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Veterans Initiative Program (VIP)

VIP is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide shelter and comprehensive support to unsheltered Veterans (or those at risk of becoming so), empowering them to live with victory, intention, and purpose in the United States of America.  We are committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country with bravery and dedication.

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Still Serving Vets

To make a lasting impact on Veterans and their families by providing professional support services that empower and equip them for a secure future.

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🎤 Seeking Help with VA Disability filing in Salida, CO. Local Help in Salida — County VSO and Veterans Service Office Chaffee County Veterans Service Office (in Salida, CO) •This is the County Veterans Service Office (VSO) for Chaffee County — exactly where Salida is located. Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs+2Chaffee Resources+2 •Who to contact: Leisl Hammond, the County VSO (she is herself an Army veteran). Heart of the Rockies Radio+1 •Contact info: Phone: (719) 239-4678, Email: VSO@chaffeecounty.org. VFW Post 3820 Salida+1 •Office location & hours: Office is in the Touber Building, 448 E. 1st Street, Salida, CO 81201. In-person hours are Thursdays 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (they may schedule other times by request). Heart of the Rockies Radio+1 •This office helps veterans prepare and submit claims to the federal U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability, pensions, and other benefits. Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs+2Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs+2 Why this is the first stop: The state-level agency for veterans (the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs — DVA) relies on county-level VSOs to assist veterans with claims, paperwork, and appeals. Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs+1 Local Medical / VA Clinic Access •In Salida there is a local VA-affiliated medical facility: Salida VA Clinic (address: 920 Rush Drive, Salida, CO 81201). Veterans Affairs+1 •If your issues are medical and you qualify, the clinic could provide care; and local transportation support for veterans is available (via volunteer van service). Veterans Affairs+2Veterans Affairs+2 •Even if unable to travel easily, the county VSO may help clear up whether you are eligible for VA-provided health care as well as disability benefits. _______________________________ ⚠️ What to Know / Common Issues — and What to Do •Filing for VA disability does not cost anything. The free VSO assistance through the county or accredited veterans organizations is generally the best route. Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs+2Colorado JCF+2 •The process may require documentation: discharge papers (e.g., DD-214), medical records, other service records or evidence. A VSO can help assemble them properly. Adams County Government+2Colorado JCF+2 •Because your friend is older and may have multiple medical issues (which can make claims complex), having a VSO guide the claim significantly improves chances for success. ________________________________________ 📞 Your Next Step (What You Should Do Now) 1.Call or email the Chaffee County Veterans Service Office — using the contact for Leisl Hammond listed above — and explain that you are a veteran who needs help applying for VA disability. 2.Gather necessary documents: discharge/separation papers, any medical records (hospital/doctor), and a list of all of your current medical issues. 3.Let the VSO help prepare and submit the claim — they should know exactly what the VA needs. 4.If transportation or mobility is a problem, ask the VSO about the volunteer van service for VA-related appointments (since those are available locally). ________________________________________ Slide 1 — Title Slide Veteran Support Resources Salida, Colorado Help for Vietnam Veteran Seeking VA Disability Benefits ________________________________________ Slide 2 — Overview •Free local help is available in Salida, Colorado •Best starting point: Chaffee County Veterans Service Office (VSO) •Additional community and nonprofit support is also nearby •All services listed are no-cost or low-barrier ________________________________________ Slide 3 — Chaffee County VSO (Primary Resource) Chaffee County Veterans Service Office (VSO) •Files VA disability claims •Helps with VA healthcare enrollment •Guides pension & disability applications •Can help gather documents •May arrange transportation to VA medical appointments Contact: •Phone: 719-239-4678 •Email: VSO@chaffeecounty.org •Location: Touber Building, 448 E 1st St, Salida ________________________________________ Slide 4 — Salida VA Clinic Salida VA Clinic •Provides local VA healthcare •Can assist with medical evaluations •Coordinates medical records for disability claims Contact: •Phone: 719-539-8666 •Address: 920 Rush Drive, Salida, CO ________________________________________ Slide 5 — VFW Post 3820 VFW Post 3820 – “Angel of Mount Shavano” •Veteran community & peer support •Can provide informal guidance on benefits •Helps connect with other local resources Contact: •Email: VFW3820@gmail.com •Phone (Quartermaster): 719-207-1441 •Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1103, Salida ________________________________________ Slide 6 — Veterans Expeditions Veterans Expeditions (VetEx) •Salida-based nonprofit serving veterans •Outdoor trips for mental health support •Strong veteran community and camaraderie Contact: •Phone: 719-792-2055 •Email: nick@vetexpeditions.com •Mail: P.O. Box 476, Salida ________________________________________ Slide 7 — Colorado Veterans Service Foundation Colorado Veterans Service Foundation •Helps “needy” veterans with unmet financial needs •Supports housing, utilities, medical hardship •Works statewide Contact: •Phone: 303-263-1241 •Location: Littleton (services available remotely) ________________________________________ Slide 8 — Western Slope Veterans Coalition Western Slope Veterans Coalition (WSVC) •Broad veteran resource navigation •Helps with benefits, housing, and support referrals •Serves western/central Colorado Contact: •Phone: 970-233-8735 •Email: usvets@westernslope.org •Office: 803 Colorado Ave, Glenwood Springs ________________________________________ Slide 9 — Recommendation & Next Steps 1.Call Chaffee County VSO first (719-239-4678) 2.Prepare documents: oDD-214 oMedical records oList of conditions 3.Use community supports (VFW, VetEx) 4.If financial hardship is severe, contact CVSF 5.Keep all medical and service documentation together

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