27Nov

Season of Giving is here – Mt. Carmel is ready

By Ret. Army Col. Bob McLaughlin
Chief Operating Officer

We joined the community to kick off the Season of Giving with two important events: a wreath telethon timed ahead of Veterans Day and our annual Operation Turkeys for Troops before Thanksgiving.

The telethon, in partnership with KRDO News Channel 13 and coloradohonor.com, is part of a nationwide effort to place wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans across the nation on Dec. 14. Our team will assist the community with placements at 10 a.m. (more…)

27Nov

Operation TURKEYS FOR TROOPS 2019

Mt. Carmel’s annual holiday tradition, Operation TURKEYS FOR TROOPS, ended in record time Nov. 21 as 200 Thanksgiving Baskets were distributed in less than 30 minutes to members of the military and veteran community with all supplies exhausted before 4 p.m.

Earlier in the day, 100 food baskets were set aside for presentation to Gold Star Families who lost a family member in combat service to the nation, and an additional 1,200 individual turkeys were provided to chaplains and first sergeants (more…)

08Oct

Eyeglasses for Larry

Larry Mooring was pretty excited about his new eyeglasses when he picked them up at Mt. Carmel this past week. He showed them off to most of our staff members and fellow veterans.

“I was treated like a general back there; it’s embarrassing – I don’t think I deserve it,” said Larry of his experience with Veterans Optometry Partners of America, Mt. Carmel’s in-house partner that provided a complete eye exam, digital lenses and name brand frames without out-of-pocket expense – fully-covered by his annual VA optical benefit. (more…)

26Aug

A hand-up for Danielle

Above: Danielle McCarthy, August 2019

In 2017, Danielle McCarthy’s son returned home from college to Montrose, Colo., to care for her as she recovered from complications related to a medical procedure. At the time, Danielle was responsible for the care of her husband, Air Force Reserve & Army Veteran David McCarthy, Jr.

Tragically, David passed in 2017 from the effects of Gulf-War Syndrome. In the wake of so much personal tragedy, Danielle was forced to sell most family belongings, cash out her last $2,000 of pension, and relocate to Colorado Springs for continued medical care and to rebuild her life. (more…)

25Jul

Vote for Mt. Carmel at Goat Patch Brewing Company celebration July 27

Shown Above: Former Army Ranger Justin Grant, owner of Goat Patch Brewing Company, and Retired Army Col. Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel Chief Operating Officer, hold up voting tokens at Goat Patch Brewing Company.

Social Impact Helps Veterans.

Mt. Carmel proudly salutes Goat Patch Brewing Company’s, “It Takes a Tribe Initiative,” a year-long effort celebrating two local non-profits. When Goat Patch visitors order award-winning, It Takes a Tribe Red Ale, they receive a token to cast a vote representing a 25-cent donation to one of two organizations.
(more…)

21Jul

Veterans among latest Electrician Apprenticeship Grads

With veterans among them, and some veteran-owned companies to benefit from their new skills, Mt. Carmel joined celebrations for the newest Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training graduates recognized in ceremonies July 19. The event was hosted by IBEW Local Union 113 and NECA Southern Colorado Chapter. The 67th Annual Apprentice Completion Ceremony also celebrated 330 years of service represented in presentation of service pins to first-year apprentices through 65-year members. “I still love what I do and have a passion for it; when you have a passion, it’s not a job,” said Dan Rockhill II, owner of Rockhill Electrical Systems.
(more…)

23May

Celebration and Reflection on Family, Service and Sacrifice

by Retired Army Col. Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, Chief Operating Officer

The many special dates on the calendar in May brought great celebration and reflection this month. Allow me to highlight just a few.

On May 10, we marked Military Spouse Appreciation Day. The spouses of our military heroes face many unique challenges as they support their service member serving our nation, not the least of which is the hardship of managing and maintaining a career of their own as they transition from one duty station to another. (more…)

09Apr

Katie’s Story: Month of the Military Child

In 1986, Secretary of Defense Casper W. Weinberger decided the sacrifices made by children of military service members deserved special recognition. Throughout April, Mt. Carmel joins the nation in celebrating Month of the Military Child.

As part of our celebration we sat down with Mt. Carmel team member Katie Travis: proud, successful and resilient daughter to retired Army Special Forces Soldier Rory and Tina Travis. (more…)

01Mar

Veteran Jobs & Veteran Spouse Jobs

Jobs for veterans and jobs for veteran spouses are among the many benefits of partnering with Mt. Carmel Veterans Services.

“At Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center it is our pleasure to serve those who have protected us.”

It is our goal to find you and your families the career that creates purpose and meaning in your life. To do this, we provide many services that pair veterans and their spouses with the right job in Colorado Springs. Our services provide local businesses the opportunity to employ Americas finest, our Veterans. (more…)