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‘Forgotten’ Colorado veterans laid to rest after remaining unclaimed for years

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‘Forgotten’ Colorado veterans laid to rest after remaining unclaimed for years


DENVER (KDVR) — They had been forgotten or deserted by household and associates, their cremated stays left in containers on native mortuary cabinets for years, and even many years in some instances. However on Thursday, they had been lastly laid to relaxation alongside fellow service members at Fort Logan Nationwide Cemetery, because of an area veterans group decided to proper a unsuitable.

“It’s unbelievable, actually. They only died and no person got here and claimed their cremains,” mentioned Jim Topkoff, member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1071.

“There could also be some instances the place their household possibly threw them out or they left and by no means got here again,” he added.

A Vietnam veterans group’s new mission

The native Vietnam veterans group took on a brand new mission seven years in the past.

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“We found as a chapter that there (had been) actually hundreds of unclaimed cremains sitting in mortuaries all around the state. And we thought, there’s obtained to be some veterans in there, in order that’s sort of how we obtained began on this program,” Topkoff mentioned.

So the group set to work with native mortuaries, going by means of previous information and figuring out the unclaimed stays of those that served their nation. Then they began the lengthy strategy of confirming their identification and repair by means of the Veterans Administration, earlier than scheduling interment ceremonies at Fort Logan Nationwide Cemetery.

“As a veteran, we take a look at our brothers, and we are saying, you understand, they served honorably, they served their nation, they usually’re entitled to the advantages this nation supplies for them. So after we obtained that drilled into our heads, we mentioned, that is actually necessary,” Topkoff mentioned.

Honors Burial Undertaking holds memorials held for 122 Colorado veterans

The group has helped find and maintain memorials for 122 Colorado veterans, together with one whose stays had been sitting on a mortuary shelf for 60 years.

They don’t understand how the veterans died, or what occurred whereas they had been residing that led to their abandonment at demise. However they know conflict can change individuals, and veterans typically find yourself homeless or addicted after they return.

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“We’ve had a full colonel, we’ve had two completely different medical doctors, one was an MD, one other was a dentist, so these individuals, you understand, they reached a plateau in life that many people by no means achieved,” Topkoff mentioned.

On Thursday, seven males had been laid to relaxation as a part of the Honors Burial Undertaking:

  • Jerry Burton Blodgett, U.S. Navy, Vietnam
  • Allen Stephan Bralley, U.S. Military, Korea
  • William Dobraninch, U.S. Marines, Peacetime
  • Charles Franklin Lowell, U.S. Military, Korea
  • John Larry Schulte, U.S. Military, Peacetime
  • Harvey Thomas Taylor, U.S. Military, World Battle II
  • Anthony Troutner, U.S. Military, Vietnam

It was a remaining roll name for a gaggle of forgotten heroes, because of some veterans who lastly remembered.

“I assume our purpose is to seek out as many of those as we are able to earlier than our time is up. Till we’re unable to do it anymore, that is what we’re going to maintain doing,” Topkoff mentioned.

To be taught extra in regards to the Honors Burial Undertaking, go to the VVA Chapter 1071 web site.

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Colorado

No white Christmas in Fort Collins, but here’s when Northern Colorado could get snow

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No white Christmas in Fort Collins, but here’s when Northern Colorado could get snow


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It’s looking to be a warm and dry Christmas in Fort Collins, but there may be a glimpse of winter weather ahead. 

Fort Collins is in for a sunny Christmas Eve with an expected high of 54 degrees, with clouds and light wind forecasted heading into the evening and an overnight low of 27, according to the National Weather Service. Christmas Day will likely be much of the same, with some clouds, a high of 50 and low of 24 expected. 

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After another warmer day Thursday with a high of 50 degrees, we could get a glimpse at some winter weather Thursday night. There is a slight chance of rain after 11 p.m. that could mix with snow after 1 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. The chance of precipitation Thursday is 20%.

