Las Animas County Strengthens Local Support for Veterans and Families

Las Animas County maintains a Veterans Services office staffed to assist veterans and their dependents with navigating federal and state benefit systems. The office helps with disability claims, pensions, death benefits, education benefits, medical assistance, and burial and records matters. It serves as a local point of contact and advocate, coordinating with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regional offices and the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs while remaining administratively distinct from the federal VA.

The county identifies the Veterans Services Officer as Matthew Dominguez. Contact details for the office include email m.dominguez@lasanimascounty.org, a main phone number at (719) 846-3940, a fax number at (719) 846-4554, and a direct line at (719) 845-2589. The office is located within the county human services offices in Trinidad. Hours and appointment information are available through the county department page.

Local availability of benefits navigation has practical consequences for veterans seeking timely decisions on claims and access to care. A county level liaison can reduce administrative complexity by preparing paperwork, making referrals to federal and state offices, and connecting veterans with local service organizations such as VFW posts and American Legion chapters. For residents, that can mean faster access to monthly benefits, education funding, medical services, and burial assistance that affect household budgets and long term planning.

Institutionally, the Veteran Services office represents a point where local government responsibility, federal benefit administration, and nonprofit support intersect. The office’s ability to coordinate with regional VA offices and state agencies matters for processing efficiency and accountability. For elected county officials, maintaining clear lines of service and transparent communication about hours and appointment procedures is a component of constituent service that influences civic trust and engagement among veterans and their families.

Beyond individual assistance, local veterans services contribute to community resilience by linking veterans into broader networks of support. Residents should use the provided contact information to confirm office hours, schedule appointments, and learn which federal and state resources apply to their case. The county office remains the primary local entry point for Las Animas County veterans seeking help with benefits and records.