturing careers they hadn't previously considered.

"I didn't work in manufacturing before this, now I see it as the perfect career path," Rant said.

"They help you build your resume and connect you with companies both local and outside for talent," Figueroa said.

Both veterans said they saw opportunity in Colorado Springs, and so did Entegris. The company has maintained strong ties to the area for more than 30 years and recently opened a new 135,000-square-foot semiconductor plant in the city.

"It just became obvious to us to bring it home to Colorado Springs," said David Reeder, Entegris CEO.

The company chose Colorado Springs partly because of its strategic location as semiconductor manufacturing returns to the United States.

"When you think about where Colorado Springs is located geographically, it's very well positioned in this hub of semiconductor manufacturing that's coming back to the US," Reeder said.

When opening the new plant, Entegris set a goal of hiring 50% veterans. After speaking with Rant and Figueroa, the company is at least two people closer to reaching that target.

"I know how much they value me and other veterans, and what we bring to the company," Rant said.

The veterans offered advice to fellow service members seeking civilian careers: consider the leadership experience gained during military service, as it may help secure roles in fields where they might not think they have relevant experience.

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The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services has announced that nominations for the 2025 El Paso County Veteran of the Year Award are open!

The annual award serves to recognize a local veteran who has demonstrated exemplary military service, community involvement, and a commitment to supporting fellow veterans.

Nominations will be accepted through April 1, 2026, and qualified veterans include;

The award has been given to a local veteran since 2017. The past recipients can be found below:

To nominate a veteran, visit El Paso County's website or contact the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services at (719)520-7750 or vet@elpasoco.com.

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The Pueblo 'Stand Down for Veterans' event usually happens in September, but this year, it almost didn't happen.

Organizers did not get the usual grant money to put on the event, but an anonymous donor came through.

A 'Stand Down' is where veterans can learn more about services in the community. Homeless veterans can get a hot meal, as well as supplies for the Winter.

The event is now set for Monday, November 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pueblo Workforce Center, which is located in the Midtown Shopping Center.

The organizers planned and put together the event in only a month's time.

"This is a chance for us to not only work with homeless veterans, but veterans in general to find out what services they can get, where to go for them, and how to sign up for them," said Latanya Yarbrough, Posada Program Coordinator.

If you'd like to get involved, Posada is still asking for donations of clothing and shoes. They are also seeking volunteers to help set up the day of the event.

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It's a final tribute to our veterans, the tolling of a bell. The sound has been used across centuries as a way to announce deaths and acknowledge the depth of loss. In Colorado, there has only been one bell that tolls at our state's national cemeteries, until now.

On Monday, Colorado's second Honor Bell was dedicated outside Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs.

The ceremony allowed participants to pause and hear the solemn sound of honor that will ring across veteran funerals at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, its permanent home. It will also be used for burials at the cemetery at the U.S. Air Force Academy and special events across southern Colorado.

The idea for the first Honor Bell came in 2014 from the late Army Ranger and Honor Bell founder Lou Olivera. Two years later, the first Honor Bell was dedicated at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Bell honors were needed so often at that cemetery that the bell could only be used at Pikes Peak National Cemetery two days a month.

Air Force veteran and volunteer Honor Bell Guard Larry Peterson was one of the driving forces to raise the money needed to bring one to southern Colorado.

"The first time I tolled was on June 18th, 2020, which happened to be the anniversary of one of the gunships we lost in 1972," Peterson said.

Peterson spent 545 hours in combat in Vietnam. He has tolled the bell approximately 2000 times.

"I toll to remember the 40 we lost that day in 1972 in the gunships that we lost," Peterson said as his eyes welled with tears. "We lost four aircraft and 40 crew members."

The 1000 pound bronze bell includes artifacts from 12 Colorado military veterans. See list of artifacts here.

Air Force Major Paul Weaver's family donated his Silver Star Medal and a high explosive shell fragment. The Alamosa High School and Air Force Academy graduate died in combat in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.

They were headed back to base when they got a call from Marines needing help.

"So they turned around and came back and basically took out the eight frogs that were threatening the coalition forces and our Marines, and they were shot down," said Weaver's sister Jennifer Lavery. "That is one of the shells that was shot at Khafji."

