Americans owe a major debt to the military veterans who acted as the backbone of the U.S. defense system, and western Colorado knows it. Several area organizations are dedicated to supporting veterans by advocating for them and honoring their service.

Friends to fighters

Chuck Watkins, a retired Navy Senior Chief, said the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) fights for fair military pay, housing and medical benefits for active, retired and honorably discharged members of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard by contacting Congress on their behalf. Watkins said members volunteer at the Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center and organize the Memorial Day Wreath Floating Ceremony at Blue Heron boat launch to honor the memory of departed military.

“Anyone can bring a wreath to have it floated, regardless of which branch of the service the person they’re honoring served in,” he said.

The group also has floats in the Fourth of July and Veterans’ Day parades.

Dues are $40 a year, and the local group pays half of that if someone joins for two years. They meet at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the VFW Post 3981, 503 1/2 Florence Road in Grand Junction.

No one left behind

The Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard (GVCHG) began when Dick Gigliotti, the first commander of the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, realized active duty military units and veterans’ service organizations could not be relied upon to provide full military honors for veterans buried there.

“We needed a reliable, dedicated honor guard,” said Garry Parrot, who became commander this year. “We began with the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery and now offer the same service for all cemeteries in the Grand Valley, weather permitting.”

Any honorably discharged vet can join the guard. Parrot said that many find the position is too emotional, yet it’s important to honor the deceased.

“The ceremony provides closure for families, and honors the idea that we never leave a comrade behind or let a vet be buried alone,” he said. The organization was recognized in June for their superior efforts and service by the Adjutant General of the National Guard. It’s the first time that an honor guard has been recognized this way.

Dues are $10 per year, and the organization provides the full uniform, from shoes to hat, including branch patches and accoutrements. Participants may provide their own military ribbons and unit patches if they choose.

Aspiring members must provide a copy of their DD214. The Combined Honor Guard meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month (except during the summer) at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery meeting room, located on D Road, just east of the Grand Junction Regional Center.

For more information, call Parrot at 234-0980.

Unwavering respect

The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) is a non-political, nationwide group of motorcyclists who have another common interest: an unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security, including fallen military heroes, first responders and honorably discharged veterans.

Art Edwards and his wife, Meg, took over the local group in 2007, when he was named assistant state captain for the Western Slope. He still holds that position.

The local group may travel several hundred miles to attend the funeral of a soldier on active duty.

“We also provide escorts for many veterans groups that travel through Grand Junction and surrounding communities,” Edwards said. “We recently traveled to Moab to escort a group of wounded veterans traveling on motorcycles from Los Angeles to Sturgis.”

The group also attends homecomings if asked to do so by families. In fact, families must request that the group participate in any event.

Membership is open to veterans and civilians, and having a motorcycle is not a requirement.

“There are no restrictions or membership fees, but we do ask new members to purchase a portable flag and a PGR armband for our missions,” said Edwards.

The group attends funerals to ensure respect for the fallen and to shield families from protesters through non-violent, legal means. It also sponsors the Wreaths Across America program each December.

To contact the local chapter, contact Edwards at harleyroadk@yahoo. com or call 250-1174.

Speaking up for our military

The Military Officers’ Association of America (MOAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that was established in Grand Junction 42 years ago. Though membership is limited to officers and warrant officers from any branch of the military, including those from the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, chapter outreach initiatives support the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic; the Junior ROTC units in Grand Junction, Montrose and Glenwood Springs; and Congressional Service Academy Review Boards.

“MOAA speaks for a strong national defense and represents the interests of military officers at every stage of their careers,” said Don Schneider, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and current secretary of the western Colorado chapter. Membership is $20 per year. For information, call Schneider at 241-8714 or visit www.wccmoaa.com.

Honor a vet, sponsor a wreath

National Wreaths Across America Day is December 16. The PGR coordinates a local effort each year to place wreaths on graves at Grand Junction’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The public is invited to a special ceremony at the cemetery at 10 a.m. PGR seeks sponsors for the 2,300 wreaths they plan to disburse this year. Wreaths cost $15 each and are available in any quantity desired. All sponsorships are tax deductible. To become a sponsor, send a check to PGR no later than November 24. Checks should be made payable to Wreaths Across America. Include your name, address, phone number and email address, along with the number of wreaths you’d like to purchase, and send to: Patriot Guard Riders 616 Lodgepole St. Grand Junction, CO 81504 Learn more by calling 250-1174.