Earlier this summer, Our Lady of Loreto Parish in Foxfield hosted a transformative event for veterans, marking a significant milestone in community outreach efforts. Deacon Chris Tranchetti, a key organizer and a veteran, provided an in-depth look at the purpose and success of the veterans fair, which brought together various branches of the Veterans Administration (VA) and about 50 local veterans. The event included representatives from the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, VA National Cemetery Administration and VA Community Care, alongside the Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for Arapahoe County, who works for the Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs. "The VSO office helps the veteran file claims and register in the system," Tranchetti said. The VSO is an advocate, guiding veterans through the often complex process of accessing their benefits. The resource fair's structure allowed a steady flow of participants, with senior veterans arriving earlier and younger veterans later. This ensured that no one had to wait long, creating a seamless experience. "It was a nice flow," Tranchetti noted, highlighting the event's efficiency and organization. Beyond logistics, the fair served a critical role in community building. "Veterans tend to keep to themselves. We find it personally challenging to ask others for help. We're not overly flashy; we don't expect or want a whole lot of publicity," Tranchetti emphasized. He added that that can often make it difficult for a parish to identify who the veterans are in their community. This event was an effort to reach out and let veterans know that the parish and broader community are there to support them. One of the event's primary goals was to educate veterans about their benefits. Many are unaware of the services available to them, ranging from health care to financial and psychological assistance, as well as burial benefits, which provide peace of mind regarding final arrangements for veterans and their spouses. "It was really educating them on the different services and the different benefits that they've earned through their service," Tranchetti detailed. Supporting veterans aligns with the Archdiocese’s mission to love our neighbors. "We look to serve those who are underserved," Tranchetti emphasized. This commitment to service reflects the Catholic Christian ethos of emulating Christ by serving others. The event was a testament to this mission, providing essential resources and support to veterans while showing them that the Church is there for them. The fair was inspired by the collaborative spirit of the Our Lady of Loreto veterans group and the In God We Trust ministry. Rick Crandall, CEO of the Colorado Freedom Memorial, a parishioner of Our Lady of Loreto, and Deacon Tranchetti, assigned to Our Lady of Loreto, spearheaded the initiative. The event drew participants from multiple parishes, including Our Lady of Loreto, Queen of Peace, St. Michael, St. Thomas More and Spirit of Christ in Arvada. One poignant moment highlighted the event's impact. "One veteran came up and said, 'I am so grateful that you guys did this because now I feel after today that my wife is taken care of,'" Tranchetti shared. This comment underscores the profound relief and assurance that such resources can provide. Colin Thielk, a young marine who just finished active duty on May 31, attended the resource fair after hearing about it from his mom. This early engagement is crucial for younger veterans who may not yet be aware of the benefits available to them. Thielk graduated high school in June 2020 and joined the Marines shortly after. He spent four years in the Marine Corps, mainly in Okinawa, Japan. When he returned, he was trying to figure out his next chapter in life. Coming to the resource fair helped him reconnect with not only his faith but also with other veterans. He believes this resource is crucial for the many people of faith he met in the Marines, as it can help them determine their next steps in life. “I think it is important because of how many people I knew that are religious, whether it would be Catholic or some Christian or non-denominational. I knew a lot of people that were very religious. I think it was very important to reach out so that for someone else making the transition like I am…we know that there is a place for us that will still care about us,” Thielk shared. The passage of the PACT Act in August 2022 was a significant catalyst for the event. This legislation made it easier for veterans to register for benefits and health care, prompting greater efforts to bring veterans into the system. Tranchetti stressed the importance of registering veterans, not just for individual care but also for securing federal funding. "The VA system receives funding based on how many veterans they serve. More veterans in the system mean more money allocated to the VA, ensuring better services for those in need," he explained. The veterans fair at Our Lady of Loreto was a triumph, establishing a blueprint for future events. Tranchetti expressed a strong desire to expand these fairs to other parishes, aiming to ensure that more veterans across the region can access the benefits they rightfully deserve. The overwhelmingly positive feedback and the meaningful connections forged at this inaugural event underscore the significant impact of community support and the unwavering commitment to honoring and serving those who have selflessly served their country. "As Catholic Christians, we aim to serve the underserved,” Tranchetti concluded. “In the clergy, we emulate Christ by serving, not being served. Veterans are a traditionally underserved population, and we want to provide them with the resources they need. It’s always an invitation, not a directive. As a fellow veteran, I want to help those who have served, whether they’ve been in combat, served overseas or served locally, protecting others in difficult circumstances." +++ The annual In God We Trust event aims to reconnect veterans with their faith through support, prayer and community. For more information on the September 21 event, click here. 2024 marks the 50th Jubilee of the Permanent Diaconate here in the Archdiocese of Denver. Through preaching, service, worship and prayer, deacons serve the people of God in unique ways through their various ministries and lives. This article is one of a series of articles the Denver Catholic will publish in 2024 which will feature local deacons and/or a diaconal ministry. There are many Deacon Saints who were martyred for their faith. In this year of Jubilee, the deacons of the Archdiocese of Denver are asking for prayers through the intercession of Saint Euplius of Cantania, deacon and martyr. Learn more about this Deacon Saint here.
