Colorado state treasurer encourages veterans, heirs to claim military medals

In honor of Veterans Day, Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young is urging veterans and their families to claim military medals, service records and missing money held by the Great Colorado Payback.

“Our veterans and their loved ones have given so much in service to our country,” said Young. “Reconnecting them with their unclaimed property is one small way we can honor their sacrifice and commitment.”

The Colorado Unclaimed Property Division currently safeguards several military decorations found in safe deposit boxes, including three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. The Treasury holds these items indefinitely and, when located, notifies the owners and heirs directly.

“Many veterans are no longer with us, which makes it more challenging to identify and return these items to the rightful heir,” said Bianca Gardelli, director of the Unclaimed Property Division. “By state law, we never sell military medals or decorations; they remain safe with the Treasury until we can transfer them securely. We encourage families to come forward and collect these priceless heirlooms.”

Young also reminds Colorado servicemembers, veterans and their loved ones to search for lost property at GreatCOPayback.com. The Treasury currently holds over 15 million assets worth more than $2 billion.

For more information, visit GreatCOPayback.com.