Local veterans group to fund Purple Heart signs on Highway 50; board agrees to review installation logistics
August 13, 2025 | Pueblo West, Pueblo County, Colorado
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
PUEBLO WEST, Colo. — Howard Massengill, president of the Special Forces Motorcycle Club, asked the Pueblo West Board of Directors on Aug. 13 to allow the district to install two Purple Heart community signs on Highway 50 and to maintain them after a dedication ceremony.
Massengill said his organization approved funds for two signs and would pay for manufacture; he asked the district to place the signs at the eastbound and westbound Pueblo West entry signs, coordinate a dedication (he suggested Veterans Day, Nov. 11, but said an earlier date would be acceptable) and help notify veterans’ organizations. “We’re going to pay for the signs,” he said.
Why it matters: The Purple Heart designation recognizes communities that honor recipients of that decoration. Existing signs in Pueblo West are limited and not on the main highway, Massengill said; the proposal would add signs on Highway 50 to increase visibility.
Discussion and next steps: Board members and staff discussed logistics including whether the district has a sign shop and whether the signs or signposts are within CDOT or county right‑of‑way. Director Potter and staff agreed to follow up with pictures and specifications, check permitting and maintenance responsibility, and bring a presentation back to the board that includes cost, installation method and timeline. The board did not take a formal vote on Nov. 11 dedication or final placement at the Aug. 13 meeting.
Community outreach: Massengill said the Special Forces Motorcycle Club, Special Forces Association, VFW Post 5812 and other veterans’ groups would help publicize the unveiling and reception. The club suggested holding the post‑dedication reception at the VFW and securing local donations to cover that event.
Action vs. direction: The board asked staff to gather design examples and permitting details and to schedule a follow‑up presentation rather than take immediate action.
Massengill said his organization approved funds for two signs and would pay for manufacture; he asked the district to place the signs at the eastbound and westbound Pueblo West entry signs, coordinate a dedication (he suggested Veterans Day, Nov. 11, but said an earlier date would be acceptable) and help notify veterans’ organizations. “We’re going to pay for the signs,” he said.
Why it matters: The Purple Heart designation recognizes communities that honor recipients of that decoration. Existing signs in Pueblo West are limited and not on the main highway, Massengill said; the proposal would add signs on Highway 50 to increase visibility.
Discussion and next steps: Board members and staff discussed logistics including whether the district has a sign shop and whether the signs or signposts are within CDOT or county right‑of‑way. Director Potter and staff agreed to follow up with pictures and specifications, check permitting and maintenance responsibility, and bring a presentation back to the board that includes cost, installation method and timeline. The board did not take a formal vote on Nov. 11 dedication or final placement at the Aug. 13 meeting.
Community outreach: Massengill said the Special Forces Motorcycle Club, Special Forces Association, VFW Post 5812 and other veterans’ groups would help publicize the unveiling and reception. The club suggested holding the post‑dedication reception at the VFW and securing local donations to cover that event.
Action vs. direction: The board asked staff to gather design examples and permitting details and to schedule a follow‑up presentation rather than take immediate action.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
