Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young is encouraging veterans and their families to claim military medals, service records, and unclaimed money held by the state’s Great Colorado Payback program. This call comes ahead of Veterans Day as a way to honor those who have served.
“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 until they can be returned to the rightful owners or heirs. The division notifies owners or heirs directly when items are located.
“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.”
Treasurer Young also reminded current servicemembers, veterans, and their families that they can search for lost property at GreatCOPayback.com. The Treasury is currently holding over 15 million assets valued at more than $2 billion.
The Colorado Department of the Treasury manages public funds for the state from receipt through disbursement. Its staff is responsible for safeguarding taxpayer dollars with diligence and care.
The Great Colorado Payback serves as the state’s unclaimed property division, maintaining a list of over 15 million names associated with lost or forgotten assets.