Retired Army First Sergeant Tom Worley was one of two volunteer bell guards who escorted those artifacts to the Netherlands, where the bell was cast. The artifacts were placed in a locked case and never left the hands of the two guards.

It was a long journey to honor the men and women who sacrificed everything for their country.

"A young man, CPL David Sonka, a Marine in Afghanistan in bomb disposal had his dog with him, they were both killed," Worley said. "All of his medals are in there and his dog's leash is in there."

Forged from honor, its sound forevermore offering comfort to grieving families and a reminder to all of us of the heavy price of freedom.

"As its sound rings across our region, may it stand as a lasting witness to the courage, the sacrifice, the unbroken bond of a grateful community," said USAF Chaplain Brian Harris.

The first bell honors from the Pikes Peak Honor Bell will happen on Tuesday, November 18th at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs.

Bell honors are offered at veteran funerals in Colorado for free. Click here to request bell honors. Click here to become a volunteer Bell Guard.

When active-duty military members leave the service, they often lose the tight-knit support system they depended on every day.

Without that camaraderie, some veterans struggle alone, leading to depression, self-medication, or even crisis. That's exactly what Next Chapter has been working to prevent the last three years.

"The benefits to the next chapter is everybody in this program is a clinician, is a veteran, and has walked in their shoes, and so, when they come through our door or call on the phone, they're talking to a peer immediately," said Damian McCabe, who oversees Next Chapter, a program run through UCHealth and Mt. Carmel Veterans Services.

"We tackle the stigma of mental health care every day, we're knocking down the barrier of financial access, which is critical. And we challenge the cultural bias that was ingrained in us as military members," said McCabe.

Since 2021, suicides among veterans in our region have dropped from one in three to one in five, showing the impact of peer support and accessible services. The latest El Paso County Coroner's report shows an 18% decrease in suicides.

But Next Chapter has another goal beyond immediate crisis intervention.

"What would really be neat for us is that because we use a public health model. That we become part of a public health approach to how we transition service members from active duty back into the civilian community, regardless of whether they served two years, 20 years, or if they've been in our community for 30 or 40 years," said McCabe.

For many veterans, losing military camaraderie can lead to isolation and crisis. Here at Next Chapter, the program's veteran leaders know the struggle firsthand and are using their own experiences to guide others.

For Miguel Lopez, that mission started years ago long before he ever worked here.

"I was in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2008. After 9/11 happened, I kinda realized, I need to do my part," said Lopez, who now works as a behavioral health clinical therapist at Next Chapter.

He deployed to Iraq three times and on his last tour, everything changed.

"I was involved in an IED explosion in 2008 in Baghdad Iraq. That kind of changed my trajectory," said Lopez.

When he came home, the battle didn't stop.

"Oh absolutely, many challenges. I went through a divorce, you know mental health, substance abuse I was drinking a lot, going through that transition a lot of ups and downs," said Lopez.

What got him through it was support from fellow service members.

"Veterans and active duty who helped me and pushed me and believed in me," said Lopez.

Now, he's paying that forward, helping others find their own next chapter.

"I tell them I've been through a lot of trials and tribulations. I made a lot of mistakes and I've overcame a lot, but I'm here for you and I got your back, and I wanna see you succeed," said Lopez.

The program's success lies in its peer-to-peer approach. Veterans helping veterans creates an immediate connection that traditional therapy might not achieve.

"We've been able to impact that rate by a reduction of about 39% over that three-year period," said McCabe.

Next Chapter is structured to provide services with no out of pocket cost to veterans.

"Having those dollars from the state to allow us to pay for those service," said McCabe.

For McCabe and his team, it's about more than survival.

"It's not until you turn that page, until you come in our door or pick up your phone, that you can begin to see what your next chapter looks like," said McCabe.

For Lopez, that's the new mission.

"I wanted to continue to serve this beautiful community," said Lopez.

One that starts by helping someone else turn the page.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) On Veterans Day, community members and veterans from different branches of the military gathered at Memorial Park to honor those who served our country.

The Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Observance took place with several veterans organizations.

They laid wreaths at monuments dedicated to individual branches of the military.

Among those in attendance, News5 met 94-year-old Korean War veteran Manuel De Torres.

