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Veterans services reports $30.3 million in VA expenditures for Montezuma County in 2024; local office captures part
Summary
The county veterans service officer reported that the VA expended about $30.3 million in Montezuma County in 2024 and that the local Veterans Service Office has captured roughly $5.1M-$5.2M year-to-date; the office is expanding outreach and has Veterans Day events planned.
The county's veterans services representative reported to commissioners that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs expended about $30,300,000 into Montezuma County in 2024 across compensation, pensions, medical, loans and other benefits.
"Montezuma County, overall, total, the VA expended $30,300,000 into Montezuma County in 2024," the veterans service speaker said. He added that the county office has captured about $5.1 million to $5.2 million year-to-date and that outreach and appointments have risen, with more veterans contacting the office by phone and email.
Office staff highlighted program activity: the seventh annual veteran stand-down in September drew 177 veterans plus family members and community volunteers; the office has enrolled dozens of veterans in VA health care and filed hundreds of claims year-to-date. Staff reported a decrease in average claim-processing time this year from about 140 days to roughly 101 days.
The veteran services office also noted staff changes and resources: the office rehired a staff member (Rick Torres) as of Oct. 1 and received two $25,000 stipend payments from the state for veterans service offices. Veterans Day events, including a parade starting at 1 p.m. and community breakfasts and lunches, were discussed as upcoming outreach opportunities.
No county funding requests were made during the workshop for additional veteran services at this meeting.
