All Veterans Honor Guard honored at Colorado Capitol

by: Dan Daru

Posted: Mar 5, 2024 / 08:23 PM MST

Updated: Mar 6, 2024 / 04:53 PM MST

DENVER (KDVR) — It was a super Tuesday for the men and women of the All Veterans Honor Guard at the Colorado Capitol.

But, it had nothing to do with voting.

“We are an organization of veterans and volunteers that provides honors for our departing veterans at Fort Logan National Cemetery,” said Maury Smith, All Veterans Honor Guard commander.

On Tuesday, March 5, the guard was recognized and honored by the state of Colorado and state Rep. Anthony Hartsook of Colorado’s 44th District, which encompasses portions of Douglas County.

“The Colorado House of Representatives pays respect and recognizes the sacrifice and the contributions of the nation’s veterans,” said Hartsook.

United States Air Force Pilot Stephanie Wells, retired, broke more than the sound barrier during her tenure. She was one of the Air Force’s first combat female pilots, and now is a member of the All Veterans Honor Guard.

“To me personally, I was actually surprised to hear about this because it doesn’t happen very often,“ said Wells.

This day also had meaning for Hartsook, who presided over Tuesday’s presentation.

“I’ve lost friends in both Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “And it’s very emotional. So I think of these men and women that provide that service, I think back to my friends I lost. And that’s hard.“