Custer County Veteran Service Officer

08/01/2026

Today marks three years since I had the honor of becoming the Custer County Veterans Service Officer.

When I accepted this position, my goal was simple: ensure that every veteran, surviving spouse, and dependent in Custer County had an advocate who would fight to connect them with the benefits they earned through their service.

Today, I’m humbled to share another significant milestone: in those three years we just surpassed $6M in annual increased VA compensation and pension.

This achievement isn’t about a number it’s about lives changed. It’s about veterans receiving the healthcare they’ve earned, families gaining financial stability, surviving spouses receiving long-overdue benefits, and ensuring that promises made to those who served are promises kept!

I am incredibly grateful to the veterans and families who have trusted me to assist them, to our community for its unwavering support, and to everyone who has helped make these accomplishments possible.

Serving this county has been one of the greatest honors of my career. While I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past three years, there’s still more work to do. Every veteran deserves to know they are not alone, and I remain committed to ensuring that no eligible benefit goes unclaimed.

Thank you, Custer County, for allowing me to continue serving those who have served us all. ❤️

Here’s to the next chapter of service. 🇺🇸

07/31/2026

📢 We’re Hiring!

Custer County Veteran Services is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Veteran Service Officer.

A change made by the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs removed the requirement that Assistant Veteran Service Officers be military veterans. As a result, this position is now open to all qualified applicants, not just veterans.

If you’re passionate about serving others, enjoy helping people navigate complex systems, and want an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans, their families, and surviving spouses of veterans in our community, I encourage you to apply.

Please help spread the word by sharing this post with anyone who may be interested.

View the job posting and application information here:

/ Services / Human Resources / Employment Opportunities Employment Opportunities Join the Custer County team! We're committed to hiring dedicated professional who share our vision of serving the Wet Mountain Valley community. Explore current openings and learn about working for Custer County. How to...

07/14/2026

Stop by the Veteran Services tent at this years Wet Mountain Valley Stampede to purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win:

$100 gift certificate to The Constellation
$50 gift certificate to Rocket Pizza
Sponsored by RAE Technology

$900+ e-bike package
Sponsored by Kimberlee Salimeno with Platinum Properties

ALL proceeds with benefit the Widows & Widowers of Veterans Fund.

You can also stop by just to say “hi” 🤠

Veterans please stop by for a free gift to commemorate 250 years of independence, I only have a limited quantity so come see me early…I’ll be there Thursday through Saturday. 🫡

🇺🇸

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from Custer County Veteran Services 🇺🇸

Today marks 250 years of American independence, a milestone that reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit that built our nation. As we celebrate the freedoms secured by generations of servicemen and women, we also reflect on the resilience that continues to define our communities.

This year, however, our celebration is tempered by the devastating Aspen Acres Wildfire. Our hearts are with the families who have been displaced, those facing uncertainty, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.

Out of respect for our neighbors and to help reduce the burden on the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and countless volunteers working tirelessly to protect lives and property, our community’s Independence Day celebrations have been indefinitely postponed.

The spirit of Independence is not measured by parades or fireworks, but by neighbors helping neighbors, communities standing together, and Americans answering the call to serve in times of need. That spirit is alive and well here in Custer County.

To the brave first responders and emergency personnel on the front lines, and to every volunteer lending a hand, thank you for your unwavering dedication. To the families affected by the wildfire, please know that your community stands with you.
May we all take a moment today to appreciate the blessings of liberty while extending compassion and support to those who need it most.

As we commemorate 250 years of American independence, may we honor the sacrifices of those who secured our freedom by showing compassion, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity. Happy Independence Day, and thank you to our service members and veterans, first responders, and all those serving our community. 🇺🇸

06/26/2026

🇺🇸 Exciting Independence Day Parade Update! 🇺🇸

I’m pleased to announce that the 140th Wing has officially confirmed an F-16 flyover during the Independence Day Parade!

If you’re planning to participate, or are still considering joining us, there’s still time to sign up and be part of this special celebration commemorating 250 years of American independence.

The Wet Mountain Hermits 4-H Club will once again host a bake sale, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the local Widows & Widowers of Veterans Fund.

In addition, RAE Technology is generously supporting the Widows & Widowers of Veterans Fund and has donated a $100 gift certificate to Constellation and a $50 gift certificate to Rocket Pizza, both of which will be raffled off along with other items available for purchase the day of the parade, at the Custer County Veteran Services tent.

We are also incredibly grateful to Kimberlee Salimeno of Platinum Properties Team, who has donated a brand-new TotGuard T-268 all-terrain folding e-bike, complete with a tote full of accessories including a rear bike rack, travel pack, tool kit, extra tires, inner tubes, a pump, and more. Valued at over $900, this amazing package will also be raffled off in support of the Widows & Widowers of Veterans Fund.

🎟️ You do not need to be present to win any of the raffle prizes!

Come enjoy the parade, support a great cause, and help us honor the sacrifices that made our freedoms possible. 🇺🇸✈️🎆

06/23/2026

There’s a great program being offered by Serenity Recovery Connection at the Custer County Library every Friday evening at 6pm.

Please take advantage of this free resource and/or share with others.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures in our community. Your leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to your families leave a lasting impact on future generations. We especially recognize those who have balanced the responsibilities of fatherhood while serving our nation, and the fathers who have supported loved ones in uniform. Thank you for all you do to make our community stronger, safer, and brighter. ❤️🇺🇸

06/20/2026

Autumn Craig, a recent farrier school graduate and daughter of a local veteran, is seeking clients.

She can be reached at (719)371-8095 and has already demonstrated her expertise with our donkeys this morning 😁

05/26/2026

I managed to capture this footage of the F-16 flyover during the Memorial Day observance…was anybody else able to capture photos or video? Please comment and add your footage/pics.