Disabled Combat Veteran and Family Under Threat of Eminent Domain

My name is Josh. I’m a former U.S. Army paratrooper and 2004 Iraq War veteran with a 100% service connected, housebound disability rating. Nine years ago, after everything I’d been through in combat and military service, I bought just over 20 acres of raw land south of Hartsel, Colorado. It was my second chance; a place to rebuild a stable, peaceful life for my wife and children, close enough to both our families near Denver but far enough to breathe.

I developed our off-grid property mostly on my own, learning how to install a solar energy storage system, septic system and use heavy machines for all the excavation so we could afford to have this home. For the first time since my military service, I finally had routine, security, and a place that felt like home. My wife and kids had space to grow. I had the quiet I dreamed about while I was overseas. This house isn’t just a building, it’s the symbol of my recovery, the anchor of our family, and the promise I made to myself that I would never stop fighting for a better life.

Now, that dream is under direct threat.

The city of Aurora, Colorado has selected the Wild Horse Reservoir South Alternative Site (approximately 10 miles south of Hartsel) as the new preferred site for their massive Wild Horse Reservoir project. After years of planning and legal action on their original location, they are now moving forward with this southern site-which directly includes our property. Aurora representatives have stated they will begin by purchasing vacant lots, then move to the 5-6 occupied home properties like ours.

We are facing eminent domain. The home and land that I developed could be taken and bulldozed. My family will lose the stability we fought so hard to create. As a 100% disabled veteran, the constant uncertainty and stress have been crushing. I crave the structure and peace that this land gave me, and now every day brings the fear that it could all be gone.

We are not asking for a handout. We are asking for a fighting chance.

Funds raised will go directly toward:

• Legal services and attorney fees to protect our rights and negotiate fair compensation.

• Professional appraisals, expert witnesses, and any necessary court or permitting process costs.

• Quickly fund a contractor to finish out two basement bedrooms we have started moving forward with, but can’t complete on our own before Aurora ‘values’ our property. (pending legal advice)

• When the property is taken, relocation expenses to move our family to a new, peaceful location, moving costs, new land purchase, and basic setup for another off-grid or low stress home so we can rebuild our lives once more.

Any amount helps $10, $50, $100 every donation brings us one step closer to stability instead of fear. If you can’t give, please share this campaign. Your voice matters more than you know.

As a veteran who served this country, I never imagined I’d have to fight the government for the one place that finally brought me peace. But with your support, we can face this together and give our family the future we deserve.

Josh & Family

100% Disabled Iraq War Veteran