Editor:
In response to Don Cossack’s letter from June 28, I’d like to say that the veteran organizations in Montezuma County are very responsive to the needs of fellow veterans.
Between the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) we have numerous grant/relief programs to support our local veterans (upwards of $80,000 per year). We have programs that assist veterans in procuring housing, including paying deposits, as well as assisting with rent and utilities. Other programs have vouchers for motel rooms, food and gas. The DAV also has the transportation program that takes veterans to their medical appointments. This program ensures all veterans can make their VA appointments. If they are unable to drive due to disability or don’t have the money for gas, the van will pick them up at their doorstep and take them to and from their appointment, whether it be Durango, Farmington or Albuquerque.
In addition to the veteran organizations, the Montezuma County Veteran Service Officer (MCVSO), Rick Torres, does a wonderful job assisting the veterans of our county. He is a veteran with more than 20 years of service and more than four years of experience as a county veteran service officer.
In summary, the VFW, DAV, and MCVSO have assisted the veteran Mr. Cossack is concerned about in the past. Although the veteran is a VFW member, he did not request our assistance in this matter.
We are very concerned about our fellow veterans and do already spend a great deal of time and effort ensuring we provided assistance wherever and whenever possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist when we are unaware of the need. We understand it’s not easy to admit when we need help.
If you’re a veteran in need, please contact us. If you’re a family member or friend of a veteran in need, please help us identify those veterans and get them the help they need.
MCVSO: 565-2779
DAV VSO: 560-2793/2794
VFW Grant Administrator: 882-2462
David Johnson
VFW Commander
Linley Leonard
DAV Jr. Vice Commander