Outdoor Events Help Monte Vista Veterans Build Community

Monte Vista is home to the Veterans Community Living Center, a state-run housing campus and care facility for those who have served in the armed forces. Yet, despite Monte Vista’s sizeable veterans population, there are few local opportunities for former service members to participate in outdoor recreation. One San Luis Valley local founded Valley Veterans ReCreation, a nonprofit that aims to get veterans outdoors and build connections with local youth and community members. He approached LOR with an idea to create a series of outdoor recreation events for veterans in Monte Vista. LOR’s funding will help Valley Veterans ReCreation, which runs under the National Veterans Hiring Association, purchase fishing poles, bows, drinks, snacks, and other equipment for archery and fishing events. It will also help the nonprofit establish an outdoor gear locker for local veterans at Monte Vista’s Tri-County Senior Center. The new programs are just one way Monte Vista locals are strengthening their commitment to veterans.