RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

*Find out if you are eligible for the Colorado Military Family Relief Fund. http://www.dmva.state.co.us/page/mfr

*Learn about many Colorado Veterans benefits like housing program, financial assistance, employment and education benefits and more. http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/colorado-state-veterans-benefits

*The American Legion provides community service and support to veterans. http://www.legion.org/veterans

*Are you a disabled veteran? The Disabled American Veterans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans. http://www.dav.org/

Veterans Green Jobs is an organization focused on empowering veterans to restore our environment, economy, and communities. http://veteransgreenjobs.org/

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

*Donate, support, and connect with veterans. http://www.supportourtroops.org/

*Send a care package to a soldier, veteran, or a family member of a fallen soldier. http://www.skipcares.org/carepackages/

*Do you knit or crochet? Warmth for Warriors is a volunteer organization that provides handmade hats and other comfort items. http://warmthforwarriors.com/

*Say thank you. Write letters to our dedicated servicemen and women. Make sure every soldier’s name is heard at mail call. http://tellthemthanks.com/

VETERANS ASSISTANCE BILLS PASSED THIS YEAR

Senate Bill 62 provides financial incentives for our troops to become teachers, strengthening our economy and our education system. It puts prospective teachers into the classroom, especially in rural and high-needs areas.

House Bill 1039 makes higher education more affordable by expanding the opportunities for active-duty military members, their families and honorably discharged veterans to be eligible for in-state tuition.

House Bill 1205 will make it easier for overseas military members to participate in elections and have their votes counted.

House Bill 1280 will allow Colorado to participate in the National Guard’s Youth Challenge program, a mentoring program for high school dropouts between the ages of 16 and 18.

House Bill 1291 will create a clearinghouse so that veterans and their families can get information about support services and other valuable assistance they are eligible to receive.

House Bill 1329 allows more money to be spent annually from the Colorado State Veterans Trust Fund to support Colorado’s veteran nursing homes, veteran cemeteries, and programs run by veterans’ organizations.