After another warmer weekend — with a high near 47 degrees expected Friday, 54 on Saturday and 57 on Sunday — there’s another chance of rain and snow accompanied by wind Monday, according to the National Weather Service, despite the high temperature Monday expected to be near 52 degrees. 

Colorado’s mountains have a much better chance of a white Christmas, with 1 to 3 inches of snow expected around the holidays.



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Colorado woman recovers from unique liver cancer surgery in time for Christmas

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Colorado woman recovers from unique liver cancer surgery in time for Christmas


It was a very special holiday season for an Aurora resident recovering after a unique surgery. Doctors push the limits to treat patients, especially during this time of year.

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Anna Aist speaks to CBS Colorado at her Aurora home ahead of Christmas 2024. 

CBS


It only takes one look around Anna Aist’s house to see Christmas is her favorite holiday.

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“I started to buy those many, many years ago,” Aist told CBS Colorado. 

Aist’s house was ready ahead of Christmas. From the village, to the nutcrackers lining her kitchen, to the handmade pieces of art from her late husband, who passed away this year.

“He loved woodwork,” Aist explained. “He made all of these. This this whole room is Santa.”

It’s almost a year since, Aist’s husband passed away in January. 

“Who would have thought I would have got cancer after that,” Aist said. 

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At 84 years young, this is a special Christmas for Aist. She’s still recoverin from surgery after being diagnosed with liver cancer earlier in 2024.

“He told everybody I looked spry, and I passed all the tests except for three, and they had to do with my liver,” Aist said. 

Dr. Raheel Jajja at HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s tried a unique liver resection surgery.

“He thinks he got it all, and he took out 10% of my liver,” Aist explained. 

A had specific instructions on when to have the surgery this year.

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“I said, if you’re going to do it, do it soon,” Aist   said. “Because I want to be up feeling good for the holidays. That’s one of my favorite things.”

So Aist’s family from all over Colorado will soon be with her to unwrap presents and spend time together. It’s precious time with a patient who has worked hard to make the holiday special.

“And they said they want food, food, food,” Aist said with a positive chuckle.



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Deion Sanders and Colorado land Texas A&M transfer OL Aki Ogunbiyi

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Deion Sanders and Colorado land Texas A&M transfer OL Aki Ogunbiyi


Colorado has landed a significant addition to their offensive line with the transfer of Texas A&M offensive lineman Aki Ogunbiyi. This move signals head coach Deion Sanders’ ongoing commitment to the trenches after a season plagued by pass protection struggles.

Ogunbiyi, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound lineman from Houston, Texas, brings experience and potential to a unit that ranked near the bottom nationally in sacks allowed, giving up 39 in 2024.

Ogunbiyi’s decision to transfer to Colorado comes after four seasons at Texas A&M, where he showcased his talent despite limited playing time. Originally a four-star recruit in the 2020 class, Ogunbiyi was ranked as the No. 9 offensive guard in the nation and the No. 34 player in Texas. His arrival at College Station was met with high expectations, and while he contributed in multiple games, his full potential was never fully realized during his time with the Aggies.

Deion Sanders says he won’t attend the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay

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Over the course of his career at Texas A&M, Ogunbiyi accumulated 654 offensive snaps, starting eight games and earning the team’s Offensive Most Improved Player Award. His size, strength, and pedigree as a run blocker align well with the Buffaloes’ urgent need to establish a more formidable offensive line presence. In the 2023 season, Ogunbiyi appeared in three games against McNeese, Missouri, and New Mexico State before entering the transfer portal.

For Colorado, Ogunbiyi’s arrival could provide an immediate boost to their offensive line, a crucial factor as the Buffaloes aim to contend in the Big 12.

With only one year of eligibility remaining, Ogunbiyi is expected to compete for a starting role at either guard position this spring. His experience against SEC competition and accolades as an improved offensive player could make him a pivotal piece in Colorado’s efforts to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders and strengthen the run game.

As Coach Prime continues to reshape the roster, Ogunbiyi’s transfer underscores the Buffaloes’ focus on enhancing their offensive line – a critical step toward achieving their championship aspirations.



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