CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — For many veterans, life after military service can feel isolating. The camaraderie forged in uniform is often difficult to replace in civilian life. That’s something U.S. Air Force veteran Mike McNairy knows firsthand.
“They don’t have that same camaraderie,” McNairy said, reflecting on the challenge veterans face when reintegrating into their communities.
In Douglas County, where nearly 20,000 veterans reside, that need for connection is fueling a grassroots effort to create a dedicated space for those who’ve served. The proposed facility, known as Heroes Hall, aims to serve as a one-stop resource center for veterans and their families—offering everything from mental health services and community meeting rooms to events and support programs.
Currently, local veterans often gather at rotating locations, including breweries and borrowed community spaces. But McNairy and others say that’s not enough.
“We don’t have a whole lot of places to go,” he said. “We really need a bigger place, and we want a place to call our own.”
That vision is now one step closer to reality. In January, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved a $400,000 contract to begin design work on the 14,000-square-foot facility. Plans were publicly unveiled ahead of Memorial Day with a ceremonial sign installation at the future site, located off Plum Creek Parkway in Castle Rock.
Douglas County Commissioner George Teal, a longtime advocate for veterans, said the project has been a personal goal since his days on the Castle Rock Town Council.
“It was something that I’ve wanted to do for years,” Teal said. “And it was always just a case of, ‘How can we get it moving?’”
While the design phase is complete, construction cannot begin until the necessary funds are secured. Organizers with the Heroes Hall Foundation say they need to raise approximately $15 million in private donations to bring the vision to life.
“The $5 and $10 donations are just as important as the guys bringing in big money,” said McNairy, emphasizing that the project belongs to the entire community.
Once built, Heroes Hall will stand as a lasting tribute to local service members—both past and present—and a hub for the services and support they need. County leaders hope its presence will be a daily reminder of sacrifice and solidarity.
“The people of Douglas County, whether they served or they didn’t, are going to be able to see this, in some instances, every day,” said Teal.
For now, the sign marking the future home of Heroes Hall serves as both a promise and a call to action—one McNairy hopes the community will rally behind.
