News Release
Pueblo Latino Veterans Association
Gloria Gutiérrez, President
719-334-1503
1925 E. Orman Ave., Suite 156
Pueblo, CO 81004
The Pueblo Latino Veterans Association in conjunction with the Colorado’s 150th year Anniversary and the Latino Veterans Association’s 10th anniversary proudly announces the 2026 Legacies of Courage Awardees. Vice President Don Benavidez (2018 Awardee) states, “these individuals have selflessly served our country in the military, served our community through faith ministry, family and helping other veterans and are truly deserving of this recognition.” The Legacies of Courage Awards Ceremony will take place on October 10th (during Hispanic Heritage month) at the Pueblo Convention Center.
Ruben E. Archuleta, a proud Vietnam-era veteran and trailblazing Pueblo leader, enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served from 1962–1966 aboard the USS Ingersoll during combat operations as an Electrician’s Mate First Class. He later served as a Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force NORAD Reserve. His military honors include the Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
Returning to Pueblo, Ruben joined the Pueblo Police Department in 1968, rising from patrol officer to sergeant, captain and, in 1995, Pueblo’s first Hispanic Chief of Police. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he also served with the Colorado Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and protected national dignitaries, including U.S. Presidents.
Today, Ruben remains active in civic leadership and cultural preservation as an author, photographer and historian. Married to his wife Joan for 54 years, his lifetime of military service, barrier-breaking leadership and dedication to Pueblo exemplifies the Legacies of Courage Award.
Returning to Pueblo, Ruben joined the Pueblo Police Department in 1968, rising from patrol officer to sergeant, captain and, in 1995, Pueblo’s first Hispanic Chief of Police. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he also served with the Colorado Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and protected national dignitaries, including U.S. Presidents.
Today, Ruben remains active in civic leadership and cultural preservation as an author, photographer and historian. Married to his wife Joan for 54 years, his lifetime of military service, barrier-breaking leadership and dedication to Pueblo exemplifies the Legacies of Courage Award.
Chris Bolt — U.S. Army Veteran
Chris Bolt served in the U.S. Army from 1993–2009, providing leadership in Iraq, Afghanistan and other demanding assignments. His roles included Commander, Operations Officer, Training Officer and Personal Security Officer for senior U.S. military leaders. He trained Afghan Military Police, helped oversee expansion of the Afghan National Detention Facility and, in 2009, led the Army’s top-rated Military Police Detachment.
His numerous military honors include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Army and Joint Service Commendation and Achievement Medals, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, NATO Medal and Parachutist Badge.
Stateside, Chris served as Chief of Police at Fort Carson, where his proactive, intelligence-driven policing initiatives contributed to a 24% reduction in crime and earned national recognition.
Today, Chris helps lead redevelopment of the former Pueblo Chemical Depot and volunteers with the Home of Heroes while mentoring local students. Chris and his wife Lisa have been married 32 years and have two adult children. Proud of his Hispanic Padilla family roots, Chris continues a life centered on faith, heritage, leadership and service.
Eric Moncibais — U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Eric Moncibais has devoted his life to serving his country, fellow Marines and veterans. During his distinguished U.S. Marine Corps career, Eric deployed in support of humanitarian operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, completed multiple rotations in Iwakuni, Japan, and served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
From 1990–2002, Eric served as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, shaping generations of Marines through discipline, integrity and compassionate leadership. Throughout his career, he was committed to ensuring those under his command were prepared, supported and cared for.
Following his retirement in 2013, Eric continued his mission as Pueblo County Veteran Service Officer and later as a regional VSO for Colorado, helping countless veterans and families access benefits, healthcare and critical resources. He also served with Veterans Upward Bound at Pueblo Community College and has assisted Pueblo’s unhoused population, identifying veterans and connecting them with services.
Eric’s relentless advocacy, compassion and commitment to leaving no veteran behind demonstrate that service continues long after the uniform comes off and embody the spirit of Legacies of Courage.
Luis A. Vazquez-Contes — U.S. Army & U.S. Air Force Reserve (Ret.)
Master Sergeant Luis A. Vazquez-Contes, a native of Puerto Rico, has dedicated his life to military service, veterans advocacy and community leadership. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, he trained as an infantryman and served a 13-month combat tour in Vietnam. His 24-year military career later included assignments in Germany, Korea, Panama and Southeast Asia, followed by service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Since joining the American GI Forum in 1981, Luis has served more than 20 years as Pueblo Chapter Commander, as Colorado State Commander and four years as National Commander. In 2006, the Department of Defense selected him to represent the AGIF on a distinguished mission visiting American troops serving in Iraq.
Luis has represented veterans at White House observances and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Alongside his wife Patsy, he has supported scholarships and educational opportunities for young people. His lifetime of patriotism, advocacy, education and service represents the enduring values of the Legacies of Courage Award.
