Treasury Safeguarding Purple Hearts, Bronze Star
Nov. 10, 2025 (DENVER) — In honor of Veterans Day, Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young is urging veterans and their families to claim military medals, service records, and missing money held by the Great Colorado Payback.
“Our veterans and their loved ones have given so much in service to our country,” said Treasurer Young. “Reconnecting them with their unclaimed property is one small way we can honor their sacrifice and commitment.”
The Colorado Unclaimed Property Division currently safeguards several military decorations found in safe deposit boxes, including three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. The Treasury holds these items indefinitely and, when located, and notifies the owners and heirs directly. Download photos and b-roll of the military honors.
“Many veterans are no longer with us, which makes it more challenging to identify and return these items to the rightful heir,” said Bianca Gardelli, Director of the Unclaimed Property Division. "By state law, we never sell military medals or decorations; they remain safe with the Treasury until we can transfer them securely. We encourage families to come forward and collect these priceless heirlooms.”
Treasurer Young also reminds Colorado servicemembers, veterans, and their loved ones to search for lost property at GreatCOPayback.com. The Treasury currently holds over 15 million assets worth more than $2 billion.
For more information, visit GreatCOPayback.com
###
About the Colorado Department of the Treasury
The Colorado Department of the Treasury is the constitutional guardian of the public’s funds. It is the Treasury’s duty to manage and account for the taxpayers’ dollars from the time they are received until the time they are disbursed. The Treasury’s staff is committed to safeguarding and managing the people’s monies with the same diligence and care as they do their own. For more information, visit colorado.gov/treasury.
About the Great Colorado Payback
The Great Colorado Payback is responsible for reuniting Coloradans with lost or forgotten assets. As the state’s unclaimed property division, the Great Colorado Payback maintains a list of over 15 million names of individuals, businesses, and organizations for whom property is owed. Check for lost property at GreatCOPayback.com