June 25, 2025 – The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services will host a Veterans Claims Clinic on Saturday, July 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Swink Hall during the 2025 El Paso County Fair, providing Veterans and their beneficiaries with the opportunity to meet directly with accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) to file or receive assistance with VA benefits claims. Saturday, July 12, is Military Appreciation Day at the 2025 El Paso County Fair, a day where active-duty military, veterans, retirees, and their dependents receive free admission.

Trained and accredited El Paso County Veterans Service Officers will be onsite to assist with compensation claims, pension applications, healthcare enrollment, survivor benefits, and other VA-related matters. No appointment is necessary.

“We know that navigating the VA claims process can be overwhelming. This clinic gives Veterans and their families a direct line to local, accredited professionals who are here to serve them,” said Charles Graves, El Paso County Division of Veterans Services Manager. “Our goal is to remove barriers and make it easier for Veterans to access the benefits they’ve earned.”

The clinic is free and open to all Veterans, spouses, and dependents living in El Paso County and the surrounding region. Attendees are encouraged to bring any relevant documentation, including discharge papers (DD-214), medical records, and prior VA correspondence.

For more information, contact the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services at (719) 520-7750 or [email protected], or visit justiceservices.elpasoco.com/veterans-services.

February 5, 2025 – The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services is extending the nomination deadline for the 2024 El Paso County Veteran of the Year award to February 28, 2025. This extension provides additional time for the community to recognize an outstanding local Veteran who has demonstrated exemplary military service, continued commitment to their community, and unwavering support for fellow Veterans.

“We’ve seen incredible support for this award, and we want to ensure that every deserving Veteran has the opportunity to be nominated,” said Vernon Stewart, Interim Director of the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services. “This award reflects the dedication and impact our Veterans continue to have long after their military service.”

Nominations remain open to Veterans who:

• Have been honorably discharged or retired from the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard, or the United States Merchant Marines,
• Reside in El Paso County, Colorado,
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to community service and support for fellow Veterans.

Since 2017, El Paso County has proudly honored Veterans who have made a lasting impact on the community. Past recipients include Joseph Lewis (2023), Roger Ehrke (2022), and Skyler Nelson (2021).

Nominations can be submitted online at https://justiceservices.elpasoco.com/veteran-of-the-year-nomination-form. The new deadline for submissions is February 28, 2025.

For more information, please contact the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services at 719.520.7750 or [email protected].

About the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services

The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services assists local Veterans in navigating U.S. Veterans Affairs benefits. Staffed by accredited Veterans Service Officers who are Veterans, El Paso County is dedicated to helping claimants access the VA benefits they’ve earned.

January 7, 2025 – The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services will host a Veterans Claims Clinic at the El Paso County Fair & Events Center in Calhan, Colorado on January 15, 2025. El Paso County Veterans Service Officers will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to assist Veterans and family members in filing compensation claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Individuals will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

What: Veterans Claims Clinic

Where: El Paso County Fair & Events Center | 366 10th Street, Calhan, CO 80808

When: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Details: Veterans are encouraged to bring medical records and discharge forms (dd214)

The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services is a premier resource for Veterans seeking assistance with U.S. Veterans Affairs benefits claims. Unlike other entities, all El Paso County Veterans Service Officers are Veterans, fully accredited, and uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive support. On average, clients of El Paso County Division of Veterans Services receive double the benefit value than if they filed by themselves or with the help of another entity.

“As Veterans ourselves, we understand the challenges clients face and are dedicated to helping Veterans and their beneficiaries secure the benefits they have earned,” said Vernon Stewart, El Paso County Division of Veterans Services Interim Division Director. “Service quality and accountability are cornerstone values for us. We remain committed to providing our Veterans with the highest quality service and support, helping them capture the benefits they have earned and deserve.”

For more information or to connect with the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services, email [email protected] or call 719.520.7750.

December 11, 2024 – The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services is proud to announce the resounding success of its recent Veterans Claims Clinics held November 19-21, 2024. In collaboration with the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the clinics served an impressive 283 Veterans over three days at the Recruiting & Readiness Center in Colorado Springs.

The clinics provided vital services to Veterans, including assistance with filing claims, enrolling in VA healthcare, and accessing community care resources. Onsite VA exams were conducted, and representatives from the National Cemetery provided valuable information about burial benefits. While appointments were encouraged, walk-ins were welcomed to ensure as many Veterans as possible received support.

“The success of these clinics underscores the importance of community collaboration and the commitment to improving the lives of Veterans and their families,” said Vernon Stewart, El Paso County Division of Veterans Services Interim Division Director. “It was a privilege to serve so many Veterans, connecting them with the resources and benefits they’ve earned. We remain dedicated to ensuring that every Veteran in El Paso County receives the care and assistance they deserve.”

El Paso County Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) were key to the clinics’ success. These accredited VSOs, who are Veterans, offer personalized assistance, helping Veterans secure the benefits they have earned. On average, claims submitted through El Paso County VSOs result in double the benefit amounts compared to other methods.

For more information about the services offered by the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services, please visit https://veterans.elpasoco.com, call (719) 520-7750, or email [email protected].

November 15, 2024 – In collaboration with Veterans Services and the Parks Division, the El Paso County Facilities ADA Team is pleased to welcome the community and media to the grand opening event of the newly updated ADA-accessible dog park at Fountain Creek Regional Park.

Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024,

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Fountain Creek Regional Dog Park, 2010 Duckwood Road in Fountain, CO

The dog park now features accessible parking, a path of travel into the dog park, companion seating with a shaded canopy, and various amenities to ensure everyone can partake in outdoor activities. The design will provide an enjoyable experience for all community members and their furry friends.

If media partners would like to attend, please email [email protected].

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, El Paso County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Should you require an auxiliary aid and/or service to participate in an upcoming meeting/event, please submit your request as soon as possible. Residents may submit requests for accommodations by emailing [email protected] or calling ADA Coordinator Brande Blair at 719-520-6811. Dial 711 or 800-659-3656 for Relay Colorado.

November 12, 2024 – The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 El Paso County Veteran of the Year award. This annual award recognizes an exceptional local Veteran who has demonstrated exemplary military service, outstanding community involvement, and dedicated support for fellow Veterans.

“We believe our Veterans deserve recognition for their service to our country and their continued dedication to the Veterans in our region,” said Vernon Stewart, Interim Director of the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services. “El Paso County is proud to celebrate Veterans who have defended our nation and made lasting contributions within our community.”

Nominations are being accepted through January 31, 2025, and are open to Veterans who:

• Have been honorably discharged or retired from the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Reserves or National Guard, or the United States Merchant Marines,
• Reside in El Paso County, Colorado,
• Display an ongoing commitment to serving their community and supporting other Veterans.

El Paso County has honored a Veteran of the Year annually since 2017. Previous award recipients include:

• Joseph Lewis (2023)
• Roger Ehrke (2022)
• Skyler Nelson (2021)
• Nannette Brédé Mueller (2020)
• Duane France (2019)
• Victor Fernandez (2018)
• Leo Martinez (2017)

Nominations must be submitted by January 31, 2025.

For more information, please contact the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services at 719.520.7750 or [email protected].

About the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services:

The El Paso County Veterans Service Office is responsible for assisting residents of the State of Colorado who served honorably in any armed service of the nation. The Division provides personalized local service to veterans and other claimants and assists them in cutting through the maze of red tape frequently involved in direct dealings with government agencies.