Honoring Our Veterans: A Public Health Commitment Beyond Veterans Day

As we observe Veterans Day, we pause to recognize and thank the men and women who have served our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication deserve our gratitude, not just one day a year, but all year. 

Military service can have a lasting impact on physical and mental health. Some veterans experience service-related injuries or chronic health conditions, while others may face challenges related to sleep, chronic pain, mental health, or the transition back to civilian life.

Veterans, like everyone, benefit from access to preventive health care, immunizations, chronic disease prevention, healthy living resources, and opportunities to maintain their physical and emotional well-being. Supporting veterans means helping ensure access to these resources that can help prevent illness, identify health concerns early, and support long-term wellness.

Mental health is also an important part of overall health. Whether navigating the transition to civilian life, managing stress, or simply needing someone to talk to, veterans should know that support is available. Family members and friends can also play an important role by checking in, staying connected, and helping loved ones find resources when needed.

Knowing Where to Turn for Help

The Western Slope is fortunate to have services dedicated to helping veterans navigate healthcare and benefits.

A few resources include:

• County Veterans Service Officer: Veterans can receive assistance understanding VA benefits, navigating the application process, and accessing the benefits they have earned. 

Phone: 970-249-2115

Stephen Otero - sotero@gunnisoncounty.org

Phone: 970-641-7919

Arjay Rini - Arini@deltacountyco.gov

Phone: 970-874-2082

Mikael Madsen - mikaelm@sanmiguelcountyco.gov

Phone: 970-708-8757

• Montrose VA Clinic: Located at 154 Colorado Avenue, Suite 100, the clinic provides primary care and access to additional services, including mental health care.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans, active-duty service members, and their loved ones can access free, confidential support 24 hours a day by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Knowing where to start can make a difference. Sharing these resources with a veteran, family member, or neighbor is one simple way to help connect people with the support they need.

Shine a Green Light for Veterans

This Veterans Day, Montrose County encourages residents, businesses, and community organizations to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans. Communities across the country are encouraged to illuminate their homes and buildings with green lights as a visible expression of appreciation and support for veterans and their families.

The idea is simple: replace a porch light or display a green light in a window to let veterans know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. A green light is a small gesture, but represents recognition, gratitude, and a commitment to supporting those who have served. It’s a simple way to remind veterans in our community that their service is appreciated and that they are not forgotten.

A Community That Cares

Our veterans are our neighbors, friends, family members, coworkers, and community leaders. They continue to contribute to the strength and the resilient character of Montrose County.

Public health is rooted in prevention, education, access to resources, and building healthier communities. Supporting veterans is part of that mission. Sometimes it starts with a conversation, a simple thank-you, helping someone find a local resource, or turning on a green light.

To all who have served: Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and the lasting contributions you continue to make to our community.

Honoring veterans means more than remembering their service. It means caring about their health, supporting their families, and ensuring they have the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives in the communities they helped protect.

To all who have served, thank you. We are grateful for your service and sacrifice.

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