Hello Friends,
Veterans Day 2021 will soon be here! Each year, a contest is held for the best artwork reflecting the theme. This year, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is 100 years old. It was first dedicated in 1921 by the Army on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921, with the burial of an unknown service member from World War I. If you want to be a part of supporting Veterans on this special day, here are some ideas:
- Contact your local VFW, American Legion, or other Veteran organizations to see if they have a Veterans Day event planned and volunteer your help
- Take a Veteran to lunch
- Bring a nourishing meal to a Veteran at their home
- Invite a Veteran to your home for dinner
- Arrange a neighborhood potluck dinner for a Veteran family
- Schedule a time to visit a Veteran in person either at their home, nursing home, or another care facility
- Phone a Veteran to let remind them Veterans are not forgotten
- Send a "thinking of you" card or letter
- Don't forget there are also women Veterans
- Above all, be sure to thank Veterans for their service
You don't have to wait until Veterans Day to do any of the above. If you know of a Veteran in need, whether Veterans Day or any other day, reach out to us! Our job is to listen and assist.
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Access to Military Installations |
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You can now get on military installations with your Veteran Health Identification card, the one you receive when you enroll in VA healthcare. It's what you use to check-in for appointments at VA Medical Centers. You will also need a driver's license or passport to get on base or post. Learn more: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card
This card may also allow you to shop at the commissary or military exchange and can be used for special military discounts at restaurants and retailers.
How do I qualify for shopping privileges at the commissary or exchange?
According to the VA, if you’re a Veteran or service member, one of these must be true. You:
- Have a service-connected disability rating and were honorably discharged, or
- Are retired from military service, or
- Are a former prisoner of war, or
- Are a member of the Reserves, or
- Have received a Purple Heart or the Medal of Honor
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Most states offer some Veteran exemption on property taxes. This reduction can potentially save a person thousands of dollars each year. However, each state has its own set of rules. For example, in Colorado, a Veteran with a 100% disability rating can receive a 50% property tax exemption for the first $200,000 of the actual value of their primary residence. This deferral also extends for qualifying veterans over the age of 65 and for active-duty personnel. In Wyoming, any Veteran can receive a property tax exemption of $3,000 of the assessed value of their primary residence if the Veteran has lived there for a minimum of 3 years and has served during a period of war. If the exemption is not used, it can be applied to their vehicle license fee. |
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Volunteer of the Month
Dave Sloan
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Dave was Qualified Listener's first volunteer. He has made himself available frequently with very short notice. Just last week, QL had a Veteran who needed transportation from DIA to his home. With less than 48 hours' notice and very limited information regarding flight number, ETA, and airline, Dave volunteered and delivered while preparing for a trip of his own. Dave is an Army Vietnam Veteran draftee who served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He grew up in South Central Kansas and was working at an architectural firm when he was drafted. Dave worked summers at the Cheley Camp in Estes Park from 1971 to 1975 and moved to Estes in 1976. In 1978 he moved to Edwards, a small-town West of Vail where he owned an accounting business and a property management company for 30 years. Later, Dave retired and moved to the high plains of Northern Colorado. He was the Commander of the Ault VFW for seven years. He now serves as the Quartermaster for the same VFW. He is the middle son of three boys. Dave has a 30-year-old daughter that is the light of his life. When asked why he volunteers, his response is: "I served at a time when there was a significant amount of turmoil in our country; Vietnam Veterans were not treated well or recognized for their service." THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, DAVE, then and now!
Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.
- Helen Keller
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Our “Suits for Veterans” Program is Back
Through our partnership with ARC Thrift Stores, we are once again providing vouchers to Veterans needing clothing for job interviews, work, or just something to wear. Vouchers are redeemable at any ARC Thrift Store in Colorado. Just email your DD-214, name, mailing address, and phone number to [email protected].
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Qualified Listeners has become a community partner with SCHEELS All Sports in Johnstown, Colorado. The store is offering valuable coupons to Veterans and family members. Scheels recognizes our military heroes' dedication and sacrifice and their families. The organization wants to give back to the Veteran community. The coupon value is $10 off with a $50 purchase through 12/31/21 and is redeemable at the Johnstown location only. All you have to do is contact us by phone or email to let us know how many coupons you would like and where we should send them. |
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Seeking Reputable Resources
Since we cover such a large geographic area of Colorado and Wyoming, we cannot be in every community, so we ask for your help. We need to create a list of excellent service providers in your area, such as plumbers, electricians, lawn care, painting, sprinkler systems, handypersons, home contractors, moving companies, home cleaning, and others. We want to find business owners who recognize that their freedom to own a business comes from Veterans. They also need to work with us on pricing. If you’ve had success working with a Veteran-friendly company, please let us know so we can reach out to them.
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For Veterans From Veterans |
- If you need a mobility device contact us!
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Veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare system and admitted to a non-VA emergency room or urgent care facility can call the VA Authorization Office at 1-888-795-0773, option 1. A Veteran DOES NOT have to call this number before being admitted to the ER or urgent care but must do so within 72 hours post-admission.
If a Veteran is 100% disabled or retired from the military, and is in the Cheyenne VA Medical Center catchment area, call 307-778-7310 to check eligibility for dental benefits.
To transfer your records to the Cheyenne VA Medical Center catchment area, call 307-778-7555
If you fall and need help getting up, call your local fire department. If you lock your keys in the car, call your local fire department.
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September Progress
443 Volunteer Hours | 1,788 Miles
Onboarded 36 new Veterans into our system
Created 16 new cases
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What exactly do we do?
- We listen
- Provide transportation to medical appointments
- Help with mobility equipment
- Offer vetted resources for Veterans
- Help Veterans & families find more peace in their lives
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Monetary Donations:
We are always grateful for monetary donations, which allows us to continue serving Veterans and families. If you can contribute whatever amount you feel comfortable with, please click here. It’s not about donating; it’s about making a difference. We’re a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible under our EIN 81-5381427.
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Qualified Listeners
Mailing Address:
PO Box 563
Dacono, CO 80514
Tel: 720-600-0860
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