Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young is encouraging veterans and their families to claim military medals, service records, and unclaimed money held by the Great Colorado Payback. The announcement comes ahead of Veterans Day.
“Our veterans and their loved ones have given so much in service to our country,” said Treasurer Young. “Reconnecting them with their unclaimed property is one small way we can honor their sacrifice and commitment.”
The Colorado Unclaimed Property Division currently holds several military decorations that were found in safe deposit boxes, including three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. These items are kept indefinitely by the Treasury, which contacts owners or heirs when they are identified.
Bianca Gardelli, Director of the Unclaimed Property Division, said: “Many veterans are no longer with us, which makes it more challenging to identify and return these items to the rightful heir. 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.”
Treasurer Young also reminded servicemembers, veterans, and their families that they can search for lost property at GreatCOPayback.com. The Treasury currently manages over 15 million assets valued at more than $2 billion.
The Colorado Department of the Treasury oversees public funds from receipt through disbursement. Its staff works to safeguard taxpayer dollars responsibly. More information about its work is available at colorado.gov/treasury.
The Great Colorado Payback program maintains a list of individuals, businesses, and organizations owed property in Colorado. Residents can check for lost assets at GreatCOPayback.com.
