About 50 people gathered Tuesday for the opening of a new veterans outreach center in Cortez.

Located at the intersection of South Market and West First streets, the center aims to provide a place for local veterans and their families to obtain information about assistance programs, employment opportunities and Veterans Administration benefits. The center will also serve as a gathering place for veterans to socialize.

Made possible by volunteers, the 1930s-era structure was renovated this year to include a library, a conference room and computer lab. A small collection of books, including Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway; furniture and a television; along with kitchen cabinets and a refrigerator were all made possible by support from private citizens and local businesses.

"We have been fortunate as veterans in this community," said Darla Sanders, adjutant commander of the local Disabled American Veterans. "The community support we've received has just been awesome."

The brainchild of the outreach center, Sanders said she didn't know how the center would come to fruition, but she's thankful the local community stepped up to lend a helping hand at every turn.

Veteran advocate Robert Valencia said he was hopeful that the center would soon receive at least three computers that veterans could use as a means to search for employment opportunities. He added the city had agreed to help install fiber optics for the computer lab.

"We want to partner with local businesses to recruit veterans for open positions," said Valencia. "When you hire a vet, you know you're getting a good employee."

Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Grasse, who served from 1952 to 1982, said he was thrilled the new outreach center finally opened.

"This center is going to be very important," he said. "It's going to be a place where like-minded people can get together to socialize and tell war stories."

The owner of the 1,000-square-foot building agreed to discount the rent in exchange for sweat equity, a blessing for Sanders, who said an outreach center had been a pipe dream of hers for years.

"When veterans feel love and support from their community, then it can change their whole outlook on life," said Sanders.

For more information about the DAV or to assist with the outreach center, call Darla Sanders at (970) 560-2793.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com