craigdailypress.com

Ed Wilkinson

In response to recent news reports, the Colorado Department of Human Services has confirmed that the state veterans home in Rifle is not at risk of closure. Several media outlets around the state reported the veterans home could be forced to close because of financial losses.

Not so.

“The department has no intention — now or in the future — of closing the state veterans home at Rifle,” said Karen L. Beye, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services. “The Rifle home has had some financial losses and administrative challenges over the past two years, but major changes have been made in the home’s operations, resulting in a profit of more than $165,000 for the first four months of this fiscal year.”

The Rifle facility provides long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, respite, hospice and secure “memory care” to veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents.

The home won two Excellence in Action awards in 2007 and 2009 for combined family and residence satisfaction.

The home satisfaction results were in the top 10 percent among 5,000-plus long-term care facilities surveyed nationally by an independent research firm.

VFW, American Legion meeting reminder

With the cold weather on us now, to avoid getting cabin fever come to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4265 meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the VFW post, 419 E. Victory Way.

Hot coffee and camaraderie abound.

American Legion Post 62 meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the post, 1055 Moffat County Road 7. Hot coffee, rolls and camaraderie abound at this meeting, too.

Hope to see all members of both organizations at these meetings.

For information on these programs and/or other veterans’ benefits, call or stop in the Moffat County Veterans Service Office at 480 Barclay St., west of the Bank of Colorado parking lot.

Call 824-3246 or use the fax at 824-7108. Our e-mail address is veterans@moffatcounty.net.

The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Other times can be arranged by appointment only.

Bring a copy of your separation papers (DD-214) for application for VA programs and for filing at our office.

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