[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 20, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S1844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

        COLORADO VETERANS RESOURCE COALITION AND CRAWFORD HOUSE

 Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, today I wish to express my support 
and appreciation for the Colorado Veterans Resource Coalition, CVRC, 
and Crawford House, which has offered our veterans in Colorado Springs 
a decade of support and recovery services.
  CVRC was first formed on March 9, 2000, operating in a small, three-
bedroom house on Cucharrus Street with a live-in house manager and two 
residents. Its first dormitory was later named in honor of WWII Medal 
of Honor recipient and proud native son of Colorado, William J. 
Crawford, with his family's permission.
  On February 14, 2012, Crawford House marked its 10th anniversary, 
completing its first decade of successful veteran recovery services to 
homeless and disabled veterans in Colorado Springs. In that decade, 
more than 1,100 veterans successfully completed Veterans Administration 
programs, and 80 percent of these alumni remain successfully in the 
community. Many of these veterans reestablished relationships with 
their spouses, families, and friends; completed secondary and advanced 
education; and entered in to the workforce as self-sustaining citizens.
  On December 1, 2003, the Colorado Veterans Resource Coalition and 
Crawford House added additional services, and on January 14, 2004, CVRC 
began purchasing two adjacent houses on Weber Street for graduating 
veterans to live in inexpensively while restarting their lives. These 
new facilities freed Crawford House beds to treat more homeless and 
disabled veterans. Today, both of these houses are fully paid for, 
which helps lower our future veteran treatment costs. It was my 
privilege to tour Crawford House and to meet with the staff and 
residents. The passion and commitment of those who work there, as well 
as their unending commitment to serving those who have served our 
Nation, is an inspiration and example to all Coloradans.
  Therefore, Mr. President, I want the Record to show my deep 
appreciation and gratitude--along with that of all Coloradans--for the 
contributions of volunteers, organizations, and individuals who 
created, expanded, and continually improved the Colorado Veterans 
Resource Coalition and Crawford House.

                          ____________________