Colorado Springs community shows up to support Unclaimed Veteran at Pikes Peak National Cemetery

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A service was held Monday at Pikes Peak National Cemetery for what is officially called an "Unclaimed Veteran."

Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Charles Kaufman died about a year ago in Colorado Springs. He was originally from Minnesota. Over the past year, officials made efforts to find any relatives of Kaufman's but were unsuccessful.

After researching his life and service, it was determined Kaufman would be buried at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. Thanks to a last-minute call for help from cemetery staff, Mr. Kaufman was far from alone on his burial day.

More than 100 fellow veterans, members of the Air Force and the Patriot Guard, and members of the Colorado Springs community came out for the service where Mr. Kaufman received full military honors.

"Being a veteran is tribal. You still need that brotherhood and sisterhood. We are his family. We are his fellow veterans. It's great to have his fellow brothers and sisters here with him today," Cindy Anderson of Army Women United said.

If you are a Colorado veteran in need of help with anything, you can find a number of resources here: https://coloradoveteransproject.org/