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Local Veteran Helps Others Who Have Served

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Jul 4, 2012 at 8:23 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 4, 2012 at 5:38 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate everything America, including great milestones and the people who have made the U.S. the country it is today. However, one local Grand Junction resident celebrates the country and the people who have fought for our freedom every single day.

David Dunnagan is the hospital service coordinator for the disabled American veterans at Veterans Hospital in Grand Junction. With an average of 42,000 veterans in Mesa County alone, he keeps busy during his three day work week, and helps nearly 100 vets a week.

"Anybody who needs help, ill see them,” said Dunnagan. “It's what I do." He says he started working for veterans as a fluke, but this coincidence has turned into a 23-year career that's still going strong.

"It really makes you feel good when you get through and you've done something that's worth while," said Dunnagan.

Serving in the armed forces during Vietnam, he takes after both his grandfather and father, who also fought for our country.

As the last certified veteran officer on the Western Slope, it's Dunnagan’s responsibility to reach out to veterans and make sure they know the benefits offered to them.

"I mean, who else is going to do it?” asked Dunnagan. “You have to have someone there to give them a portal to the system. Not everything can be done online. You have to have that personal touch."

It's a personal touch that people all the way from California can appreciate. "You do it because you got to do it, you love it, it's a part of you,” said Dunnagan. “And I just help vets. It's what I’m here for."

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A Vet said on Wednesday, Jul 4 at 9:58 PM

Dunnigan is known for losing files constantly due to his lack of any comprehensible file plan. This results in extended waits for vets to receive benefits. Further while he should be knowledgeable of what needs to go into letters to the VA he fails to review them again extending waits. At a recent get together with other vets the only ones who did not have bad things to say about him, were the ones who had not had to work with him yet.

dennis collins said on Wednesday, Jul 4 at 8:24 PM

dave dunnagan has helped thousands of veterand in his years at the v.a. hospital. myself included. i wouldn't even be alive today except for dave. why in the world has he not been singled out for your " person to depend on" award ??

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