How Montrose Became A Mecca For Veterans, And Escaped A Bad Economy In The Process

BY RYAN WARNER | RYAN.WARNER@CPR.ORG

www.cpr.org/news/story/how-montrose-became-a-mecca-for-veterans-and-escaped-a-bad-economy-in-the-process

The Warrior Resource Center in Montrose is led by executive director Mike Trickey, who is a Marine Corps veteran himself.

Former Army Security Specialist Steve Baskis was blinded by an explosion in Baghdad. He was drawn to Montrose by the outdoors opportunities and the resources for veterans.

Over the past several years the Western Slope town of Montrose has built itself into a Mecca for veterans through the program, Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans.

Montrose jewelry maker and business owner Melanie Kline came up with the idea for the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans on a Sunday morning over coffee.

How can you help Welcome Home Montrose? “Take a look at what we’re doing and understand that it’s not rocket science and that something just like what we’re doing could happen easily in their community and get in touch with us and learn how to do that,” Melanie said. As for donations, Welcome Home Montrose prefers to look to the local community rather than the government. In fact, they turned down an offer for a million dollars that came from the government. “When you keep it organic, and you keep it in the community, the money you do raise is more personal.  There’s more involvement from the local community.  And any individual or any businessperson needs to meet the veterans so they understand why they want to help,” said Kirk Hartman, a board member on Welcome Home Montrose and a local businessman.

​blind veterans kayak the Grand Canyon, documented in Street View

Imagine kayaking 226 miles through the whitewater of the Grand Canyon blind. These veterans gave nearly everything serving their country and are still inspiring others with their bravery and sense of adventure. Follow their epic record-setting journey, all captured in @googlemaps #StreetView. ​

Blind Veterans and Google Team Up For Epic Grand Canyon Kayak Adventure

Former Army Security Specialist Steve Baskis was blinded by an explosion in Baghdad. He was drawn to Montrose by the outdoors opportunities and the resources for veterans.