Meet the Larimer County VSO Team
Lee Cooper on board as Larimer County’s Veterans Service Officer
The Board of Larimer County Commissioners appointed U.S. Army Veteran Lee Cooper as the Larimer County Veterans Service Officer.
Cooper served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves 324th Psychological Operations Company and was deployed for service in Iraq. He has also worked with veterans in the community and been active for several years as the Executive Director of the Veteran’s Plaza Advisory Board in Fort Collins. Cooper was working in Loveland during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He felt compelled to enlist and serve his country but was originally turned down by recruiters because they thought he was too old, then in his mid-30s. The age limit was later changed and allowed Cooper to enlist, which was a benefit to our country, and those he served with, having a breadth of experience in relating to both younger and older soldiers. After his military service, Cooper attended Colorado State University, earning a master’s degree in business administration.
“Lee’s deep understanding of veterans' needs, combined with his commitment to ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve, has made him an invaluable asset. Lee is not only a steadfast advocate for veterans but also an outstanding team leader, providing unwavering support and guidance to his colleagues. His ability to navigate complex situations with empathy and professionalism strengthens both the team and the services they provide. We are incredibly grateful to have him as part of our team and appreciate the passion, knowledge, and care he brings to his work every day."
Duffy Laudick, Veterans Benefits Advocate
Duffy has lived in Northern Colorado since 1976 when his family moved from Kansas. He grew up Windsor and joined the US Navy in 1990. He was stationed at Naval Station Annapolis for two years, went to QM 'A' School in Orlando and chose orders to the USS Sacramento (AOE-1) which was home ported at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA.
During this time, he married his wife Lori (also a Windsor native) and had two daughters. Once he left the Navy, he went to school for audio production in Seattle. In 1999, he and the family packed up and moved back to Colorado, once there, Duffy worked in a few fields including video production and security. He has participated in community theater as an actor, director, technical directed as well as a board of directors member. His current hobby and passion is making music at home and with friends and is currently a member of the coldwave industrial band, Society Burning.
Keith Gilbert, Veterans Benefits Advocate
We’re delighted to introduce Keith Gilbert who joined the Larimer County VSO team in March of 2022. Keith is a US Army veteran and joins our team as a Veteran Benefits Advocate. He has served as a Topographic Engineer and Watercraft Operator and has left boot prints in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and New Jersey. Keith’s journey to northern Colorado has taken him through Florida, North Carolina, and Washington State. During those few precious hours of the day when he’s not engaged in diligently keeping the VSO office ticking like a finely tuned Swiss watch, Keith enjoys reading, Japanese anime, video games, carpentry, and bicycling.
Savana Townsend, Veterans Benefits Advocate
Savana joined the Veteran Service Office in December of 2022 and has been a wonderful addition to our
team. As a native of Colorado and Larimer County, Savana has a love for the local community and serving its residents. A background in customer service cultivated her desire to help every person feel heard, respected, and connected in our post-covid world. Savana’s free time is spent enjoying the foothills and mountains, reading mystery novels, and writing.
200 W. Oak Street, 5th Floor, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Phone: (970) 498-7390 | Fax: (970) 498-7395
Email: LARIMERVETERANS@LARIMER.ORG
Office Hours (Excluding Holidays)
- Monday - Thursday: 8 am to 4 pm, closed for lunch 12:30 pm - 1 pm
- Friday: 8 am - 12:30 pm