Ramona “Mona” Moncibais — U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Ramona “Mona” Moncibais served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999–2004, distinguishing herself as Recruit High Shooter at Parris Island. Her honors include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and three-time Rifle Expert Badge.
Raised in Fowler, Colorado, Mona carried the discipline and resilience of the Marine Corps into a new mission of helping others heal. She earned degrees in Psychology and Social Work from CSU Pueblo and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Today, Mona is an adjunct professor at CSU Pueblo and founder of For the Love of Me, a growing practice with six clinicians. She provides pro bono clinical services and PTSD groups for veterans, supports the Pueblo County Sheriff CARES initiative, and serves in leadership with American Legion Ovie Vernon Post 2 and Hope Through Hooves.
Mona’s journey from Marine to educator, clinician and veterans advocate reflects military strength, compassion and an enduring commitment to Pueblo, making her an exemplary Legacies of Courage honoree.
Chris Bolt served in the U.S. Army from 1993–2009, providing leadership in Iraq, Afghanistan and other demanding assignments. His roles included Commander, Operations Officer, Training Officer and Personal Security Officer for senior U.S. military leaders. He trained Afghan Military Police, helped oversee expansion of the Afghan National Detention Facility and, in 2009, led the Army’s top-rated Military Police Detachment.
His numerous military honors include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Army and Joint Service Commendation and Achievement Medals, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, NATO Medal and Parachutist Badge.
Stateside, Chris served as Chief of Police at Fort Carson, where his proactive, intelligence-driven policing initiatives contributed to a 24% reduction in crime and earned national recognition.
Today, Chris helps lead redevelopment of the former Pueblo Chemical Depot and volunteers with the Home of Heroes while mentoring local students. Chris and his wife Lisa have been married 32 years and have two adult children. Proud of his Hispanic Padilla family roots, Chris continues a life centered on faith, heritage, leadership and service.
Eric Moncibais — U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Eric Moncibais has devoted his life to serving his country, fellow Marines and veterans. During his distinguished U.S. Marine Corps career, Eric deployed in support of humanitarian operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, completed multiple rotations in Iwakuni, Japan, and served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
From 1990–2002, Eric served as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, shaping generations of Marines through discipline, integrity and compassionate leadership. Throughout his career, he was committed to ensuring those under his command were prepared, supported and cared for.
Following his retirement in 2013, Eric continued his mission as Pueblo County Veteran Service Officer and later as a regional VSO for Colorado, helping countless veterans and families access benefits, healthcare and critical resources. He also served with Veterans Upward Bound at Pueblo Community College and has assisted Pueblo’s unhoused population, identifying veterans and connecting them with services.
Eric’s relentless advocacy, compassion and commitment to leaving no veteran behind demonstrate that service continues long after the uniform comes off and embody the spirit of Legacies of Courage.
Luis A. Vazquez-Contes — U.S. Army & U.S. Air Force Reserve (Ret.)
Master Sergeant Luis A. Vazquez-Contes, a native of Puerto Rico, has dedicated his life to military service, veterans advocacy and community leadership. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, he trained as an infantryman and served a 13-month combat tour in Vietnam. His 24-year military career later included assignments in Germany, Korea, Panama and Southeast Asia, followed by service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Since joining the American GI Forum in 1981, Luis has served more than 20 years as Pueblo Chapter Commander, as Colorado State Commander and four years as National Commander. In 2006, the Department of Defense selected him to represent the AGIF on a distinguished mission visiting American troops serving in Iraq.
Luis has represented veterans at White House observances and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Alongside his wife Patsy, he has supported scholarships and educational opportunities for young people. His lifetime of patriotism, advocacy, education and service represents the enduring values of the Legacies of Courage Award.
Ramona “Mona” Moncibais — U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Ramona “Mona” Moncibais served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999–2004, distinguishing herself as Recruit High Shooter at Parris Island. Her honors include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and three-time Rifle Expert Badge.
Raised in Fowler, Colorado, Mona carried the discipline and resilience of the Marine Corps into a new mission of helping others heal. She earned degrees in Psychology and Social Work from CSU Pueblo and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Today, Mona is an adjunct professor at CSU Pueblo and founder of For the Love of Me, a growing practice with six clinicians. She provides pro bono clinical services and PTSD groups for veterans, supports the Pueblo County Sheriff CARES initiative, and serves in leadership with American Legion Ovie Vernon Post 2 and Hope Through Hooves.
Mona’s journey from Marine to educator, clinician and veterans advocate reflects military strength, compassion and an enduring commitment to Pueblo, making her an exemplary Legacies of Courage honoree.
Tickets for the Pueblo Latino Veterans Association Legacies of Courage Awards Ceremony at the Convention Center (social starts at 5 pm) are $50 per person and can be purchased by contacting the Pueblo Memorial Hall Box Office by calling 719-583-4961, or by contacting Latino Veterans Board Members.
Pueblo Latino Veterans Association
-
Gloria Gutierrez Board Chair
- July 31, 2026
- (719) 334-1503
- Send Email
