Unclaimed Veteran service held Monday at Pikes Peak National Cemetery
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pikes Peak National Cemetery held a committal service and interment for an Unclaimed Veteran on Monday, Aug. 29.
Master Sergeant Charles Kaufman retired from the Air Force many years ago, and was most recently homeless in Colorado Springs.
He was believed to be from Minneapolis, but all efforts to locate any of his relatives were unsuccessful.
Pikes Peak National Cemetery requested the public be in attendance Monday afternoon to honor the veteran and his service to our country, and more than a hundred people showed up.
Among them were members of the Colorado Patriot Guard riders and other veterans groups.
Members of the Air Force also showed up for a rifle volley and salute.
If you are a veteran in need of housing assistance, mental health counseling, or medical services, here are some resources that can provide help:
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center - https://www.veteranscenter.org/ - Our mission is to provide best practices for our military, veterans, and their families through accessible programs, integrated resources, and collaborative partnerships that empower lives and strengthen our community.
Colorado Springs Vet Center - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - https://www.va.gov/colorado-springs-vet-center - 719-471-9992 - "We offer confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Our services include counseling for needs such as depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). We can also connect you with more support in VA and your community."
The Home Front Military Care Network - https://homefrontmilitarynetwork.org - 719-577-7417 - HFMN helps service members, veterans and their families navigate support systems through web-based and call-in information and assistance to find the services that are the best fit, and follows alongside these individuals every step of the way.