From 1950 to 1975, said De Torres. My father served 33 years in the Navy. My uncles and nephews,... they were in the military."

For De Torres, Veterans Day is deeply personal. He says it's a time to honor his familys legacy and the generations of service that came before him.

De Torres also shared a message for younger generations.

If you are enjoying the liberty and all the United States has to give, maybe join the military and get involved with service to the community, said De Torres.

As the sound of Taps echoed through Memorial Park, it reminded everyone that freedom is not free.

You should be thankful to live in the U.S., said De Torres.

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It actually gave me a lump in my throat because I was like, it just means a lot.

Air Force veteran, Dawn Mitchell, just received a handmade quilt from the Colorado Springs, Quilts of Valor chapter.

On Veterans Day, the group presented handmade quilts to a dozen veterans.

Every stitch that goes into it, our quilters are thinking about the veteran that is eventually going to receive that quilt, said Quilts of Valor member, Mandi Elder.

The idea is wrapping veterans in a symbol of warmth and appreciation for their service.

Elder said, We hear from veterans who have suffered from nightmares for years that the first night they slept with their quilt, they actually slept for the first time.

The number of active military and veterans in Colorado Springs is higher than most communities.

It is tens of thousands.

The recognition of their service is important.

Being in Colorado Springs, we just moved here from Florida, and it seems like the community, it takes care of their veterans so much better, and I appreciate that, said Mitchell.

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On Veterans Day, several ceremonies were held across southern Colorado to honor those who served and their families.

You can view some of those ceremonies below:

Pueblo Veterans Day Ceremony

The Home of Heroes is honoring its heroes on Veterans Day. The annual Pueblo Veterans Day Ceremony was held at the Riverwalk.

Numbers from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs show around 1,200 military veterans live in Pueblo County.

Fountain ceremony

In Fountain, veterans were honored with a special ceremony hosted by the following:

The event featured the following:

Longtime Legionnaire Paul Romero received a special quilt presentation. Romero served as a combat medic during the Korean War and later at Camp Carson before it became Fort Carson.

A free lunch was provided to all veterans and guests by the volunteer group "Fountain Up."

Palmer Lake lights star

In Palmer Lake, the town's signature star was lit in honor of Veterans Day.

Two Palmer Lake community members who served in the armed forces were chosen to light the star on Sundance Mountain. Officials say they were Roger Moseley and Marty Brozik.

Mosely is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. After 350 combat missions and a Purple Heart in Vietnam, he moved into the test pilot world where he tested stealth fighters and managed the B2 bomber.

Brozik is also a U.S Air Force Academy graduate. She worked on the development and acquisition of aircraft and spacecraft capabilities.

News5 would like to thank both Mosely and Brozik for their service.

Veteran gets new home

A veteran in El Paso County and his family received the home of their dreams on Veterans Day for free.

David Green joined the Navy in 2009 and served four years. He and his family recently moved to Fort Carson as civilians, and they had been struggling to find permanent housing.

Meritage Homes and Operation Homefront stepped in to give the Green family a new home in the Lorson Ranch neighborhood. On Veterans Day, they received the home mortgage-free in recognition of Green's service and sacrifice.

"This is amazing for anyone and for us to be able to receive this home and be able to know that it's gonna be mortgage-free and be able to save the money and... establish things for our kids," said Green. "It's amazing."

News5 would like to thank Green for his service and congratulate his family on the new home.

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Dave Young, the Colorado State Treasurer, is encouraging veterans and their families to claim military medals, service records and missing money.

Our veterans and their loved ones have given so much in service to our country, said Treasurer Young. Reconnecting them with their unclaimed property is one small way we can honor their sacrifice and commitment.

The Colorado Unclaimed Property Division currently has several military decoration, including three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. The Treasury says they hold these items, and notify the veterans and families they belong to.

Many veterans are no longer with us, which makes it more challenging to identify and return these items to the rightful heir, said Bianca Gardelli, Director of the Unclaimed Property Division. By state law, we never sell military medals or decorations; they remain safe with the Treasury until we can transfer them securely. We encourage families to come forward and collect these priceless heirlooms.

The Treasury currently has more than 15 million assets. To search for lost property, click here.

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